Safari Camps

Twisted Tales

Sink your teeth (and my, what big teeth they are, too!) into this whimsical Spring Safari Camp! We’ve heard the stories and now we can explore critters from classic tales! Each day we will follow a new group of characters through their storybook adventures. Let’s get to know the featured Zoo animals and uncover the connections behind the beloved legends and lore!  

• Monday: Three Little Pigs 
• Tuesday: Goldilocks & the 3 Bears 
• Wednesday: Little Red Riding Hood 
• Thursday: Tortoise and the Hare 
• Friday: Lion and the Mouse 

GRADES 3-5

Fantastical Beasts

Unicorns, yetis and dragons, oh my! What makes our favorite mythical beasts so awe-inspiring? Discover animal myths and legends and make connections to real-life zoo animals in this fantastical camp! See a real “dragon” for yourself! Compare mythical firebirds and griffins to Denver Zoo’s lions and raptors. Each camp day we will uncover a new creature and explore where real and imaginary meet!

• Monday: Cyclops & Centaur
• Tuesday: Dragons 
• Wednesday: Bigfoot & Yeti 
• Thursday: Phoenix & Griffins 
• Friday: Unicorn & Pegasus 

• Parents/Guardians must register their own children, using their own 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 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.
• Campers will need to bring:
  • Sack lunch + 2 snacks
  • Backpack
  • Water bottle
  • Weather appropriate clothing and footwear

• Members must log-in with their email on record that is associated with their membership to receive the discount. Click HERE to login, to request password, or complete a membership look up. **Insider tip: log in to your account prior to registration opening to make sure you see your name, membership category, and expiration date in the upper right corner.
  • Members: If you updated your account password for Denver Zoo’s new ticketing system, please use your OLD password when registering for camps and when accessing the Camp Portal.
• Have a major credit card on hand and ready to go. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and AMEX.
• Complete your purchase.  This step reserves your camper’s spot.

Step 2 of Registration: After purchasing a camp, click HERE to fill out general questions about your camper(s) in the Camp Portal, including a brief medical history, sign waivers, etc. Campers cannot attend camp until this step is complete!

• • Members: If you updated your account password for Denver Zoo’s new ticketing system, please use your OLD password when registering for camps and when accessing the Camp Portal.

Have the following information available for this step in the registration process:

• Contact details including home and work addresses, and phone numbers for the parent/guardian that is filling out this information (and any additional parent/guardian)
• Name, and date of birth of camper
• Medical history for camper
• Name, address, and phone number of camper’s physician, dentist, and preferred hospital
• Name, address, and phone number of two emergency contacts
• Name, address, and phone number of any additional people (must be over 18) who are authorized to pick up camper

• Cancellation Policy: All sales are final, unless the Zoo must cancel the program.

• Accommodation 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 an $5 accommodation fee.

KINDERGARTEN AND 1ST GRADE

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 Denver Zoo’s 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 Denver Zoo’s 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

Bio-mimics

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!  

6TH AND 7TH GRADE 

Conservation Camp

Join Denver Zoo in its commitment to save wildlife! Meet conservationists at Denver 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 or two days of this camp involve field trips doing conservation work in the Denver metro area.

6TH THROUGH 8TH GRADE

Zooper Villains and 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!

8TH AND 9TH GRADE

Conservation Camp

Join Denver Zoo in its commitment to save wildlife in this special camp.  Meet conservationists at Denver 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 or two days of this camp involve field trips doing conservation work in the Denver metro area. 

Animal Care 101

In this special week of camp, students entering 8th and 9th grade will interact directly with Denver 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 or 9th grader is curious about working at a zoo someday, this camp will demonstrate what caring for the animals is all about!

Campers must turn 5 years old by October 1, 2024

• Cancellation Policy: All sales are final, unless the Zoo must cancel the program.  
• Transfer Policy: Requests to transfer your camp spot to another family will only be considered 7 or more days in advance of the camp’s start date, and will incur a transfer fee of $50. Transfers within 7 days and partial week transfers are not possible and will not be considered.  To initiate a transfer request with more than 7 days advance notice, please contact guestcare@denverzoo.org
• Parents/Guardians must register their own child to participate in Safari Camp and use their own Denver Zoo membership account to receive the Safari Camp early access. Registering for a camper other than your own child will result in a minimum administrative fee of $50 each to transfer registration(s) to the appropriate parent/caregiver account.   
• Campers must be registered for the grade level they will enter in Fall 2024. All camp curricula are designed based on Colorado Academic Standards and NGSS with specific activities appropriate for each developmental stage.  Registering a camper for the wrong age/grade group will result in a dropped registration without refund or, in the rare situation where a transfer to the correct age group is available, a minimum administrative fee of $50 per transferred camp. Note, transfers are not guaranteed and rarely available.
• 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 without refund or, in the rare situation where a transfer to an alternative, qualifying camp is available, a minimum administrative fee of $50 per transferred camp. Note, transfers are not guaranteed and rarely available.
• 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 camp. Campers will receive their camp shirt on Day 1. Flip flops are not recommended.

Step 1 of Registration: Purchase a spot for your camper in the week and camp title of your choosing. No camper details will be filled out at this time. 

