Zoo Camps

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Summer Day Camps

Zoo camp is designed for the animal enthusiast in your family! While animals are a big focus of our camp programs, we strive for a balance between animals and nature while encouraging the other interests, passions and activities your child might have. Whether your child’s favorite animal is a tiger, they love to play sports, sing or enjoy art, there is something for them at Zoo camp and we are excited to explore and learn along with them!

Campers in grades K-12 can join us for day camps full of Zoo favorites and new adventures! All camps incorporate animal trail exploration, games, art, WILD hands-on activities and up-close animal encounters. Register campers for the grade they are entering fall 2025 school year. For example, if they are currently in 1st grade for the '24-'25 year, they will register for a 2nd - 3rd grade program ('25 - '26 year).

Camps run from 9 am to 3 pm each day, with before-care available starting at 7:30 am and after-care available until 5:30 pm for an extra fee.

See answers to our most frequently asked camp questions below. Don’t see what you’re looking for? Email zoocamp@nashvillezoo.org with your questions.

Check back in December for information for Zoo Camp 2025. To make sure you are receiving exciting Zoo camp updates, opt in for our E-News. Zoo Members, use the same email associated with your Zoo membership.

Register or Join a Waitlist

Zoo Member early camp registration

Zoo memberships must be purchased/renewed by January 6 to receive the camp member e-newsletter. This includes activating a gifted membership. Membership Information »

To make sure you are receiving Zoo camp updates, opt in for our E-News. Zoo Members, use the same email associated with your Zoo membership.

All camp sessions for 2023 are sold out. Need to add a camper to a waitlist for a sold-out camp session? Create an account to get started! 

Please note the link to register will not be on this webpage. The link to register is located in member emails sent on 1/15, 1/22, and 1/28.

Registration will open for non-members on Feb. 5 at 10 am.

*To add your camper to a waitlist, all registrants must create an account, and go through registration without payment. A follow-up email will be sent to the one provided in the account.

Campers will register for the grade they are entering in fall of 2024.

Camp Programs

Kindergarten - 1st Grade *SOLD OUT

Kindergarteners must be age 5 by May 27, 2025

*Please note there are no camp programs for grades K-1 the week of June 20-23. 
Zootopia

Welcome to Zootopia! A wildly fun world where all animals, big and small, can live together in peace and harmony. Join us as we explore this amazing metropolis, we call Nashville Zootopia and see which animals we consider having the most important, strange, and fun jobs!

*Campers will not be watching Zootopia during Zoo Camp.

Dates

May 27 - 30* No camp May 26
June 9 - 13
June 23 - 27
July 7 - 11
July 21 - 25

Pricing

Members - $325
Non-Members - $350

*4 Day Camp Member - $260
*4 Day Non-Member - $280

My Big Backyard

Tennessee is home to many different animals, many of which might be hiding in plain sight in your own backyard! Explore our native wildlife along with the amazing animals living at your Zoo. There really is no place like home!

 

Dates

June 2 - 6
June 16 - 20* No camp June 19
June 30 - July 3* No camp July 4
July 14 - 18
July 28 - August 1

Pricing

Members - $325
Non-Members - $350

*4 Day Camp Member - $260
*4 Day Non-Member - $280

2nd Grade - 3rd Grade *SOLD OUT

Zooper Mario Bros.

Let's-a go…to Zooper Mario World! Enter the fun and colorful world of Super Mario where you will compete in mini games, learn about real life Koopa Troopas, and collect stars through fun animal challenges. "It's-a-me, Zooper Mario!

*Campers will not be playing video games during Zoo Camp.

Dates

June 2 - 6
June 16 - 20* No camp June 19
June 30 - July 3* No camp July 4
July 14 - 18
July 28 - August 1

Pricing

Members - $325
Non-Members - $350

*4 Day Camp Member - $260
*4 Day Non-Member - $280

EcoExplorers

Hop, skip and jump around the world as you learn about the different continents and their unique ecosystems and inhabitants that live there. You won’t need a passport for this adventure!

 

Dates

May 27 - 30* No camp May 26
June 9 - 13
June 23 - 27
July 7 - 11
July 21 - 25

Pricing

Members - $325
Non-Members - $350

*4 Day Camp Member - $260
*4 Day Non-Member - $280

4th Grade - 5th Grade *SOLD OUT

PikaZoo

Did you know real-life Pokémon are running wild at the zoo? We need your help to uncover and protect them including Mudkip, Charmander, and Drowzee, oh my! PikaZoo, gotta save ‘em all!

