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When School Is Out, Safari Camps Are In!
Safari Camps provide the perfect adventure for campers that have the drive and desire to discover an affection for animals. Camps feature animal experiences, zoo expeditions, engineering authentic solutions to real-world challenges, and hands-on, camper-driven exploration.
After you have registered for camp and received your invite to set up your campers’ profiles in CampDoc, you can access your account here! Upload medical info, update emergency contacts, etc.
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Spring Safari
GRADES
K–4DATES + TIMES
Single day camp experiences offered 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Monday, March 24- Thursday, March 27, 2025.
Late Care is not offered during Spring Safari Camp.COST
$85 per camper/dayACCESS TO AWE SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Scholarships are available through DZCA’s Access to Awe Scholarship Fund. Please click here to apply for financial assistance prior to registering online.CONTACT US
Questions or concerns? Contact our Safari Camp Team at SafariCamps@denverzoo.org- Programming
Portions of all camps may take place outdoors. Please ensure your camper is prepared for outdoor exploration!
Get ready for a sense-sational adventure at Safari Camp! How do bright colors, funny smells, and wild sounds help animals communicate with each other, stay safe or find their next snack? From stripes that say, “stay away” to calls that shout, “I’m over here,” we’ll explore how animals use their senses to survive.
Join us for one day or all four—it’s sure to be a hoot and a howlin’ good time!
- Monday, March 24: Critter Chatter: Explore how animals use sound to communicate!
- Tuesday, March 25: Hoots & Howls: Uncover some wild ways animals hear the world around them!
- Wednesday, March 26: Silent Signals: Reveal secrets about how animals communicate without sound!
- Thursday, March 27: Sharp Sight: Discover unique animal sight superpowers!
- Things to Know
Full-Day camps are offered for children currently enrolled in Kindergarten – Grade 4. Campers who have not started Kindergarten as of Fall 2024 are not eligible to attend. Campers must be registered for the grade level they are currently in. All camp curricula are designed with specific activities appropriate for each developmental stage.
Parents/Guardians must register their own children, using their own DZCA account, to participate in Safari Camp. Booking for other children, requiring bookings to be transferred between families/accounts, will result in a $50 transfer fee.
- Campers will need to bring:
- Sack lunch + 2 snacks
- Backpack
- Water bottle
- Weather appropriate clothing and footwear
- Registration Information
IMPORTANT: Do not check out as a guest. Please sign in or create an account to purchase camps and complete waivers and other important steps in the Camp Portal.
- Cancellation Policy + Service Fees
- Cancellation Policy: All sales are final, unless the Zoo must cancel the program.
- Service Fees: With advance notice, children may be dropped off or picked up during lunchtime (12:00–1:00 p.m.) at no charge, as campers are always in a pre-defined area during the lunch hour. At other times of the day, campers may be anywhere within the 80-acre Zoo property (or on a field trip), making late arrivals and early departures complicated, resulting in a $5 service fee per camper.
- Programming
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Summer Safari
REGISTRATION
Our registration process looks a little different since the last time you might have registered! We’ve put together a quick set of instructions to guide you—whether you’re registering for multiple camps or have campers of different ages in the same week, we’ve got you covered!Please make sure you have created an account, or recently updated your password, at my.denverzoo.org before registration! If you attempt to check out as a guest, you may lose your spot in camp.
GRADES
Weekly Programs for Kindergarten Through 9th GradeDATES + TIMES
Running Weekly: May 27–August 7, 2026, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
A limited number of Late Care spots are available for pre-registered campers.
Late Care is available from 4:15–5:30 p.m. Before Care is not offered.
All Camps are not offered every week. Please check the Camp Schedule for availability.COST
5-day Camps – $449
4-day Camps (June 29-July 2)- $359
3-day Camps (May 27-29) – $269
6-9 Grades “Conservation” Camps – $499
8-9 Grades “Animal Care 101” Camp – $499
Late Care – $100 for 5-day Camps, $80 for 4-day camps, $60 for 3-day Camps2026 Summer Safari Camps are available at the above rates for both members and the general public. We appreciate your support!
ACCESS TO AWE SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Scholarships are available through DZCA’s Access to Awe Scholarship Fund. The application will open December 29 and submissions reviewed beginning January 5.
