2024
We are an accredited member of the Ontario Camps Association, part of a unique group of camps who maintain the highest standards of safety, food services, leadership, programs, and administration.
JOIN US FOR THE “WILDEST” TIME IN TORONTO!
This summer is the perfect time to connect with nature at Zoo Camp, a unique opportunity to explore wildlife from around the world. A variety of themes are offered unique to the Zoo setting including baby animals, zoo careers, adaptations, and more. Adventures include indoor/outdoor activities, behind-the-scenes opportunities, games, crafts, and safe, rewarding fun! To celebrate 50 years of the Toronto Zoo, each week this summer will end with some birthday fun!
PROGRAM INFORMATION
Week One July 1-5*
Week Two July 8-12
Week Three July 15-19
Week Four July 22-26
Week Five July 29 – August 2
Week Six August 5 – 9*
🎈 Week Seven August 12 – 16🎉
Week Eight August 19 - 23
Week Nine August 26-30
* Camp will take place on the July 1 and August 5 holidays.
🎈 The Zoo turns 50 on August 15! All campers present that day will get to join in the celebration! 🎉
ZOO KIDS
Birth Year 2019 - 2020
*Must be age 4 at start of camp.
Our youngest campers will be introduced to the wild world of animals and nature. Children will engage their curiosity as they explore the Zoo and develop an awareness of the wonderful world all around them. This year, Zoo Kids will build their skills with the following topics:
Week 1, 4, 7 – Zoo Clues
Sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch! Find out the wild ways animals sense their world.
Week 2, 5, 8 - Calling All Creatures
If you want to get your message across, you can howl, stink, or be colourful. This summer, have your say as you explore animal communication!
Week 3, 6, 9 – Eye Spy
Are you eagle-eyed or are you a master of camouflage? Find out who is doing the searching and who is remaining hidden in the animal world.
EXPLORERS
Birth Year 2017 - 2018
Explorers begin to learn about ecology and how it applies to the animal kingdom. Children will discover the classifications of wildlife and the great variety of animals found in each grouping. This year, Explorers will build their skills with the following topics:
Week 1, 4, 7 – Creature Communities
Discover the homes that animals keep and how they fit in as part of a larger community.
Week 2, 5, 8 – Zooper Heroes
Who needs superheroes when you have Zooper heroes! Come see the fantastic abilities found in the animal world.
Week 3, 6, 9 – Being Big
From the heaviest to the tallest, learn about the advantages of being a massive mammal, sizeable snake, or large lizard.
ADVENTURERS
Birth Year 2014 - 2016
Adventurers take investigation to a whole new level as they discover the scientific side of nature. Children learn to identify the major parts and processes involved in the cycle of life. From plants and animals to entire habitats, no detail is left out. This year, Adventurers will build their skills with the following topics:
Week 1, 4, 7 – Party Animals
It can get pretty wild here at the Zoo! Join the party this summer to find out which animals like a social gathering and which ones strive to survive on their own.
Week 2, 5, 8 – Animal Connections
A healthy habitat needs all kinds of animals. Come tour the Zoo to see how animal interactions create a balance within their ecosystem.
Week 3, 6, 9 – Stayin' Alive
In the wild you need to be able to find food without becoming food. Discover all the different skills animals use to survive.
DISCOVERERS
Birth Year 2012 - 2013
Discoverers know how important animals are to the health of the planet - but what can we do to help? Discoverers learn about what zoos are doing to conserve wild spaces and find out what they can do to protect our planet’s biodiversity. This year, Discoverers will build their skills with the following topics:
Week 1, 7 – The Wild Variety Show
Some can sing, some can dance, but they are all talented in their own way. Experience the diversity of species at the Zoo this summer.
Week 2, 5 – Secrets of Survival
You'll need food, water, and shelter if you are going to make it in the wild. Discover the variety of strategies animals use to make their way in a challenging world.
