EDUCATION
ZOO CAMp
SPRING BREAK CAMP
Canât wait for summer camp to start? Come join us for Spring Break Camp!
SPRING BREAK CAMP I
Enjoy all the fun of camp; games, animal encounters, interactive trips into the zoo and park, and much more. For students currently in Kindergarten-5th grade. Pre-registration is required.
Spring Break Day Camps 2023: $120/Member/class, $130/Non-Member/class
Registration opens February 1 at 12pm.
- Zoo Detective: Monday and Tuesday, April 3 & 4, 9 am-4pm
- Wild World: Wednesday and Thursday, April 5 & 6, 9 am-4pm
Wild World: Come discover your wild side with your favorite zoo animals from all around the world!
SUMMER CAMP
Summer Zoo Camp has been enjoyed by campers for over 25 summers!
Kids ages 3 years through going into 9th grade have fun exploring different animal themes in small class sizes. Each class follows a particular theme and instructors plan various activities and tours to bring the class to life. Camp activities may include; games, zoo tours, park exploration, behind-the-scene tours, keeper talks, hands-on animal demonstrations, stories, songs, art projects and more.
SUMMER CAMP
Summer Camp Registration Dates & Pricing 2023
4-Day Camp – $100/Member/4-day Session, $110/Non-Member/4-day Session
2-Day Camp – $120/Member/2-day Session, $130/Non-Member/2-day Session
Registration Information:
- Registration is all online, we cannot accept phone registrations.
- Refunds (less a $20 processing fee) for changes or cancellations are ONLY granted if written notification is received 2 weeks prior to the start of class.
- Please register your child for no more than 2 day camp classes.
- Classes are designed for the age your child will be at the start of class or for the grade they’ll be entering in fall 2023.
- Application Process – NEW THIS YEAR – during registration you will submit an application. Applications will be time stamped. For families submitting applications for multiple children – all applications will be processed together based off of the earliest submitted application in the family. It may take several days to process applications before you receive your final confirmation that your child(ren) have been accepted into camp.Â
- Families are defined ONLY by the immediate children in the same household. Registration applications will NOT be accepted for cousins, neighbors, etc.Â
CAMPS
John Ball zoo Camp Schedule
Member Registration Opens | March 4 at 9am
Non-Member Registration Opens | March 20 at 9am
2 day Classes
9am - 4pm
For children 5 years of age by the first day of class or those entering Kindergarten this fall (Proof of age is required with registration).
HOME SWEET HOME | June 19 & 20, July 12 & 13
Do barn owls really live in barns? Do tree frogs like trees? Animals can live in some unusual places. Discover what makes a good home for wildlife in nature, and in your backyard.
ZOO MENU | June 21 & 22
What does a lion eat? What will a monkey munch? Weâll learn how animals are adapted to getting and eating specific foods, and see special foods Zoo animals eat to stay healthy
NOW YOU SEE ME, NOW YOU DONâT | July 24 & 25 | August 9 & 10
Animals play the ultimate game of hide and seek, and so will we! Explore the different ways animals hide. Discover whoâs using camouflage, mimicry, and warning colors to survive.
UNHUGGABLES | July 26 & 27, August 7 & 8
They might be prickly, stinky, slimy, or have a face only a mother could love. Change that âeww!â to a âwow!â as we find out why these animals deserve our respect and admiration⦠even if from a distance.
For students entering 1st or 2nd grade this fall.
ANIMOLOGY | June 19 & 20, July 12 & 13, July 24 & 25, August 9 & 10
Animals abound as we discover mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, and amphibians. What makes each of them unique? How do they fit in the animal kingdom? This is the class with class…classification!
ANIMAL SURVIVOR | July 26 & 27, August 14 & 15
Camouflage, defenses, food, shelterâ¦living in nature is challenging, even for animals. Play a thrilling game of camouflage, put your opossum skills to the test, and learn what it takes to be an animal survivor!