Please click here to apply for financial assistance prior to registering online.CONTACT US
Questions or concerns? Contact us at guestcare@denverzoo.org.- Programming
KINDERGARTEN AND 1ST
Zoo Engineers
Every animal needs a habitat. Take a closer look at the Zoo homes of our favorite animal residents and discover how their space provides what they need! If you built a zoo, what would the habitats look like? We’ll need to ensure the creature comforts; put on your Zoo engineer hat if you’re up to the challenge!
The Zoo in You
Two peas in a pod or apples and oranges? Explore the diversity that makes our animal kingdom truly extraordinary. Compare and contrast patterns, traits, habits, and lifestyles – and where YOU fit in the puzzle! Connect the dots – and stripes! – as we uncover the characteristics that make all living things the same, but different.
Nature Play the Zoo Way
Your camper will have an unbe-LEAF-able week connecting with animals and the natural world in this nature play camp. Young explorers will engage their sense of wonder and discovery as they literally dig into nature on the Zofnass Barclay Family Nature Play Trail; climb under bushes, find bugs, balance on stumps, and get their hands dirty. This camp is sure to ROCK – come play with us!
2ND AND 3RD GRADE
Eco Explorers
Join us on a journey of discovery as we uncover the connections between plants, animals and people in the ecosystems we share. At Denver Zoo, we believe that everyone has the power to make a positive impact on our planet. We’ll help campers discover the ways they are already helping wildlife, and easy ways to keep making a difference!
Zooper Keepers
Denver Zoo has its very own Zooper Heroes – the animal care team! Each day they provide food, space, fun, and support for over 3000 animals, each with unique needs. From a three-legged African wild dog to nearly 30 tons of elephant – get to know the animals, their stories, and play a role in helping them thrive!
Nature Play the Zoo Way
Your camper will have an unbe-LEAF-able week connecting with animals and the natural world in this nature play camp. Young explorers will engage their sense of wonder and discovery as they literally dig into nature on the Zofnass Barclay Family Nature Play Trail; climb under bushes, find bugs, balance on stumps, and get their hands dirty. This camp is sure to ROCK – come play with us!
4TH AND 5TH GRADE
BioMimics
Some animals are stealthy, others have extraordinary healing capabilities, but the best of the best copy and duplicate the remarkable abilities found in others! Explore some of nature’s bio-mimics and learn how people use animals as inspiration. Why is the extreme durability of a rainforest seed important for saving elephants? Imagine how you’d incorporate the best adaptations animals into something that can help us all!
4TH THROUGH 6TH GRADE
Zooper Villains + Monsters
Bam! Boom! Zap! ROAR!? Good vs. evil is the ultimate battle in any comic – but what about in the critter-verse? Like a book, there’s more to a villain than its cover! Are they monsters or simply misunderstood geniuses of evolution? Become the author and help us tell the story for the animal antiheroes among us – it’s sure to be a page turner!
6TH THROUGH 9TH GRADE
Conservation Camp
Join Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance in its commitment to save wildlife. Meet conservationists at the Zoo and delve into the challenges, successes, and partnerships to save animals like bison, Lake Titicaca frogs, and big horn sheep. Then take your knowledge on the road! Do your part to build a world where wildlife thrives by participating in REAL field conservation in Colorado. One day of this camp involves a field trip doing conservation work in the Denver metro area.
8TH AND 9TH GRADE
Animal Care 101
In this special week of camp, students entering 8th grade will interact directly with the Zoo’s animal care staff! Our team of Animal Ambassador zookeepers will teach campers the ins and outs of how they care for and train (small) animals. Campers will discover how keepers set goals for their animals, and how to create fun enrichment that helps our animals show off their impressive, natural behaviors. If your soon-to-be 8th-grader is curious about working at a zoo someday, this camp will demonstrate what caring for the animals is all about! - Things to know
Campers must turn 5 years old by October 1, 2025
As of November 1, 2025 transfers are no longer accommodated. Cancelled camp registrations will be released and made available for purchase online.
