Scales, nails, and dino tails! Our Dino Day Camp lets your campers discover the wonders of dinosaurs and adventure into a Jurassic world. Exciting adventures await each camp day with exclusive opportunities to meet a different dinosaur each weekend, engage in Zoo tours, learn about the prehistoric world, and more!
Registration is done online and no phone registrations will be accepted. All programs require advance registration and openings are limited, so register early to avoid disappointment.
CAMPERS ONLY NEED TO ENROLL IN ONE DAY OF CAMP PER WEEKEND
BOTH CAMPS PER WEEKEND PROVIDE THE SAME CAMPER OPPORTUNITIES
Junior Paleontologist: If you love dinosaurs, paleontology might be the field for you! See what a day in the life of a paleontologist is like by unearthing the past, discovering fossils, and learning about the science behind the bones. Included during camp will be a one-of-a-kind opportunity, campers will get up close with a dinosaur for a photograph during an unforgettable behind-the-scenes encounter.
Fee: $60
Date:
Sept. 8
Prehistoric Quest: From sharp teeth and curved claws to pointy beaks and long necks, dinosaurs had amazing adaptations that helped them survive. Campers will take a prehistoric quest to learn about the giant herbivores and great hunters of the past and explore how we feed animals at the Zoo in the present. Included during camp will be a one-of-a-kind opportunity, campers will get up close with a dinosaur for a photograph during an unforgettable behind-the-scenes encounter.
Fee: $60
Date:
Sept. 15
Jurassic Explorers: Embark on a journey through a Jurassic world! We will go back in time to learn about the ecosystems from when dinosaurs ruled the Earth. Explore the ancient jungles and oceans that dinosaurs called home. Included during camp will be a one-of-a-kind opportunity, campers will get up close with a dinosaur for a photograph during an unforgettable behind-the-scenes encounter.
Fee: $60
Date:
Sept. 21
Junior Paleontologist: If you love dinosaurs, paleontology might be the field for you! See what a day in the life of a paleontologist is like by unearthing the past, discovering fossils, and learning about the science behind the bones. Included during camp will be a one-of-a-kind opportunity, campers will get up close with a dinosaur for a photograph during an unforgettable behind-the-scenes encounter.
Fee: $60
Date:
Sept. 7 or Sept. 8
Campers only need to enroll in one day of camp per weekend. Both camps per weekend provide the same camper opportunities.
Prehistoric Quest: From sharp teeth and curved claws to pointy beaks and long necks, dinosaurs had amazing adaptations that helped them survive. Campers will take a prehistoric quest to learn about the giant herbivores and great hunters of the past and explore how we feed animals at the Zoo in the present. Included during camp will be a one-of-a-kind opportunity, campers will get up close with a dinosaur for a photograph during an unforgettable behind-the-scenes encounter.
Fee: $60
Date:
Sept. 14 or Sept. 15
Campers only need to enroll in one day of camp per weekend. Both camps per weekend provide the same camper opportunities.
Jurassic Explorers: Embark on a journey through a Jurassic world! We will go back in time to learn about the ecosystems from when dinosaurs ruled the Earth. Explore the ancient jungles and oceans that dinosaurs called home. Included during camp will be a one-of-a-kind opportunity, campers will get up close with a dinosaur for a photograph during an unforgettable behind-the-scenes encounter.
Fee: $60
Date:
Sept. 21 or Sept. 22
Campers only need to enroll in one day of camp per weekend. Both camps per weekend provide the same camper opportunities.
Junior Paleontologist: If you love dinosaurs, paleontology might be the field for you! See what a day in the life of a paleontologist is like by unearthing the past, discovering fossils, and learning about the science behind the bones. Included during camp will be a one-of-a-kind opportunity, campers will get up close with a dinosaur for a photograph during an unforgettable behind-the-scenes encounter.
Fee: $60
Date:
Sept. 7
Campers only need to enroll in one day of camp per weekend. Both camps per weekend provide the same camper opportunities.
Prehistoric Quest: From sharp teeth and curved claws to pointy beaks and long necks, dinosaurs had amazing adaptations that helped them survive. Campers will take a prehistoric quest to learn about the giant herbivores and great hunters of the past and explore how we feed animals at the Zoo in the present. Included during camp will be a one-of-a-kind opportunity, campers will get up close with a dinosaur for a photograph during an unforgettable behind-the-scenes encounter.
Fee: $60
Date:
Sept. 14
Campers only need to enroll in one day of camp per weekend. Both camps per weekend provide the same camper opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I bring to camp?
All campers should wear closed-toe shoes and dress to go outside, snow, rain or shine. Campers must bring something to drink. A snack will be provided so please list all of your camper’s allergies in registration at check-out.
We do not recommend bringing any additional items like games, toys, or cell phones. Campers would need to carry these personal items with them. The Zoo is not responsible for lost items.
Can a parent accompany their child to camp?
