Denver Zoo Summer Safari Frog Logo

Wild Play

Pre-K and Kindergarten

Camp Description

Have you ever wondered how animals play? Do animals have toys? Do they play the same way as you? Explore the Zoo with us and use your scientific skills to discover what makes animals happy. Use your imagination and what you learn to help shape an animal’s new favorite toy!

Week Overview

Daily Schedule Subject to Change

Monday

  • Question of the Day: How do animals play?
  • Zoo Exploration:Harmony Hill, Northern Shores
  • In-Classroom Animal Experience: Who did I meet today?
  • Engineering Challenge: 
    • Design new enrichment for a sea lion or otter
    • What kind of toy did you build?

Tuesday

  • Question of the Day: Why is enrichment important?
  • Zoo Exploration: Primate Panorama
  • In-Classroom Animal Experience: Who did I meet today?
  • Engineering Challenge:
    • Think about toy from day before and redesign it to be food-based.
    • How did you change your toy today?

Wednesday

  • Question of the Day: Do all animals play?
  • Zoo Exploration: Tropical Discovery
  • In-Classroom Animal Experience: Who did I meet today?
  • Engineering Challenge:
    • Campers played with natural items and made a way for animals to play too.
    • How did you play today? What did you build for animals to play with?

Thursday

  • Question of the Day: Exercise and play
  • Zoo Exploration: Pachyderm Building
  • In-Classroom Animal Experience: Who did I meet today?
  • Engineering Challenge:
    • Animal Relay Races
    • What games did you create? What was your favorite game today?

Friday

  • Question of the Day: Exercise and play
  • Zoo Exploration: Pachyderm Building
  • In-Classroom Animal Experience: Who did I meet today?
  • Engineering Challenge:
    • Animal Relay RacesWhat games did you create? What was your favorite game today?

Taking It Home

Using what you learned, how would you find out what animals around your house need to be happy and healthy? How could you help animals stay happy and healthy?

Reminders

  • We go outside every day, so dress for weather.
  • Drop-offs (8:45 – 9:15 AM and 12:45 – 1:15 PM) and pick-ups (11:50 – 12:10 and 3:45 – 4:15 PM) will be at the Special Programs Gate (Gate 1). However, Early or Late Care pick-ups and drop-offs will enter through the zoo’s main entrance.
  • You will need to bring an ID every day for pick-up.
  • Half-day campers do not need to bring a lunch.


Get More Info

Snacks

Full-day campers get two snacks per day; half-day campers get one. Morning and afternoon snacks will rotate from the daily options below.

Monday

Goldfish Crackers, String Cheese, Juice
Snack Mix, Applesauce, Water

Tuesday

Graham Crackers, Grapes, Water
Clementine’s (through June), Carrots (after June), Water

Wednesday

Applesauce, Cheddar Cheese, Water
Snack mix, Carrots, Water

Thursday

Grapes, Snack Mix, Water
Popsicle, Water

Friday

Goldfish Crackers, String Cheese, Juice
Ice Cream Sandwich (or Popsicle), Water

* These vary between graham crackers, animal crackers, and goldfish crackers. Menu items are subject to substitution. View snack ingredients on our website, or click HERE.

Contact Us

If your camper liked Summer Safari, they will LOVE Fall, Winter, and Spring Safari Mini-Camps! When school is out, Safari Camp is in! These camps run from November through March. There’s a Safari for every season!


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