Campers must be registered for the grade level they will enter in Fall 2026. All camp curricula are designed based on Colorado Academic Standards and NGSS with specific activities appropriate for each developmental stage. During the registration process, you will be required to input the name of your camper/s for each camp purchased. Registering a camper other than your own child and/or the wrong age & grade will result in a dropped registration in alignment with the Safari Camps cancellation policy. Camp registrations cannot be transferred to other families or other dates.
Campers are not allowed to attend more than one camp with the same title. This prevents children from attending camp where they repeat the same curriculum and activities. Registering campers for camps with the same title will result in dropped registrations in alignment with the Safari Camps cancellation policy.
Campers need to bring the following each day:
- Lunch + 2 snacks: Nut-free is encouraged. Heating and refrigeration are not available.
- Backpack
- Water bottle
- Weather appropriate clothing and footwear:
- Camp issued t-shirt must be worn everyday.
- Campers will receive their camp shirt on Day 1.
- Flip flops are not recommended.
- Registration InformationRegistration opens for members: Tuesday, January 13
Registration opens for non-members: Wednesday, January 14
Our registration process looks a little different since the last time you might have registered! We’ve put together a quick set of instructions to guide you—whether you’re registering for multiple camps or have campers of different ages in the same week, we’ve got you covered!
IMPORTANT: Do not check out as a guest. Please sign in or create an account to purchase camps and complete waivers and other important steps in CampDoc. - Cancellation Policy + Service Fees
NEW for Summer 2026!
- Cancellation or Transfer Policy: Transfers are not available. If you need to release a camp spot, here is the timeline:
- Before February 1st, 2026: 100% refund
- February 1st – February 28th, 2026: $50 cancellation fee (refund less $50)
- March 1st – March 31st, 2026: 50% refund
- April 1st, 2026 and beyond: all sales final, no refunds.
Service Fees:- With advance notice, children may be dropped off or picked up during lunchtime (12:00–1:00 p.m.) at no charge, as campers are always in a pre-defined area during the lunch hour.
- At other times of the day, campers may be anywhere within the 80-acre Zoo property (or on a field trip), making late arrivals and early departures complicated, resulting in a $10 service fee per camper.
- Cancellation or Transfer Policy: Transfers are not available. If you need to release a camp spot, here is the timeline:
- Programming
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Fall Safari
GRADES
Full-Day camp sessions for each program and date are provided for campers currently in Grades K–4.DATES + TIMES
November 24 and 25 – registration closes November 20Each camp runs from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Late Care is not offered during Fall Safari Camp.COST
$85 per camper/dayACCESS TO AWE SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Scholarships are available through DZCA’s Access to Awe Scholarship Fund. Please click here to apply for financial assistance prior to registering online.CONTACT US
Questions or concerns? Email the Camp Team at safaricamps@denverzoo.org- Programming
Portions of all fall and winter camps may take place outdoors. Please ensure your camper is prepared for outdoor exploration!
Fall Into Nature: November 24th
Fall into Nature at DZCA. Learn, play, and connect with all your senses! Campers will literally dig into the world around them and engage their senses to investigate and develop connections to animals and the natural world. Come explore with us!
Weathering the Wild: November 25th
Explore how animals thrive through changing seasons! We’ll head into the Zoo to see how DZCA animal care teams help animals adjust, like warming up on toasty rocks or cooling off in shady spots. Campers will also step into the wild world of Colorado’s native animals to discover how they handle seasonal changes, from growing thick winter coats to finding clever hiding spots. They’ll head home inspired with ways to help animals in their community!
- Things to Know
Full-Day camps are offered for children currently enrolled in Kindergarten – Grade 4. Campers who have not started Kindergarten as of Fall 2025 are not eligible to attend. Campers must be registered for the grade level they are currently in. All camp curricula are designed based on Colorado Academic Standards and NGSS with specific activities appropriate for each developmental stage.
Parents/Guardians must register their own children, using their own account, to participate in Safari Camp. Booking for other children will result in cancellation of your camp enrollment without a refund.
Campers will need to bring:
- Sack lunch + 2 snacks
- Backpack
- Water bottle
- Weather appropriate clothing and footwear
- Registration Information
IMPORTANT: Do not check out as a guest. Please sign in or create an account to purchase camps and complete waivers and other important steps in the Camp Portal.
- Cancellation Policy + Service Fees
- Cancellation or Transfer Policy: Transfers are not available; all sales are final.
