Youth Programs
Youth attend these programs on their own, unaccompanied by a parent or other adult.
School Break Camps
FOR STUDENTS IN GRADES 1-5
Each day of camp will have crafts, games, Zoo tours, and a whole lot of FUN!
If your child needs to take medication during this program (including insulin or an insulin pump), you must read the Zoo’s Medication Administration Policy and update your child’s medications in the CampDoc portal. Emergency rescue medicine including an Epi-Pen or other epinephrine auto-injector require completing the FARE - Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Emergency Care Plan, which can be uploaded in your CampDoc portal. Complete medication information is required before your child attends their Zoo program.
Read our Medication Administration Policy Here
Campers will spend a fun day at the Zoo learning about how the products we purchase affect endangered species and habitats around the world. They will enjoy tours, games, and a craft that shows how shopping sustainably helps save species. Add After-Care for an additional fee.
Limited to 20 participants
Fee: Zoo Members $61
General Public $68
Code | Date | Day | Time |
Y1129BC | Nov. 29 | F | 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m |
Black Friday Camp After-Care
Participants will enjoy various activities building on their camp experience. This program is for Black Friday Camp participants only.
Limited to 20 participants
Fee: Zoo Members $7
General Public $8
Code | Date | Day | Time |
Y1129PM | Nov. 29 | F | 3 - 6 p.m. |
Can’t decide what you like more: a hot or cold climate? Campers will get to experience a day of discovering and learning about animals that are able to survive and thrive in these extremes, and some that can even live in both!
Add After-Care for an additional fee.
Limited to 20 participants
Fee: Zoo Members $122
General Public $136
Code | Date | Day | Time |
Y1223WC | Dec. 23 - 24 | M-T | 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. |
| Y1230WC | Dec. 30 - 31 | M-T | 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. |
Winter Break Camp After-Care
Participants will
enjoy various activities building on their camp experience. This program
is for Winter Break Camp participants only.
Limited to 20 participants
Fee: Zoo Members $34
General Public $38
Code | Date | Day | Time |
Y1223PM | Dec. 23 - 24 | M-T | 3 - 6 p.m. |
| Y1230PM | Dec. 30 - 31 | M-T | 3 - 6 p.m. |
| Y1226PM | Dec 26 - 27 | Th-F | 3 - 6 p.m. |
| Y0102PM | Jan. 2 - 3 | Th-F | 3 - 6 p.m. |
Registration Coming Soon
What do wolves and painted dogs have in common? What about lions and cheetahs? Their wild family trees of course! With tours, games and more, we will explore the parenting and family lifestyles to see if they have more in common than just their shared ancestry. Add After-Care for an additional fee.
Limited to 20 participants
Fee: Zoo Members $122
General Public $136
Code | Date | Day | Time |
Y1226WC | Dec. 26 - 27 | Th-F | 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. |
| Y0102WC | Jan. 2-3 | Th-F | 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. |
Winter Break Camp After-Care
Participants will enjoy various activities building on their camp experience. This program is for Winter Break Camp participants only.
Limited to 20 participants
Fee: Zoo Members $34
General Public $38
Code | Date | Day | Time |
Y1223PM | Dec. 23 - 24 | M-T | 3 - 6 p.m. |
| Y1230PM | Dec. 30 - 31 | M-T | 3 - 6 p.m. |
| Y1226PM | Dec 26 - 27 | Th-F | 3 - 6 p.m. |
| Y0102PM | Jan. 2 - 3 | Th-F | 3 - 6 p.m. |
Registration Coming Soon
The adaptations that allow animals to thrive in our changing world can be wild and wacky! Come to this camp to learn about these amazing adaptations through tours, observations, games and more! Add After-Care for an additional fee.
Limited to 20 participants
Fee: Zoo Members $61
General Public $68
Code | Date | Day | Time |
Y0120MC | Jan. 20 | M | 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. |
Registration Coming Soon
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Camp After-Care
Participants will enjoy various activities building on their camp experience. This program is for MLK Day Camp participants only.
