Summer camps
Best Summer Fun ever
Perfect for budding scientists, artists, explorers, and photographers, Zoo Summer Camps offer something for everyone!
All Registration NOW OPEN and selling out fast! (Check individual grade section.)
Choose Your adventure
Pre-K Graduates
For current and graduate preschoolers (ages 4-5). Max. 12 kids/session.
NOTE: ALL CAMPS SOLD OUT.
Sharks and Friends (NEW!)
One fish, two fish, sharks, and rays! Learn about fish and the fantastic ways that they live their lives in the sea.
June 24-25: 9am-12pm (SOLD OUT)
Aug. 5-6: 9am-12pm (SOLD OUT)
Aug. 19-20: 9am-12pm (SOLD OUT)
Animal Homes
A home can be underground, up in a tree, or under a rock. Learn about how animals from around the world find, build, or share their homes.
June 27-28: 9am-12pm (SOLD OUT)
July 18-19: 9am-12pm (SOLD OUT)
Aug. 1-2: 9am-12pm (SOLD OUT)
Aug. 15-16: 9am-12pm (SOLD OUT)
Buggin’ Out (NEW!)
Connect with animals that some would call creepy, but are really just cool! Meet interesting insects and awesome arachnids and learn to appreciate these amazing creatures.
July 15-16: 9am-12pm (SOLD OUT)
July 29-30: 9am-12pm (SOLD OUT)
Aug. 12-13: 9am-12pm (SOLD OUT)
Tidepool Boogie (NEW!)
Sea stars and urchins and anemones, oh my! Find out about these animals, crabs, shrimp, and more in our new SEA Lab and Tidal Touch Zone in the Pacific Seas Aquarium.
June 20-21: 9am-12pm (SOLD OUT)
Aug. 8-9: 9am-12pm (SOLD OUT)
Aug. 22-23: 9am-12pm (SOLD OUT)
Fluffy Friends (NEW!)
Why are some animals covered in feathers and fur and others are covered with scales and slime? Meet some of our furred and feathered friends at the Zoo for the answers.
June 24-25: 1-4pm (SOLD OUT)
July 29-30: 1-4pm (SOLD OUT)
Aug. 12-13: 1-4pm (SOLD OUT)
Movin’ and Groovin’
Swim like a stingray, leap like a lemur, and meander like a millipede in this fun and exciting adventure learning about all the ways animals move.
June 20-21: 1-4pm (SOLD OUT)
June 27-28: 1-4pm (SOLD OUT)
Aug. 1-2: 1-4pm (SOLD OUT)
Animal ABCs (NEW!)
From aardvarks to zebra sharks, all animals are amazing! Is there an animal for every letter in the alphabet? You’ll find out as you meet some animals that are big, small, short, and tall.
June 18-19: 1-4pm (SOLD OUT)
July 8-9: 1-4pm (SOLD OUT)
July 15-16: 1-4pm (SOLD OUT)
Aug. 5-6: 1-4pm (SOLD OUT)
Super Sea Stars (NEW!)
They are spiny, squishy, flippered and finned, but most of all they are spectacular! Learn why animals that live in the sea are super.
July 11-12: 1-4pm (SOLD OUT)
July 18-19: 1-4pm (SOLD OUT)
Aug. 8-9: 1-4pm (SOLD OUT)
Aug. 15-16: 1-4pm (SOLD OUT)
Kindergarten Graduates
For kindergarten graduates. Max. 12 kids/session.
Just Like Me
Lots of animals have eyes, ears, and noses just like we do, but we might have more in common with other members of the animal kingdom than we know. Learn about all the ways we are alike!
June 26-28: 9am-12pm (SOLD OUT)
Aug. 7-9: 9am-12pm
Feeding Frenzy
What is your favorite thing to eat? The animals at the Zoo have favorite foods too! Meet some animals, find out what they eat in the wild and at the zoo.
June 19-21: 9am-12pm
July 10-12: 9am-12pm (SOLD OUT)
July 24-26: 9am-12pm
Things with Wings (NEW!)
