Camp 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
Feats for the Beasts
What is a tortoise’s favorite treat? How much food does an elephant eat? After a day full of feasting, campers will explore what it takes to feed ALL the animals at the Saint Louis Zoo. Come discover the worlds of carnivores, herbivores and omnivores! Add After-Care for an additional fee.
Limited to 20 participants
Fee: Zoo Members $66
General Public $73
Date | Day | Time |
Nov. 28 | 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 $22
General Public $24
Date | Day | Time |
Nov. 28 | F | 3 - 6 p.m. |
Registration Coming Soon
Winter Wonderland
How do animals survive the cold winter? Why do some animals migrate, while others hibernate? Let’s explore what is going on in the winter wonderland outside of our own homes. We will learn about migration and hibernation, look for signs of animals in the snow, and more! Add After-Care for an additional fee.
Limited to 20 participants
Fee: Zoo Members $198
General Public $219
Date | Day | Time |
Dec. 22 - 24 | M-W | 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. |
Animals A to Z
A is for addax, b is for bald eagle, c is for Chinese alligator... The world is full of some incredible animals, from addax to zebra and everything in between! Throughout this camp, we will play games, create animal art and visit animals all over the Zoo. Discover the amazing biodiversity on Earth as we explore the alphabet, one letter at a time! Add After-Care for an additional fee.
Limited to 20 participants
Fee: Zoo Members $198
General Public $219
Date | Day | Time |
Dec. 29 - 31 | M-W | 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. |
Winter Break 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 $66
General Public $72
Date | Day | Time |
Dec. 22 - 24 | M-W | 3 - 6 p.m. |
| Dev. 29 - 31 | M-W | 3 - 6 p.m. |
Registration Coming Soon
Animal Superheroes
Everyone has their own special superpower! From the super speed of a cheetah to the high flying of a bar-headed goose, we will meet a lot of incredible animals while creating superhero art and learning how to be a conservation hero at home! Add After-Care for an additional fee.
Limited to 20 participants
Fee: Zoo Members $66
General Public $73
Date | Day | Time |
Jan. 19 | M | 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. |
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 $22
General Public $24
Date | Day | Time |
Jan. 19 | M | 3 - 6 p.m. |
Registration Coming Soon
Animal Artists
Get your paints, crayons and markers ready! We will look at how art is used for animal enrichment at the Zoo. Get creative, learn how to draw different animals, and create colorful masterpieces! Add After-Care for an additional fee.
Limited to 20 participants
Fee: Zoo Members $66
General Public $73
| Date | Day | Time |
| Feb. 16 | M | 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. |
Presidents Day Camp After-Care
Participants will enjoy various activities building on their camp experience. This program is for Presidents’ Day Camp participants only.
Limited to 20 participants
Fee: Zoo Members $22
General Public $24
| Date | Day | Time |
| Feb. 16 | M | 3 - 6 p.m. |
Registration Coming Soon
Wildlife Celebration
Let's explore the Zoo's conservation work! From pole to pole, from land to sea, the Zoo helps protect animals all over the world. Campers will explore the Zoo and discover how they can help animals right from their own homes! Add After-Care for an additional fee.
Limited to 20 participants
Fee: Zoo Members $345
General Public $370
Date | Day | Time |
| March 16 - 20 | M-F | 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. |
Spring Break Camp After-Care
Participants will enjoy various activities building on their camp experience. This program is for Spring Break Camp participants only.
Limited to 20 participants
Fee: Zoo Members $110
General Public $120
Date | Day | Time |
March 16 - 20 | M-f | 3 - 6 p.m. |
Registration Coming Soon
Swing into Spring
The primates are ready to swing into spring! Lemurs, monkeys and apes all rely on a healthy forest for food, shelter and to get around. Join us on this fun day of camp crafts, games and animal tours to learn all about our primate pals at the Zoo and how we can help protect their forest homes. Add After-Care for an additional fee.
Limited to 20 participants
Fee: Zoo Members $66
General Public $73
Date | Day | Time |
April 3 | F | 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. |
Spring Holiday Camp After-Care
Participants will enjoy various activities building on their camp experience. This program is for Spring Holiday Camp participants only.
Limited to 20 participants
Fee: Zoo Members $22
General Public $24
Date | Day | Time |
April 3 | F | 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.
A caper has been pulled by animals here at the Zoo and your job is to figure out who did it. You will learn all about how animal scientists track animals using footprints, teeth imprints, and even some tiny clues that will need to be seen under a microscope. So come spend an evening following the clues to solve this “who done it” style animal mystery.
Overnight evening activities will include rotations through exciting activities, an evening pizza snack (with a soft drink), and a night hike around Zoo grounds. The morning portion of the overnight adventure includes a continental breakfast, a morning stroll around Zoo grounds, a souvenir Zoo patch and glow-in-the-dark overnight cup!
Limited to 60 participants per session.
