Summer Zoo Camp
Every day is a new adventure that offers a unique and engaging experience to connect campers with wildlife. Zoo Camp activities include behind-the-scenes experiences, animal encounters and STEAM activities! Each camp includes interactive learning opportunities and activities!
View or download the Summer Zoo Camp policies here.
Zoo Camp Schedule
Camp Prices
5-Day Camps • $260 Members | $299 Non-Members
*4-Day Camps • $205 Members | $240 Non-Members
*Camps are 5 days long unless otherwise noted. Shortened 4-day camps are only offered during the weeks of Memorial Day and 4th of July.
Camp Dates
Camp activities are organized into three weekly sets of themes that repeatedly rotate throughout the summer.
- Week 1 (May 27-30): Super Scientist – What is it like to be a biologist, veterinarian, or zookeeper? Campers will learn about environmental, ecological, and life sciences while exploring real-life applications in the zoo industry. *This is a 4-day week due to the Memorial Day holiday.
- Week 2 (June 2-6): Habitats & Homes – Why does a beaver create a dam? How do bees make a hive? Campers will explore an array of animal homes around the world, including here at the Zoo!
- Week 3 (June 9-13): Amazing Adaptations – Animals have so many “superpowers” that help them thrive in a variety of conditions and environments! Campers will learn about different species’ special traits and what makes them so important to their ecosystems.
- Week 4 (June 16-20): Super Scientist
- Week 5 (June 23-27): Habitats & Homes
- Week 6 (June 30-July 3): Amazing Adaptations – *This is a 4-day week due to the Independence Day holiday.
- Week 7 (July 7-July 11): Super Scientist
- Week 8 (July 14-18): Habitats & Homes
- Week 9 (July 21-25): Amazing Adaptations
- Week 10 (July 28-August 1): Super Scientist
If the camp group/date you are looking for does not appear during registration, that group/date is sold out.
Camp Time
Camps are from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day.
Check-in: 8:15 to 8:45 a.m. outside the front gates
Check-out: 4:15 to 4:30 p.m. in the Nest 529 Greenspace by the front gates
Please note that campers will only be released to adults on their approved pick-up list (designated on the waiver form at registration) who present a valid ID.
Camp Age Groups
*Campers must sign up for their current grade
Kindergarten & 1st grade (Two groups of 20 campers each)
2nd & 3rd grade (Three groups of 20 campers each)
4th and 5th grade (Two groups of 25 campers each)
6th and 7th grade (One group of 25 campers)
In previous years, campers were allowed to move up or down an age level based on group availability. This year, campers MUST be signed up for the age group containing the grade they were in during the 2024-2025 school year. All campers MUST currently be in kindergarten or will enroll in kindergarten this fall, as well as be a minimum of five years old. If an age group is sold out for a particular week, no exceptions will be made. If a camper is found to have signed up without meeting these qualifications, they will be dismissed from camp without a refund.
Camper Information
Please make sure you are entering your e-mail correctly during registration and are using the e-mail with which you desire to receive all correspondence. We will use your entered e-mail to contact you for camp forms, details, and updates.
Camper information will be collected after registration. You will receive a separate e-mail at a later date that includes a camper information form. Your camper information and waivers must be filled out at least one week before camp begins. This information will only be shared with Education staff to help ensure the safety of your child while attending camp.
To contact the Education Team
Email jchestnut@lincolnzoo.org or call 402.475.6741 ext. 137
Zoo Camp Add-Ons
Camp Lunches • $45 for the week
Lunch for each day of Zoo Camp. If your camper is a picky eater or has dietary restrictions, we do not recommend purchasing zoo lunch as our options are somewhat limited. We cannot sell lunch plans for individual days.
Zoo Camp Water Bottle • $12.50
Extra T-shirt • $12.50
Camp Scholarship Donation • Choice of $10 - $299
Donations to the Zoo Camp Scholarship Fund help cover the cost of camp for families who may not be able to afford it on their own. Lincoln Children's Zoo created this fund to help ensure that children in the Lincoln community, regardless of their financial circumstances, are able to enjoy engaging and interactive learning opportunities that connect them to wildlife and foster a love of the natural world.
*A limited number of scholarships will be granted in 2025 thanks to a special donor. We are collecting funds this year to provide for future scholarships in 2026.
Health & Safety Procedures
DAILY HEALTH PRACTICES
If your child is not feeling well, please keep them at home. Campers may be sent home early if they begin exhibiting symptoms of the flu, Covid-19, or any viral infection or communicable disease. These symptoms include but are not limited to vomiting, diarrhea, elevated body temperature, coughing, or sore throat. Campers will be allowed to return to camp once they are free of symptoms for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication.
Counselors will administer basic first aid for minor cuts, bruises, and insect bites or stings. Trained zoo staff will be alerted for any first aid needs beyond these minor instances and will contact emergency services if necessary. Emergency contacts will be notified of any medical treatment beyond minor first aid.