• Members must log-in with their email on record that is associated with their membership to receive early registration access. Click HERE to login, request password, or complete a membership look up. **Insider tip: log in to your account prior to registration opening to make sure you see your name, membership category, and expiration date in the upper right corner. 
  • Members: If you updated your account password for Denver Zoo’s new ticketing system, please use your OLD password when registering for camps and when accessing the Camp Portal.
• Have a major credit card on hand and ready to go. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and AMEX.
• Complete your purchase.  This step reserves your camper’s spot.

Step 2 of Registration: After purchasing a camp, click HERE to fill out general questions about your camper(s) in the Parent Portal, including a brief medical history, sign waivers, etc. Campers cannot attend camp until this step is complete! 

• • Members: If you updated your account password for Denver Zoo’s new ticketing system, please use your OLD password when registering for camps and when accessing the Camp Portal.

Have the following information available for this step in the registration process:

• Contact details including home and work addresses, and phone numbers for the parent/guardian that is filling out this information (and any additional parent/guardian) 
• Name, and date of birth of camper
• Medical history for camper
• Name, address, and phone number of camper’s physician, dentist, and preferred hospital
• Name, address, and phone number of two emergency contacts
• Name, address, and phone number of any additional people (must be over 18) who are authorized to pick up camper

• Parents/Guardians must register their own children, using their own 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 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.
• 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.
• Campers will need to bring:
  • Sack lunch + 2 snacks
  • Backpack
  • Water bottle
  • Weather appropriate clothing and footwear

• Members must log-in with their email on record that is associated with their membership to receive the discount. Click HERE to login, request password, or complete a membership look up. **Insider tip: log in to your account prior to registration opening to make sure you see your name, membership category, and expiration date in the upper right corner.
• Have a major credit card on hand and ready to go. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and AMEX.
• Complete your purchase.  This step reserves your camper’s spot.

Step 2 of Registration: After purchasing a camp, click HERE to fill out general questions about your camper(s) in the Parent Portal, including a brief medical history, sign waivers, etc. Campers cannot attend camp until this step is complete!

Have the following information available for this step in the registration process:

• Contact details including home and work addresses, and phone numbers for the parent/guardian that is filling out this information (and any additional parent/guardian)
• Name, and date of birth of camper
• Medical history for camper
• Name, address, and phone number of camper’s physician, dentist, and preferred hospital
• Name, address, and phone number of two emergency contacts
• Name, address, and phone number of any additional people (must be over 18) who are authorized to pick up camper

• Cancellation Fee: All sales are final, unless the Zoo must cancel the program.  Exceptions can be requested in the case of family medical emergencies, severe illness or for required quarantine due to COVID-19. If a transfer is requested for other reasons, and space in the desired camps is available, the change will result in a minimum administrative fee of $50. Note, transfers are not guaranteed and rarely available.
• Accommodation 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 accommodation fee.

* All requests must be made via e-mail to safaricamps@denverzoo.org.

DECEMBER 20, 21, 27 AND 28, 2023 & JANUARY 3 AND 4, 2024

Happy, Healthy Zoo Series

Did you ever wonder how Denver Zoo keeps its more than 3,000 animals happy and healthy? Well, you’re in luck!  Together, we’ll uncover the incredible science behind the care DZ provides. You HERD right! Campers will explore real-world animal challenges with a different zooprise animal each day as they learn some of the unique ways our keepers, veterinarians, nutritionists, and exhibit designers meet the challenges of caring for our one big WILD family. 

Curriculum and animal focus are different each day.  Campers are welcome to attend one, some or all available sessions.

• Parents/Guardians must register their own children, using their own 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 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.
• **Winter Safari Camp features a camp series with the same title but different curriculum each day. As a result, for Winter Safari Camp December 2023 – January 2024, Campers ARE allowed to attend more than one camp with the same title.
  • To prevents children from attending camp where they repeat the same curriculum and activities, the ability to register for multiple camps with the same title is NOT permitted during Summer Safari.
• Campers will need to bring:
  • Sack lunch + 2 snacks
  • Backpack
  • Water bottle
  • Weather appropriate clothing and footwear

• Members must log-in with their email on record that is associated with their membership to receive the discount. Click HERE to login, request password, or complete a membership look up. **Insider tip: log in to your account prior to registration opening to make sure you see your name, membership category, and expiration date in the upper right corner.
• Have a major credit card on hand and ready to go. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and AMEX.
• Complete your purchase.  This step reserves your camper’s spot.

Step 2 of Registration: After purchasing a camp, click HERE to fill out general questions about your camper(s) in the Parent Portal, including a brief medical history, sign waivers, etc. Campers cannot attend camp until this step is complete!

Have the following information available for this step in the registration process:

• Contact details including home and work addresses, and phone numbers for the parent/guardian that is filling out this information (and any additional parent/guardian)
• Name, and date of birth of camper
• Medical history for camper
• Name, address, and phone number of camper’s physician, dentist, and preferred hospital
• Name, address, and phone number of two emergency contacts
• Name, address, and phone number of any additional people (must be over 18) who are authorized to pick up camper

• Cancellation Fee: All sales are final, unless the Zoo must cancel the program.  Exceptions can be requested in the case of family medical emergencies, severe illness or for required quarantine due to COVID-19. If a transfer is requested for other reasons, and space in the desired camps is available, the change will result in a minimum administrative fee of $50. Note, transfers are not guaranteed and rarely available.
• Accommodation 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 an $5 accommodation fee.

* All requests must be made via e-mail to safaricamps@denverzoo.org.