Fee: $55 per participant
For Girl Scout Brownies and their adult chaperones
- November 1; 6:30 p.m. (Sa) – 8:30 a.m. (Su)
- January 24; 6:30 p.m. (Sa) – 8:30 a.m. (Su)
- February 14; 6:30 p.m. (Sa) – 8:30 a.m. (Su)
- March 7; 6:30 p.m. (Sa) – 8:30 a.m. (Su)
- March 27; 6:30 p.m. (F) – 8:30 a.m. (Sa)
- April 17; 6:30 p.m. (F) – 8:30 a.m. (Sa)
For Girl Scout Juniors and their adult chaperones
- November 7; 6:30 p.m. (F) – 8:30 a.m. (Sa)
- February 21; 6:30 p.m. (Sa) – 8:30 a.m. (Su)
- March 13; 6:30 p.m. (F) – 8:30 a.m. (Sa)
- April 11; 6:30 p.m. (Sa) – 8:30 a.m. (Su)
- April 24; 6:30 p.m. (F) – 8:30 a.m. (Sa)
For Cub Scouts and their adult chaperones
- November 15; 6:30 p.m. (Sa) – 8:30 a.m. (Su)
- January 30; 6:30 p.m. (F) – 8:30 a.m. (Sa)
- March 6; 6:30 p.m. (F) – 8:30 a.m. (Sa)
- April 10; 6:30 p.m. (F) – 8:30 a.m. (Sa)
For Mixed Girl Scout Troops and their adult chaperones
- November 21; 6:30 p.m. (F) – 8:30 a.m. (Sa)
- February 6; 6:30 p.m. (Sa) – 8:30 a.m. (Su)
- March 28; 6:30 p.m. (Sa) – 8:30 a.m. (Su)
- April 25; 6:30 p.m. (Sa) – 8:30 a.m. (Su)
Registration packet coming soon.
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).
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: $80 per participant
Limited to 60 participants, 30 participant minimum
Fee: $55 per participant
Limited to 20 participants, 12 participant minimum
Fee: $80 per participant
Limited to 60 participants, 30 participant minimum
Fee: $55 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.
Limited to 16 children with 1-2 adults attending per child.
Fee: Zoo Members $28/General Public $31
Itty Bitty Bugs
Hop, wiggle and crawl on over to learn about the tiny creatures that live all around us.
We will discover the wonderful world of bugs through stories, songs and play.
Code | Date | Day | Time |
C0920IB | Sept. 20 | Sa | 9 - 10 a.m. |
Going to the Zoo
We’re going to the Zoo, Zoo, Zoo! How about you? Come explore what makes the Zoo a fun place to visit at any age. We will pretend to care for animals and build our own zoos in this play-filled class.
Code | Date | Day | Time |
C1019GZ | Oct. 19 | Su | 9 - 10 a.m. |
Fall Fun
Celebrate the changing seasons and discover what makes autumn magical! We will use our senses to experience all that nature has to offer during this special time of year as we learn how animals prepare for winter.
| Code | Date | Day | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| C1108FF | Nov. 8 | Sa | 9-10 a.m. |
Polar Bear Paws
Dive right in to learn all about these furry, marine mammals. We will explore where polar bears live and how they are specially adapted to their icy, cold homes. Then, we will walk over to Polar Bear Point to see the bears.
| Code | Date | Day | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| C0118PB | Jan. 18 | Su | 9-10 a.m. |
Moving and Grooving
Leap into the world of animal movements! This class will get your little one up and moving as we discover how animals fly, slither or swim to get from place to place and to explore the world around them.
| Code | Date | Day | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| C0228MG | Feb. 28 | Sa | 9-10 a.m |
Registration coming soon
Limited to 16 children with 1-2 adults attending per child.
Fee: Zoo Members $28/General Public $31
Backyard Buddies
Do you know which animals are living near your home? From down in the dirt to up in the trees, we will discover the amazing animals living nearby and learn how to make our outdoor spaces even better habitats.
Code | Date | Day | Time |
| C0906BB | Sept. 6 | Sa | 9 - 10 a.m. |
Playful Primates
Come learn about the lemurs, monkeys and apes at the Zoo. We will explore what they eat, how they move and where they live. This class will include a visit to Primate Canopy Trails to see these playful primates in action!
| Code | Date | Day | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| C1005PP | Oct. 5 | Su | 9-10 a.m. |
Fall, Fur and Feathers
When fall weather turns cooler, animals are busy getting ready for winter. Join us for a celebration of autumn as we explore how nature and animals change with the seasons.
| Code | Date | Day | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| C1115FF | Nov. 15 | Sa | 9-10 a.m. |
Sensational Seals and Sea Lions
Is it a seal or is it a sea lion? Get ready for a splashy adventure as we learn about these two amazing animals. Then, join us for a walk over to Sea Lion Sound to see the seals and sea lions.
