Explore Wildlife
Zoo Camp is for ages 3–12 and offers kids the opportunity to be outside and learn all about animals and the world around us.
Traditional Zoo Camp is offered in spring, summer, fall, and winter sessions and includes hands-on science activities, games, crafts, snacks and lunchtime, up-close animal encounters (feeding opportunity or animal enrichment experience), and a guided Zoo tour. Specialty camps are offered in the summer session.
ZOO CAMP DATES
Winter Zoo Camp 2025
December 22 – January 2, 2026
no camp on December 25 and January 1, 2026
Registration now open, see below.
Spring Zoo Camp 2026
Monday, March 30 - Friday, April 3
Summer Zoo Camp 2026
Monday, June 15 - Friday, August 21
no camp on June 19 or July 4
Registration opens on January 12, 2026 at 10 AM.
Winter Zoo Camp
WEEK 1: Full Day
DECEMBER 22 – 24 & 26
no camp on Christmas Day, December 25
9 AM – 3 PM: $400/week, $350/week for SB Zoo Members
Traditional Zoo Camp offers hands-on science activities, a guided Zoo tour, crafts, and up-close animal encounters. For ages 3–12.
WEEK 1: HALF Day
DECEMBER 22 – 24 & 26
no camp on Christmas Day, December 25
9 AM – 12 PM: $350/week, $300/week for SB Zoo Members
Traditional Zoo Camp offers hands-on science activities, a guided Zoo tour, crafts, and up-close animal encounters. For ages 3–12.
WEEK 2: Full Day
DECEMBER 29 – 31 & January 2
no camp on New Year's Day, January 1
9 AM – 3 PM: $400/week, $350/week for SB Zoo Members
Traditional Zoo Camp offers hands-on science activities, a guided Zoo tour, crafts, and up-close animal encounters. For ages 3–12.
WEEK 2: HALF Day
DECEMBER 29 – 31 & January 2
no camp on New Year's Day, January 1
9 AM – 12 PM: $350/week, $300/week for SB Zoo Members
Traditional Zoo Camp offers hands-on science activities, a guided Zoo tour, crafts, and up-close animal encounters. For ages 3–12.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your child will be introduced to the world of animals and science through age-appropriate themed programs including games, up-close animal encounters, hands-on science, and more. There are no nap times or snacks provided, but campers can bring snacks if they choose.
The counselor-to-camper ratio varies with age and registration. Our average group size is around eight campers to one counselor. Pre-school groups are generally the smallest and the oldest camp groups are generally the largest. The staff-to-child ratio is typically around 1:10 for our camp groups. Each group also has teenage volunteers who help to supervise campers.
All cancellations must be made in writing, clearly stating your request to cancel a specified week. Cancellations received 15 or more full days before the reserved Camp date will receive a 90% refund. Cancellations received 7-14 full days before the reserved Camp date will receive a 50% refund. Cancellations received less than 7 full days before the reserved Camp date are not eligible for a refund. There are no exceptions to this cancellation policy. Please call (805) 962-5339, x154 if you do not receive a confirmation of your cancellation within 7 days.
The Santa Barbara Zoo works with the Santa Barbara Police Activities League (PAL) to provide scholarships to low-income families. Visit the PAL website for more information!
Check-in and check-out take place in the Zoo parking lot, to the right of the front gate. Sign-in is from 9:00 to 9:20 AM. Sign-out is at 12:00 PM for half-day campers and 3:00 PM for full-day campers.
If you arrive after our designated check-in time, please check in at the front gate. Please note that this process will take longer than regular check-in. We appreciate your cooperation.
First-time Camper Tips
Campers should wear a Santa Barbara Zoo Camp shirt every day and dress appropriately for the weather. Please make sure younger campers’ clothing is easy for them to remove while using the restroom (Zoo staff cannot assist campers in the restroom). Please check lost & found for clothing lost during Zoo Camp.
Closed-toed shoes are required for your child’s safety. If your camper is not wearing closed-toed shoes, they will miss out on behind-the-scenes opportunities.
Full-day campers will have snack and lunch breaks each day, so please pack a snack and lunch for your camper. Lunch can also be purchased at the Zoo.
ZOO CAMP LUNCH MENU
- Monday: Chicken nuggets, french fries, fruit
- Tuesday: Mini corn dogs, french fries, fruit
- Wednesday: Grilled cheese, veggie sticks, Goldfish graham cracker cookies
- Thursday: Cheeseburger, french fries, fruit
- Friday: Pizza, veggie sticks, ranch dressing
(served with 2% milk)
Zoo Campers are outside for the majority of the day and should wear sunscreen. If you would like us to apply sunscreen, you must give us consent in the morning and send sunscreen with your child.
Send your camper with a full, reusable water bottle. Routine stops at water fountains are made, but it does get hot during the summer and your child will be outside most of the day.