JUNGLE JOURNEYS | June 21 & 22, July 24 & 25,Â
The dense rainforest is full of wild surprises, and creatures can be found all the way from the forest floor to the sky! Journey into the jungle of the Zoo to discover monkeys, parrots, snakes, frogs, and more!
MASTER TRACKER | July 10 & 11, August 7 & 8
Have you ever walked in a lionâs footsteps or tried to find an owl in the treetops? Weâll learn to read the tracks and signs that animals leave behind as we follow them around the globe to learn what they eat and where they live.
FANTASTIC FELINES | July 10 & 11, July 26 & 27, August 16 & 17
Join us as we jump into the amazing world of felines. Are all cats alike? Why do lions roar and house cats meow? Are all spots the same? Weâve got the purrrfect class for you!
For students entering 3rd or 4th grade this fall.
TROPICAL TREASURES | June 19 & 20, August 9 & 10
Arr matey, stretching around the Earthâs middle latitudes, the tropics are host to a treasure trove of animal species. We be headân out on a scavenger hunt to discover tropical animals of both land and sea, itâs a pirateâs life for thee!
AROUND THE WORLD | July 26 & 27, August 14 & 15
Weâre going global! Itâs nonstop fun as we explore the wilds, animals, and cultures of the world while learning how the Zoo reaches out to help wildlife. No passport required!
 ANIMALS IN ACTION | July 12 & 13, August 7 & 8
Help keep the animals at the top of their game. Discover how zookeepers use enrichment to keep animals thinking and moving. Weâll design our own tools as well as create new ones for the animals. This class will keep everyoneâs mind moving!
WALK ON THE WILD SIDE | July 10 & 11, August 16 & 17
Embark on a journey through the wilds of JBZ. Explore the park as we track turtles, find frogs, and inspect insects. Head into the Zoo to ogle at otters, spy on snakes, and track tigers. This class is sure to be a wild time!
NATUREâS GOT TALENT | June 21 & 22, July 24 & 25
From the runway to extreme makeover: home edition, animals have got all the talent! Discover who has the most amazing voice or great dance moves as we experience the best reality shows of all…wild animals!
For students entering 5th or 6th grade this fall.
OPERATION ZOO | July 10 & 11, July 24 & 25, August 9 & 10
So you want to run a Zoo? Take the role of Zoo Director as you pick a species, create a plan, and design a new habitat! Weâll investigate different animal diets, size, habitats, social groups, and physical features to understand what it takes to create the best new home for your animal.
GROSSOLOGY | June 19 & 20, July 26 & 27
Prepare to be grossed out as we explore the gross and disgusting science of the animal world! Why do some animals shoot out their guts, eat their poop, or have slime on their bodies? This class is oozing with interaction.
WILDLIFE EXPLORER | June 21 & 22, July 12 & 13, August 7 & 8
Come explore the world of wildlife biologists in a hands-on class discovering how biologists catch, tag, and follow animals in the wild. We will get the chance to use our new skills and some telemetry equipment as we track animals in the park.
For students entering 7th, 8th, or 9th grade this fall.
JUNIOR KEEPER | June 21 & 22, August 7 & 8
Find out just what it takes to be a keeper. Youâll get a chance to try your hand at training, explore how keepers use enrichment to engage the animals, and test your knowledge on animal diets.
ZOO VET | June 19 & 20, July 12 & 13
Itâs time for a check-up and you get to be the vet! Using the tools of the trade, learn what our veterinary staff does to keep the animals healthy. *Due to the safety of the animals and campers, direct contact will be restricted to ambassador animals only.
WILD WORKERS | July 10 & 11, August 9 & 10
The Zoo needs you! Help the Zoo by collecting data for our conservation experts, creating a fun video for our marketing team, and designing new zoo exhibits. This camp offers an inside look at some of the Zoo’s lesser-known careers. Will you answer the call?
