Zoo Camp is full of fun and learning about the world of animals, nature, and science. A typical day of camp includes up-close animal encounters, Zoo expeditions, games, hands-on science projects, art experiences, and camp activities tailored to the age group and theme for each session.

We plan to spend as little time as possible in our classrooms. Weather permitting, we will spend the majority of our time outdoors exploring our parks and exhibits. Our brand new high-energy Wild Safari camp, a great option for kinesthetic learners, will spend the full day outdoors, utilizing our shaded outdoor classroom as home base.

Please be sure to apply sunscreen or bug spray each morning before camp. Camp staff will not be permitted to apply sunscreen or bug spray to campers. Also, send your camper to camp with a full, reusable water bottle to ensure your camper stays hydrated.

Each camp has one lead educator and two to four camp counselors depending on the age and size of the group.

Please dress your camper appropriately for the weather. We will be outside rain or shine, so rain gear may be needed. Please send your camper with closed-toe shoes. Each camper will receive one special camp t-shirt and they will be required to wear this shirt every day of camp as it increases visibility. Additional t-shirts can be purchased for $25 when you register or on the first or second day of camp.

Please send your camper to camp each day with a nut-free lunch, snack, and a full, refillable water bottle. Do not send any snacks or food containing peanuts or tree nuts, due to allergy concerns. Sharing of lunch or snack items is not permitted except amongst siblings.

WCS utilizes restorative practices across all of our camps. It empowers campers to grow socially and emotionally. More information about this approach will be sent out with camp materials.

Registration for camp will open to the general public February 2024.

Central Park Zoo Camps with the same name and title do not change week to week. Campers are not permitted to enroll in multiple weeks of the same Central Park Zoo Camp. The Wildlife Conservation Society has camps at four of our parks (Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, New York Aquarium, and Queens Zoo), and registering your camper for different camps at different parks is a great educational experience!

Campers of all ability levels are welcome at Zoo Camp. Together with caregivers, we strive to make camp accessible and inclusive to all children and we will work to provide accommodations to our camp programs to make them as accessible as we are able to. Our camp staff is not able to assist campers with toileting or medical needs, but if your camper needs toileting or medical support during our camp day, a professional care provider or approved student support specialist may attend camp with them. Please contact cpzeducation@wcs.org prior to camp to make arrangements.

Yes! We offer Zoo Fledglings camp for children ages 2 to 4 to attend with a caregiver, as well as our KinderZoo camp, for children entering Kindergarten in the fall.

Waitlist means we are currently full for that session. We encourage you to sign up for the waitlist as spots do open and we will try to fill that spot from our waitlist in the order they are listed.

All requests to cancel or reschedule must be submitted via email. Please include the camper's name, camp session, date, and the reason for cancellation.

Please email cpzeducation@wcs.org for more information.

We do not offer a multiple-child discount. We do offer a 10% discount to WCS Members and Donors.

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide transportation to and from camps.

Following registration for camp you will be able to complete all the necessary forms digitally (medical, camper pick-up, and photo-release forms as well as our liability waiver). These forms must be completed prior to your child's first day of camp in order to attend.

Please visit the Central Park Zoo Know Before You Go page to review park policies related to COVID-19.