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Camp Essentials

Zoo Camp Information

Everything you need to know.

Coming to Zoo Camp? Here’s everything you need to know in one easy place.

What to bring

  • A completed Camp Participant Form and signed Waiver (page two of the form) for each camper must be handed to camp staff on the first day of camp. Do NOT email us your form in advance. Without the form and waiver, we cannot admit a child to Zoo Camp.
    • If you do not have access to a printer: we can provide a blank printed copy of the Camp Participant Form when you arrive at camp – please plan to spend a few extra minutes filling it out when you get here.
  •  Backpack or easily carried bag containing at least:
    • Lunch and 1-2 snack items. Lunch and snack are NOT provided. We encourage the use of reusable lunch bags and containers. Camp participants will not have the opportunity to purchase food from the Plaza Café or any food carts at any time during camp programs.
    • A refillable water bottle. There are water bottle filling stations throughout the Zoo grounds and in each learning space.
    • Clothing appropriate for weather and outdoor activities, including comfortable, water resistant, closed-toed footwear. We recommend bringing layers to stay comfortable in our unpredictable weather!
  • Cameras are welcome. If the camera becomes a distraction during camp operations, camp staff reserve the right to ask the child to put the camera away at any given time. If the camera’s flash cannot be turned off, campers will not be allowed to take pictures in the aquariums.
  • Phones will be allowed for taking pictures and communication with family members/guardians only. If the phone becomes a distraction during camp operations, camp staff reserve the right to ask the child to put the phone away at any given time.
  • Prescription Medication: If children require prescription medication during camp hours, you must provide written instructions on the Camp Participant Form for medication time(s) and amount(s). Staff are not authorized by Parks Tacoma to physically administer medication; we will provide the opportunity for the child to take the medication.
    • If your child has an EpiPen, please bring it in a clear bag labeled with your child’s name. Staff are not trained/authorized by Parks Tacoma to physically administer injectable medication; we can assist the child in the following way, if needed: take the medication out of their backpack and baggy, hand it to them and support them additionally if needed.
Camp Participant Form

What NOT to bring

  • Gum
  • Games or toys
  • Sandals/open-toed shoes

Drive-Thru Check-in/Check-out

  • Follow signs to Zoo Camp check-in/check-out area in the parking lot south of the admissions gates.
  • Please stay in your vehicle (if getting to the Zoo by car) unless directed by staff.
  • Please do not “walk up” to check-in or check-out your child (unless you are taking public transportation, walking, or riding bikes to camp). The Drive-thru system helps camp staff stay organized so they can safely process one child at a time.
  • Please be a Polar Bear Pal and turn off your engine if you are waiting for more than 30 seconds. (Learn about EPA – Idle-Free Programs)
  • Only authorized adults or teens listed on the Camp Participant Form will be allowed to sign-out a child, after providing photo identification. This is done for your child’s safety. Photo identification is required every day!
  • If you wish for your teenager (age 13+) to check themselves in/out from camp each day, please complete a Teen Self-Check-out form and bring it when you check-in your camper on their first day of camp, along with a completed and signed Camp Participant Form and Waiver.

DRIVE-THRU CHECK-IN/CHECK-OUT TIMES

CampAge/Grade Check-inLocationCheck-outDays
Tiny Turtles4- & 5-year olds9:10 - 9:20 a.m.A3:00 - 3:10 p.m.Thursday - Friday
Little LemursKindergarten Graduates9:10 - 9:20 a.m.A3:00 - 3:10 p.m.Monday - Wednesday
Animal Investigators1st - 2nd Grade Graduates8:55 - 9:05 a.m.A3:15 - 3:25 p.m.Monday - Friday
Budding Biologists1st - 2nd Grade Graduates8:55 - 9:05 a.m.B3:15 - 3:25 p.m.Monday - Friday
Wild Explorers3rd - 4th Grade Graduates8:40 - 8:50 a.m.A3:30 - 3:40 p.m.Monday - Friday
Science Explorers5th - 7th Grade Graduates8:40 - 8:50 a.m.B3:30 - 3:40 p.m.Tuesday - Friday
Eco Explorers8th - 11th Grade Graduates8:40 - 8:50 a.m.B3:30 - 3:40 p.m.Tuesday - Friday

If you are running late for check-in or check-out, please contact camp staff at (253) 888-2746. This phone is only checked during camp operating hours (8:30 am-4:00 pm). Please be sure to leave a voicemail. You can also send a text to this number.

LATE PICKUP FEE

  • After a 10-minute grace period after the end of the check-out window, a late pickup fee of $1.00 per minute per child will apply. For example, if the checkout window ends at 3:10, and a child is picked up at 3:33, $13.00 would be charged.
  • This fee is applicable each program day.

Directions to the Zoo

Pearl Street Entrance:

  • No Zoo access due to Loop Trail construction project – use Mildred Street entrance only.

Pearl Street northbound to Mildred Street Entrance:

  • Follow Pearl Street northbound.
  • Turn left on North 51st Street and drive to Mildred Street.
  • Go around the right-hand curve, down and up the hill and turn right into the park.
  • Make another right turn at the stop sign.
  • Follow signs to drive-thru Zoo Camp check-in/check-out.

