Nature Rocks! NC Zoo’s Pre-K Nature Play Camps 2026
Registration Link!
Offered by the Week - Tuesday & Thursday
For Rising Preschool and Kindergarten Age Students
Get Wild About Nature while splashing in our play stream, stomping in mud puddles, exploring the woods, and meeting our Animal Ambassadors!
Price: $75/week (Tuesday and Thursday session)
Time: 8:30AM-12:30PM
Maximum number of campers: 12 campers per week
Please note updated medical policy: Zoo staff are not allowed to administer ANY medications except for an EpiPen. If your camper must take medications, they will have to be able to take them on their own. If your camper has to carry medications other than an EpiPen, in case of an emergency, staff will not be able to administer, and a parent or guardian will have to accompany the camper all during camp.
All camps are rain or shine. Camp will only be cancelled if the Zoo is closed for inclement weather.
Join us for a summer of fun they’ll always remember!
Weekly Themes
Week 1: June 16 & 18 Enchanted Forest! Let imaginations run wild with enchanted pretend play and dress up, make your own lanterns and solar ovens, and even visit our Cypress Swamp habitat.
Week 2: June 23 & 25 Water and Wings! Play in Kidzone’s stream, make your own boats, craft your own bird wings, and experience hands-on ice painting. We'll also learn about polar bears, sea birds, and artic foxes at our Rocky Coast habitat.
Week 3: Jun 30 & July 2 Remarkable Reptiles! Visit the streamside habitat, make your own box turtle craft, and meet a few of our animal ambassador reptiles too.
Week 4: July 7 & 9 Very Beary Prairie! Create your own bear craft and learn about bears, bison, elk, and wolves by visiting our prairie habitat.
Week 5: July 14 & 16 Starry Night! Craft your own animal constellations and learn about nocturnal animals by visiting the desert habitat.
Week 6: July 21 & 23 Rhinos, Dinos, and Elephants! How big is your footprint compared to a rhino? How about an elephant? Or even a t-rex? We'll learn about our own rhinos and elephants by visiting Watani Grasslands habitats.
Week 7: July 28 & 30 Zebras, Ostriches, Giraffes, Oh My! Visit the giraffe overlook, learn about unique adaptations, and even make your own giraffe ‘ossi-crown.’
Week 8: August 4 & 6 Peculiar Primates! Create your own primate handprint and learn about the different types of primates while visiting our chimp and gorilla habitats.
What does a daily schedule look like for the campers?
Daily Schedule:
8:30 AM drop off at Stedman Education Building in North America Parking Lot
9:00 arrive at Kidzone
9:15-9:30 Play activity based on weekly theme
9:30-9:45 Animal Ambassador visit/Bathroom Break
10:00-11:00 Visit a Zoo habitat based on the weekly theme
11:15-11:30 Snack Time/Bathroom Break, snacks will be provided and will be based on the weekly theme. You may send a snack if you prefer. Also please inform us of any food allergies. All campers will need to bring a reusable water bottle with the camper’s name on it.
11:30-12:15 Free Play in Kidzone, children may get wet in our Play Stream and/or muddy in our Mud Café. Packing a change of clothing is recommended.
12:30 PM Pick up at Stedman Education Building in North America Parking Lot
How do you register for one of our camps?
For any questions or issues with making a reservation, contact 336.879.7777 or toll free 800.488.0444, ext. 7777, or email Kathy.osborne@nczoo.org
How much are the camps? Is there a Society or multiple camp discount for these?
Price: $75/week (Tuesday and Thursday session)
Current Society Members
If you don't have your Zoo Society promo code to get your discount, please call the NC Zoo Society office at: 336-879-7250
Refund Policy
You will be refunded your entire camp registration fee if you cancel at least 2 weeks before the camp. If you cancel after that or fail to show for your camp, there will be no refund. You may only attend the camps you have registered for.
Is there a camp t-shirt?
Yes, it can be purchased as an add-on on the ticketing site.
Waitlist Procedure
If a camp is sold out and you would like to be added to our waitlist please email Kathy (kathy.osborne@nczoo.org) with the camp date and number of tickets requested. As spots open we will notify you.
What is the camper to staff ratio?
Camps are staffed by 3 adults(staff to child ratio= 1:4) with combined 8 years preschool camp experience. At least 1 staff member is currently certified on child CPR and First Aid.