Camps & Family Programs

Camps & Family Programs at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens includes STEAM-based programming, exclusive animal encounters, hands-on activities, nature exploration, and unique programming. It includes Fall Mini Camp, Fall ZooCamp, Winter ZooCamp, Spring ZooCamp, Summer ZooCamp, and Wild at Heart: ZooCamp for Adults.

Programs

• Camps & Family Programs — Grades K-10 for Summer ZooCamp; Grades K-6 for Fall, Winter, and Spring ZooCamp; Ages 18+ for Wild at Heart: ZooCamp for Adults · The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens offers camps and family programs with STEAM-based programming, exclusive animal encounters, hands-on activities, nature exploration, and unique programming.
• Fall Mini Camp — Grades K-6 · One-day ZooCamp.
• Fall ZooCamp — Grades K-6 · Three-day ZooCamp.
• Winter ZooCamp — Grades K-6 · Three-day ZooCamp.
• Spring ZooCamp — Grades K-6 · Three-day ZooCamp; registration opens February 1.
• Summer ZooCamp — Grades K-10 · Three-day camps registered by the week.
• Wild at Heart: ZooCamp for Adults — 18+ · A ZooCamp for adults focused on desert animals and conservation through immersive, hands-on experiences.

At a glance

• Ages: 3–18 years old
• Current session: Fall Mini Camp (Nov 11–Nov 11, 2026); Wild at Heart: ZooCamp for Adults (Nov 14–Nov 14, 2026); Fall ZooCamp (Nov 23–Nov 25, 2026); Winter ZooCamp (Dec 21–Dec 23, 2026); Winter ZooCamp (Dec 28–Dec 30, 2026); Wild at Heart: ZooCamp for Adults (Dec 11–Dec 11, 2026); Wild at Heart: ZooCamp for Adults (Jan 30–Jan 30, 2027); Wild at Heart: ZooCamp for Adults (Feb 19–Feb 19, 2027)
• Facility hours: October 1 - May 31: 8:00am – 5:00pm; June 1 - September 30: 7:00am – 1:30pm

About the provider

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens has been a beloved institution in Southern California for over 50 years. Its mission is desert conservation through preservation, education, and appreciation, and it is an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited zoo and botanical garden.

Last updated November 8, 2026.