Santa Barbara Zoo

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. Zoo Camp scholarships are available.

This year Zoo Camp is better than ever, with new and unique programming including Down on the Farm, California Frontier, The Golden State Adventure and Expedition Eureka that focus on our new California Trails exhibits as well as many favorites from years past. Each adventure is age-appropriate and filled with behind-the-scenes tours, up-close animal encounters, educational activities, crafts, games, and FUN!
This camp is for children ages 3 - entering 7th grade.
2009 dates: June 22 - August 21

Standard day 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Members: $185/week*, 3 weeks for $530
Non-Members : $210/week*

Extended day 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Members: $245/week*, 3 weeks for $710
Non-Members: $279/week*
* 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.

Register online for Summer Zoo Camp! A credit card or check and an active email address are required for online registration.

Referral Discount!
Refer a friend and save! Families who refer a new** camper to Zoo Camp receive $50 off one week of camp!

(New** refers to campers who have not attended Zoo Camp since 2004. Referral does not include family members. Families must indicate the referee or referrer at time of registration for the discount to apply. Refunds will be issued during week nine of Zoo camp and are not valid if either party cancels.)

Discovery Camp (for Campers ages 3, 4, and 5 this summer)

NEW! 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.

Imagine! (Weeks 2, 5, 8) Explore the world of animals by using your imagination. Through role playing, group games, interactive story time, and lots of fun, a new world will open before your child's eyes while they learn about their favorite animals. Where can your imagination take you?

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.

Summer Safari (for Campers entering 1st or 2nd grade this fall)

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.

NEW! 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.

Magizoology (Weeks 3, 6, 9) Whether you’re just starting out or a magician apprentice at heart, your magizoological adventure will commence. We will learn about magical beasts, mystical lands, and the special potions that wizards and scientists use to create explosive outcomes! This week is sure to be full of excitement and enchantment.

Zoo Cadets (for Campers entering 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade this fall)

NEW! 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.

Animal Myth-testers (Weeks 3, 6, 9) How many feet does a millipede really have? Do toads give you warts? Campers will choose their favorite animal myths to test and create experiments designed to learn the truth behind them and discover for themselves what is fact and fiction.

Wildlife Academy (for Campers entering 6th or 7th grade this fall)

How do you Zoo? (Weeks 1, 4, 7) Be the Director and find out! Discover what it takes to create and run a world-class Zoo from the experts, the staff of the Santa Barbara Zoo. Working together campers will plan, build, and run a Zoo they create, experiencing the many rewards and challenges involved along the way.

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! Expedition Eureka (Weeks 3, 6, 9) "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.

The Zoo offers a Winter Zoo Camp during the school break: join us for some wild Winter 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.
2009 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.
2010 Dates: TBD