Limited to 20 participants
Fee: Zoo Members $17
General Public $19
Code | Date | Day | Time |
Y0120PM | Jan. 20 | M | 3 - 6 p.m. |
Registration Coming Soon
Scout and Youth Group Programs
The Education Department offers many opportunities for scouts and other organized youth groups to enjoy the Zoo and learn about the animal world. Programs may include biofacts, activities, games, tours, or crafts. We offer a variety of programs that help scouts work towards their badge requirements! Your group will have fun together while learning about animals, their habitats and conserving natural resources. Please check back for the registration packet. For more information, contact the Overnight Staff at overnights@stlzoo.org.
What goes on when the sun goes down? Or better yet, who comes out? Come to the Zoo and explore the awesome world of nocturnal animals. We will learn about their unique adaptations and even test them against our own abilities. This program will also let us see some of our Zoo’s nocturnal animals after the sun goes down and find out what they do all night long. So, join us and find out about the unique animals that are up at night!
Overnight evening activities will include rotations through exciting activities, an evening snack and a night hike around Zoo grounds. The morning portion of the overnight adventure includes a continental breakfast, a morning stroll around Zoo grounds to see the animals wake up, a souvenir Zoo patch and glow-in-the-dark overnight cup!
Limited to 60 participants per session.
Fee: $50 per participant
For Girl Scout Brownies and their adult chaperones
- November 2-3; 6:30 p.m. (Sa) – 8:30 a.m. (Su)
- January 25-26; 6:30 p.m. (Sa) – 8:30 a.m. (Su)
- February 14-15; 6:30 p.m. (F) – 8:30 a.m. (Sa)
- March 1-2; 6:30 p.m. (Sa) – 8:30 a.m. (Su)
- April 4-5; 6:30 p.m. (F) – 8:30 a.m. (Sa)
- April 18-19; 6:30 p.m. (F) – 8:30 a.m. (Sa)
For Girl Scout Juniors and their adult chaperones
- November 8-9; 6:30 p.m. (F) – 8:30 a.m. (Sa)
- February 22-23; 6:30 p.m. (Sa) – 8:30 a.m. (Su)
- March 14-15; 6:30 p.m. (F) – 8:30 a.m. (Sa)
- April 12-13; 6:30 p.m. (Sa) – 8:30 a.m. (Su)
- April 25-26; 6:30 p.m. (F) – 8:30 a.m. (Sa)
For Cadettes and their adult chaperones
- November 23-24; 6:30 p.m. (Sa) – 8:30 a.m. (Su)
- February 1-2; 6:30 p.m. (Sa) – 8:30 a.m. (Su)
- April 11-12; 6:30 p.m. (F) – 8:30 a.m. (Sa)
For Cub Scouts and their adult chaperones
- November 16-17; 6:30 p.m. (Sa) – 8:30 a.m. (Su)
- March 7-8; 6:30 p.m. (F) – 8:30 a.m. (Sa)
- April 26-27; 6:30 p.m. (Sa) – 8:30 a.m. (Su)
For Mixed Troops and their adult chaperones
- February 7-8; 6:30 p.m. (F) – 8:30 a.m. (Sa)
- March 29-30; 6:30 p.m. (Sa) – 8:30 a.m. (Su)
Click here for the registration packet.
For summer 2024 Snooze at the Zoo, click here.
For scouts and organized groups with participants ages 5 and up.
Ever wonder what the Zoo is like after dark? Gather your troop or pack, and join us for this amazing opportunity to explore the Zoo at night! A Zoo educator will be the guide for your group to learn more about the animals. Groups of over 12 participants are encouraged to split into two groups for a more personalized experience. Fees listed are per group with an additional cost for extra participants. An adult must accompany the group.
Fee: $300 (minimum) for your group of up to 9 participants.
$30 per each additional participant up to a maximum of 20 participants.
An adult must accompany the group.
Tour Length: 90 minutes.
Girl Scout Badge Nights at the Zoo
Come to the Zoo after hours to see the animals at night and complete a badge. These programs will complete the entire badge and will also get you a personal experience as your own educator leads you through all your badge requirements.
