Summer Camps
Summer Camps
We are excited to announce that in-person Zoo Camp will take place safely this summer!
Camps are selling out quickly and spaces are very limited this year.
Please register your child for no more than two sessions.
Member Registration NOW OPEN!
General Registration opens Monday, April 26 at 9 am.
To receive a camp scholarship, we recommend submitting your application before Member Registration begins on April 15. Applications received after the 15th will still be considered for any open spaces.
Download a Zoo Camp Scholarship Application.
Camps are divided into tiers by age groups instead of grade level. Each tier offers developmentally appropriate lessons and activities that encourage questioning and discovery to build connections to nature as they explore the zoo, aquariums and surrounding park spaces.
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium strives toward providing inclusive programs to all community members. People of all abilities are invited to consider registering for any program the Zoo has to offer, provided they meet the minimum eligibility requirements. We can usually build customized support to suit your needs. If you may need special assistance, please complete and submit this form after registering for the Summer Camp program.
Little Explorers, Ages 5-6
LITTLE EXPLORERS – SOLD OUT!
Who makes a nest and who digs a den? Do they leap, creep or fly? All animals live their lives in the way that suits them best. Go on adventures around the zoo and in the surrounding forest, listen to stories and enjoy playing in nature.
Dates: June 22-25, June 29-July 2, July 6-9, 13-16, 20-23, 27-30, August 3-6, 10-13, 17-20 (ALL DATES SOLD OUT)
Time: 9:15 am-3 pm
Price: $160 members, $170 non-members
Jr. Explorers, Ages 7-9
JR. EXPLORERS – SOLD OUT!
Why do animals do what they do? A beastly behavior may seem bizarre, but it may be the difference between life and death! As we explore the Zoo’s habitats and the surrounding forest, we’ll use our senses to explore the many wonders of wildlife and get to know some amazing animals.
Dates: July 5-9, July 26-30, August 2-6, August 23-27 (ALL DATES SOLD OUT)
Time: 9 am-3:15 pm
Price: $300 members, $325 non-members
JR. OCEAN EXPLORERS – SOLD OUT!
Journey through both of our amazing aquariums, visit the docks to collect and examine plankton, get to know our Rocky Shores residents, and carefully uncover organisms at the beach during low tide.
Dates: July 19-23 & August 9-13 (ALL DATES SOLD OUT)
Time: 9 am-3:15 pm
Price: $300 members, $325 non-members
Wild Explorers, Ages 9-12
WILD EXPLORERS
Walk on the wild side while learning about the animals and plants at the zoo and in the surrounding forest and gardens. On this expedition we’ll study how animals are adapted to their specific ecosystems while using scientific tools and techniques.
Dates: June 28-July 2, July 5-9, 26-30, August 2-6, 16-20, 23-27
Time: 8:45 am-3:30 pm
Price: $325 members, $350 non-members
WILD OCEAN EXPLORERS – SOLD OUT!
Take an ocean journey through both of our amazing aquariums, visit the docks to collect and examine plankton, get to know our Rocky Shores residents, and explore the beach at low tide.
Dates: July 19-23 & August 9-13 (ALL DATES SOLD OUT)
Time: 8:45 am-3:30 pm
Price: $325 members, $350 non-members
Zoo Camp, Ages 12-14
FUTURE ZOOKEEPERS – SOLD OUT!
Learn what it takes to become a zookeeper and care for the diverse group of animals that live here at Point Defiance. Study diet and nutrition, habitat design and maintenance and find out why enrichment is just as important for a small bird as it is for a large predator.
Dates: June 30-July 1 (ALL DATES SOLD OUT)
Time: 8:30 am-3:45 pm
Price: $150 members, $160 non-members
MARINE SCIENTISTS – SOLD OUT!
Get to know some local marine species while exploring the beach during low tide and collecting and examining microscopic plankton. Find out about some of the special skills and tools required to care for the aquarium and Rocky Shores residents, and hear about some of the challenges faced by marine life in the wild.
Dates: July 7-8 (ALL DATES SOLD OUT)
Time: 8:30 am-3:45 pm
Price: $150 members, $160 non-members
WILD PHOTOGRAPHERS- SOLD OUT!
Join experienced instructors to learn about and practice nature photography techniques while taking some wild photos at the zoo and the surrounding forest and gardens. Note: Students must provide their own digital camera (preferably other than a cell phone), memory card(s), and batteries.
Dates: July 28 (SOLD OUT)
Time: 8:30 am-3:45 pm
Price: $75 members, $85 non-members
CONSERVATION CREW – SOLD OUT!
Experience the zoo, surrounding forest and gardens through the eyes of a field biologist. Learn scientific techniques for studying wildlife, use modern technology to track species, and practice observing and recording animal behavior. Find out how these practices help to support wildlife conservation.
Dates: Aug 11-12 (ALL DATES SOLD OUT)
Time: 8:30 am-3:45 pm
Price: $150 members, $160 non-members
Zoo Camp, Ages 14-17
FUTURE ZOOKEEPERS
Learn what it takes to become a zookeeper and care for the diverse group of animals that live here at Point Defiance. Study diet and nutrition, habitat design and maintenance and find out why enrichment is just as important for a small bird as it is for large predator.
Dates: July 14-15
Time: 8:30 am-3:45 pm
Price: $150 members, $160 non-members
MARINE SCIENTISTS- SOLD OUT!
Get to know some local marine species while exploring the beach during low tide and collecting and examining microscopic plankton. Find out about some of the special skills and tools required to care for the aquarium and Rocky Shores residents, and hear about some of the challenges faced by marine life in the wild.
Dates: July 21-22 (SOLD OUT)
Time: 8:30 am-3:45 pm
Price: $150 members, $160 non-members
WILD PHOTOGRAPHERS
Join experienced instructors to learn about and practice nature photography techniques while taking some wild photos at the zoo and the surrounding forest and gardens. Note: Students must provide their own digital camera (preferably other than a cell phone), memory card(s), and batteries.
Dates: August 4
Time: 8:30 am-3:45 pm
Price: $75 members, $85 non-members
CONSERVATION CREW
Experience the zoo, surrounding forest and gardens through the eyes of a field biologist. Learn scientific techniques for studying wildlife, use modern technology to track species, and practice observing and recording animal behavior. Find out how these practices help to support wildlife conservation.
Dates: Aug 18-19
Time: 8:30 am-3:45 pm
Price: $150 members, $160 non-members