*Campers will not be playing Pokemon Go during Zoo Camp

Dates

May 27 - 30* No camp May 26
June 9 - 13
June 23 - 27
July 7 - 1
July 21 - 25

Pricing

Members - $325
Non-Members - $350

*4 Day Camp Member - $260
*4 Day Non-Member - $280

Grossology

Calling all grossologists, it is zoo goo time! Roll up your sleeves as we investigate ways animals are slimy, gross, and downright disgusting, all in the name of survival. Be prepared to go from EWW to AWW in this enGROSSing adventure!

Dates

June 2 - 6
June 16 - 20* No camp June 19
June 30 - July 3* No camp July 4
July 14 - 18
uly 28 - August 1

Pricing

Members - $325
Non-Members - $350

*4 Day Camp Member - $260
*4 Day Non-Member - $280

6th Grade - 7th Grade* SOLD OUT

Zoomazing Race

Travel to the furthest reaches of the world, zoo style! Through challenges, roadblocks and even detours, each leg of the race is sure to entice the animal enthusiast in your family. Zoo race is on!

 

Dates

May 27 - 30* No camp May 26
June 9 - 13
June 23 - 27
July 7 - 11
July 21 - 25

Pricing

Members - $325
Non-Members - $350

*4 Day Camp Member - $260
*4 Day Non-Member - $280

Zoomanji

In the Jungle, you must wait…Until Zoomanji decides your fate! Solve puzzles and compete in challenges as you race around the zoo collecting treasures and trying to survive the jungle. Welcome to the jungle of Zoomanji!

*Campers will not be watching Jumanji during Zoo Camp

Dates

June 2 - 6
June 16 - 20* No camp June 19
June 30 - July 3*No camp July 4
July 14 - 18
July 28 - August 1

Pricing

Members - $325
Non-Members - $350

*4 Day Camp Member - $260
*4 Day Non-Member - $280

8th Grade - 9th Grade *SOLD OUT

Project GLOBE

Protecting our planet starts with us! Through this unique experience, explore how humans impact our changing world and learn about ways you can represent GLOBE (Grow, Learn and Observe to Better Earth) in your community. Behind-the-scenes tours, special animal encounters, hands-on activities and games encompass this one-of-a-kind experience!

Dates

May 27 - 30* No camp May 26
June 16 - 20* No camp June 19

Pricing

*4 Day Camp Member - $280
*4 Day Non-Member - $300

10th Grade - 12th Grade *SOLD OUT

Pathway to Zoo Careers

Nashville Zoo is excited to offer a hands-on, immersive learning opportunity for students to explore a variety of career paths in the zoo field, with a focus in veterinary medicine. Explore conservation education and the instrumental role educators have at Nashville Zoo. Students will experience an introduction to animal care, husbandry and enrichment and get a glimpse into a day in the life of a zookeeper. Veterinary medicine will round out the week, with students learning about the equipment used, safe animal restraint, participate in a parasitology lab, zoo animal nutrition, practice blow-darting and more. If you have an interest in a career in the zoo field or veterinary medicine, this program is designed for you!

Dates

June 23 - 27br>July 14 - 18

Pricing

Members - $350
Non-Members - $375

Ages 7-12: Zooperheroes Camp *SOLD OUT
(Day camp for children with special needs)

Zooperheroes Camp: EcoExplorers

Zooperheroes Camp is offered to children with special needs, providing additional support while learning at the zoo. This camp offers 1 on 1 support with a small class size and additional zoo educators along with visual schedules, visual supports, first/then boards, quiet areas, choice boards and more. Campers will meet animals up close, visit animals throughout the Zoo, along with hands-on activities, art exploration, and games. Zooperheroes Camp encourages peer social interaction and fosters connections with animals and nature at the zoo.

Hop, skip and jump around the world as you learn about the different continents and their unique ecosystems and inhabitants that live there. You won’t need a passport for this adventure!

Dates

June 30 - July 3* 4 day camp (No camp July 4)
9am to 3pm daily

Pricing

Members - $260
Non-Members - $280

We have reached our interest capacity, complete the pre-registration form to join the waitlist.