| Code | Date | Day | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| C1207SS | Dec. 7 | Su | 9-10 a.m. |
Colors, Stripes and Spots
Some creatures are boldly beautiful, while others are cleverly camouflaged. Discover a world of colorful critters and learn how patterns and colors help animals survive.
| Code | Date | Day | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| C0110CS | Jan. 10 | Sa | 9-10 a.m. |
Delightful Diggers
Do you love to dig in the dirt? So do prairie dogs, worms and other burrowing animals! Uncover a world beneath the surface as we learn about animals that live underground through stories, songs and play.
| Code | Date | Day | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| C0201DD | Feb. 1 | Su | 9-10 a.m. |
Registration coming soon
Limited to 16 children with 1-2 adults attending per child.Fee: Zoo Members $30/General Public $33
Ears, Tusks and Trunks
Let’s go on an elephant adventure! We will explore the amazing adaptations of these animal giants and learn how the Zookeepers care for the Asian elephants at the Saint Louis Zoo. Weather permitting, we will walk to the River’s Edge to look for the Zoo’s multigenerational elephant family.
| Code | Date | Day | Time |
C0914ET | Sept. 14 | Su | 9 - 10:30 a.m. |
Spooktacular Creatures
Get ready for some spooky (but not too scary) fun! Some animals may seem gross or scary, but they’re not. We will discover how vomiting vultures, spectacular spiders, lovely leeches and more are cool, not creepy.
| Code | Date | Day | Time |
C1025SC | Oct. 25 | Sa | 9 - 10:30 a.m. |
Mountain Mania
We’ll travel the mountains of the world meeting animals that live at their snowy peaks. From furry red pandas to tough takins, we will learn how animals survive in these cold, rocky places and visit the mountain animals living at the Saint Louis Zoo.
| Code | Date | Day | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| C1122MM | Nov. 22 | Sa | 9-10:30 a.m. |
Holiday Critter Celebration
Winter holidays are fun! Let’s celebrate this wonderful time of year by making crafts for the people and animals around us. In this class, we will create nature-themed gifts and decorations to take home.
| Code | Date | Day | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| C1214HC | Dec. 14 | Su | 9-10:30 a.m. |
Lizard Scales and Tails
Crawl into the world of lizards! We will explore tails, scales and more as we learn about this unique group of reptiles. Then, we will visit the Herpetarium to check out some of the lizards at the Zoo.
| Code | Date | Day | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| C0124LS | Jan. 24 | Sa | 9-10:30 a.m. |
Once Upon a Zoo
Bring your imagination along on a fairytale adventure! We will explore some favorite stories as we learn about animal royalty and the real animals that inspire legendary creatures. You are invited to dress as your favorite prince, princess or other fairytale character.
| Code | Date | Day | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| C0208OZ | Feb. 8 | Su | 9-10:30 a.m |
Registration coming soon
Adult Programs
For ages 18 and up
For participants ages 18 and up
Make your way around the Zoo, finding clues and solving puzzles as you learn all about the field work of our WildCare Institute. Discover the keys to saving species in Forest Park and around the world. Does your team have what it takes to support the WildCare Institute and escape before time runs out? Build your team of up to 10 individuals ages 18 and up.
Limited to 10 participants per TEAM.
Fees are PER TEAM.
Fee: Zoo Members $190
General Public $200
Code | Date | Day | Time |
| I0909EZ | Sept. 9 | 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 $225
General Public $245
| Code | Date | Day | Time |
| I0819E2 | Aug. 19 | Tu | 6 - 8 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 Kallik and Kallu! This overnight includes a catered dinner and continental breakfast.
Limited to 20 participants
Fee: Zoo Members $80
General Public $85
Date | Day | Time |
Nov. 8 | Sa-Su | 6:30 p.m. (Sa) - 8:30 a.m. (Su) |
Registration Coming Soon
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: $20 per person
| Code | Date | Day | Time |
| I0712SZ | July 12 | Sa | 10-11:15 a.m. |
| I1011SZ | October 11 | Sa | 10-11:15 a.m. |
| I0110SZ | Jan. 10, 2026 | Sa | 10-11:15 a.m. |
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
Code | Date | Day | Time |
I0915SV | Sept. 15 | M | 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.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 Kallik and Kallu! The overnight includes an evening snack, a reusable cup and a continental breakfast in the morning.
Limited to 20 participants
Fee: Zoo Members $75
General Public $80
Date | Day | Time |
Oct. 3 | F-Sa | 6:30 p.m. (F) - 8:30 a.m.(Sa) |
Dec. 5 | F-Sa | 6:30 p.m. (F) - 8:30 a.m.(Sa) |
| March 7 | 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: $140 per person
Select dates April - September
9:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Visit the Tours Department website page for available dates and registration information: stlzoo.org/tours.
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: $140 per person
Select dates April - September
9:30 p.m. - 1 p.m.
Visit the Tours Department website page for available dates and registration information: stlzoo.org/tours.