Summer camps

For current and graduate preschoolers (ages 4-5). Max. 12 kids/session.

• MEMBER REGISTRATION ($50)
• NON-MEMBER REGISTRATION ($55)

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
Aug. 5-6: 9am-12pm
Aug. 19-20: 9am-12pm

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
July 18-19: 9am-12pm
Aug. 1-2: 9am-12pm
Aug. 15-16: 9am-12pm

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
July 29-30: 9am-12pm
Aug. 12-13: 9am-12pm

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
Aug. 8-9: 9am-12pm
Aug. 22-23: 9am-12pm

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
July 29-30: 1-4pm
Aug. 12-13: 1-4pm

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
June 27-28: 1-4pm
Aug. 1-2: 1-4pm

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
July 8-9: 1-4pm
July 15-16: 1-4pm
Aug. 5-6: 1-4pm

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
July 18-19: 1-4pm
Aug. 8-9: 1-4pm
Aug. 15-16: 1-4pm

For kindergarten graduates. Max. 12 kids/session.

• MEMBER REGISTRATION ($75)
• NON-MEMBER REGISTRATION ($80)

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
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
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
July 29-31: 1-4pm
Aug. 12-14: 1-4pm

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
July 22-24: 1-4pm
Aug. 19-21: 1-4pm

For 1st & 2nd grade graduates. Max. 15 kids/session.

See main page for One-Day Camps on July 5th and 6th.

• MEMBER REGISTRATION ($135)
• NON-MEMBER REGISTRATION ($150)

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 (create an all-day adventure with Beastly Behaviors 1-4:30pm)
Aug. 5-9: 9am-12:30pm (create an all-day adventure with Born to be Wild 1-4:30pm)
Aug. 19-23: 9am-12:30pm (create an all-day adventure with Beastly Behaviors 1-4:30pm)

Ocean Odyssey (NEW!)

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 (create an all-day adventure with Born to be Wild 1-4:30pm)
July 29-Aug. 2: 9am-12:30pm (create an all-day adventure with Beastly Behaviors 1-4:30pm)
Aug. 12-16: 9am-12:30pm (create an all-day adventure with Animal Athletes 1-4:30pm)

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 (create an all-day adventure with Animal Athletes 1-4:30pm)
July 22-26: 9am-12:30pm (create an all-day adventure with Animal Athletes 1-4:30pm)

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 (create an all-day adventure with Creature Features 9am-12:30pm)
July 29-Aug. 2: 1-4:30pm (create an all-day adventure with Ocean Odyssey 9am-12:30pm)
Aug. 19-23: 1-4:30pm (create an all-day adventure with Creature Features 9am-12:30pm)

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 (create an all-day adventure with Ocean Odyssey 9am-12:30pm)
Aug. 5-9: 1-4:30pm (create an all-day adventure with Creature Features 9am-12:30pm)

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 (create an all-day adventure with Wacky Wildlife 9am-12:30pm)
July 22-26: 1-4:30pm (create an all-day adventure with Wacky Wildlife 9am-12:30pm)
Aug. 12-16: 1-4:30pm (create an all-day adventure with Ocean Odyssey 9am-12:30pm)

ALL DAY CAMP (1st/2nd)

Zoo Members $160; Non-members $175

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

For 3rd & 4th grades graduates. Max. 15 kids/session.

See main page for One-Day Camps on July 5th and 6th.

• MEMBER REGISTRATION ($135)
• NON-MEMBER REGISTRATION ($150)

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 (create an all-day adventure with Animal Grossology 1-4:30pm)
Aug. 12-16: 9am-12:30pm (create an all-day adventure with Caring for Creatures 1-4:30pm)

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 (create an all-day adventure with Caring for Creatures 1-4:30pm)
July 22-26: 9am-12:30pm (create an all-day adventure with Caring for Creatures 1-4:30pm)

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 (create an all-day adventure with What’s for Dinner? 9am-12:30pm)
July 29-Aug. 2: 1-4:30pm (create an all-day adventure with Excellent Ecosystems 9am-12:30pm)

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 (create an all-day adventure with Investigating Invertebrates 9am-12:30pm)
July 22-26: 1-4:30pm (create an all-day adventure with Investigating Invertebrates 9am-12:30pm)
August 12-16: 1-4:30pm (create an all-day adventure with Excellent Ecosystems 9am-12:30pm)

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 (create an all-day adventure with Animal Grossology 1-4:30pm)

ALL DAY CAMP (3rd/4th)

Zoo Members $160; Non-members $175

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

For 5th-7th graduates. Max. 15 kids/session.

• MEMBER REGISTRATION ($135)
• NON-MEMBER REGISTRATION ($150)

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 (create an all-day adventure with Jr. Zookeeper 1-4:30pm)
July 22-26: 9am-12:30pm (create an all-day adventure with Jr. Zookeeper 1-4:30pm)
Aug. 5-9: 9am-12:30pm (create an all-day adventure with If I Ran the Zoo 1-4:30pm)

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 (create an all-day adventure with Wild Photographer 9am-12:30pm)
Aug. 5-9: 1-4:30pm (create an all-day adventure with Wild Science 9am-12:30pm)

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 (create an all-day adventure with Wild Science 9am-12:30pm)
July 22-26: 1-4:30pm (create an all-day adventure with Wild Science 9am-12:30pm)

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 (create an all-day adventure with Wild Photographer 9am-12:30pm)

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 (create an all-day adventure with If I Ran the Zoo 1-4:30pm)
Aug. 12-16: 9am-12:30pm (create an all-day adventure with Wild Artist 1-4:30pm)

ALL DAY CAMP (5th-7th)

Zoo members $160; non-members $175

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

For 8th-11th grade graduates. Max. number varies per session.

• MEMBER REGISTRATION ($160)
• NON-MEMBER REGISTRATION ($175)

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 (create an all-day adventure with Marine Biologist for a Week 9am-12:30pm)
Aug. 5-9: 1-4:30pm (create an all-day adventure with Keeper for a Week 9am-12:30pm)

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 (create an all-day adventure with Keeper for a Week 9am-12:30pm)
July 29-Aug. 2: 1-4:30pm (create an all-day adventure with Marine Biologist for a Week 9am-12:30pm)

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 (create an all-day adventure with Wild Researcher 1-4:30pm)
August 5-9: 9am-12:30pm (create an all-day adventure with Jr. Veterinarian 1-4:30pm)
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 (create an all-day adventure with Jr. Veterinarian 1-4:30pm)
July 29- Aug. 2: 9am-12:30pm (create an all-day adventure with Wild Researcher 1-4:30pm)
Aug. 12-16: 9am-12:30pm

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)

Combine programs for an ALL-DAY experience. Please provide a sack lunch for your child. We’ll provide lunchtime supervision.

REGISTER IN INDIVIDUAL GRADE SECTION.

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