Safari Camps

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.

Get Notified About Upcoming Camps

2024 Summer Safari Camps are in session but fall and winter registration is coming soon! Sign up to be the first to know when our future camp information is posted.

Already registered? Click here to access the Camp Portal:
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.

Safari Camps

  • Spring Safari 2024

    REGISTRATION
    Coming soon!

    GRADES
    K–5

    DATES + TIMES
    Running Daily: March 25 – 29, 2024
    9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
    Early or Late Care are not offered during Fall Safari Camp.

    COST
    $75 per camper/day

    ACCESS TO AWE SCHOLARSHIP FUND
    Scholarships will be available through Denver Zoo’s Access to Awe Scholarship Fund. Click below for more information and to apply.

    CONTACT US
    Questions or concerns? Contact our Safari Camp Team at SafariCamps@denverzoo.org

    • Programming
      GRADES K -2

      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 
    • Things to Know
      Full-Day camps are offered for children currently in Kindergarten – Grade 5 (campers must have turned 5 by October 1).
      • 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
    • Registration Information
      Step 1 of Registration: Purchase a spot for your camper ion the day 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 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
    • Service and Accommodation Fees
      • 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.
  • Summer Safari 2024

    GRADES
    Weekly Programs For Kindergarten Through 9th Grade

    DATES + TIMES
    Running Weekly: June 5 – August 16, 2024 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
    A limited number of Late Care spots are available for pre-registered campers.  Late Care occurs from 4:15 – 5:30 p.m.
    Before Care is not offered.

    All Camps are not offered all weeks. Please check the Camp Schedule for availability.

    COST
    5-day Camps – $350
    3-day Camp (June 5 -7, July 1-3) – $210
    6-9 Grades “Conservation” Camps – $410
    8-9 Grades “Animal Care 101” Camp – $410
    Late Care – $75 for 5-day Camps, $45 for 3-day Camps

    2024 Summer Safari Camps are available at the above rates for both Denver Zoo members and the general public. We appreciate your support!

    ACCESS TO AWE SCHOLARSHIP FUND
    Camp scholarships are offered annually through Denver Zoo’s Access to Awe Fund.

    The application opened on January 5. All funds have been distributed and the process closed for Summer 2024.

    CONTACT US
    Questions or concerns? Contact us at guestcare@denverzoo.org

    • Programming

      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-verseLike a bookthere’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 – its 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!

    • Things to know

      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 1Flip flops are not recommended.
    • Registration Information

      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
  • Fall Safari 2024

    REGISTRATION
    Coming soon!

    GRADES
    Full-Day camp sessions for each program and date are provided for campers currently in Grades K – 4.

    DATES + TIMES
    Single day camp experiences offered: November 25, 2024 + November 26, 2024

    Each camp runs from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
    Late Care is not offered during Fall Safari Camp.

    COST
    $79 per camper/day

    ACCESS 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!

      Savanna Safari: November 25th
      Get ready for a roaring good time as you discover the amazing animals that call the African grasslands home! Ever wondered how wild dogs share their space or what a lion’s idea of a “toy” or “game” looks like? Curious about how savanna predators stay so stealthy in the tall grasses? Embark on a safari adventure right in the heart of Denver!

      Find the Feast: November 26th
      Wonder how we help zoo animals celebrate? With food and fun, just like you! Discover how our amazing animals enjoy nature’s bounty and find out what Zoo nutritionists do to make their feasts extra special. Get the inside scoop on how our animal friends party with their treats at the Zoo!

    • 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 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, requiring bookings to be transferred between families/accounts, will result in a $50 transfer fee.

      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
    • Registration Information
      Coming soon!
    • Service and Accommodation Fees
      • 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 FeesWith 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.
  • Winter Safari 2024

    REGISTRATION
    Coming soon!

    GRADES
    Full-Day camp session for each program and date are provided or campers currently in Grades K-4.

    DATES + TIMES
    Single-day camp experiences offered: December 23, 30, 31 and January 2 + 3

    Each camp runs from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
    Late Care is not offered during Winter Safari Camp.

    COST
    $79 per camper/day

    ACCESS 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!

      Habitat Hijinks: December 23rd
      Do you think Colorado critters could settle on the island of Madagascar and swap homes with the lemurs who live there? Would island animals enjoy our mountains and plains? Explore the wild world of adaptations and how they help animals survive in the places they live and discover how they “paws” and adjust to new digs.

      Too Cold to Hold: December 30th
      Brrr! Remember your mittens (or fur and blubber) –you are going to need them! Chill out and discover the built-in tools some animals have for toughing it out in the coldest of conditions.

      Too Hot to Handle: December 31st
      Is it getting hot in here? Don’t sweat it – the animals you’ll meet in this camp can take the heat! Find out what it takes for warm weather animals to keep their cool.

      Under the Sea: January 2nd
      Dive in headfirst to meet animals from beneath the ocean waves! Discover how animal care specialists take care of aquatic critters and learn what you can do to help them. Will you brave the tide of this ocean-themed camp? We can’t wait to “sea!”

      Roaming the Rainforest: January 3rd
      Step into a wild Zoo adventure and see if you have what it takes to thrive in a rainforest. Get ready to “leaf” your worries behind as you explore tropical creatures and their amazing adaptations. Put your skills to the test to help solve a survival challenge and see if you can “branch out” and master the mysteries of the rainforest!

    • 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 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, requiring bookings to be transferred between families/accounts, will result in a $50 transfer fee.

      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
    • Registration Information

      Coming soon!

    • Service and Accommodation Fees
      • 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 FeesWith 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.

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.