Families interested in a camper attending Zooperheroes Camp must complete the pre-registration form by March 1st. Due to increased interest in this program, after March 1st, prospective participants are contacted in the order of the registration forms received. Completing the pre-registration form does not guarantee a space at camp.
Updated attendance policy Due to the increased interest in Zooperheroes Camp, currently campers are limited to attending this camp a maximum of 2 years (does not have to be consecutive) to allow more campers the opportunity to experience this program.

Interested in Zooperheroes Camp? Fill out our Pre-Registration Form.

For more information visit our Zooperheroes FAQ page »

For additional questions about Zooperheroes Camp, please contact zoocamp@nashvillezoo.org or 615-833-1534 x141.

 


About Nashville Zoo Camp

A Typical Day

Campers enjoy a wide variety of activities throughout the day, including Zoo exploration, up-close animal encounters, hands-on activities, games and more. Each camp has age-appropriate activities and experiences that align with the theme of the camp program. Zoo camp is fairly active and campers will spend most of their day outdoors.

Extended Care

Before care and after care are available for an additional cost and can be added on while you are registering your child for camp. Before care is $40 for the week and open from 7:30 am – 8:45 am. After care is $75 for the week and open from 3:15 pm – 5:30 pm. 4-day camp weeks have prorated before and after care rates.  If you need to add extended care after you have registered your child, you can log back into your account to purchase.  

Zoo Camp Shirts

Each camper will receive 1 camp shirt per week registered. Camp shirts are not able to be picked up early. Campers will receive their camp shirt on the first day of their camp week. 

Having an extra shirt can be helpful. Extra shirts will be available to purchase online in February.

Attended Zoo camp before? We love and encourage campers to wear past years' camp shirts.  

Summer Weather

At Zoo Camp, the majority of the day is spent outside in the park. Tennessee summer heat is not something we take lightly. We encourage our campers to drink lots of water, refill water bottles at stations around the Zoo and have specific camp water filling stations as well. Camp takes advantage of shaded areas around the Zoo and on days with extremely high temperatures, daily camp schedules and activities are adjusted throughout the day.   

Younger camp groups alternate activities inside and outside throughout the day and for older camp groups that do spend more time outside, they have a covered camp space, with access to fans and the rain room, which is only open to Zoo camp in the summer. Camp staff are trained to recognize and respond to heat-related incidents and Nashville Zoo also has a team of dedicated EMTs on-site every day. Water play activities are also planned each day to help campers that would like to participate, cool off.  

Lunch

Campers must bring a nut-free, non-refrigerated lunch, snack and refillable water bottle. Nashville Zoo does not provide lunches for campers. Due to allergies, Zoo camp is peanut and tree-nut free (sun-butter is ok). To help keep lunches cool, a reusable ice pack is recommended for lunches. For campers attending after care, we recommend packing an additional snack.  

Counselor-to-Camper Ratio

Camps for Kindergarten - 7th grade will be in small groups of 8-10 campers each led by one Zoo Camp Counselor & one trained ZooTeen (teen volunteer). Camps for 8th - 12th grades will have slightly larger groups led by two Zoo Camp Counselors. Camp counselors must be at least 18 years old and most are college level students.  

Camp Accessibility and Inclusion

It is our goal at Zoo Camp to be an inclusive and safe space for everyone. During registration, you will complete a medical form for each camper where you can list allergies, medications or supports for your child during camp. In order to best meet the needs of your camper, we welcome you to contact us to discuss any accommodations your camper requires prior to camp. We are happy to discuss all available options. Email zoocamp@nashvillezoo.org with specific questions.  

 

Preparing for Registration

When does Zoo Camp registration open?

Registration for Zoo members will open on Wednesday, January 29 at 10 am and open for the general public on Wednesday, February 5 at 10 am.  

Can I create an account ahead of registration?

No, you will not be able to create a camp account until registration opens (January 29 for Zoo Members and February 5 for the general public). Use the tips below to ensure a smooth registration process. 

Many camp sessions will sell out during the first day of member registration. Take advantage of early registration and camp discount by becoming a Zoo member.

What do I need to prepare for registration?

Gather this information for your camper: home address, t-shirt size, emergency contact information, pertinent medical information (allergies or medical concerns camp staff should be aware of) and code word for camper pick up (examples: pet name, nickname, favorite animal). 