Badges Offered:
- Brownies: Household Elf and Bugs (wild invertebrates are the only animals that will be viewed after hours)
- Juniors: Animal Habitats
- Cadette: Night Owl
Who registers: Girl Scout troops and adult chaperones. Maximum 20 individuals.
Dates/Times: These two-hour programs are offered from September to May; Sunday- Thursday between 5 and 9 p.m.
Fee: Minimum $300 covers nine scouts; $30 for each additional scout; adults free (minimum two adults).
Cub Scout Adventure Nights at the Zoo
Come to the Zoo after hours to see the animals at night and complete an Adventure. These programs will complete the entire Adventure and will also get you a personal experience as your own educator leads you through all your requirements.
Adventures Offered:
- Fur, Feathers and Ferns (Bears)
- Into the Wild (Webelos)
Who registers: Cub Scout packs and adult chaperones. Maximum 20 individuals.
Dates/Times: These two-hour programs are offered from September to May; Sunday - Thursday between 6 and 9 p.m.
Fee: Minimum $300 covers nine scouts; $30 for each additional scout; adults free (minimum two adults).
Private Group Overnight Programs
For organized scout, youth and school groups with participants ages 5 and up, you can schedule your own private group overnight on select evenings. Using the themes we are currently offering, we will tailor the program to meet your needs. Fees listed are per person. Complete the booking request form. For more information, contact the Overnight Staff at overnights@stlzoo.org.
Limited to 20 participants, 12 participant minimum
Fee: $75 per participant
Limited to 60 participants, 30 participant minimum
Fee: $50 per participant
Limited to 20 participants, 12 participant minimum
Fee: $75 per participant
Limited to 60 participants, 30 participant minimum
Fee: $50 per participant
Request Form
Learn more and fill out Request form hereEarly Childhood Programs
Children must be accompanied by an adult. Fees are listed PER CHILD.
All Early Childhood programs are designed for you and your child to learn about animals and explore the natural world together. We encourage you to interact with, and help facilitate the learning of the registered program participant. Programs are interactive and may include songs and stories, art opportunities, role-playing games, hands-on investigations and more. In order to best serve all of our Early Childhood participants, unregistered children may not participate in the programs.
Lumpy, Bumpy, Fuzzy, Furry
What has bumps? What has lumps? What is fuzzy and furry?
Join us for a touch and feel exploration of animal coverings.
We will even make a keepsake handprint craft to take home.
Limited to 14 children, with 1-2 adults attending per child.
Fee: Zoo Members $26
General Public $29
Code | Date | Day | Time |
C1123LB | Nov. 23 | Sa | 9 - 10 a.m. |
Registration Coming Soon
Romp & Stomp
Can you romp like a squirrel or stomp like a rhino?
We will act like animals as we explore what they do and how they move.
Limited to 14 children, with 1-2 adults attending per child.
Fee: Zoo Members $26
General Public $29
Code | Date | Day | Time |
C0929RS | Sept. 29 | Su | 9 - 10 a.m. |
Penguin and Puffin Pals
Dive into the wonderful world of these beautiful black and white birds.
Discover what they eat, how they move and more.
Then we will visit these amazing creatures at Penguin & Puffin Coast.
Limited to 14 children, with 1-2 adults attending per child.
Fee: Zoo Members $26
General Public $29
Code | Date | Day | Time |
C0104PP | Jan. 4 | Sa | 9 - 10 a.m. |
Registration Coming Soon
Bugapalooza
Explore the teeny tiny world of butterflies, beetles and more.
We will visit the Missouri Meadow to look for insects and take home native plant seeds to attract bugs to our own outdoor spaces.
Limited to 14 children, with 1-2 adults attending per child.
Fee: Zoo Members $26
General Public $29
Code | Date | Day | Time |
C0921BP | Sept. 21 | Su | 9 - 10 a.m. |
Registration Coming Soon
Hiss, Growl, Squawk
Roar like a lion, squawk like a hornbill and chatter like a chimp. Animals communicate in different ways!
We will explore stinky smells, bright colors and make noises as we learn how animals send each other messages.
