Registration Details
Get ready for Summer Safari Camp 2026!
Member Registration General RegistrationWaitlist
*As of 3/11, all camps are sold out except:
- Seventh Grade Weeklong camp – Animal Conservation (limited spaces remain)
- Tenth-Twelfth Grade Weeklong camp – Animal Welfare Workshop
Summer day camps are by the grade level your child will enter in fall 2026, and programs repeat weekly. Day camps will be available during the weeks of June 16 through Aug. 18.
We offer Teen Volunteer Opportunities for teens ages 15 through 17 to join us as Counselors-in-Training (CIT). Applications to become a CIT for 2026 will open in March.
See the Summer Camp tab below for camp descriptions, pricing and dates each program is offered throughout the season.
Before registering for camp programs, please review the information below:
- Camp purchases are not refundable. All requests to cancel or transfer to another week must be sent to [email protected] and are not guaranteed.
- Children must be registered for camp levels corresponding to the school grade they will enter in fall 2026 for Summer Safari Camp. Registrations for the incorrect camp level may be canceled.
- Campers will spend the majority of their day outdoors during Summer Safari Camp. Campers will spend time both outdoors and indoors during Winter Safari Camp. Please have your camper dress for the weather, rain or shine. During severe weather, campers will be brought indoors until it is safe to return outside.
- For the health and safety of all campers and staff, please keep your child home if they show signs of illness including fever, cough or any other symptoms that may indicate a contagious condition. If your child is unable to attend camp due to illness, please reach out to camp directors via email. If space allows, we may be able to accommodate a transfer to another week, but it is not guaranteed.
- Information on the camp behavior, weather, late drop-off/early-pickup policies, extended care, medical and accommodations, and additional FAQs can be found at the bottom of the webpage. By registering for camp, caregivers acknowledge that they and their child will follow camp policies below and Zoo Education policies at dzoodev.wpenginepowered.com/terms-of-use/.
- Please note: For the safety and well-being of our campers and animals, youth do not handle or clean up after the animals. A variety of other engaging activities will increase understanding and appreciation toward wildlife and wild places.
Questions? Email us at [email protected].
Safari Camp provides campers with fundamental experiences that create meaningful connections between people, animals, and the natural world so all can thrive. By engaging campers in project-based learning, STEAM activities and inquiry projects that utilize the Zoo’s unique habitats, they develop skills to advocate for stewardship of wildlife and wild spaces and ignite positive change for animals and nature.
Weeklong camp programs run Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., except half-day Kindergarten programs that run either 9 a.m. – noon or 1 – 4 p.m., depending on the selected week. Camp programs are the same weekly and are offered throughout the summer.
Two-day camp programs run two consecutive days, each from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Zoo Engineers and Zoo Art are different programs than weeklong camps.
Before registering for camp programs, please review the information below:
- Children must be registered for camp levels corresponding to the school grade they are entering in Fall of 2025 for Summer Safari Camp, or grade they are currently in for Winter Safari Camp. Registrations for the incorrect camp level may be canceled.
- Camp purchases are not refundable. You may email to be added to the transfer request list should you need to change program dates and if space becomes available, but it is not guaranteed, and a refund will not be given if we do not transfer your registration.
- Children must be registered for Summer Safari Camp levels corresponding to the school grade they are entering in Fall 2025. Registrations for the incorrect camp level may be canceled.
- Campers will spend the majority of their day outdoors during Summer Safari Camp. Please have your camper dress for the weather, rain or shine. During severe weather, campers will be brought indoors until it is safe to return outside.
- Please note: For the safety and well-being of our campers and animals, youth do not handle or clean up after the animals. A variety of other engaging activities will increase understanding and appreciation toward wildlife and wild places.
Camp directors can be reached at [email protected] for questions or if you have additional details to share with us about your camper.
Camp directors can be reached at [email protected] for questions or if you have additional details to share with us about your camper.
