Off-Season Zoo Camp
Registration is NOW OPEN for Spring Break Camp!
During our Spring Break Safari, every day is an exciting adventure that offers a unique and engaging experience to connect campers with wildlife and science. Zoo Camp activities include behind-the-scenes experiences, animal encounters, games, and STEAM-based lessons!
View or download the Spring Camp Zoo policies here.
Looking for Summer Camps? Click here.
Spring Break Zoo Camp
Camp Price
$260 Members | $299 Non-Members
Camp Date
March 10-14, 2025
Camp Time
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.
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
Camp Age Groups
Kindergarten & 1st grade
2nd & 3rd grade
4th and 5th grade
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 are currently in this school year. All campers MUST currently be in or have completed kindergarten before attending Zoo Camp, and be a minimum of five years old. If an age group is sold out, 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.
After registering, you will receive a purchase confirmation e-mail with a link to fill out your camper’s information. 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
Health & Safety Procedures
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 sign your camper up for the grade they are currently enrolled in.
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, registration can also be transferred to another child. If you would like to request to cancel your registration or transfer your registration, 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 are Goldfish crackers, granola bars, fruit snacks, and animal crackers.
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 Off-Season Camp Brochure for a sample schedule.
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.