Limited to 14 children, with 1-2 adults attending per child.
Fee: Zoo Members $26
General Public $29
Code | Date | Day | Time |
C1013HG | Oct. 13 | Su | 9 - 10 a.m. |
Registration Coming Soon
Tale of a Tail
Long and short, wide and thin, stripy too – tails come in all different shapes and sizes.
We’ll try out different tails to discover which animals have tails and how they use them.
Limited to 14 children, with 1-2 adults attending per child.
Fee: Zoo Members $26
General Public $29
Code | Date | Day | Time |
| C0202TT | Feb. 2 | Su | 9 - 10 a.m. |
Registration Coming Soon
Bear Buddies
Grizzly bear, polar bear what do you see? Find out what it’s like to be a bear as we crawl into a bear den, forage for food, play in the snow and make bear art. We’ll take a walk over to Grizzly Ridge and Polar Bear Point to see our bear buddies here at the Zoo.
Limited to 14 children, with 1-2 adults attending per child.
Fee: Zoo Members $26
General Public $29
Code | Date | Day | Time |
| C1109BB | Nov. 9 | Sa | 9 - 10 a.m. |
Registration Coming Soon
Animal Adventure
What do animals eat? Where do they live? How do we know they are healthy? We’ll explore all kinds of animals, while playing pretend and imagining ourselves as zookeepers, vets, scientists and more.
Limited to 14 children, with 1-2 adults attending per child.
Fee: Zoo Members $26
General Public $29
Code | Date | Day | Time |
| C1208AA | Dec. 8 | Su | 9 - 10 a.m. |
Registration Coming Soon
Herp, Herp Hooray
Who lives at the Herpetarium? Reptiles and amphibians galore - come explore lizards, snakes, frogs and more! In this class, we will learn all about our scaly and slimy friends through sensory exploration and imaginative play.
Limited to 14 children, with 1-2 adults attending per child.
Fee: Zoo Members $26
General Public $29
Code | Date | Day | Time |
| C0125HH | Jan. 25 | Sa | 9 - 10 a.m. |
Registration Coming Soon
Swamp Life
What’s so special about a swamp? In this class, we will explore the features of this unique habitat and learn about the many different kinds of animals that live there. We will even visit the Saint Louis Zoo’s Cypress Swamp to meet some unusual ducks and aquatic birds.
Limited to 14 children, with 1-2 adults attending per child.
Fee: Zoo Members $28
General Public $31
| Code | Date | Day | Time |
C0914SL | Sept. 14 | Sa | 9 - 10:30 a.m. |
Registration Coming Soon
Wonderful Wolves
Join the pack as we explore wolves and other cool canines! We will learn about the endangered American red wolves living at the Saint Louis Zoo’s Sears Lehmann, Jr. Wildlife Reserve in Franklin County.
Limited to 14 children, with 1-2 adults attending per child.
Fee: Zoo Members $27
General Public $30
| Code | Date | Day | Time |
C1006WW | Oct. 6 | Su | 9 - 10:30 a.m. |
Registration Coming Soon
Superhero Science
Who can glide from tree to tree? Who can transform to protect themselves? Who has super senses?
Find out as we conduct exciting experiments to learn more about cool creatures. We will even create our own animal super heroes to take home.
Limited to 14 children, with 1-2 adults attending per child.
Fee: Zoo Members $28
General Public $31
| Code | Date | Day | Time |
C1026SS | Oct. 26 | Sa | 9 - 10:30 a.m. |
Registration Coming Soon
Curled Up and Cozy
As the weather turns cooler, animals are busy getting ready for winter. Some travel long distances to warmer places, while others cozy up right here. Discover how our animal friends prepare for the colder months and learn some ways we can help them.
Limited to 14 children, with 1-2 adults attending per child.
Fee: Zoo Members $28
General Public $31
| Code | Date | Day | Time |
C1117CC | Nov. 17 | Su | 9 - 10:30 a.m. |
Registration Coming Soon
Amazing Apes
Gorillas, orangutans and chimps, oh my! Join us as we learn all about these powerful primates and explore how they are a lot like us. After exploration time in the classroom, we’ll take a walk up to Fragile Forest and Jungle of the Apes to see our amazing apes in action.