Schuster Parkway to Mildred Street Entrance:

  • From I-5, take exit 133 for I-705 and follow signs to Schuster Parkway, then Ruston Way.
  • Follow Ruston Way for 2.8 miles along the waterfront, and at the second traffic circle take the second exit onto North 51st Street.
  • Continue straight at the traffic light.
  • Continue straight at the stop sign.
  • Go around the right-hand curve, down and up the hill, and turn right into the park.
  • Make another right turn at the stop sign.
  • Follow signs to drive-thru Zoo Camp check-in/check-out.

Taking Pierce Transit Bus to the Zoo:

  • Take Route 10 PT DEFIANCE via PEARL ST.
  • Get off at Pearl St & Park Wy Stop ID: 2151.
  • From the bus stop, walk towards the traffic circle and turn left.
  • Use caution – walking route from this stop to Zoo Camp check-in/check-out area travels along trafficked route without sidewalks. Note: A new walking path is under construction.
  • Follow the road uphill past Northwest Native Garden (on the left), then turn right to follow signs to Zoo Camp check-in/check-out.

Google map to Zoo

ACCESSIBILITY & ACCOMMODATIONS

  • Parks Tacoma provides reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. If your child may need an accommodation to participate in a Parks Tacoma program, please complete and submit the Accommodation Request Form.
  • We are unable to provide 1:1s, staff administration of medications, hands-on personal care in the bathroom, or restraint as a behavior response for participants. Those requiring this kind of support can request a caregiver attend with their participant.
  • Requests should be made at least two (2) weeks prior to the date the program begins.
  • Accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Accommodation Request Form

SOCIAL STORY

A Social Story can help to reduce anxiety about new experiences by explaining what to expect in an unfamiliar environment or situation. Download the Social Story guide to help you and your child prepare for their Zoo Camp experience.

2026 Camp Social Story

 

Health Guidelines

To Protect Everyone’s Safety:

  • If anyone in your family feels ill or has symptoms that could be due to a contagious illness, please keep your child(ren) at home.
  • If a child is going to miss camp, please let staff know the day before or call or text 253-888-2746 as soon as possible.
  • Campers will be encouraged to wash their hands as often as possible. When hand washing is not available, hand sanitizer will be supplied.
  • Each camper will be provided with their own set of supplies to use for the duration of camp.
  • We reserve the right to isolate and require an adult to come pick up a camper that has shown symptoms of a contagious illness.

Cancellations & Contact Information

CONTACT INFORMATION – PRIOR TO CAMP:

  • If you have questions before your child’s camp session, call the Zoo’s main line at (253) 404-3800. Press 0 (zero) to bypass the menu or leave a message. Administrative office hours are 8:00 am – 4:30 pm Monday – Friday.
  • OR email [email protected]. Allow at least 1 business day for a response.

CONTACT INFORMATION – THE DAY OF CAMP:

If you are running late for check-in or check-out or if your camper will be absent that day:

  • Please call or text camp staff at (253) 888-2746. This phone is only checked during camp operating hours (8:30 am – 4:30 pm). Please be sure to leave a voicemail.

CANCELLATION POLICIES:

  • Please notify us as soon as possible if your child is no longer able to attend so that we can offer the spot to another child.
  • No refunds for cancellations made less than 14 days prior to the program start date.
  • For cancellations requested more than 14 days prior to the program start date an 80% refund will be given.
  • Camp date changes (if available) will be charged a 20% rescheduling fee.
  • PDZA reserves the right to cancel any program. If it is necessary for PDZA to cancel a program, all program fees will be refunded.
  • Contact us at [email protected] for cancellation or change requests.
Email us

Behavior Management Policies

We are committed to providing an inclusive, safe, fun, and educational experience while ensuring the health, safety and well-being of all participants, zoo staff, volunteers, and animals.  

  • Community behavioral agreements will be discussed at the beginning of each camp day. 
  • When the actions of a participant negatively affect one’s own or others’ experiences, steps will be taken to seek mutually beneficial and camper-centered resolutions. These steps include: 
    1. Camp instructors reminding camper of behavioral agreements and discussing potential harm caused and how they may alter their behavior. 
    2. If negative behaviors continue, camp staff will bring concerns to Zoo Camp leadership. The responsible adult will be contacted either by phone or at the end of the camp day to discuss possible solutions. 
  • Should the negative behavior(s) continue to pose risks to the wellbeing and/or safety or interfere with camp operations by the end of the next day of camp, PDZA staff reserve the right to: 
    1. Require an adult to come pick up a camper before the end of the camp day 
    2. Ask that a camper does not return to camp the next or any following days based on the impact to camp to other and/or operations 
    3. Turn away a camper at check-in the following day 
  • Based on the seriousness of the camper’s behavior, arrangements may be made to allow a camper to return after a “day off” from the camp, contingent on agreements made between the adult guardian and Zoo Camp leadership.