Birds, bats, and bugs all fly, but do you know why? Uncover the mystery of how they use their wings to find food, shelter, and other flying friends.
July 31-Aug. 2: 9am-12pm
Aug. 21-23: 9am-12pm
Zoomagination
How does it feel to be a polar bear living in the cold arctic? What does a meerkat see burrowing underground? Activate your imagination and think about what it’s like to be different animals in the zoo.
July 15-17: 1-4pm
Aug. 5-7: 1-4pm
Fur, Feathers, Scales and Slime (NEW!)
Are feathers just for flying? Why are some animals scaly and others slimy? Does all fur feel the same? Discover the answers and meet some special animals.
June 24-26: 1-4pm (SOLD OUT)
July 29-31: 1-4pm (SOLD OUT)
Aug. 12-14: 1-4pm (SOLD OUT)
Ocean Commotion (NEW!)
From snails to sea lions, octopuses to otters, sea life is amazing. Imagine living life in ocean as you see sharks, wonder about wolf-eels and peer at puffins.
July 8-10: 1-4pm (SOLD OUT)
July 22-24: 1-4pm (SOLD OUT)
Aug. 19-21: 1-4pm (SOLD OUT)
1st & 2nd grade graduates
For 1st & 2nd grade graduates. Max. 15 kids/session.
NOTE: ALL CAMPS SOLD OUT.
Creature Features
What do fish, birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians have in common? How are they different? Meet animals from each of these groups and find out what they might have in common with you.
June 24-28: 9am-12:30pm (SOLD OUT)
Aug. 5-9: 9am-12:30pm (SOLD OUT)
Aug. 19-23: 9am-12:30pm (SOLD OUT)
Ocean Odyssey
Explore the amazing undersea world in this marine-themed camp adventure. Feel shark skin, see fish being fed, explore Owen Beach at low tide and meet our magnificent marine mammals.
July 15-19: 9am-12:30pm (SOLD OUT)
July 29-Aug. 2: 9am-12:30pm (SOLD OUT)
Aug. 12-16: 9am-12:30pm (SOLD OUT)
Wacky Wildlife (NEW!)
Wacky and weird is where it’s at! Which animals have the strangest adaptations for survival? You decide!
July 8-12: 9am-12:30pm (SOLD OUT)
July 22-26: 9am-12:30pm (SOLD OUT)
Beastly Behaviors (NEW!)
Why do animal do what they do? A beastly behavior may seem bizarre, but it may be the difference between life and death.
June 24-28: 1-4:30pm (SOLD OUT)
July 29-Aug. 2: 1-4:30pm (SOLD OUT)
Aug. 19-23: 1-4:30pm (SOLD OUT)
Born to be Wild (NEW!)
What does it mean to be wild? Meet tigers, seals, eagles and more in the zoo, then take the adventure into the wilds of Point Defiance Park.
July 15-19: 1-4:30pm (SOLD OUT)
Aug. 5-9: 1-4:30pm (SOLD OUT)
Animal Athletes
Animals are amazing athletes– discover just how great they are, and how they compare to human athletes!
July 8-12: 1-4:30pm (SOLD OUT)
July 22-26: 1-4:30pm (SOLD OUT)
Aug. 12-16: 1-4:30pm (SOLD OUT)
ALL DAY CAMP
Happenin’ Habitats
What is a habitat? Take a journey around the world in the zoo to explore six different types of habitats and the animals that live there.
July 1-3: 9am-4:30pm (SOLD OUT)
3rd & 4th grade graduates
For 3rd & 4th grades graduates. Max. 15 kids/session.
Excellent Ecosystems
Explore tropical rainforest, temperate forest, desert, tundra, and marine ecosystems and discover how animals survive in each.
July 15-19: 9am-12:30pm
July 29-Aug. 2: 9am-12:30pm
Aug. 12-16: 9am-12:30pm
Investigating Invertebrates (NEW!)
Some animals do just fine without a spine. Discover some of the unique ways that jellyfish, octopuses, insects, spiders and crabs stay alive.