Frequently Asked Questions
I see camp groups are organized by grade level. What age group does my camper fall into for the summer?
Please enroll your camper for the grade level they just completed in the 2024-2025 school year. All campers must have completed or be headed into kindergarten as well as be a minimum of five years old before enrolling in Summer Safari.
How do I make sure my camper will be in the same group as their friend?
Please make sure to indicate any requested groupings on the waiver form that will be emailed to you upon registration. While the Lincoln Children’s Zoo welcomes these requests, we cannot guarantee they will be fulfilled, even if noted on the waiver. Due to quick turnaround times for creating camp rosters, Education staff will not be able to accommodate last-minute grouping requests.
Where do I go if my camper arrives late in the morning?
If dropping off after 8:45am, please enter the reception office to the right of the main gates and let the receptionist know you are here for Zoo Camp. Please wait with your camper in reception until a member of the Education staff comes to pick them up.
How do I pick up my camper early?
Please notify the counselor at check-in that morning of your need to pick-up early and what time you will be arriving. When you get to the zoo, please enter the reception office to the right of the main gates and give the receptionist your camper’s name and grade level. Education staff will be notified and will bring your camper to you. Please note there are no early pick-ups allowed after 3:45pm.
What is your cancellation/refund policy?
Zoo Camp registration is non-refundable, except at the discretion of the Director of Education in certain circumstances. As an alternative to cancellation, camp registration can be transferred to another week of camp or another camper in the event of a schedule conflict. If you want to request to cancel your registration or want to transfer your registration to a different week, please contact the Director of Education at jchestnut@lincolnzoo.org or call 402-475-6741 ext. 137.
How will the Zoo communicate with me during camp?
All information about Zoo Camp will be communicated to the email address used during the sign-up process. If you would like communications sent to a different email address than the one originally provided during registration, please let the Education department know your preferred contact information. Emergency contact phone numbers provided on the waiver will be used to reach caregivers if a medical or behavioral situation arises during camp. Please only list emergency contacts who are able to promptly answer their phone during the day.
What level of animal interaction will my camper have during the day?
While the Lincoln Children’s Zoo prides itself on providing firsthand interaction with living things, that does not always mean getting to pet animals. There are several ambassador animals that campers may be able to gently touch, but most animal encounters will NOT allow the campers to pet. This is for the safety and comfort of both our animals and the campers. Apart from the secure camp building, campers will spend their time in public buildings and locations within the zoo. They will not be allowed to go behind the scenes to staff or animal care areas.
My child has food allergies/sensitivities. What do you provide for lunch and snack?
If your camper is a picky eater or has dietary restrictions, we do not recommend purchasing zoo lunch as our options are somewhat limited. All lunches will come with fruit juice, fresh fruit or a fruit cup, a cookie or granola bar, and a bag of potato chips. Entrees rotate through a menu of chicken tenders, mini corndogs, mozzarella sticks, chimichangas, and a turkey & cheese sandwich. Snacks rotate through a choice of Goldfish, graham crackers, or a chocolate chip granola bar.
What kinds of activities will my camper participate in during the day?
Zoo Camp is dedicated to providing campers with a fun and educational experience that focuses on learning, exploring, outdoor play, and relationship-building. Each day of camp will be based on a different science-related theme and include engaging STEAM lessons, an animal encounter with a Zookeeper, team-building activities, outdoor free play, and crafts. View our Camp Brochure for a sample schedule. Camp activities are organized into three weekly sets of themes that repeatedly rotate throughout the summer. Please double-check that you are not signing your camper up for the same themed week more than once!
What should my child bring to camp?
We ask that campers bring a backpack or bag in which to carry belongings and bring home crafts. In this backpack should be a reusable water bottle, lunch and snacks as needed, any desired sun protection (including a hat, sunglasses, or jacket), and a towel and full change of clothes (including underwear, socks, bottoms, and a shirt) as there will be days when campers play in water. Please make sure to label all items sent with your camper. Please do NOT send your camper with any toys, electronics, or personal items of sentimental or financial value. The Lincoln Children’s Zoo is not responsible for any lost, damaged, or stolen belongings.
How do I contact my camper if I need to reach them during the day?
We ask that you do not send campers with cell phones, but we understand there may be instances when important communication is necessary. If you need to reach your camper during the day, please call the Director at 913-980-9620 or the Coordinator at 402-285-2010.
My child has special needs/requires specific accommodations. Can they still participate in Zoo Camp?
Zoo Camp makes reasonable efforts to accommodate student needs. If your child has medical, learning, physical, developmental, social, or behavioral needs, or if your child requires other accommodation (such as specialized equipment, additional adult support/supervision at school, learning/social/medical/behavioral accommodations, etc.), please contact the Education department before registering for camp to allow discussion about reasonable accommodations, as Zoo Camp cannot guarantee that requested accommodations or modifications can be made in every situation. Requests for accommodation or modifications will be assessed on a case-by-case basis to ensure adequate staffing and group sizes are available to meet the needs of all children attending camp.