Week-long Zookeeper Camps
Grades K-12
9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (except half-day Kindergarten)
Zookeeper Camps are immersive, full-day, weeklong camps introducing campers to the needs of animals and the complexities of animal care. Campers will have the opportunity to explore all types of animals and learn about their health, behavior, nutrition and well-being by visiting habitats of the Zoo’s residents throughout the week. Each camp incorporates elements of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics), focusing on their camp’s theme through inquiry activities, art projects, learning labs and games. All campers receive a morning and afternoon snack each day and one Safari Camp T-shirt. During the week, each group has at least one special opportunity to either talk with a zookeeper at a habitat or behind-the-scenes tour, as well as an exciting ride on the carousel, train, or seeing a 4-D Theater show.
Photos taken by staff will highlight the activities and experiences at camp and be posted on a private website shared with the camper’s caregiver by email the week following camp. The photos are intended to spark conversation between the campers and their families as they talk about their camp experience.
The cost listed is for one selected full week of camp.
‘Sense-ational’ Animals
½ Day Kindergarten
Offered weeks:
AM Camps (9 a.m.-noon): July 6-10, Aug. 3-7
PM Camps (1-4 p.m.): June 22-26, July 13-17, July 20-24, July 27-31
During this half-day, weeklong camp, rising kindergarteners have the opportunity to sense the world as animals do as they explore their own five senses. Campers create a self-portrait where they take on their favorite animals’ eyes, ears, mouth, nose, and hands. They will have fun learning about sight, sound, taste, smell and touch through hikes, crafts and activities. Campers design their own animal puppet and film a clip introducing their new friend to share with their families!
Cost: Members $190, Regular $220
World Travelers
Full Day Kindergarten
Offered weeks: June 22-26, June 29-July 3, July 6-10, July 13-17, July 20-24, July 27-31, Aug. 3-7, Aug. 10-14
Grab your passport and get ready to go! During this full-day, weeklong camp for children entering kindergarten, campers will have the opportunity to learn about animals from all over the world without leaving the Zoo! Their travels will be documented with photos to create a souvenir map and a twist puzzle with the different animals they visit. Throughout the week, campers will keep a passport journal where they highlight adaptations that animals have to live in their natural habitats while practicing early literacy skills.
Cost: Members $380, Regular $410
Junior Zookeeper
First Grade
Offered weeks: June 22-26, June 29-July 3, July 6-10, July 13-17, July 20-24, July 27-31, Aug. 3-7, Aug. 10-14
Campers entering first grade learn the basics: food, water, shelter and space needs of animals and how zookeepers care for the animals who live at the Detroit Zoo. Campers explore and study the expansive and naturalistic animal habitats throughout the Zoo, documenting the diversity of the environments they see as well as the creative design that goes into signs that share and teach about the animals. Campers build a mini habitat with all the elements they learn are needed to care for living things and complete it with a sign of their own!
Cost: Members $380, Regular $410
Feeding Frenzy
Second Grade
Offered weeks: June 22-26, June 29-July 3, July 6-10, July 13-17, July 20-24, July 27-31, Aug. 3-7, Aug. 10-14
It’s feeding time! Campers entering second grade spend the week learning about the wild diets of animals and how the Detroit Zoo animal care team works hard to replicate them at the Zoo. Campers will compare their own diets to the many animal residents here and have a special opportunity to work with animal care staff to help prepare a meal for the animals. To remember their experience long after the summer, campers will create a recipe book inspired by the animal diets they’ve explored and design a place setting to take home.