July 8-12: 9am-12:30pm (SOLD OUT)
July 22-26: 9am-12:30pm (SOLD OUT)
Animal Grossology
Spend a week learning about the wacky, wild, crazy, yucky, and gross biology of the animal kingdom!
June 24-28: 1-4:30pm (SOLD OUT)
July 29-Aug. 2: 1-4:30pm (SOLD OUT)
Caring for Creatures (NEW!)
Learn what we do to take care of animals here at the zoo and in the wild. Find out about the importance of enrichment, take some behind the scenes tours and design your own exhibit.
July 8-12: 1-4:30pm (SOLD OUT)
July 22-26: 1-4:30pm (SOLD OUT)
August 12-16: 1-4:30pm (SOLD OUT)
What’s for Dinner?
It’s an eat-or-be-eaten life in the wild! Discover the challenges of being a predator and the risks of being prey. Find out about food webs and how each organism has an important role to play.
June 24-28: 9am-12:30pm (SOLD OUT)
ALL DAY CAMP
Marine Scene (NEW!)
In this all-day marine-themed camp you will explore both of our amazing aquariums, collect plankton to view under microscopes, get to know our Rocky Shores residents and explore the beach at low tide.
July 1-3: 9am-4:30pm (SOLD OUT)
5th-7th grade graduates
For 5th-7th graduates. Max. 15 kids/session.
NOTE: ALL CAMPS SOLD OUT.
Except: Wild Photographer and Wild Artist (members $160; non-members $175)
Wild Science (NEW!)
Venture out into the field and the Zoo to practice real scientific techniques for studying animals and their natural behaviors. You’ll collect and view plankton, look for bald eagles in the park, and learn about conservation.
July 8-12: 9am-12:30pm (SOLD OUT)
July 22-26: 9am-12:30pm(SOLD OUT)
Aug. 5-9: 9am-12:30pm (SOLD OUT)
If I Ran the Zoo
Discover how much fun (and work) running a zoo can be. Go on rounds, design an exhibit, and compete to create the best animal enrichment.
July 15-19: 1-4:30pm (SOLD OUT)
Aug. 5-9: 1-4:30pm (SOLD OUT)
Jr. Zookeeper
Explore what it’s like to be a zookeeper. Go behind the scenes, get some hands-on experience while learning about this exciting and challenging career.
July 8-12: 1-4:30pm (SOLD OUT)
July 22-26: 1-4:30pm (SOLD OUT)
Wild Artist
Art is wild! We’ll draw every day, learn new techniques, “capture” our favorite animals in artwork, and put on an art show.
Aug. 12-16: 1-4:30pm (SOLD OUT)
Wild Photographer
Learn how to take great digital pictures of animals. Enjoy special photo opportunities, make a mini-animal studio, and organize a photo show. Note: Students must provide their own digital cameras, memory card(s), and batteries.
July 15-19: 9am-12:30pm (SOLD OUT)
Aug. 12-16: 9am-12:30pm (SOLD OUT)
ALL DAY CAMP
Ocean Explorers
Visit Owen Beach for the best low tide of summer and uncover some intertidal organisms rarely seen the rest of the year. Collect microscopic plankton samples from the docks and explore the new Pacific Seas Aquarium.
July 1-3: 9am-4:30pm (SOLD OUT)
8th-11th grade graduates
For 8th-11th grade graduates. Max. number varies per session.
Except: Marine Biologist for a Week, which includes an Eye-to Eye shark dive (members $210; non-members $225)
Jr. Veterinarian
Max. 10 teens/session.
Thinking of becoming a veterinarian or veterinary technician? Explore the medical side of the zoo and learn what it takes to be a zoo doctor and how they take special care of the animals.
July 15-19: 1-4:30pm (SOLD OUT)
Aug. 5-9: 1-4:30pm (SOLD OUT)
Wild Researcher
Max. 6 teens/session.
Explore field biology by using the Zoo and Point Defiance Park as your personal laboratory. Learn scientific techniques, use modern technology to track species and practice observing and recording animal behavior at various exhibits .
