About
Zoo Camps includes hands-on activities, visiting the animals, team-building, immersive learning, weekly field trips, and conversations with zoo experts. Campers explore the zoo, learn about animals, and learn about how the zoo cares for them. Zoo Crew sessions include a Late Stay at the Zoo on the last Wednesday of each session.
• Ages: 4–13 years old
• Schedule: Conservation Camp runs June–August for rising grades PreK–5; Zoo Crew runs July–August for rising grades 6–8 in two-week sessions; Winter Break Camp runs in winter 2026–2027 for grades PreK–5
Zoo Camps are part of Lincoln Park Zoo, which was founded in 1868 and is one of the oldest zoos in North America and one of the only remaining free admission zoos in the country. At Lincoln Park Zoo camps, kids in grades preK–8 participate in camp programs that focus on nature and animals. Conservation Camp is for rising grades PreK–5, Zoo Crew is for rising grades 6–8, and Winter Break Camp is for grades PreK–5. Campers must be at least 4 years old on their first day of camp to attend. Zoo Crew includes a Late Stay at the Zoo on the last Wednesday of each session.
Lincoln Park Zoo states that it is dedicated to connecting people with nature by providing a free, family-oriented wildlife experience and by advancing animal care, education, science, and conservation. The zoo notes that it fosters connections between people and the natural world by co-creating programs with partners in Chicago neighborhoods. Lincoln Park Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and earned Level III arboretum accreditation in 2019.
As part of its commitment to serving all who want to participate in its programs, scholarships are available for most Zoo Camps programs. Lincoln Park Zoo states that it values the inclusion of campers of all abilities and has an Inclusion Specialist at summer camp who can communicate with families and camp staff to develop accommodations for campers with diverse needs. Lincoln Park Zoo is described as Chicago’s free zoo, open 365 days a year, with entry always free.
Last updated July 29, 2026.
• Ages: 4–13 years old
• Schedule: Conservation Camp runs June–August for rising grades PreK–5; Zoo Crew runs July–August for rising grades 6–8 in two-week sessions; Winter Break Camp runs in winter 2026–2027 for grades PreK–5
Zoo Camps are part of Lincoln Park Zoo, which was founded in 1868 and is one of the oldest zoos in North America and one of the only remaining free admission zoos in the country. At Lincoln Park Zoo camps, kids in grades preK–8 participate in camp programs that focus on nature and animals. Conservation Camp is for rising grades PreK–5, Zoo Crew is for rising grades 6–8, and Winter Break Camp is for grades PreK–5. Campers must be at least 4 years old on their first day of camp to attend. Zoo Crew includes a Late Stay at the Zoo on the last Wednesday of each session.
Lincoln Park Zoo states that it is dedicated to connecting people with nature by providing a free, family-oriented wildlife experience and by advancing animal care, education, science, and conservation. The zoo notes that it fosters connections between people and the natural world by co-creating programs with partners in Chicago neighborhoods. Lincoln Park Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and earned Level III arboretum accreditation in 2019.
As part of its commitment to serving all who want to participate in its programs, scholarships are available for most Zoo Camps programs. Lincoln Park Zoo states that it values the inclusion of campers of all abilities and has an Inclusion Specialist at summer camp who can communicate with families and camp staff to develop accommodations for campers with diverse needs. Lincoln Park Zoo is described as Chicago’s free zoo, open 365 days a year, with entry always free.
Last updated July 29, 2026.
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