Families

School Break Camps

Did you know there is actually a difference between venom and poison? But how can you tell the difference, and what animals use these survival tools? Discover how different animals (and plants!) utilize these tools to stay protected, or hunt for prey, and how to tell the difference. From snakes to even the strange platypus, more animals employ this strategy than you may think!

DATE: 10/2 (Yom Kippur)

$150 non-member / $120 member

Get ready to slip, slide, and squish into a day of slimy animals! In this ooey-gooey day camp we’ll explore the coolest creatures that ooze and squish, from wiggling worms and squishy slugs to slippery frogs and goopy snails. Learn why being slimy is actually a superpower that you'll wish you had!

DATE: 10/13 (Indigenous Peoples' Day)

$150 non-member / $120 member

Nocturnal, diurnal, crepuscular: different animals are awake at different hours of the day! Why do some animals stay up all night, while others are early risers? Campers will learn about how animals use unique strategies, like unconventional bedtimes, to help them survive! We’ll also discuss how light pollution, like in the Big Apple, might confuse animals and affect their sleep schedules.

DATE: 10/20 (Diwali)

$150 non-member / $120 member

Cast your vote at the zoo today! Campers will learn about the ins and outs of advocating for conservation action around the world and right here in NYC. Through up-close animal encounters, hands-on activities, and even mock voting, campers will learn how young people around the world are making a difference for wildlife.

DATE: 11/4 (Election Day)

$150 non-member / $120 member

What do spiders, snakes and birds all have in common? Flight! Not all of these animals have wings, but they all have unique adaptations to help them fly, glide and drift through the skies. During this one-day camp you will explore adaptations that help uncommon animals take to the sky for travel.

DATE: 11/11 (Veterans Day)

$150 non-member / $120 member

Did you know that different species of animals will work together to survive? Some animals have symbiotic relationships with each other. Let's discover the unique relationships between different animal species and learn more about how humans interact with animals!

DATE: 1/19 (Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day)

$150 non-member / $120 member

Possums, raccoons, and rock doves, oh my! Have you ever been curious about what animals can survive in the big city? During this one-day camp you’ll learn all about New York's native wildlife while exploring some of the wildest places that New York has to offer.

DATE: 3/20 (Eid al-Fitr)

$150 non-member / $120 member

We depend on animals for many reasons, as companions, ecosystem engineers, and even for clothing! From the farm to the wild rainforest, animals play important roles in our lives. Join us as we unravel the complex web that connects us to animals around the world.

DATE: 5/27 (Eid al-Adha)

$150 non-member / $120 member

Winter is a challenging season for many animals. From the extreme cold to intense winter storms, it takes a lot to survive. As the climate changes, winters can become even harsher. In this week-long camp, campers will explore the adaptations that allow animals to survive and even thrive in the bleak midwinter. Campers will also discover the ways that climate change affects winter weather and brainstorm ways to protect our planet.

DATES: 2/16 - 2/20

$675 non-member / $610 member

As snow melts, flowers bloom, and baby animals open their eyes, spring is the season of change! Animals depend on this important season to grow, raise babies, and prepare for the rest of the year. Through this week-long camp, campers will investigate the ways that the world changes and animals change with it. Campers will explore the world of metamorphosis and pollination, and how we rely on the season of change to support our lives.

DATES: 4/6 - 4/10

$675 non-member / $610 member