Cost: Members $380, Regular $410
Avian Adventure
Third Grade
Offered weeks: June 22-26, June 29-July 3, July 6-10, July 13-17, July 20-24, July 27-31, Aug. 3-7, Aug. 10-14
Campers entering third grade explore the many species of birds who live at the Detroit Zoo, as well as those who are native to Michigan. Campers practice observation skills throughout the week and document the birds they see across different habitats along with all the other animal residents. A behind-the-scenes experience with bird care staff allows campers to learn about the special tasks to ensure the birds at the Zoo thrive. Combining what they learn about adaptations and their imaginations, each camper designs their own bird species, its nest, eggs, and habitat elements. Campers also build a birdhouse for their backyards to continue observing birds for years to come.
Cost: Members $380, Regular $410
Herpetologist
Fourth Grade
Offered weeks: June 22-26, June 29-July 3, July 6-10, July 13-17, July 20-24, July 27-31, Aug. 3-7, Aug. 10-14
Campers entering fourth grade will focus their exploration at the Holden Reptile Conservation Center and the National Amphibian Conservation Center to learn more about species that the Zoo is helping to protect. In addition to exploring the whole Zoo, campers visit a behind-the-scenes area with reptile care staff to see how animal spaces are cleaned, food is prepped and spares are designed to look like natural habitats. The group collaborates to create a storybook to write and share a conservation-themed story. Each camper will receive a print and digital copy of the book they create to share with family and friends.
Cost: Members $380, Regular $410
Mammal Mania
Fifth Grade
Offered weeks: June 22-26, June 29-July 3, July 6-10, July 13-17, July 20-24, July 27-31, Aug. 3-7, Aug. 10-14
Campers entering fifth grade learn about the challenges and rewards of caring for the more than 40 mammal species at the Detroit Zoo. Throughout the week, campers will hear the stories of animals who were rescued and found a permanent home at the Zoo. The group meets with animal care staff to learn about the variety of ways mammals are cared for and fun, challenging enrichment that keeps animals thriving both physically and mentally. Using their newly gained insight, campers share information on their favorite animals in a recorded “zookeeper chat” to be shared with friends and family. To remember their experience, campers also construct a plaster statue of an animal.
Cost: Members $380, Regular $410
Design-A-Zoo
Sixth Grade
Offered weeks: June 22-26, June 29-July 3, July 13-17, July 27-31, Aug. 10-14
Campers entering sixth grade investigate the many considerations for building safe, naturalistic, and innovative habitats. This camp explores how habitat designers consider the needs of the animals and the animal care staff, alongside visitor expectations. Campers visit a behind-the-scenes area with animal care staff to see how the habitat is designed for some of the animals that live at the Zoo, getting inspiration to create their own habitats. Campers use their new knowledge to design and build a model habitat for an animal of their choice out of various art materials. Working as a team, campers will combine their individual habitats to build their own zoo and film a virtual tour of their creation to share with friends and family.
Cost: Members $380, Regular $410
Animal Conservation
Seventh Grade
Offered weeks: June 22-26, July 20-24, July 27-31, Aug. 3-7, Aug. 10-14
Campers entering seventh grade traverse the Zoo taking on the role of conservation scientists. They explore the important roles animals play in their ecosystem and impacts populations face, while considering the variety of actions they can take to help protect species. Campers will design an inquiry study as a group using field cameras by collecting and analyzing data and sharing their conclusions, just as conservation scientists do in the field to study animals and habitats. Campers go on a behind-the-scenes tour with animal care staff to see the spaces and conservation work done to help protect species that live at the Zoo and their wild populations. Each camper creates an action plan for a cause important to them and designs a unique logo to bring attention to their causes.
Cost: Members $380, Regular $410
Animal Behavior
Eigth Grade
Offered weeks: July 6-10, July 20-24
Rising eighth graders investigate the intriguing world of animal minds and learn the techniques animal care staff use to understand animal behavior. Campers consider how staff ensure animals feel safe and interested in their environments by practicing research methods of ethograms and habitat space use observations. Animal care staff meet with campers after they observe a training session to learn how Zoo animal residents can take an active role in their welfare. Through team and individual projects, campers use their creativity to design puzzle feeder inquiry and art projects, as well as create enrichment activities for animals at the Zoo.