Limited to 14 children, with 1-2 adults attending per child.
Fee: Zoo Members $28
General Public $31
| Code | Date | Day | Time |
C1214AM | Dec. 14 | Sa | 9 - 10:30 a.m. |
Registration Coming Soon
Ssssnakes
Slither with us into the wonderfully weird world of snakes. We’ll explore the adaptations of these scaly creatures and learn where and how snakes live. Then we’ll head to the Herpetarium to look at snakes that live near us and around the world.
Limited to 14 children, with 1-2 adults attending per child.
Fee: Zoo Members $28
General Public $31
| Code | Date | Day | Time |
C0112SN | Jan. 12 | Su | 9 - 10:30 a.m. |
Registration Coming Soon
Wild Valentines
Do you LOVE animals? We do too! Come create special heartfelt greetings for Zookeepers and treats for native animals, as well as some Valentine-themed animal art to take home for friends and family.
Limited to 14 children, with 1-2 adults attending per child.
Fee: Zoo Members $28
General Public $31
| Code | Date | Day | Time |
C0208WV | Feb. 8 | Sa | 9 - 10:30 a.m. |
Registration Coming Soon
Adult Programs
For ages 18 and up
For participants ages 18 and up
To help the Zoo save animals from extinction, you must unlock the secrets of the Zoo through a team building adventure! Race against time to complete your mission by solving a series of puzzles and finding clues hidden along the pathways. Use these clues to discover what the Zoo is all about! We have a new challenge this year and welcome any past participants. Build your team of up to 10 individuals ages 18 and up.
Limited to 10 participants per TEAM
Fees are PER TEAM. Maximum of three teams per session.
Fee: Zoo Members $180
General Public $190
Code | Date | Day | Time |
| I0709EZ | July 9 | Tu | 6 - 7:30 p.m. |
| I0820EZ | Aug. 20 | Tu | 6 - 7:30 p.m. |
| I0903EZ | Sept. 3 | Tu | 5:30 - 7 p.m. |
For participants ages 18 and up. The fees for this program are per team.
Travel through history and experience the evolution of the Saint Louis Zoo. Solve the puzzles of the past to unlock the excitement of the future. It is a race against the clock, but the clock is generous, so take in the sights and sounds of the zoo in this escape room-style adventure. Build your team of up to 10 individuals, ages 18 and up.
Limited to 10 participants per TEAM
Fees are PER TEAM. Maximum of three teams per session.
Fee: Zoo Members $200
General Public $210
| I0827E2 | Aug. 27 | Tu | 6 - 8 p.m. |
| I0917E2 | Sept. 17 | Tu | 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. |
Enjoy a cool evening tour of the Zoo exploring the history that has made us an internationally famous institution. We’ll also visit several habitats and discuss the future transformations that will keep us the talk of the zoological world! Finish with snacks and beverages while watching the sunset. This tour does not include touching live animals or access to non-public areas.
Limited to 25 participants
Fee: Zoo Members $26
General Public $29
| I0916SV | Sept. 16 | M | 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. |
For participants ages 18 and up
Join us for this amazing opportunity to sleep inside Polar Bear Point! You will talk with Zoo staff about how we help animals all over the world and then team up to solve a scavenger hunt. After a night hike, we will end the night by laying out sleeping bags inside the underwater viewing building. You will awake with a view of the polar bear pool and hopefully with a view of Kali! This overnight includes a catered dinner and continental breakfast.
Limited to 20 participants
Fee: Zoo Members $75
General Public $80
Code | Date | Day | Time |
N1109PB | Nov. 9-10 | Sa-Su | 6:30 p.m. (Sa) - 8:30 a.m. (Su) |
For participants ages 18 and up.
Come see the Zoo throughout the year. Each tour will highlight a different area and its seasonal happenings. See what the animals are up to each season and how we adjust our care throughout the year. Register today for our spring and summer sessions. Check back later in the year for our upcoming fall and winter sessions.