4 Day Classes
9am - 11:30am
For children 3 years of age by the first day of class.Â
*Children must be self-sufficient in the bathroom, diapers and pull-ups are not allowed.
SENSORY ZOO | June 19-22, June 26-29, July 17-20, July 31-August 3
Have a sense-sational time at the Zoo as we explore the Zoo using our senses. Weâll smell, see, hear, and touch our way through the Zoo, discovering lots of different animals along the way. Games, songs, up-close animal encounters, and more await!
CRITTER TALES | June 12-15, July 10-13, July 17-20, August 7-10
Come discover the animals in the Zoo that have helped inspire some of our favorite stories! Each day will introduce a new story and a Zoo adventure to meet the real critter from our animal tale. Up-close animal encounters, games, and crafts await your little critter in this class!
OUTDOOR EXPLORERS | June 12-15, June 26-29, July 24-27, July 31-August 3
Come climb, jump, and play your way through the Zoo and surrounding park space. Weâll learn about our forest friends as we explore the hiking trails, and weâll visit some creatures from around the world during our journeys into the Zoo.
For children 4 years of age by the first day of class.Â
*Children must be self-sufficient in the bathroom, diapers and pull-ups are not allowed.
FANCY FEET | June 26-29, July 31-August 3
Webbed, padded, feet with claws, sticky toes, two feet, four feet, and many feetâ¦feet are neat! Why do different animals have different feet and move in different ways? Youâll be head over heels about this class!
ON THE MOVE | July 17-20
Can you swing like a monkey? Hop like a wallaby? Slither like a snake? Animals can get around, and you will too as we jump into this fun-filled and moving exploration of locomotion.
CRITTER COVERINGS | June 12-15
Fuzzy fur, fluffy feathers, sturdy scales, or slippery slimeâ¦which would you choose? Animals are protected by their unique body coverings. This is a hands-on approach to learning about our favorite animal groups: fish, amphibians, birds, reptiles, and mammals!
For children 5 years of age by the first day of class or those entering Kindergarten this fall.
NOW YOU SEE ME, NOW YOU DONâT | June 12-15
Animals play the ultimate game of hide and seek, and so will we! Explore the different ways animals hide. Discover whoâs using camouflage, mimicry, and warning colors to survive.
UNHUGGABLES | June 26-29
They might be prickly, stinky, slimy, or have a face only a mother could love. Change that âeww!â to a âwow!â as we find out why these animals deserve our respect and admiration⦠even if from a distance.
ZOO MENU | July 31-August 3
What does a lion eat? What will a monkey munch? Weâll learn how animals are adapted to getting and eating specific foods, and see special foods Zoo animals eat to stay healthy
HOME SWEET HOME | July 17-20
Do barn owls really live in barns? Do tree frogs like trees? Animals can live in some unusual places. Discover what makes a good home for wildlife in nature, and in your backyard.
For students entering 1st or 2nd grade this fall.
ANIMAL SURVIVOR | July 17-20
Camouflage, defenses, food, shelterâ¦living in nature is challenging, even for animals. Play a thrilling game of camouflage, put your opossum skills to the test, and learn what it takes to be an animal survivor!
JUNGLE JOURNEYS | June 12-15
The dense rainforest is full of wild surprises, and creatures can be found all the way from the forest floor to the sky! Journey into the jungle of the Zoo to discover monkeys, parrots, snakes, frogs, and more!
MASTER TRACKER | July 31-August 3
Have you ever walked in a lionâs footsteps or tried to find an owl in the treetops? Weâll learn to read the tracks and signs that animals leave behind as we follow them around the globe to learn what they eat and where they live.
FANTASTIC FELINES | June 26-29
Join us as we jump into the amazing world of felines. Are all cats alike? Why do lions roar and house cats meow? Are all spots the same? Weâve got the purrrfect class for you!
For students entering 3rd or 4th grade this fall.