Cost: Members $380, Regular $410
Animal Health
Ninth Grade
Offered weeks: July 13-17
Campers entering ninth or tenth grade focus on the science of veterinary medicine in a zoological setting. Behind the scenes at the Ruth Roby Animal Health Complex, campers learn how our talented vet staff address the health needs of the different animals living at the Zoo through X-rays, bloodwork, maintenance exams, nursery care and more. Campers are tasked with a mock case study for an animal patient, working together in a team to research, diagnose, and complete a procedure to provide the best care in their role as a zoo vet.
*This camp does not involve direct involvement in real animal procedures, but campers may have the opportunity to observe animal care staff during an animal exam or training session. Campers will experience a hospital-like setting at the Animal Health Complex and have multiple interactions with zookeepers and vet staff throughout the week.
Cost: Members $425, Regular $455
Animal Welfare Workshops
Tenth Grade
Offered weeks: July 13-17
This weeklong experience for high schoolers entering grades 10 through 12 offers the chance to dive into the field of animal wellbeing. Engaging with the tools used to evaluate and improve the lives of animals who reside at the Zoo, campers will learn from and alongside animal care and research staff. Campers will have the opportunity to explore career fields, build and share empathy for animals through group and individual inquiry and art projects, and take part in unique behind-the-scenes opportunities such as a habitat immersion experience and visiting the endocrinology lab.
*This camp does not involve direct involvement in real animal procedures, but campers have the opportunity to enter an unoccupied animal habitat for observation. Campers will observe and interact with animal care staff during enrichment and training sessions throughout the week.
Cost: Members $425, Regular $455
Two-day Camps
Grades K-6
9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Two-day camp experiences are offered June 16-17 or Aug. 17-18. The cost listed is for one selected two-day, full-day camp program.
Cost: Members $200, Regular $230
Zoo Vet
Offered dates: June 16-17, Aug. 17-18
Step into the shoes of a zoo veterinarian! During this two-day camp, youth explore the world of animals through important veterinary care that keeps animals healthy – from the tiniest frogs to the tallest giraffes. Campers will learn about ways that animals young and old are looked after to ensure they are healthy, as well as how animals learn to take a role to participate in their care. Discovering how animal care staff and vets observe behaviors, diagnose through X-rays and lab tests, treat and prevent illness for those who call the Zoo home, campers will participate in modeling care tasks and creating enrichment to provide a fun way for animals to stay physically and mentally healthy.
Extended Care
Busy schedules and work commitments don’t always work well with a 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. camp schedule. Take advantage of our early drop-off and late pick-up program to make Safari Camp work for you. Supervised by Safari Camp staff, campers enjoy games, activities, and stories. Registration for extended care is available to add on during camp registration. Availability is limited. Early Bird Care begins at 7:30 a.m. Late Owl Care ends at 5:30 p.m.
Winter Safari Camp 2025 – purchase covers both days of camp
Cost per camper:
Early Bird $35, Late Owl $35
Summer Safari Camp 2026 – purchase covers duration of camp week
Cost per camper:
Two-day camp week – Early Bird $35, Late Owl $35
Weeklong camp week – Early Bird $55, Late Owl $55
Camp Policies
Cancellation/Transfer
Camp purchases are not refundable. All requests to cancel or transfer to another week must be sent to [email protected] and are not guaranteed.
Behavior
Safari Camp Rules:
- Always stay with your group
- Respect the Zoo and each other (the Zoo includes all animals, plants, staff and their instructions, guests and materials)
- Have fun!
By registering for camp, caregivers acknowledge that their child must willingly enter the Zoo with their instructors and group each morning without their caregiver and follow camp rules and directions from the camp staff while at the Detroit Zoo. When a disciplinary problem occurs, campers are encouraged to choose to take a break or may be required to, where they are encouraged to reflect on their actions with the support of camp supervisors. However, actions that are severe or put the camper or others in danger may result in immediate dismissal from the program.