Limited to 20 participants
Fee: $15 per person
Code | Date | Day | Time |
I0709SZ | July 9 | Tu | 10-11:15 a.m. |
| I1012SZ | Oct. 12 | Sa | 10-11:15 a.m. |
| I0111SZ | Jan. 11 | Sa | 10-11:15 a.m. |
Adults age 18 and up can schedule their own private group overnight on select evenings. Using the current themes, we will tailor the program to meet your needs.
For more information and pricing, please contact the Overnight Staff at overnights@stlzoo.org.
Family Programs
Parents and children attend these programs together.
For families with children ages 5 and up.
Join us for this amazing opportunity to sleep inside Polar Bear Point! We will explore the Zoo at night while learning about Arctic and Antarctic animals and their unique adaptations that allow them to live in the cold. We will end the night by laying out sleeping bags inside the underwater viewing building. You will awake with a view of the polar bear pool and hopefully with a view of Kali! The overnight includes an evening snack, a reusable cup and a continental breakfast in the morning.
Limited to 20 participants
Fee: Zoo Members $70
General Public $75
Code | Date | Day | Time |
N1206PB | Dec. 6-7 | F-Sa | 6:30 p.m. (F) - 8:30 a.m.(Sa) |
N0308PB | March 8-9 | Sa-Su | 6:30 p.m. (Sa) - 8:30 a.m.(Su) |
Registration Coming Soon
Career Programs
Youth attend these programs on their own or with an accompanied registered parent or other adult. All participants must be registered. Registration open now at stlzoo.org/tours.
For youth entering 2nd - 8th grades. A parent or adult can register to accompany the participant. Fees are per person.
Join the Saint Louis Zoo’s team of keepers by participating in A Day with the Rays! As an aquatics keeper for the day, you will jump right in to help prepare diets and maintain the habitat to keep it looking nice and the animals healthy. As the new expert, you will help guests learn about our exhibit, how to touch and feed the stingrays, and touch the sharks. Please wear a T-shirt, khaki or jean shorts, and old closed-toe shoes. Bring abottle of water and a camera. A Saint Louis Zoo name tag, T-shirt and snack will be provided. Get wet, smell like fish and have a ton of fun with A Day with the Rays!
Note: We do not recommend this program for participants with shellfish allergies. Please mention any
latex allergies at the time of registration.
Limited to 4 participants per session.
Fee: Zoo Members $140
General Public $150
Date | Day | Time |
| April 20 - May 12 | Saturday and Sunday Only | 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. |
May 25 - Aug. 17 | Monday, Wednesday and Saturday Only | 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. |
Aug. 24 - Sept. 21 | Saturday Only | 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. |
Registration open now at stlzoo.org/visit/behind-the-scenes-tours/day-programs and link to the page.
For youth entering 2nd - 8th grades who have attended A Day with the Rays. A parent or adult can register to accompany the participant. Fees are per person.
Dive deeper into the science and career of an aquatics keeper. In this second program, you will continue building your knowledge by participating with animal husbandry duties. Once the daily tasks are accomplished, you will explore fish and cephalopod biology, perform advanced marine water quality monitoring, and, of course, have some time for fun and games. It’s time to show off all that you learned from last time as well as pick up a few new tricks along the way. Please wear a T-shirt (your Day with the Rays shirt is a great choice), khaki or jean shorts, and old closed-toe shoes. Bring a bottle of water and a camera. A snack will be provided. Get wet, smell like fish and have even more fishy fun with Advanced Day with the Rays! Participants must have attended A Day with the Rays.
Note: We do not recommend this program for participants with shellfish allergies. Please mention any latex allergies at the time of registration.
Limited to four participants per session. Fees are per person.
Fee: Zoo Members $140
General Public $150
Date | Day | Time |
| May 26 - Aug. 18 | Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday Only | 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. |
Aug. 25 - Sept. 22 | Sunday Only | 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. |
Registration open now at stlzoo.org/visit/behind-the-scenes-tours/day-programs and link to the page.