Explore the World of Animals

The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore offers a fun-filled and educational Zoo Camp for children entering grades 2 – 8 in the fall of 2026. Campers experience a unique, five-day camp that allows them to explore the world of animals here at the Zoo!

Zoo Camp FAQs

Looking for a unique experience for older campers? Check out our Keeper-in-Training camp or Adult Camp!

Program Fees

  • Member: *$450
  • Non-member: $500

Did you know that Zoo members save on educational programs? Learn more about becoming a member of the Maryland Zoo!

*Zoo membership must be current at both the time of registration and during Camp. Please note: the Summer Camp membership discount can be received only by those who have a Companion level membership or above. The camper must reside in the same household as the membership holder.

Aftercare

An optional aftercare is offered M-F from 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm. Campers can register for all or part of the aftercare program for a flat fee of $50. This program is for registered campers only. It is not available for non-campers.


Grades 2 & 3

Zoo Detectives
Zoodunnit? Campers will use their detective skills as they follow the trail to solve the mysteries of the animal kingdom. Work with the Director of the ZIA (Zoo Intelligence Agency) to follow clues, solve puzzles, and crack the case to earn your Zoo Detective Badge!
  • Session 2: June 22 – 26, 2026

Sold out!

Session 2 Aftercare

  • Session 6: July 20 – 24, 2026

Session 6 Registration

Session 6 Aftercare

  • Session 9: August 10 – 14, 2026

Sold out!

Session 9 Aftercare

CAMP HOURS:

9 AM – 3 PM, Monday through Friday

Interested in a sold-out camp?

Join the Waitlist

Nature Explorers
Join us and explore the great outdoors in this nature-based learning adventure. Through a variety of games, hands-on activities, special Zoo experiences, and animal ambassador visits, campers will learn about the importance of protecting wildlife and wild spaces.
  • Session 4: July 6 – 10, 2026

Session 4 Registration

Session 4 Aftercare

  • Session 8: August 3 – 7, 2026

Sold out!

Session 8 Aftercare

CAMP HOURS:

9 AM – 3 PM, Monday through Friday

Interested in a sold-out camp?

Join the Waitlist


Grades 4 & 5

Trailblazers
Come along on an exciting ed-venture as we explore the wonders of wildlife at the Zoo. Campers will meet animal ambassadors, experience special behind-the-scenes programs, and explore the Zoo while learning about what it takes for animals to survive in a changing world. This program will challenge campers to explore new frontiers as they learn what it takes to be conservation heroes!
  • Session 4: July 6 – 10, 2026

Session 4 Registration

Session 4 Aftercare

  • Session 5: July 13 – 17, 2026

Session 5 Registration

Session 5 Aftercare

  • Session 8: August 3 – 7, 2026

Session 8 Registration

Session 8 Aftercare

  • Session 9: August 10 – 14, 2026

Session 9 Registration

Session 9 Aftercare

CAMP HOURS:

9 AM – 3 PM, Monday through Friday

ZSI: Zoo Science Investigators
Help get justice for wildlife in this all-new Zoo Camp experience. Campers will explore how law enforcement uses investigative skills and forensic science to prevent illegal wildlife trafficking. Campers will also meet many of the Zoo’s animal ambassadors and learn how they can help protect endangered species worldwide. Join us for this unique opportunity and find out if you have what it takes to fight wildlife crime!
  • Session 2: June 22 – 26, 2026

Session 2 Registration

Session 2 Aftercare

  • Session 3: June 29 – July 3, 2026

Session 3 Registration

Session 3 Aftercare

  • Session 6: July 20 – 24, 2026

Session 6 Registration

Session 6 Aftercare

  • Session 7: July 27 – 31, 2026

Session 7 Registration

Session 7 Aftercare

CAMP HOURS:

9 AM – 3 PM, Monday through Friday


Grades 6, 7 & 8

Eco-Engineers
Did you know that prairie dogs build complex burrows with built-in air ventilation? Or that Von der Decken hornbills create an elaborate nest in the cavities of trees? These are just a few of the impressive animal engineers that live here at the Zoo! In this program, campers will investigate the science and engineering that goes into animal care through unique behind-the-scenes opportunities, special animal ambassador experiences, and hands-on design challenges. By the end of the week, campers will apply their engineering skills to innovate a solution to a real-world challenge faced by our animal friends.
  • Session 3: June 29 – July 3, 2026

Session 3 Registration

Session 3 Aftercare

  • Session 7: July 27 – 31, 2026

Session 7 Registration

Session 7 Aftercare

CAMP HOURS:

9 AM – 3 PM, Monday through Friday

Looking for a different type of Zoo Camp experience? Check out our three day Keeper-in-Training program.

Arts, Animals, Action!
Do you love animals? Do you love art? Have you ever wondered how to use your creative voice for animals? Well, this program is for you! In this brand-new Zoo camp, we will explore different art styles and learn how to use art to create powerful messages that inspire change in the world! This one-of-a-kind opportunity will use real experiences with Zoo animals, keepers, and educators as inspiration for campers to find their own unique voice to share with their community.
  • Session 5: July 13 – 17, 2026

Session 5 Registration

Session 5 Aftercare

  • Session 9: August 10 – 14, 2026

Session 9 Registration

Session 9 Aftercare

CAMP HOURS:

9 AM – 3 PM, Monday through Friday

Looking for a different type of Zoo Camp experience? Check out our three day Keeper-in-Training program.

Questions?

Check out our Zoo Camp FAQs page or feel free to contact the Camp Team at camp@marylandzoo.org.