banner - Day campers observing the seals or bears when they are in the water at their enclosure

Summer Camps 2024

 ALL CAMPS NOW ON SALE

If you have not reset your password on the new webstore, you will need to do so during the registration process. Members must register with the email address we have on file. If you are not sure which email address is connected to your membership, please call us at (502) 459-2287 or email us at zoomembership@louisvilleky.gov.

Overview

Our full-day, drop-off summer camp program explores the Zoo and the amazing world of wildlife conservation! Each camp program will feature small group sizes and unique nature focused age-appropriate activities in line with your child’s natural science interests. All camp groups will have the opportunity to experience the Zoo’s attractions, including the carousel, seasonal exhibits, exclusive experiences and enjoy up-close encounters with our small animal ambassadors!

We’re making curbside pickup as well as curbside drop-off for all families a permanent addition the camp experience. Aftercare is provided during drop-off and pickup at no additional fee.

Choose the grade your child currently attends or the grade they will enter in fall 2024.

Regular Prices:
2-Day Camp: member — $180 / non-member — $190
4-Day Camp: member — $280 / non-member — $300
5-Day Camp: member — $350 / non-member — $375

Times:
Drop Off: 8:30 – 9 a.m. / After-care 3:45 – 5 p.m.

5 Day Camps

5-Day Camp: member — $350 / non-member — $375

Register Today!

Picky Eaters
Dates: June 10 – 14
July 8 – 12
If you think your camper is a picky eater, wait until you learn about the picky eaters in the animal kingdom! We all know that animals can eat many different foods — but some of the pickiest eaters refuse to eat anything but the one thing they like, and they may even need special preparation before they are willing to chow down! From koala bears to anteaters, your camper will explore just how picky the animal kingdom can be!

Zooper Heroes
Dates: June 3 – 7
July 22 – 26
With great power comes great adaptations! Animals have a ton of different adaptations that have inspired super hero powers like super strength, super speed, wall climbing, web slinging, and so much more! Dive into this zooper world of animal superpowers as we discover what powers animals are hiding and how it helps them survive.

Koality Time
Dates: June 24 – 28
July 29 – August 2
We humans like hanging out with our friends and family, but do animals spend time with each other? Some animals are social and like spending time with others, while some species are solitary and prefer their alone time. In this camp, we will explore the complex relationships in the animal kingdom not only within individual species, but interactions with other species as well! Some species are friends and others are foes, but how do they know who to trust and who is trying to turn them into lunch?

Rockin’ Reptiles
Dates: July 15 – 19
Re-growing body parts, running on water, venomous bites, and the ability to climb any surface. No, this isn’t the newest superhero; it’s reptiles! From snakes, to lizards and turtles, explore the amazing adaptations and creatures that call the Zoo home, plus enjoy up-close encounters with some of our Zoo’s rockin’ reptiles.

Register Today!

Grossology
Dates: June 24 – 28
July 22 – 26
In this camp, discover all about things that make parents go “yuck!” From slimy slugs to stinky skunks, the animal kingdom has lots of things that we may consider gross, but animals use these gross adaptations to help them survive! Your camper will explore what gross adaptations animals have, as well as how those seemingly gross aspects keep them alive!

Junior Keeper Camp
Dates: June 3 – 7
July 29 – August 2
Get a glimpse into the daily life of a zoo keeper at your Louisville Zoo! Campers will learn how the zoo keepers provide the best possible care for our animals and get a better understanding of animal husbandry practices. This “junior” version of an old camp favorite will explore not only what it takes to do the job of a keeper, but what steps are needed to become one!

Over Aus
Dates: June 10 – 14
July 15 – 19
G’day mate! This camp is all about Australia and New Zealand’s fascinating wildlife! Take a walkabout to one of the most incredibly diverse and interesting ecosystems on our planet as we explore dry deserts, arid bushlands, jagged peaks, deep valleys, bustling coral reefs, gorgeous rainforests and many other ecosystems.

Jaws and Claws
Dates: July 8 – 12
Animals have powerful adaptations that they use to survive daily in the wild, but few are as important as their jaws and claws! In this camp, explore the different mouths and paws of the animal kingdom and discover the various, unexpected ways they are used — from the way a tiger picks up and moves its cubs to the way armadillos dig with their claws!

Register Today!

Magnificent Marsupials
Dates: June 3 – 7
July 22 – 26
Ever wonder what “koala-fies” you to be a marsupial? In this camp, we’ll explore this amazing group of animals and what features make them so special. While Australia is the most famous home of these creatures, they actually live across the globe! One marsupial even lives right here in Louisville. Come “un-pouch” the mysteries of these special mammals!

Enchanted Animals
Dates: June 10 – 14
July 15 – 19
Bongo, bongo, tegu and tortoise; magic animals are this camp’s purpose! Many animals are synonymous with magic and fantasy — but what are the roots of so many of these stories? In this camp, we will investigate if these animals are truly magical or not, and try to uncover why they are believed to have enchanted properties.

Junior Vet Camp
Dates: June 24 – 28
July 8 – 12

July 29 – August 2
What does a Zoo veterinarian do each day? How do you study to become a veterinarian? Discover the ins and outs of animal health and learn how our Zoo doctors and keepers team up to take care of our animals every day! This “junior” version of an old camp favorite will explore not only what it takes to do the job of a Zoo vet, but what steps are needed to become one!

