Kids go wild for Summer Camp at the Philadelphia Zoo!
Philadelphia Zoo Summer Camp gives children ages 3 to 15 years old the opportunity to learn about the wonderful world of animals in an exciting environment. Zoo campers will spend their day surrounded by more than 1,300 animals from around the world.
The Zoo offers full-day and half-day programs ranging from one to three weeks in length in June, July and August. All programs are targeted to specific age groups.
Zoo Camp Information:
- Snacks are provided for half-day camps and after-camps. Full-day campers should bring a bag lunch that does not need refrigeration or heating. Children should not bring money, valuables or toys, unless specified by the camp counselors.
- Trained camp counselors conduct programs with live animals throughout the program. Camper contact with animals is safe and supervised.
- The Zoo hosts two orientation events for families. Parents will receive information about this event prior to the start of camp.
- Please contact us regarding any special needs your child may have prior to registration so that we can assess which program is most appropriate. Aides are permitted; however arrangements must be made ahead of time by calling 215-243-5311.
Arrival and Pickup:
Campers not registered for the before-camp program must be dropped off no earlier than 8:50 a.m. Children must be dropped off and escorted to Summer Camp sign-in. Children must be picked up promptly after their camp day ends. A late charge of $5 per child will be assessed after the first 15 minutes. An additional $5 charge will be applied for each subsequent 15 minutes. Before-camp and after-camp are not available for half-day camps.
Registration Information:
Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. To reserve space for your child, a $50 per camper non-refundable deposit is required. For your convenience, registration and payment can be made online starting January 2, 2009 or by calling 215-243-5311.
Full payment, registration information, health forms, model release and behavior form must be received two weeks in advance of the start of camp or enrollment may be cancelled and your deposit forfeited. Please note, if paying by personal check, you must submit no later than three weeks prior to camp date. No refunds are available after the first day of camp.
Forms and registration materials may be sent to:
Philadelphia Zoo Summer Camp
Attn.: Rita Rios
3400 W. Girard Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19104-1196
or fax to: 215-243-5265 Attn.: Rita Rios, Summer Camps
The Zoo will send you a confirmation package that includes forms, what to bring, parking and drop-off information within two weeks of registration. Download our Frequently Asked Questions here.
Pending available funding, limited scholarships are offered for full-day camps. Applicants must send a letter of need along with current proof of income (1040 form, SSI letter or DPA form). Scholarship requests will not be considered without proper documentation. Scholarship requests (including the $50 deposit to reserve a space) must be submitted by April 17, 2009.
Please call Rita Rios at 215-243-5311 if you have questions regarding registration, dates and times. For general camp information, contact us at 215-243-5315 or camps@phillyzoo.org
For summer camp information for groups, please click here.