TROPICAL TREASURES | June 26-29
Arr matey, stretching around the Earthâs middle latitudes, the tropics are host to a treasure trove of animal species. We be headân out on a scavenger hunt to discover tropical animals of both land and sea, itâs a pirateâs life for thee!
ANIMALS IN ACTION | July 17-20
Help keep the animals at the top of their game. Discover how zookeepers use enrichment to keep animals thinking and moving. Weâll design our own tools as well as create new ones for the animals. This class will keep everyoneâs mind moving!
WALK ON THE WILD SIDE | June 12-15
Embark on a journey through the wilds of JBZ. Explore the park as we track turtles, find frogs, and inspect insects. Head into the Zoo to ogle at otters, spy on snakes, and track tigers. This class is sure to be a wild time!
NATUREâS GOT TALENT | July 31-August 3
From the runway to extreme makeover: home edition, animals have got all the talent! Discover who has the most amazing voice or great dance moves as we experience the best reality shows of all…wild animals!
4 day classes
1pm - 3:30pm
For children 4 years of age by the first day of class.
*Children must be self-sufficient in the bathroom, diapers and pull-ups are not allowed.
FANCY FEET | June 12-15, June 19-22, July 17-20, August 7-10
Webbed, padded, feet with claws, sticky toes, two feet, four feet, and many feetâ¦feet are neat! Why do different animals have different feet and move in different ways? Youâll be head over heels about this class!
ON THE MOVE | June 12-15, June 26-29, July 24-27, July 31-August 3,Â
Can you swing like a monkey? Hop like a wallaby? Slither like a snake? Animals can get around, and you will too as we jump into this fun-filled and moving exploration of locomotion.
CRITTER COVERINGS | June 26-29, July 10-13, July 17-20, July 31-August 3
Fuzzy fur, fluffy feathers, sturdy scales, or slippery slimeâ¦which would you choose? Animals are protected by their unique body coverings. This is a hands-on approach to learning about our favorite animal groups: fish, amphibians, birds, reptiles, and mammals!
For children 4 years of age by the first day of class.
*Children must be self-sufficient in the bathroom, diapers and pull-ups are not allowed.
FANCY FEET | June 12-15, June 19-22, July 17-20, August 7-10
Webbed, padded, feet with claws, sticky toes, two feet, four feet, and many feetâ¦feet are neat! Why do different animals have different feet and move in different ways? Youâll be head over heels about this class!
ON THE MOVE | June 12-15, June 26-29, July 24-27, July 31-August 3,Â
Can you swing like a monkey? Hop like a wallaby? Slither like a snake? Animals can get around, and you will too as we jump into this fun-filled and moving exploration of locomotion.
CRITTER COVERINGS | June 26-29, July 10-13, July 17-20, July 31-August 3
Fuzzy fur, fluffy feathers, sturdy scales, or slippery slimeâ¦which would you choose? Animals are protected by their unique body coverings. This is a hands-on approach to learning about our favorite animal groups: fish, amphibians, birds, reptiles, and mammals!
For children 4 years of age by the first day of class.
*Children must be self-sufficient in the bathroom, diapers and pull-ups are not allowed.
FANCY FEET | June 12-15, June 19-22, July 17-20, August 7-10
Webbed, padded, feet with claws, sticky toes, two feet, four feet, and many feetâ¦feet are neat! Why do different animals have different feet and move in different ways? Youâll be head over heels about this class!
ON THE MOVE | June 12-15, June 26-29, July 24-27, July 31-August 3,Â
Can you swing like a monkey? Hop like a wallaby? Slither like a snake? Animals can get around, and you will too as we jump into this fun-filled and moving exploration of locomotion.
CRITTER COVERINGS | June 26-29, July 10-13, July 17-20, July 31-August 3
Fuzzy fur, fluffy feathers, sturdy scales, or slippery slimeâ¦which would you choose? Animals are protected by their unique body coverings. This is a hands-on approach to learning about our favorite animal groups: fish, amphibians, birds, reptiles, and mammals!