- Service Fees:With advance notice, children may be dropped off or picked up during lunchtime (12:00–1:00 p.m.) at no charge, as campers are always in a pre-defined area during the lunch hour. At other times of the day, campers may be anywhere within the 80-acre Zoo property (or on a field trip), making late arrivals and early departures complicated, resulting in a $10 service fee per camper.
- Programming
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Winter Safari
GRADES
Full-Day camp session for each program and date are provided or campers currently in Grades K-4.DATES + TIMES
December 22
December 23
December 29
December 30
January 2, 2026Registration closes four days prior to the start of each camp day
Each camp runs from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Late Care is not offered during Winter Safari Camp.COST
$85 per camper/dayACCESS TO AWE SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Scholarships are available through DZCA’s Access to Awe Scholarship Fund. Please click here to apply for financial assistance prior to registering online.CONTACT US
Questions or concerns? Email the Camp Team at safaricamps@denverzoo.org.- Programming
ses Portions of all fall and winter camps may take place outdoors. Please ensure your camper is prepared for outdoor exploration!
Zooventure at DZCA
Ready to uncover some wild stories behind the scenes at Denver Zoo? You’re in luck! Each day we’ll dive into the stories of how our team cares for more than 2,500+ incredible animals. You HERD that right! From clever keepers to innovative exhibit designers, you’ll explore how they rise to the challenge of caring for our one big, WILD family. Every day brings a new zooprise guest with a unique tale to tell. Along the way, campers will step into the real-world challenges of wildlife care and discover the creative, compassionate solutions that help animals thrive.
Monday, December 22: Resilient Reptiles
Tuesday, December 23: Clever Claws
Monday, December 29: Brilliant Birds
Tuesday, December 30: Hardy Hooves
Winter WonderZoo
Bundle up and explore the magic of winter! Through hands-on fun and outdoor adventures, campers will experience the sights, sounds, smells, and sensations that make winter so delightfully unique. Come discover the wonders of winter with us!
Friday, January 2
- Things to Know
Full-Day camps are offered for children currently enrolled in Kindergarten – Grade 4. Campers who have not started Kindergarten as of Fall 2025 are not eligible to attend. Campers must be registered for the grade level they are currently in. All camp curricula are designed based on Colorado Academic Standards and NGSS with specific activities appropriate for each developmental stage.
Parents/Guardians must register their own children, using their own account, to participate in Safari Camp. Booking for other children will result in cancellation of your camp enrollment without a refund.
Campers will need to bring:
- Sack lunch + 2 snacks
- Backpack
- Water bottle
- Weather appropriate clothing and footwear
- Registration Information
IMPORTANT: Do not check out as a guest. Please sign in or create an account to purchase camps and complete waivers and other important steps in the Camp Portal.
- Cancellation Policy + Service Fees
- Cancellation or Transfer Policy: Transfers are not available; all sales are final.
- Service Fees:With advance notice, children may be dropped off or picked up during lunchtime (12:00–1:00 p.m.) at no charge, as campers are always in a pre-defined area during the lunch hour. At other times of the day, campers may be anywhere within the 80-acre Zoo property (or on a field trip), making late arrivals and early departures complicated, resulting in a $10 service fee per camper.
- Programming
Important Information
Medication Administration Permission Form
If your child requires emergency, prescription, or over-the-counter medication during camp, a parent/guardian and the child’s physician must complete and submit a Medication Administration Permission Form two weeks prior to your child’s first day of camp. Any medication for a chronic illness such as asthma, allergies, or diabetes must be accompanied by a Care Plan written and signed by the child’s physician. Upon review of your camper’s forms, it may be necessary to meet with the parent/guardian to develop a Health Plan.
Accommodations for Special Needs
Campers of all abilities are welcome to register for camp. In order to meet our goal of setting all campers up for success, we ask that you please contact us if your child has any special needs of which we should be aware. We happily work with parents/guardians to make Safari Camp accessible to children with varying needs in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities act; however, we are unable to provide one-on-one or supplementary services. If your child needs to attend camp with his/her full-time care provider, special arrangements can be made but must be scheduled several weeks in advance for security purposes. After undergoing a background check, the adult caregiver may attend at no charge.