June 24-28: 1-4:30pm
July 29-Aug. 2: 1-4:30pm (SOLD OUT)
Keeper for a Week
Max. 6 teens/session.
Scoop poop, prepare animal diets, and visit some behind the scenes areas as you discover all of the fun (and work) of life as a zookeeper.
June 24-28: 9am-12:30pm (SOLD OUT)
August 5-9: 9am-12:30pm (SOLD OUT)
Aug. 19-23: 9am-12:30pm
Marine Biologist for a Week
Max. 5 teens/session.
Spend time with the sharks, prepare food for tropical fish, and meet marine mammal trainers in this one-of-a-kind career exploration. At the end of the week you’ll join our scuba dive team to come eye-to-eye with the sharks in the South Pacific Aquarium. Get detailed information about our cage dives.
July 15-19: 9am-12:30pm (SOLD OUT)
July 29- Aug. 2: 9am-12:30pm (SOLD OUT)
Aug. 12-16: 9am-12:30pm (SOLD OUT)
Teen Wild Photographer
Max. 15 teens/session.
Learn how to take great digital photos through behind-the-scenes access and animal close encounters. Then participate in your own photo exhibition! Note: Students must provide their own digital cameras, memory card(s) and batteries.
July 8-12: 9am-12:30pm
July 22-26: 9am-12:30pm (create an all-day adventure with Teen Wild Artist 1-4:30pm)
Teen Wild Artist (NEW!)
Max. 15 teens/session.
Art is wild! We’ll draw every day, learn new techniques, “capture” our favorite animals in artwork, and put on an art show.
July 22-26: 1-4:30pm (create an all-day adventure with Teen Wild Photographer 9am-12:30pm)
All-Day Adventures
Combine programs for an ALL-DAY experience. Please provide a sack lunch for your child. We’ll provide lunchtime supervision.
SEE INDIVIDUAL GRADE SECTION for availability and registration.
1st-2nd grade graduates
June 24-28: Creature Features and Beastly Behaviors
July 1-3: Happenin’ Habitats (3-day, all day camp)
July 8-12: Wacky Wildlife and Animal Athletes
July 15-19: Ocean Odyssey and Born to be Wild
July 22-26: Wacky Wildlife and Animal Athletes
July 29-Aug. 2: Ocean Odyssey and Beastly Behaviors
Aug. 5-9: Creature Features and Born to be Wild
Aug. 12-16: Ocean Odyssey and Animal Athletes
Aug. 19-23: Creature Features and Beastly Behaviors
3rd-4th grade graduates
June 24-28: What’s for Dinner? and Animal Grossology
July 1-3: Marine Scene (3-day, all day camp)
July 8-12: Investigating Invertebrates and Caring for Creatures
July 22-26: Investigating Invertebrates and Caring for Creatures
July 29-Aug. 2: Excellent Ecosystems and Animal Grossology
Aug. 12-16: Excellent Ecosystems and Caring for Creatures
5th-7th grade graduates
July 1-3: Ocean Explorers (3-day, all day camp)
July 8-12: Wild Science and Jr. Zookeeper
July 15-19: Wild Photographer and If I Ran the Zoo
July 22-26: Wild Science and Jr. Zookeeper
Aug. 5-9: Wild Science and If I Ran the Zoo
Aug. 12-16: Wild Photographer and Wild Artist
8th-11th grade graduates
June 24-28: Keeper for a Week and Wild Researcher
July 15-19: Marine Biologist for a Week and Jr. Veterinarian
July 22-26: Wild Photographer and Wild Artist
July 29-Aug. 2: Marine Biologist for a Week and Wild Researcher
Aug. 5-9: Keeper for a Week and Jr. Veterinarian
Camp Information
All participants must submit a Participant Form before camp begins. (Bring it on the first day, or scan and email to reserve@pdza.org by the Thursday before camp begins.)
And please read our program policies – thank you!
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is a proud member of the Tacoma Summer Learning Collaborative, a new network of community organizations committed to providing summer learning opportunities for children and youth.
Contact reserve@pdza.org for additional information.