Zoo Summer Camp
welcome to the all-new zoo camp
This year, we've completely reimagined Zoo Camp to bring our campers an unforgettable summer experience!
Each week offers a brand-new theme tailored to your camper's age group, ensuring fresh adventures, exciting activities, and unique animal encounters every time. Whether you're signing up for a single week or the entire summer, every day is designed to inspire curiosity and ignite a love for wildlife and conservation.
GET READY FOR THE WILDEST SUMMER YET!
FREQUENT ASKED QUESTIONS
What does a camp day look like?
- 8:00 Group announcements/clean up stations
- 8:30 Lessons/Group games/Zoo Exploration
- 11:00 Lunch
- 11:30 Animal ambassadors
- 11:45 Lesson/group Games/Zoo Exploration
- 1:30 pick up in the circle drive
What should my camper bring to camp?
- Refillable water bottle
- Lunch that doesn’t have to be refrigerated or heated that includes items your camper can open
- Closed-toed shoes such as tennis shoes
- Comfortable clothing that is breathable and activity appropriate
- Campers may wear hats if desired
- Apply sunscreen and/or bug repellant to your camper prior to drop off. Zoo staff is not be able to apply either for your camper.
- Leave toys, watches, and other electronics at home. We would hate for them to get lost or damaged.
What should my camper wear to camp?
Campers should dress in clothing appropriate for being outdoors most of the day. Close-toed shoes are required.
What age camp do I register my child for?
Starting this year, camps are determined by a child’s age, not their grade. Please register your child based on their age as of June 8th, 2025.
When does camp start?
Each session of camp runs Monday through Friday 8:00am – 1:30pm.Â
Monday: Gate A park and walk up to pick up hangtag and confirm registration beginning at 7:30am. Tables will be set up on the sidewalk according to age. Adults will not be allowed to enter the gate for the protection of our campers.
Tuesday- Friday: Gate A drive-up drop off starting at 7:45am. Adults will remain in the vehicle and campers will be assisted out of the vehicle by staff or Zoo Teens and escorted inside.
When is pick-up and drop-off?
Camp will run Monday- Friday
8:00am – 1:30pm
Monday: Gate A park and walk up to pick up hangtag and confirm registration beginning at 7:30am. Tables will be set up on the sidewalk according to age. Adults will not be allowed to enter the gate for the protection of our campers.
Tuesday- Friday: Gate A drive-up drop off starting at 7:45am. Adults will remain in the vehicle and campers will be assisted out of the vehicle by staff or Zoo Teens and escorted inside.
The camp I want is full, how do I get on the waitlist?
If the camp you were wanting is full, you will need to put your camper on the waitlist. ONce registration has closed, we will look at numbers and any cancellations and see if campers from the waitlist can be added to the classes. You will be notified by email if your camper is eligible to be registered.
To join the waitlist fill out the form here: 5-11 Year Olds: Waitlist; 12-13 Year Olds: Waitlist
I have a pre-schooler that wants to attend camp, do you offer a camp for them?
Unfortunately campers must be at least five years old to attend camp. Consider signing up for the Zoo Tots with your pre-schooler!
Can I reschedule my camp session?
Please contact Education at 325-676-6487 to reschedule your camp session. Please note there is a $25 rescheduling fee per camper per change if made within two weeks of your camp date. Space is limited and we cannot guarantee space availability in your requested camp session.
My child missed a camp session, can I get a refund?
Unfortunately refunds will not be issued for missed sessions.
Can I cancel and get a refund?
If you must reschedule your Zoo Camp session, there is a $25 rescheduling fee per camper per change if made within two weeks of the camp date.
Cancelations/Refunds will be refunded the full amount minus a $75 processing fee if requested at least 8 calendar days prior to camp week. Cancellations/Refunds requested 7 calendar days or less prior to camp week will not receive a refund.
Who do I contact for help or questions?
Please contact the education office by phone at 325-676-6487 or by email at zoo.education@abilenetx.gov
How will parents and guardians get updates?
We will be adding a camp specific fb page this year! Sign up for access to receive updates, pictures, and summaries of how the day went. This page is private, and only the adults of campers that are attending camp that week will have access. We will also post general updates and changes to the general Abilene zoo web page and socials. Zoo staff will also utilize email and phone calls if needed.
What happens in the event of severe weather?
If the Zoo is open, camp is open. If we have inclimate weather, activities will be moved inside and we will follow our inclimate weather schedule. If the weather becomes a safety issue and needs to be cancelled, we will post on the website and all abilene zoo social media outlets to keep you updated.
Sponsored By
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Abilene Zoo Summer Camp operates under a Single Skill Exemption from the Texas Department of Health and Human Services.
Need help?
Contact zoo.education@abilenetx.gov or call 325-676-6487
