Zoo Camp

Zoo Camp includes hands-on science activities, games, crafts, a reading corner, sensory activities, and time for snacks and lunchtime. Campers take guided Zoo tours, go on behind-the-scenes tours, have up-close animal encounters that may include a feeding opportunity or animal enrichment experience, and can explore the Zoo at their leisure. Some specialty sessions include visiting the Zoo’s animal hospital, practicing medical procedures, assisting staff in caring for some of the Zoo’s exotic animals, training as a professional field biologist alongside the Zoo’s conservation team, learning about sustainable stewardship practices, watching a movie, using a bounce house, making s'mores by the fire, sleeping under the stars, eating breakfast, and participating in an overnight at the Zoo.

• Ages: 3–12 years old
• Schedule: Summer Zoo Camp 2026 runs from Monday, June 8 to Tuesday, August 18, with half-day, full-day, and optional extended-day options, plus select weeks for Jr. Vet Camp, Jr. Zookeeper, and Backyard Biologist.
• Price: Half Day 9 AM–12 PM $375/week ($325/week for SB Zoo Members); Full Day 9 AM–3 PM $425/week ($375/week for SB Zoo Members); Extended Day add-on 9 AM–5 PM $100/week; Jr. Vet Camp 9 AM–3 PM $460/week ($410/week for SB Zoo Members); Jr. Zookeeper 9 AM–3 PM $425/week ($375/week for SB Zoo Members); Backyard Biologist 9 AM–3 PM $425/week ($375/week for SB Zoo Members).

Summer Zoo Camp 2026 runs Monday, June 8 through Tuesday, August 18, with no camp on June 19 or July 4, and check-in from 9:00 to 9:20 AM and check-out at 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM, or 5:00 PM depending on the option chosen. Backyard Biologist camp includes an overnight at the Zoo. Average group size is around ten campers to one counselor, with pre-school groups generally the smallest and the oldest camp groups generally the largest, and each group also has teenage volunteers who help to supervise campers. Campers are highly encouraged to bring their own snacks, and parents are asked to send a light morning snack, lunch for full or extended-day campers, a reusable water bottle, and optionally a change of clothes and sunscreen, which staff can remind campers to reapply but cannot apply for them. Children should be able to use the bathroom independently, and parents or guardians do not attend camp with their child.

Zoo Camp is part of a broader education program that includes private, grade-appropriate lessons relating to the California Science Standards for school field trips and multi-disciplinary, hands-on programs for kids and adults. The Santa Barbara Zoo has been accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums since 1982, with accreditation renewed every five years and most recently renewed on March 22, 2026. The Zoo has more than 500 volunteers in various roles, including 50 volunteer docents who provide interpretation and hands-on education. The Santa Barbara Zoo works with the Santa Barbara Police Activities League to provide scholarships to low-income families and participates in multiple local and regional conservation efforts with partners such as the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the National Park Service. The Zoo’s mission states that it is dedicated to conserving the natural world through education, science, and unforgettable experiences. The organization’s leadership includes a President & Chief Executive Officer, a Director of Education, a Director of Conservation & Science, a Vice President of Animal Care & Health, and other directors overseeing areas such as animal care, community relations, marketing and communications, events and guest services, facilities and horticulture, food and beverage, human resources, membership, retail operations, and safety and security.

Last updated July 4, 2026.