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
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! Online registration only! Registration opens August 18, 2023.
Read our Medication Administration Policy Here
We will kick off the holiday season by learning about the different social and ecological structures that the animal kingdom lives by. Campers will observe social behaviors on Zoo grounds and play games to experience the different roles animals play in their ecosystem. Add Before and/or After-Care for an additional fee.
Limited to 20 participants
Fee: Zoo Members $61
General Public $68
Code | Date | Day | Time |
Y1124BC | Nov. 24 | F | 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m |
Black Friday Camp Before-Care
Participants can enjoy a continental breakfast (cereal, fruit, milk, juice) and indoor activities until camp begins. This program is for Black Friday Camp participants only.
Limited to 20 participants
Fee: Zoo Members $7
General Public $8
Code | Date | Day | Time |
Y1124AM | Nov. 24 | F | 7 - 8:30 a.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 $17
General Public $19
Code | Date | Day | Time |
Y1124PM | Nov. 24 | F | 4 - 6 p.m. |
From a hive to a nest, from a burrow to a den, all of these are places animals create and construct to call “home”. This camp’s activities are focused on the different shapes and sizes animal homes and habitats come in. Add Before and/or After-Care for an additional fee.
Limited to 20 participants
Fee: Zoo Members $245
General Public $270
Code | Date | Day | Time |
Y1226WC | Dec. 26 - 29 | T-F | 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. |
Winter Break Camp Before-Care
Participants can enjoy a continental breakfast (cereal, fruit, milk, juice) and indoor activities until camp begins. This program is for Winter Break Camp participants only.
Limited to 20 participants
Fee: Zoo Members $28
General Public $32
Code | Date | Day | Time |
Y1226AM | Dec. 26 - 29 | T-F | 7 - 8:30 a.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 $68
General Public $76
Code | Date | Day | Time |
Y1226PM | Dec. 26 - 29 | T-F | 4 - 6 p.m. |
Register Here
Long or short, feathered or furry, tails come in all shapes and sizes. Whether they are used for balance or for grasping onto trees, tails are important adaptations which help the animals survive in their habitats. Come to camp to explore all sorts of telling tails! Add Before and/or After-Care for an additional fee. Limited to 20 participants
Fee: Zoo Members $61
General Public $68
Code | Date | Day | Time |
Y0115MC | Jan. 15 | M | 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. |
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Camp Before-Care
Participants can enjoy a continental breakfast (cereal, fruit, milk, juice) and indoor activities until camp begins. This program is for MLK Day Camp participants only.
Limited to 20 participants
Fee: Zoo Members $7
General Public $8
Code | Date | Day | Time |
Y0115AM | Jan. 15 | M | 7 - 8:30 a.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 $17
General Public $19
Code | Date | Day | Time |
Y0115PM | Jan. 15 | M | 4 - 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.
The Saint Louis Zoo is committed to conserving animals from all over the world, including the ones living in our own backyards! From songbirds to spring peepers, the Zoo’s WildCare Institute helps to protect many animals found right here in Missouri and other parts of North America. Come discover how we can all make a difference for the animals that share our homes!