We also recommend that you look at the list of classes available for your camper(s) before you begin your registration. 

How does Zoo Member registration and discount work?

As a thank you for supporting the Zoo as a member, members receive early camp registration and a discount for camp sessions. Registration opens for zoo members on January 29 around 10:00 am.

On Wednesday, January 15, current zoo members will be emailed the link for registration and their unique discount code to receive the member discount for camp. Sending this email early will allow time for the email to arrive to your inbox (please check spam and junk folders) and ask questions ahead of member registration on January 29. You will be able to visit the camp registration site, but registration will not be open until January 29 at 10 am. The member discount code MUST be entered before checking out. There is no discount for extended care for Zoo members. 

We recommend searching your email accounts for recent emails from pr@nashvillezoo.org or membership@nashvillezoo.org to ensure that you are on our email list, that your email address is associated with your member number (you’ll see it at the bottom of our monthly e-news), and you know which email to check for your registration info sent on January 15. Because the member email will go to all Zoo member households, it takes time to arrive to everyone’s email so please be patient and check back if you do not see it by afternoon on January 15.  

If you are not sure if you have opted in to receive the Zoo e-newsletters, opt in for our E-News. Zoo Members, use the same email associated with your Zoo membership.

Purchasing a new membership?  Make your purchase prior to January 6, to ensure you receive the member email with the registration link and discount code. After making your purchase, see how to find your membership number here.

Have a lapsed membership? Renew before January 6. In order to receive the Zoo member discount, you must be a current Zoo member by January 29. 

Need to find your membership number? You can find your membership number on your membership card or in a copy of our email newsletter. If you purchased your membership online, you can also find your membership number by following these instructions. If you can't find this information, please email our Membership Department at membership@nashvillezoo.org

Enter your Member # at the bottom of the "Household Form" during registration:

Enter your discount code in Your Cart before reaching the Review Payment step:

How many camp sessions can I register for per camper?

Campers can register for 1 session per camp program(s) offered for their age group. 
Campers will register for the grade they are entering in fall 2025. For campers in grades K - 7, there are 2 different camp programs for each age group. For example, a camper entering grade 1, could register for 1 session of Zootopia and 1 session of My Big Backyard, but not 2 sessions of Zootopia.
This is to provide an exciting experience for every week your child comes to the Zoo as the curriculum is the same for all weeks of Zootopia, My Big Backyard, etc. 
Campers in grades 8-12 only have 1 camp session they can register for during the summer. 

Are scholarships available?

Nashville Zoo has funding for a limited number of scholarships for Summer Camp 2025. Please complete the application for consideration for a scholarship. If you are applying for a camp scholarship for multiple children, please submit a separate form per child. The option of before care and after care are available for scholarship recipients at no additional cost. If selected for a scholarship for your camper, you will be contacted by the Summer Camp manager. There is a $40 processing fee for a camp scholarship, only paid if your child is selected.

Scholarship applications are now closed.

Scholarship applications are due March 1.  Complete the application here.

 

After Registration

Camp Group Requests

Camp is a great place to develop new friendships. Within each program, we are able to take requests for your child to be placed with friends or siblings signed up for the same camp.

Complete the following request form to submit your group request after you have registered for camp. Talk to the other families in your group - only submit one group request for all campers in your group. Fill out a Camp Group Request Form »

Cancellation and Rescheduling Policy

Camp Cancellation Policy till March 1: Cancellation requests submitted by Saturday, March 1 will receive a full refund.  

Camp Cancellation Policy after March 1: Cancellation requests submitted after March 1 and outside of 2 weeks prior to the registered camp week will receive a 50% refund of the original amount paid. Cancellation requests received within 2 weeks of registered camp week will not receive a refund.  

Would you like to change registered camp weeks? Requests to move your camper to a different week are subject to availability. Zoo camp weeks fill very quickly so space is usually limited and changing weeks is not guaranteed. If you are unable to change your registered week, please see the camp cancellation policy above.  

All requests to cancel or reschedule must be submitted via email to zoocamp@nashvillezoo.org. Please include the camper’s name, camp session and date. 

Camp Communication

Prior to summer, all registered camp families will receive a comprehensive camp guide to help prepare their camper(s) for camp at the zoo. The week before your camp week, you will be sent reminders, daily schedules and an introduction to the educators leading the summer programs.