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
When school is on break, you can spend the day at the Saint Louis Zoo! Join our educators to learn about animals and conservation.
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
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. |
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. |
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. |
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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- March 28; 6:30 p.m. (Sa) – 8:30 a.m. (Su)
- April 25; 6:30 p.m. (Sa) – 8:30 a.m. (Su)
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: $350 (minimum) for your group of up to 9 participants. $35 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 to see some animals 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. or Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Fee: Minimum $350 covers nine scouts; $35 for each additional scout; adults free (minimum two adults).
Overnight Add-on: You can add on an overnight section to your badge program. You will get an evening snack, night hike, breakfast, and a morning hike in addition to your activities to earn your badge. This option will cost $55 per person, including 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 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
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 |
Baby Animals
Tadpoles, chicks and bunny kits make spring a great time to look for baby animals! Bring your little one to the Zoo to explore how animals take care of their young. Take a walk to look for new arrivals at the Zoo and make a keepsake craft together.
| Code | Date | Day | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| C0328BA | March 28 | Sa | 9-10 a.m |
Slimy, Scaly, Feathery Fun
Join us for some sensory fun as we learn about coverings. We will explore different animal textures, such as shells, scales, furs and feathers, and even make non-toxic slime to take home!
| Code | Date | Day | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| C0503SF | May 3 | Su | 9-10 a.m |
Limited to 16 children with 1-2 adults attending per child.
Fee: Zoo Members $28/General Public $31
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. |
Super Senses
What colors does a bee see? How does a mole find its food? Explore how other animals touch, hear, smell and see in different ways to find out what it is like to have animal super senses.
| Code | Date | Day | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| C0315SS | March 15 | Su | 9-10 a.m. |
Beautiful Birds
Come explore the world of beautiful birds! In the classroom, we’ll learn about birds near our homes and around the world, then visit the Bird House to see some of the Zoo’s feathered friends.
| Code | Date | Day | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| C0418BB | April 18 | Sa | 9-10 a.m. |
Froggy Friends
Hop on over to the Zoo and jump into the world of frogs! We will explore the adaptations of these awesome amphibians from around the world and learn how we can help native frogs living near us.
| Code | Date | Day | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| C0517FF | May 17 | Su | 9-10 a.m. |
Limited to 16 children with 1-2 adults attending per child.Fee: Zoo Members $30/General Public $33
Adventures in Zookeeping
Come explore the wide variety of animal careers that keep the Zoo running smoothly. We’ll test our poop scooping abilities, learn some veterinary skills and create pretend animal diets. We’ll even design and build our very own zoos!
| Code | Date | Day | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| C0307AZ | March 7 | Sa | 9-10:30 a.m |
Amazing Animal Families
Animals have families, just like we do! Discover the wild world of animal families and learn how animals live and work together to care for their young. Join us as we explore denning polar bears, caring crocodiles, nesting hornbills and more.
| Code | Date | Day | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| C0412AF | April 12 | Sa | 9-10:30 a.m |
Insect Investigation
Hop, fly and crawl into the wild world of insects. Become an insect detective as we explore what makes these six-legged friends special.
We’ll practice making insect observations like a scientist and learn how we can submit our findings to community science projects on insects in our area.
| Code | Date | Day | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| C0509II | May 9 | Sa | 9-10:30 a.m |
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 |
| I0414EZ | April 14 | Tu | 5:30 - 7 p.m. |
| I0512EZ | May 12 | Tu | 6 - 7:30 p.m. |
For participants ages 18 and up. The fees for this program are per team.
Become a time traveler to solve the puzzles of the past and 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 |
| I0421E2 | April 21 | Tu | 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. |
| I0519E2 | May 19 | Tu | 6 - 8 p.m. |
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 |
| I0418SZ | April 18, 2026 | 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 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 |
| March 7 | Sa-Su | 6:30 p.m. (Sa) - 8:30 a.m.(Su) |
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.