A disciplinary problem is defined as an action or behavior that hinders the flow of the program by requiring constant one-to-one staff attention, inflicting physical, verbal, or emotional harm on other campers or camp staff, or being unable to conform to the rules and guidelines of the program. We do not tolerate disrespectful behavior toward other campers, Zoo staff or other guests. Put downs, bullying or continued disruptions to the camp day may result in dismissal from camp.
Upon a disciplinary problem, a child may be removed from their camp for the day or the remainder of the camp program for their safety and the safety of other program participants, DZS staff, and the resident animals. In this case, the parent or emergency contacts will be notified to pick up the child immediately. No refunds will be given if your child is removed from the program due to a disciplinary problem.
Weather
In the case of inclement weather, all campers will be brought indoors. When lightning strikes within a 10-mile range, all groups will be instructed to take cover in the nearest approved shelter until cleared to return outdoors. Winter weather will be evaluated throughout the day and campers may spend shorter periods of time outdoors as wind-chill temperatures allow. Camp directors will provide instructions via radio or cell phone as conditions warrant. If inclement weather is anticipated during regular check-in or check-out times, camp will hold check-in/out in the Ford Education Center and this will be communicated to caregivers by email.
Illness
For the health and safety of all campers and staff, please keep your child home if they show signs of illness, including fever, cough, or any other symptoms that may indicate a contagious condition.
Campers experiencing any symptoms of illness not related to any current, non-communicable conditions (such as allergies or asthma) may not attend Safari Camp. The Detroit Zoo has security officers on grounds who respond to all minor and major medical issues. A licensed EMT is also on grounds for all days of the camp season and, along with security, will provide basic treatment as necessary.
If a camper becomes ill at camp, a caregiver/emergency contact will be called to pick up the camper early. The camper can return to camp that week when feeling well provided they do not have any symptoms listed above.
Late Drop Off/Early Pickup
If you arrive late, please locate security at the Member’s Entrance or call the Zoo at (248) 541-5717. Please remain with your camper until they have been checked in by camp staff.
If your child has a conflict and requires an early pickup on a day of camp, please notify camp directors via email at [email protected] and share with camp instructors at check-in. Early pickup times must be before 3:30 p.m. Upon arrival, please locate Security or Zoo staff at the Member’s Entrance or call the Zoo at (248) 541-5717. Once admitted into the Zoo, please follow the path and wait in the Ford Education Center lobby. Campers will be escorted by a camp supervisor or director for sign-out. The adult picking up early must be listed as an authorized pickup person and present a photo ID to sign your camper out.
Accessibility & Accommodations
We strive to be an inclusive camp that provides a positive and memorable experience. Please contact our camp directors at [email protected] to discuss any accommodation details or share other support needs with us prior to camp so we can best support your child while at camp. Information can be shared with your child’s camp instructor to set both staff and your camper up for success.
At Safari Camp, all campers experience:
- Exploring the Zoo’s 125-acres, walking anywhere from one to three miles per day
- Spending up to three hours at a time outdoors in summer weather, permitting heat index safety, and spending time for art or activities in classroom studio spaces
- Visiting animal habitats or areas that may have a variety of smells, light, noise and temperature levels
- Using public restrooms that often have automatic flush toilets (must be able to do so independently)
- Learning together in a camper-only group, led by trained camp educators and other Zoo staff
If your child needs to attend camp with an aide, we welcome the support they need for a successful camp experience for an individual camper. Arrangements for this must be made in advance with camp directors. All care providers that attend camp must submit a background check form through the State of Michigan Camp Licensing portal. While camp staff are provided a variety of methods in inclusion and behavior management techniques, we are unable to provide one-on-one support for a camper with our camp staff.
Please contact us at [email protected] to discuss accommodation details or learn more about accessibility at camp.
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