For children 4 years of age by the first day of class.
*Children must be self-sufficient in the bathroom, diapers and pull-ups are not allowed.
FANCY FEET | June 12-15, June 19-22, July 17-20, August 7-10
Webbed, padded, feet with claws, sticky toes, two feet, four feet, and many feetâ¦feet are neat! Why do different animals have different feet and move in different ways? Youâll be head over heels about this class!
ON THE MOVE | June 12-15, June 26-29, July 24-27, July 31-August 3,Â
Can you swing like a monkey? Hop like a wallaby? Slither like a snake? Animals can get around, and you will too as we jump into this fun-filled and moving exploration of locomotion.
CRITTER COVERINGS | June 26-29, July 10-13, July 17-20, July 31-August 3
Fuzzy fur, fluffy feathers, sturdy scales, or slippery slimeâ¦which would you choose? Animals are protected by their unique body coverings. This is a hands-on approach to learning about our favorite animal groups: fish, amphibians, birds, reptiles, and mammals!
For children 5 years of age by the first day of class or those entering Kindergarten this fall.
NOW YOU SEE ME, NOW YOU DONâT | June 26-29
Animals play the ultimate game of hide and seek, and so will we! Explore the different ways animals hide. Discover whoâs using camouflage, mimicry, and warning colors to survive.
UNHUGGABLES | June 12-15
They might be prickly, stinky, slimy, or have a face only a mother could love. Change that âeww!â to a âwow!â as we find out why these animals deserve our respect and admiration⦠even if from a distance.
ZOO MENU | July 17-20
What does a lion eat? What will a monkey munch? Weâll learn how animals are adapted to getting and eating specific foods, and see special foods Zoo animals eat to stay healthy
HOME SWEET HOME | July 31-August 3
Do barn owls really live in barns? Do tree frogs like trees? Animals can live in some unusual places. Discover what makes a good home for wildlife in nature, and in your backyard.
For students entering 1st or 2nd grade this fall.
ANIMOLOGY | June 26-29
Animals abound as we discover mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, and amphibians. What makes each of them unique? How do they fit in the animal kingdom? This is the class with class…classification!
ANIMAL SURVIVOR | June 12-15, July 31-August 3
Camouflage, defenses, food, shelterâ¦living in nature is challenging, even for animals. Play a thrilling game of camouflage, put your opossum skills to the test, and learn what it takes to be an animal survivor!
JUNGLE JOURNEYS | July 17-20, July 31-August 3
The dense rainforest is full of wild surprises, and creatures can be found all the way from the forest floor to the sky! Journey into the jungle of the Zoo to discover monkeys, parrots, snakes, frogs, and more!
MASTER TRACKER | June 26-29, July 17-20,Â
Have you ever walked in a lionâs footsteps or tried to find an owl in the treetops? Weâll learn to read the tracks and signs that animals leave behind as we follow them around the globe to learn what they eat and where they live.
FANTASTIC FELINES | June 12-15
Join us as we jump into the amazing world of felines. Are all cats alike? Why do lions roar and house cats meow? Are all spots the same? Weâve got the purrrfect class for you!
For students entering 3rd or 4th grade this fall.
TROPICAL TREASURES | July 17-20
Arr matey, stretching around the Earthâs middle latitudes, the tropics are host to a treasure trove of animal species. We be headân out on a scavenger hunt to discover tropical animals of both land and sea, itâs a pirateâs life for thee!
AROUND THE WORLD | June 26-29
Weâre going global! Itâs nonstop fun as we explore the wilds, animals, and cultures of the world while learning how the Zoo reaches out to help wildlife. No passport required!
ANIMALS IN ACTION | June 12-15
Help keep the animals at the top of their game. Discover how zookeepers use enrichment to keep animals thinking and moving. Weâll design our own tools as well as create new ones for the animals. This class will keep everyoneâs mind moving!