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 3-4; 6:30 p.m. (F) – 8:30 a.m. (Sa)
- January 27-28; 6:30 p.m. (Sa) – 8:30 a.m. (Su)
- February 16-17; 6:30 p.m. (F) – 8:30 a.m. (Sa)
- March 23-24; 6:30 p.m. (Sa) – 8:30 a.m. (Su)
- April 5-6; 6:30 p.m. (F) – 8:30 a.m. (Sa)
- April 20-21; 6:30 p.m. (Sa) – 8:30 a.m. (Su)
For Girl Scout Juniors and their adult chaperones
- November 10-11; 6:30 p.m. (F) – 8:30 a.m. (Sa)
- January 20-21; 6:30 p.m. (Sa) – 8:30 a.m. (Su)
- February 24-25; 6:30 p.m. (Sa) – 8:30 a.m. (Su)
- March 15-16; 6:30 p.m. (F) – 8:30 a.m. (Sa)
- April 13-14; 6:30 p.m. (Sa) – 8:30 a.m. (Su)
- April 26-27; 6:30 p.m. (F) – 8:30 a.m. (Sa)
For Cadettes and their adult chaperones
- November 18-19; 6:30 p.m. (Sa) – 8:30 a.m. (Su)
- February 2-3; 6:30 p.m. (F) – 8:30 a.m. (Sa)
- April 19-20; 6:30 p.m. (F) – 8:30 a.m. (Sa)
For Cub Scouts and their adult chaperones
- November 17-18; 6:30 p.m. (F) – 8:30 a.m. (Sa)
- January 19-20; 6:30 p.m. (F) – 8:30 a.m. (Sa)
- February 10-11; 6:30 p.m. (Sa) – 8:30 a.m. (Su)
- March 8-9; 6:30 p.m. (F) – 8:30 a.m. (Sa)
- April 27-28; 6:30 p.m. (Sa) – 8:30 a.m. (Su)
For Mixed Troops and their adult chaperones
- January 26-27; 6:30 p.m. (F) – 8:30 a.m. (Sa)
- March 2-3; 6:30 p.m. (Sa) – 8:30 a.m. (Su)
To register, please complete the snooze registration packet.
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: Bugs and Household Elf
- 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; Monday - Friday between 6 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; Monday - Friday 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. For more information, contact the Overnight Staff at overnights@stlzoo.org. Please complete the booking request form below.
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.
These programs are designed for you and your child to learn about animals and explore the natural world together. Programs are interactive and may include songs and stories, art opportunities, role-playing games, hands-on investigations and more.
Chirps, Tweets and Coos
Explore animal sounds with your little one and learn some new songs and finger plays to enjoy together.
Limited to 14 children, with 1-2 adults attending per child.
Fee: Zoo Members $25
General Public $28
Code | Date | Day | Time |
C1209CT | Dec. 9 | Sa | 9 - 10 a.m. |
Early Explorers
Leap into the world of animal movements as we discover how animals fly, slither, swim and explore the world around them, just like your little one.
Limited to 14 children, with 1-2 adults attending per child.
Fee: Zoo Members $25
General Public $28
Code | Date | Day | Time |
C0930EE | Sept. 30 | Sa | 9 - 10 a.m. |
Fall Friends
Celebrate the changing seasons and discover what makes autumn so magical! We will use our senses to explore all that nature has to offer during this special time of year.
Limited to 14 children, with 1-2 adults attending per child.
Fee: Zoo Members $25
General Public $28
Code | Date | Day | Time |
C1022FF | Oct. 22 | Su | 9 - 10 a.m. |
Backyard Buddies
Do you know who’s living in your backyard? Come dig in the dirt to discover who helps our gardens grow and investigate all the amazing animals that live right under our noses.
Limited to 14 children, with 1-2 adults attending per child.
Fee: Zoo Members $25
General Public $28
Code | Date | Day | Time |
C0917BB | Sept. 17 | Su | 9 - 10 a.m. |
Playful Primates
Come learn about the lemurs, monkeys and apes at the Zoo. We’ll be exploring what they eat, how they move and where they live. This class will conclude with a visit to see these playful primates in action!
Limited to 14 children, with 1-2 adults attending per child.
Fee: Zoo Members $25
General Public $28
Code | Date | Day | Time |
C1007PP | Oct. 7 | Sa | 9 - 10 a.m. |
Fall, Fur and Feathers
As fall weather turns cooler, animals are busy getting ready for winter. Join us for a celebration of autumn and explore how nature and animals change with the seasons.
Limited to 14 children, with 1-2 adults attending per child.
Fee: Zoo Members $25
General Public $28
Code | Date | Day | Time |
C1119FF | Nov. 19 | Su | 9 - 10 a.m. |
Sensational Seals and Sea Lions
Is it a seal or is it a sea lion? Explore the similarities and differences between these two marine mammals. This class will include a visit to Sea Lion Sound to see the seals and sea lions.
Limited to 14 children, with 1-2 adults attending per child.
