2010 dates: June 21 - August 20
Register online for Zoo Camp!
Voted "best summer camp" by both Independent and Santa Barbara News-Press readers' polls, Zoo Camp’s back and better than ever, with new and unique programming including Zoo Stars, Animal Transformers, Z.S.I.: Santa Barbara (Zoo Science Investigation), and Photo Safari (with an overnight with its own private animal photo shoot), as well as many favorites from years past. Each adventure is age-appropriate and filled with behind-the-scenes tours, private up-close animal encounters, educational activities, crafts, games, and FUN!.
For children ages 3* - 12 years old.
* All children must be completely toilet-trained and need no assistance in the bathroom.
Standard Day 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
SB Zoo Members: $185/week; $530/three weeks (save $25!)
Non-members: $225/week
Extended Day 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
SB Zoo Members: $245/week; $710/three weeks (save $25!)
Non-members: $298/week
New! Lunch Package
Add lunch to your camper's day! Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are available.
$40/week
Register online for Zoo Camp!
* Wildlife Academy: Jr. Zoo Crew includes one sleepover at the Zoo and is $235/week ($295/week extended day) for Zoo Members and $295/week ($364/week extended day) for non-members.
Discovery Camp (for Campers ages 3 - 5)
Down on the Farm (Weeks 1, 4, 7)
Duckies, piggies, and sheep, oh my!!! Campers will experience the joys of living on a farm with fun games, interactive story time and working with our barnyard buddies. Meanwhile they will discover different animal homes, learn about body parts, and explore the senses.
New! Zoo Stars (Weeks 2, 5, 8)
Be the star of a wild animal show. Join us on an exciting adventure of imagination, creation and play as we celebrate animals and their many differences. Your child will have tons of fun starring in their own show, creating animal puppets and much more.
Your California Backyard (Weeks 3, 6, 9)
Take a trip on the wild side…in your own backyard! Plenty of interesting animals share our streets, streams, and parks, though they are often overlooked. This week is a fun-filled introduction to your wild neighbors.
Register online for Zoo Camp!
Summer Safari (for Campers ages 6 - 8)
Animal Zooper Heroes (Weeks 1, 4, 7)
Spiderman, Catwoman, and The Porcupine? Investigate the world of super heroes, and villains, that have an animal flare. Discover what special abilities are animal fact and what is just comic book lore! Campers will choose their own animal super power as they struggle for survival in the real world of Animal Zooper Heroes.
California Frontier (Weeks 2, 5, 8)
Into the Wild West we go! Whether it's out on the plains or home on the range, if your child seeks adventure they'll be in the right place. We will be motoring west in search of the wild animals from California. Throughout our fun-filled adventure, we will uncover camouflage masters, discover different types of eaters, and much more.
New! Animal Transformers (Weeks 3, 6, 9)
Discover the world of Animal Transformers at summer camp. Unveil the mysteries of metamorphosis. Venture beyond what you already know about frogs and butterflies as we explore many shape-shifting animals.
Register online for Zoo Camp!
Zoo Cadets (for Campers ages 9 - 10)
The Golden State Adventure (Weeks 1, 4, 7)
There's gold in these mountains, and we're going to find it. This week your child will discover what it took to travel west in search for gold, including crossing different habitats, enduring the weather, and encountering wild animals!
Ick…That's Gross! (Weeks 2, 5, 8)
Challenge your senses as we investigate the slimy, stinky, and delightfully disgusting side of zoo science. Campers will create their own snot, become certified dung detectives and discover “What’s that Smell?,” as they gain a better appreciation and understanding of all things gross.
New! Z.S.I (Zoo Science Investigators): Santa Barbara (Weeks 3, 6, 9)
Have you ever wondered how birds migrate from one end of the world to the other without getting lost? Or how condors can eat rotten meat without getting sick? Or how geckos can stick onto just about any surface? This week your child will explore the world of animal science and conduct their own explosive experiments just like a real scientist.
Register online for Zoo Camp!
Wildlife Academy (for Campers ages 11 - 12)
Expedition Eureka (Weeks 1, 4, 7)
"Eureka! We've found it!" Did you know we can learn about the animals around us by searching for what they left behind? Throughout the week we will spend a day with the Chumash, learn about the powers of observation and conservation, and explore the wonders of Native California.
Jr. Zoo Crew - includes an overnight at the Zoo (Weeks 2, 5, 8)
Experience what it’s like to be a Zookeeper by going behind the scenes to work with the Keepers! Each day we explore a different aspect of modern zookeeping including cleaning an exhibit, designing enrichment for the animals, learning about veterinary medicine, and so much more. This camp includes an overnight and early morning experience at the Zoo.
New! Photo Safari - includes an overnight at the Zoo (Weeks 3, 6, 9)
Pack your canteen, compass and of course your camera. Its time to go on a wild photo safari. During this week your child will develop some of the basic skills needed for animal photography. Campers will venture into the night on our overnight experience where they will enjoy their own private animal photo shoot.
Register online for Zoo Camp!
Join us for some wild Winter Break fun!
2010 Dates TBD.
The Zoo offers a Spring Zoo Camp during the school break: join us for some wild Spring Break fun! Campers will enjoy learning about the Zoo's animals through games, crafts, up-close animal encounters, and behind-the-scenes tours. For children ages 3 - 9.
2011 Dates: TBD
The Santa Barbara Zoo's award-winning Adventure Camps introduce kids to the wild world of animals and science.
Age-appropriate themed programs include games, teacher-led workshops, behind-the-scenes visits, up-close animal introductions, hands-on science, and crafts.