WALK ON THE WILD SIDE | July 31-August 3
Embark on a journey through the wilds of JBZ. Explore the park as we track turtles, find frogs, and inspect insects. Head into the Zoo to ogle at otters, spy on snakes, and track tigers. This class is sure to be a wild time!
CLASSES
Frequently asked questions
Camp Information Packets for Registered Campers:
You should receive an email confirmation after registering your child for a camp class. If you did NOT receive an email from the Zoo following your registration please contact us immediately – all camp correspondence is done via email!
Sprout Series – This unique program for 3 and 4-year-olds is offered on Thursdays and Fridays in the Spring and Fall months. Designed around the curiosity of the younger crowd, classes are a mix of sensory explorations.Â
Winter in the Woods – This program for 3 and 4-year-olds is offered in the winter, December through March. Designed around outside, nature play, preschoolers enjoy exploration in the park.Â
Kid’s Night Out – A fun night for kids 4-10 years of age. No need to stress over finding a babysitter to enjoy date night, drop the kids off at the zoo and let them have a great night out as well.Â
Spring Break Camp – Our always popular summer camp has expanded to include Spring Break. Kids get out into the zoo at a great time of year when animals are often most active and also have lots of opportunities to explore the park during adventure time!
Overnight Camp – Students in 3rd-8th grade have the opportunity to explore the zoo at night! Camp out near the chimpanzees and have a blast seeing what the nocturnal animals are up to at night.Â
Summer Camp – Kids 3 years through going into 9th grade enjoy day camps here at the zoo. Individual classes are designed around specific topics, students enjoy zoo and park time, animal encounters, behind-the-scenes activities, and much more.Â
Youth classes are unique, fun, hands-on learning experiences! Each class follows its particular theme and uses a variety of age-appropriate methods to stimulate the learning process including; zoo tours, games, stories, hands-on activities, crafts, up-close animal encounters and more. Parent letters/updates are sent home first and last days of the session to keep you informed of your child’s activities and special projects are often brought home many days.
We provide classes for children ages 3 years to those entering 9th grade, and most age groups have a variety of themes/topics of classes. Every class will be a fun and unique learning experience that utilizes the zoo setting, but we suggest you talk with your child about which class(es) they are most interested in and choose together.
No. Students will be strictly limited to classes for their age/grade level. Older and younger students can cause disruption to the learning process. For the benefit of all class participants, we cannot allow younger or older children to attend. Three and four year olds must be that age by the first day of class.Â
NO. All students must be self-sufficient in the bathroom; diapers and pull-ups are not permitted.
John Ball Zoo will make reasonable accommodations for students with special needs to attend class. This includes but is not limited to allergies, medical conditions, and social/learning needs. Receiving adequate information from guardians is crucial for our success. Any information is kept strictly confidential. Please notify us of your child’s needs as far in advance as possible to allow us to best prepare a quality experience for your child. Any student who poses a safety hazard to themselves or others will be dismissed from the program. If your child requires 1:1 supervision, you may be asked to assist in finding an assistant for them.Â
We are committed to providing a safe and nurturing learning environment that features excellent supervision. The emotional and physical well-being of each child is a responsibility we take seriously. Different age levels have different ratios. 3-year-old programs operate at a 1:5 teacher-to-student ratio, 4-year-old programs operate at 1:7, and all others are a 1:10 teacher-to-student ratio. Class sizes are strictly limited. You can expect your child to have a safe and fun learning experience!
Due to space limitations and class design, it is best if parents/guardians separate from their child at the drop-off location. Most children, while perhaps experiencing a brief moment of anxiety, overcome their fears and participate more quickly without a parent present. If you think your child cannot remain in class without you after a few minutes, please consider waiting another year.Â
Light snacks are provided during all pre-school programs, Kids’ Night Out programs, and select Camp Sessions. 2-day camp sessions all have time for lunch as well as a snack break. 4-day camp sessions have a snack break for the 3-year-old and 4-year-old classes.Â
We are unable to provide child care before, between, or after classes. If you and your child arrive late and do not see someone at the drop-off area, proceed to the office in the Zoo Administration building. Missed activities will not be made up. Parents may be required to accompany their children into the Zoo to meet with their class.Â
* A $10 late pick-up fee will be charged for any child not picked up within 15 minutes of class dismissal.