Fee: Zoo Members $25
General Public $28
Code | Date | Day | Time |
C1217SS | Dec. 17 | Su | 9 - 10 a.m. |
Colors, Stripes and Spots
Some creatures are boldly beautiful, while others are cleverly camouflaged. Discover why animals have such an amazing diversity of patterns and colors.
Limited to 14 children, with 1-2 adults attending per child.
Fee: Zoo Members $25
General Public $28
Code | Date | Day | Time |
C0120CS | Jan. 20 | Sa | 9 - 10 a.m. |
Sharks and Rays
Dive into the world of these prehistoric creatures, as we learn about the sharks and stingrays at the Zoo and in the wild. This class includes a visit to the Stingrays at Caribbean Cove.
Limited to 14 children, with 1-2 adults attending per child.
Fee: Zoo Members $27
General Public $30
| Code | Date | Day | Time |
C0909SR | Sept. 9 | Sa | 9 - 10:30 a.m. |
Grossology
Some animals may seem gross or scary, but they’re not! We will explore vomiting vultures, spectacular spiders, lovely leeches and more in this creepy class.
Limited to 14 children, with 1-2 adults attending per child.
Fee: Zoo Members $27
General Public $30
| Code | Date | Day | Time |
C1015GR | Oct. 15 | Su | 9 - 10:30 a.m. |
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 |
C1111WW | Nov. 11 | Sa | 9 - 10:30 a.m. |
Holiday Critter Crafts
The holidays are fun! Why not share the festivities with the wildlife in your own backyard? We’ll create a seasonal treat for birds, as well as make nature-themed décor to take home.
Limited to 14 children, with 1-2 adults attending per child.
Fee: Zoo Members $27
General Public $30
| Code | Date | Day | Time |
C1203HC | Dec. 3 | Su | 9 - 10:30 a.m. |
Lizards
Crawl into the world of leaping and lounging lizards as we explore tails, scales and more! We will visit the Herpetarium to check out some different kinds of lizards.
Limited to 14 children, with 1-2 adults attending per child.
Fee: Zoo Members $27
General Public $30
| Code | Date | Day | Time |
C0113LZ | Jan. 13 | Sa | 9 - 10:30 a.m. |
Painting Polar Bear
Come learn about our polar bear pals and their Arctic home. Then, you and your little one will work together to paint your own Arctic landscape using fun and creative techniques.
Limited to 14 children, with 1-2 adults attending per child.
Fee: Zoo Members $27
General Public $30
| Code | Date | Day | Time |
C0128PP | Jan. 28 | Su | 9 - 10:30 a.m. |
Adult Programs
For ages 18 and up
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 |
N1111PB | Nov. 11-12 | Sa-Su | 6:30 p.m. (Sa) - 8:30 a.m. (Su) |
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 |
N1201PB | Dec. 1-2 | F-Sa | 6:30 p.m. (F) - 8:30 a.m.(Sa) |
N0316PB | March 16-17 | Sa-Su | 6:30 p.m. (Sa) - 8:30 a.m.(Su) |
For families and groups of up to 10 participants, ages 8 and up. A minimum of one adult must accompany the group.
Make your Zoo visit even more memorable with a Safari Walking Tour! Tag along with our professional interpretive guides as they offer insight to the animal world with engaging stories, interesting facts and animal observations. This tour does not include touching live animals or access to non-public areas. Choose one of the following topics:
Back From the Brink Walking Safari
Meet us for a walking safari tour through River’s Edge as we focus on the challenges and successes of breeding endangered species.
Here, There, And Everywhere: Wildcare Walking Safari
Join us as we explore why and how the Zoo is a world leader in saving endangered species through the work of our WildCare Institute.
Walk on the Wild Side Safari
Join our guide as you trek through the wilderness, passing through Centene Grizzly Ridge, McDonnell Polar Bear Point and the Donn & Marilyn Lipton Fragile Forest. Discover the simple things you can do to help save animals!
Tour length: 60 minutes
Limited to 10 participants, ages 8 and up.
A minimum of one adult must accompany the group.
Fee per family group: $80
Please complete the inquiry form to book your program. Booking times available on select days, between 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.