Camp is a time for campers to connect with animals and build social skills with one another, therefore we do not allow parents to accompany their child to camp. If your child requires additional support or care, please contact our Education Department at 260-427-6800 EXT 301 or email education@kidszoo.org
My child needs medication. Can you help my child with this?
No, campers must be able to administer medication themselves while at camp. If needed, camp counselors can remind them to take their medication by themselves. If you have any concerns regarding medication, please discuss this with your child’s camp counselor on the first day of Zoo camp.
For life saving medication, such as an Epi-pen, see below FAQ.
My child has an allergy. Can I provide you with an epinephrine auto-injector?
Yes. You will need to supply an epinephrine auto-injector for your camper. Camp counselors will carry it with the group the entire camp day. Camp counselors are trained in basic first aid, which includes the administration of an epinephrine auto-injector.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”), all staff working youth activities, including camp programs, are required to complete training for epinephrine auto-injector administration. The Zoo coordinates with the American Red Cross for this training and will cover the cost of the training for employees required to complete the training.
Is there a lost and found?
Yes. Camp staff keep a lost and found box in the Zoo Education Center for items that campers may have left behind.
Will campers interact with dinosaurs?
Campers will do a variety of dinosaur-themed activities throughout the day; including, meet and greets with a different dinosaur each weekend, Zoo exploration, and behind-the-scenes tours.
What is the supervision ratio?
The ratio varies depending on grade level. Camps have a counselor-to-camper ratio of between 1:3 and 1:5.
What will campers do each day?
Campers will do a variety of activities each day. This could include exciting Zoo tours, nature exploration, animal encounters and making new friends along the way.
Please see our Camp Story for a day in the life of a Zoo Camper.
What if I need to cancel?
Programs are held rain or shine. Refunds (minus a processing fee) are available if you cancel at least 2 weeks in advance. No refund if you cancel less than 2 weeks in advance. The Zoo reserves the right to cancel camps with insufficient registration. In the event of such a cancellation, all of your fees will be refunded.
What if there is severe weather?
The Zoo reserves the right to cancel camps with insufficient registration, to meet health regulations, or in the event of severe weather. In the event of such a cancellation, you will be notified via email.
How do I get on a waitlist?
There is no waitlist available for Dino Day Camp. When a program sells out, registration closes and there is no waitlist. If a spot becomes available, the camp will reopen. Check back regularly to reserve a spot.
Camp Policies and Procedures
What to pack:
- All campers must use a reusable water bottle. A snack will be provided every day.
- Campers should wear close-toed shoes and weather appropriate clothing. We spend a lot of time outside exploring even in the snow, rain, or shine.
Arrival:
- Camp begins at 8:30 a.m. each day and sign-in starts no earlier than 8:20 a.m.
- You will drop off your camper at the Zoo Education Center, which is located across the street from the Zoo at 600 Franke Park Drive.
- Please park in the Zoo Education Center parking lot and walk your camper(s) inside the building to find their camp’s check-in table. Drop off can begin 10 minutes before the start of your camp.
Dismissal:
- Camp ends at 11:30 a.m. each day and Counselor staff will start the sign out process at this time.
- Camp pick up will be at the Zoo Education Center, which is located across the street from the Zoo at 600 Franke Park Drive.
- Have your photo ID at hand. All parents or guardians are required to sign campers out by showing a photo ID and be listed on the approved pick-up list filled out during registration.
- Please park in the Zoo Education Center parking lot, walk inside, and wait patiently at the camp’s check-out table.
Late Drop Off:
- If you arrive late, please bring your camper(s) inside the Zoo Education Center for the group’s location. If the camps have left the building, take your camper(s) to the Zoo’s Guest Service Building (located next to the Zoo’s main entrance) and ask them to page the group’s location.
Keeping Safe
- Close-toed shoes are required.
- Wear weather-appropriate clothing. We spend a lot of time outside exploring the Zoo, even in snow, rain or shine.
- Programs are held rain, snow, or shine.
- For camper safety, have your photo ID at hand. All parents or guardians are required to sign campers out by showing a photo ID.
Cancellation/Waitlist Policy
CANCELLATION POLICY
- Programs are held rain or shine. Refunds (minus a processing fee) are available if you cancel at least 2 weeks in advance. No refund if you cancel less than 2 weeks in advance. The Zoo reserves the right to cancel camps with insufficient registration. In the event of such a cancellation, all of your fees will be refunded.
WAITLIST POLICY
- When a program sells out, registration closes and there is no waitlist available. If a spot becomes available, the camp will reopen. Check back regularly to reserve a spot. Phone registrations will not be accepted.
AGE POLICY
- Children must register for camp based on the grade they are currently in. For example, if you child is currently enrolled in third grade, you can register them in 3rd-4th grade camp.
Camp is a fun and exciting time to explore the Zoo! To prepare, campers and parents should review the Camper Contract together so campers know what is expected of them and ensure that we all have fun at camp.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”), all staff working youth activities, including camp programs, are required to complete training for epinephrine auto-injector administration. The Zoo coordinates with the American Red Cross for this training and will cover the cost of the training for employees required to complete the training.