Zoo Camp is full of fun and learning about the world of animals, nature, and science. A typical day of camp includes up-close animal encounters, Zoo expeditions, games, hands-on science projects, art experiences, and camp activities tailored to the age group and theme for each session.

We plan to spend as little time as possible in our classrooms. Weather permitting, we will spend the majority of our time outdoors exploring our parks and exhibits.

Please be sure to apply sunscreen or bug spray each morning before camp. Camp staff will not be permitted to apply sunscreen or bug spray to campers. Also, send your camper to camp with a full, reusable water bottle to ensure your camper stays hydrated.

The counselor to camper ratio varies with age and registration. Each camp has one lead educator and two to four camp counselors depending on the age and size of the group. Our average group size is around seven campers to one counselor. Each group also has trained volunteers who help supervise campers.

Please dress your camper appropriately for the weather. We will be outside rain or shine, so rain gear may be needed. Please send your camper with closed-toe shoes. On the first day of camp, we will give your camper a special camp t-shirt and they will be required to wear this shirt every day of camp as it increases visibility. Additional t-shirts can be purchased for $25 when you register or on the first or second day of camp.

Please send your camper to camp each day with a nut-free lunch, snack, and a full, refillable water bottle. For campers attending extended care, please bring an additional snack. Do not send any snacks or food containing peanuts or tree nuts, due to allergy concerns. Sharing of lunch or snack items is not permitted except amongst siblings.

WCS utilizes restorative practices across all of our camps. It empowers campers to grow socially and emotionally. More information about this approach will be sent out with camp materials.

Registration for camp will open to the general public February 2024.

For most Queens Zoo camps there are two different sessions and campers are welcome to attend both. Camps with the same name and title do not change and we discourage campers attending the same camp session twice. The Wildlife Conservation Society has camps at four of our parks (Queens Zoo, Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, and New York Aquarium), and registering your camper for different camps at different parks is a great educational experience!

Campers of all ability levels are welcome at Zoo Camp. Together with caregivers, we strive to make camp accessible and inclusive to all children and will work to provide accommodations to our camp programs to make them as accessible as we are able to. Our camp staff is not able to assist campers with toileting or medical needs, but if your camper needs toileting or medical support during our camp day, a professional care provider or approved student support specialist may attend camp with them. Please contact qzeducation@wcs.org prior to camp to make arrangements.

We are offering a caregiver and me toddler camp for two to three year old children. A caretaker must accompany the child to Toddler Camp. We also offer a Zoo-Tykes half day camp aimed at 3K/ pre-K children who are 3 - 4 years old and NOT going into Kindergarten in the fall. The program is a drop off program and parents do not stay with their child.

Waitlist means we are currently full for that session. We encourage you to sign up for the waitlist as spots do open and we will try to fill that spot from our waitlist in the order they are listed.

All requests to cancel or reschedule must be submitted via email. Please include the camper's name, camp session, date, and the reason for cancellation.

• Cancellations: Our policies are designed to give families maximum flexibility while considering the realities of camp enrollment. We accommodate schedule change requests until June 1 (additions are dependent upon space availability). After June 1, all schedules are considered final. Should your child be required to attend summer school, we will make an exception, provided we receive official written notice in advance. All requests to cancel or reschedule camp must be made in writing to qzeducation@wcs.org and will be subject to a $60.00 administrative fee. Refunds of 100% will be issued (minus a $60 administrative fee) if before June 1st and 4 weeks before camp, 50% if before June 1st (minus a $60 administrative fee) and 2-4 weeks before camp, no refund will be issued less than 2 weeks or after June 1st.
• Rescheduling: Requests to reschedule are subject to availability and will be subject to an administrative fee. All requests to reschedule programs must be made in writing to qzeducation@wcs.org.
• Please see our Terms and Conditions for more information.

Please email qzeducation@wcs.org for more information.

We do not offer a multiple-child discount. We do offer a 10% discount to WCS Members and Donors.

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide transportation to and from camps.

Extended care options are available.

Following registration for camp you will be able to complete all the necessary forms digitally (medical, photo release, liability, and authorized pick up). These forms must be completed prior to your child's first day of camp in order to attend.

Please visit the Queens Zoo Know Before You Go page to review park policies related to COVID-19.