Enrollment is limited and classes fill quickly! John Ball Zoo Members are allowed to register for Summer camp classes prior to non-members. Due to program space and popularity, membership does NOT guarantee a space in camp. Members also receive a discounted class fee. We suggest you register online as early as possible to provide the best chance at securing a spot for your child. To register online and take advantage of early registration/member pricing, you must have a current zoo membership. Memberships may be purchased online at jbzoo.org
Due to the popularity of the Summer Camp program, we limit registration to two – day camp sessions per child. Â We ask that three year olds only register for one class. While we appreciate your enthusiasm and support of our program, we feel this allows more children a chance to participate. Many classes are repeated from year to year, allowing your child, over the course of two summers, to participate in most class offerings. Each class has the same curriculum from year to year so please plan for this when registering. Â
Yes. There is no charge to sign up on a waiting list and all full classes maintain one. While there is no guarantee an opening for you child will become available, we do encourage you to add your child’s name. We will notify you as quickly as possible if such an opening occurs. If classes are full, you can register for a waitlist online.Â
Camp registration is via an application process for 2023. It may take several days at the beginning of member registration to receive your confirmation email. Confirmations are emailed so please confirm email addresses are accurate and up to date in the system.Â
Sprouts Series – Classes begin at 9:00am and end at 11:30am.
Kid’s Night Out – Drop-off is at 5:30pm, pick-up is at 9:00pm.
Spring Break Day Camp – Drop-off is at 9:00am, pick-up is at 4:00pm.
Overnight Camps – Drop-off is at 5:30pm and pick-up is the following morning at 9:30am.
Summer Zoo Camp
4-day AM Camps – Drop-off is at 9 am, pick-up is at 11:30am
4-day PM Camps – Drop-off is at 1:00pm, pick-up is at 3:30pm
2-Day Camps – Drop-off is at 9 am, pick-up is at 4 pm
In the event you must cancel, money will be refunded (less a processing fee) ONLY with advance notice. Changes in registration must be made in writing and emailed, mailed, or dropped off at the Zoo Administration Office during normal business hours (M-F, 8am-4:30pm).Â
Sprouts – $5 processing fee, 1-week notice
Kids Night Out – $10 processing fee, 1-week notice
Day Camp –Â $20 processing fee, 2 weeks’ notice
Mail:Â John Ball Zoo – Education, 1300 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Email:Â [email protected]
Please contact the Education Department at (616) 336-4302 or email at [email protected] with any questions or concerns.
In the event the zoo must cancel a class participants will receive a full refund. In the case of severe weather (i.e. blizzards or ice storms), if Grand Rapids Public Schools are closed, the zoo will cancel all classes for the day and attempt to reschedule. For Saturday classes staff will make the determination either the day before or the day of and will call all participants. Please make sure to list the best contact phone numbers on your registration form.Â
Please call the Education Department at 616-336-4302 (Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm) or email [email protected]
Only a parent or legal guardian can register their child. Using online registration, you can simply select from those classes that are still available for a schedule that works for you. Please note that Non-Members wishing to attend with a Member must wait until the Non-Member registration date, typically the week after Membership registration begins.Â
REVIEWS
What Parents Say About Zoo Camp
Intensified Love for Animals
"His love for animals only intensified and he was so excited to go back the next day."
High Quality, Educational, Exciting!
"My daughter loved all that she did and didn't want the class to end. She shared many facts and information with us about her adventures and has incorporated lots of new vocabulary in her conversations. This was a high quality, educational and exciting program."
Highly Recommended
"This class was a step OUTSIDE of the box . . . I highly recommend it for next year!!"