Week 3, 6, 9 – Protecting Our Planet
Learn about the biodiversity that is all around us and the ways we can make conservation a priority every day.
BIOCAMP
Birth Year 2008 – 2011
BioCamp is your chance to experience what it is like to have a zoo career. Our campers will learn about the different jobs that exist in a zoo from the day-to-day care of the animals and veterinary services to exhibit creation and public education. This year, BioCamp will build their skills with the following topics:
Week 4 – Zoo U
Get experience with the methods and skills used by wildlife professionals while working on conservation at the Zoo and in the wild.
Week 8 – Junior Naturalist
An appreciation and understanding of the natural world have never been more important. Spend some time observing wildlife, nature journaling, and immersing yourself in the environment this summer.
CAMP INFORMATION
ZOO CAMP PARENT HANDBOOK
Want to know more about Zoo Camp before beginning a registration? Check out our comprehensive information handbook which is divided by topic so that finding what you need is quick and easy. Our Parent Handbook can be found at torontozoo.com/pg/zoocamp.
REGISTRATION FEE
$400 per child per week.†
This fee includes one full week of camp programming, behind-the-scenes visits, Pizza Pizza lunch (Thursdays only), Zoomobile ride, and a unique Zoo Camp t-shirt.
Zoo Members Save On Camps: All Zoo Members receive a $40 discount for each week of camp. Not a Zoo Member? Find out about other Member benefits by calling 416-392-9101 or visiting here.
Family Discounts: Are you hoping to send more than one child to Zoo Camp? We want to help you out! When registering more than one child from the same family for the same week, we will discount $10 from the camp fee of each additional child!
Can Kids Request To Be With Friends: Want to spend your time at the Zoo with your best friends or family members? No problem, just ask! Zoo Camp accepts requests to match campers of the same age category so that they can spend their week(s) having fun together.
*These requests are not guaranteed. If enrolling with friends or relatives please complete separate registrations.
UNIQUE OPPORTUNITIES
Your week at Zoo Camp would not be complete without some unique opportunities to help connect with nature. Activities may include: animal encounters, nature-based activities, and behind-the-scenes visits with Zoo staff to get an up close look at some of the 3,500 animals here at the Zoo! Encounters vary each week and relate to weekly themes. At Zoo Camp, you get the inside scoop!
TYPICAL DAY
Zoo Camp aims to deliver an action filled week exploring the entire Zoo. Each week focuses on a special Zoo-related theme and we develop the program to fit to the theme of the week.
HERE IS A SAMPLE OF A FUN FILLED DAY AT ZOO CAMP!
AGE APPROPRIATE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
Our camp programs are divided by age range. This allows our camp staff to develop the most fun, interactive, and appropriate activities for your child(ren) to best fit with their development and skills. Our camp staff all have experience working with children and are trained in their respective age categories so that your child(ren) receive the best experience possible.
BEFORE & AFTER CARE
Our Before & After Care program is designed for the convenience of those who need to drop off children early or pick them up a little later from camp. This program is available from as early as 7:45 am to as late as 5:30 pm and is offered for the entire week of camp. Staff supervise the campers in themed activities, organized games, board games, reading books, and other quiet activities.
*This program has a rate of $75 per week.†
*Rate is per child.
*Pre-registration is required at least two weeks before the start of the camp session. Space is limited. First come, first served. Before & After Care is offered and charged for the entire week of camp, even if your child does not attend all sessions.
LUNCHES AND SNACKS
Campers are responsible for bringing their own litterless and nut-free lunch and snacks for each day of camp. Children will be treated to a Pizza Pizza lunch on Thursdays (all ages).
CAMP HOURS
All camps are full-day Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 3:30 pm. Before & After Care is available.
CONTACT US:
Toronto Zoo
361A Old Finch Ave.
Toronto, ON
M1B 5K7
(Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm)
Email: [email protected]
*All rates and program offerings are subject to change without notice.
† Rates not subject to HST.