Seasonal Day Camps at the North Carolina Zoo provide the opportunity to dive into fun, nature-focused learning year-round! Camps will alternate age groups and provide a variety of themes.
Time: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. rain or shine
Price: $75 per camp (unless otherwise noted)
Maximum Number of Campers: 10 campers
Morning and afternoon snacks are provided. Lunch is not included.
Visit Frequently Asked Questions or email Amanda Helms for further questions.
Tickets for 2026 camps go on sale November 17th, 2025 at 6 p.m.
Register Here
Fall Day Camps
Furry & Feathery Friends
Age: Grades K-2nd
When: September 13th, 2025
From the tiniest of mammals to birds soaring high in the sky, come along and explore how our zoo friends spend their days! What do they eat? How do they play? We’ll investigate together!
Scaly & Slimy Squad
Age: Grades 3rd-5th
When: October 11th, 2025
Join us as we meet our hopping, wiggling, slithering and crawling friends! We will examine the differences and similarities between amphibians and reptiles. Let’s discover how we can help these important ectotherms!
Cool Companion Camp
*This camp is $100 per ticket, which includes one child and one adult.*
Age: Grades K-5th and an accompanying adult
When: November 22nd, 2025
This special day lets elementary campers bring their own adult (18+) with them! Parents, grandparents, or aunt/uncles are invited to join us in exploring the lives of social animals. A ticket to this program covers one child and one adult for a day filled with fun games, crafts, and animal visits!
Winter Day Camps
December: Holiday break series!
Arctic Awareness (Kidzu Camp)
*Kidzu camps are designed for 3rd-8th graders with Autism, ADHD, or campers who need a smaller group size and a more guided, sensory-sensitive experience!*
Age: Grades 3rd-8th
When: December 22nd, 2025
Brrrr! Spend the day at the Zoo as we learn about our Arctic animal friends. How do they stay warm? What do they eat? We’ll explore these questions and more through games, crafts, and habitat visits!
Animal Wrappings
Age: Grades K-2nd
When: December 23rd, 2025
Is it hair? Scales? Skin? Come and investigate how animals keep themselves covered and protected! We will end the day by wrapping a holiday take-home craft.
Looking Forward
Age: Grades 3rd-5th
When: December 29th, 2025
Predator or prey? Scavenger? Join us in exploring what adaptations relate to an animal’s role in the food chain. We will use our own forward-facing eyes to investigate!
Moving On
Age: Grades 6th-8th
When: December 30th, 2025
Time flies when you’re having fun! Or does it gallop? Swim? Climb? Before heading into the new year, join us to investigate how animals move their bodies!
January
Wonders of Water
Age: Grades K-2nd
When: January 19th, 2026
It’s a winter wonderland with water, water everywhere! Is every snowflake unique? Can some animals live without water? Join us to explore how water supports life and moves throughout the Earth.
February
Nature Architects
Age: Grades 3rd-5th
When: February 16th, 2026
What do beavers, bees, and barn owls have in common? They’re all builders! We invite all future architects to investigate how animals build homes, use tools, and even change the ecosystem around them.
Spring Day Camps
March
Trust 101
*This camp is $100 per ticket, which includes one child and one adult.*
Age: Grades K-5th and an accompanying adult
When: March 28th, 2026
Being a zookeeper is hard work! Join your camper for a day of exploring what it takes to build trust and provide top-notch animal care. This family-oriented day will describe the importance of play and enrichment, training, and vet care.
April: A magical spring break series!
Enchanted Grounds (Kidzu Camp)
*Kidzu camps are designed for 3rd-8th graders with Autism, ADHD, or campers who need a smaller group size and a more guided, sensory-sensitive experience!*
Age: Grades 3rd-8th
When: April 7th, 2026
Some magic is hidden right at our feet! Come along as we discover what animals occupy our own backyards, with a special focus on our friends living in the dirt! This relaxing day will encourage natural inquiry and environmental observations.
Now You See Me
Age: Grades K-2nd
When: April 8th, 2026
Spring is bringing some magical changes! Colors are reappearing and some animals are getting a whole new look. Hey… where did that caterpillar go? Join us in discovering how nature likes to play tricks!
One of a Kind
Age: Grades 3rd-5th
When: April 9th, 2026
Oddities and disappearing acts! Today will be full of unique animals and species that deserve a watchful eye. We will highlight how endemic species can be dramatically impacted by single events, conservation efforts for critically endangered animals, and the magic of caring!
Mythical Beasts
Age: Grades 6th-8th
When: April 10th, 2026
Is it a chubby unicorn? A mini dragon? Werewolves or vampires? Spend the day investigating where myths and legends intersect with nature. Come prepared to use some imagination as we enter the magical world of the North Carolina Zoo!