Register Today!

Isolated Islands
Dates: June 3 – 7
July 22 – 26

July 29 – August 2
Islands are a hotspot for biodiversity; once organisms are separated from each other physically, they can rapidly change into vastly different creatures or plants. Explore the different kinds of islands, as well as the very strange creatures that call these islands home! From tigers, to giant tortoises, to orangutans, islands are home to some of our most beloved animals!

Keeper Camp
Dates: June 10 – 14
July 8 – 12
Get a glimpse into the daily life of a zoo keeper here at the Louisville Zoo. Campers will learn how our zoo keepers provide the best possible care for our animals and get a better understanding of animal husbandry practices like shifting the animals to and from their habitats, daily training and more.

Barely Bears
Dates: June 24 – 28
July 15 – 19
What do koalas, red pandas, grizzly bears, and binturongs have in common? Other than “bear” being sometimes included in their name, most of these animals actually aren’t similar at all — or even bears! If you’re struggling to keep up, don’t worry; join us we lay out the “bear” facts about how animals are classified and find out who is a bear and who is bearing the wrong name!

Register Today!

Specialty 2 Day Camps

Price (2-Day Experience): member — $180 / non-member — $190

Register Today!

These 2-day experiences are the perfect way to introduce your little one to the wonders of the Zoo! Each week, two different 2-day experiences will be offered. Sign your little one up for one 2-day experience or if they are ready, sign them up for two sessions that will combine to expand their knowledge of the animal world! We have fit a whole week of Zoo fun into each two-day session.

Spot the Spots
Dates: May 28  – 29
Do you know how to tell a leopard and a jaguar apart? What about a turtle or a tortoise? This camp is all about learning how to spot animals, and how to identify which animal they are! We will explore the various kinds of animals at the Zoo, as well as learn some tips and tricks on how to find them.

Don’t Touch the Tigers
Dates: May 30 – 31
As any Zoo camper knows, you shouldn’t touch a tiger! In this camp, we won’t be touching any tigers, but we will be learning how animals feel! Animals vary to the touch, from oily fur to soft feathers to slimy skin. In this camp, we will learn which animals are okay to touch and which ones you should avoid getting close to. Your camper will explore the animal kingdom hands-on – from a safe distance!

Natures Noises
Dates: June 17 – 18
Learn about the different sounds of the animal kingdom, from the loud roar of a lion to the sweet song of a bird. What do these noises mean and do animals really talk?

Smell Ya Later
Dates: June 20 – 21
What’s that smell? Animals use scent for a variety of different purposes. Some animals use smell to ward off predators like skunks, while others (like ants!) use pheromones to communicate complex messages to each other. In this camp, learn about how different animals smell, and what those smells are used for!

Balancing Beasts
Dates: July 1 – 2
Balance is one of our most used senses, but we rarely think about it. Animals and humans both rely on their balance to move around their habitats. From tree limbs to mountain cliffs, animals use balance everywhere they go! Learn about how balance plays an important part in the lives of our animal friends.

Secret Senses
Dates: July 3 & 5
Did you know some animals can sense things that we can’t? Some animals can see things that are invisible to us, while others use their hearing to perceive their surroundings. Some animals can even look at an object and determine how hot it is! Learn about these hidden senses and the different ways animals experience our shared world.

Register Today!

These camps are two days of education and adventure! Two different 2-day camps will be offered each week — but you don’t need to go to both to have a full experience! Discover everything the Zoo has to offer without giving up a full week of your much-deserved summer vacation! These premium 2-day camps include extra, exclusive, behind-the-scenes experiences.

Zoo Exhibit Design
Dates: May 28 – 29
July 3 & 5
What makes a good zoo exhibit? Many of us can point out good exhibit design but articulating what makes it special can be rather difficult! Your camper will explore the various aspects of zoo exhibit design both from the perspective of a guest, as well as looking at the inner workings of exhibits to find out how architects craft exhibits to be beautiful and functional. A great exhibit not only showcases the animals, but also encourages natural behaviors and allows the keepers to safely and effectively care for each species unique needs.

Vet Camp
Dates: May 30 – 31
June 20 – 21
What does a Zoo veterinarian do each day? How do you study to become a veterinarian? Discover the ins and outs of animal health and learn how our Zoo doctors and keepers team up to take care of our animals every day!

Zoo Confidential
Dates: June 17 – 18
July 1 – 2
What does it take to run a Zoo? Go the behind the scenes at the Louisville Zoo! Get a special look at everything from animal diets to exhibit design. Journey with the group into areas unseen by typical Zoo guests to discover how we provide the very best for our animal ambassadors as well as what efforts we take to ensure guest safety.

Register Today!

4 Day Camps

4-Day Camp: member — $280 / non-member — $300

Register Today!

Picky Eaters
Dates: May 28 – 31
If you think your camper is a picky eater, wait until you learn about the picky eaters in the animal kingdom! We all know that animals can eat many different foods — but some of the pickiest eaters refuse to eat anything but the one thing they like, and they may even need special preparation before they are willing to chow down! From koala bears to anteaters, your camper will explore just how picky the animal kingdom can be!

Zooper Heroes
Dates: June 17 – 18 & 20 – 21
With great power comes great adaptations! Animals have a ton of different adaptations that have inspired super hero powers like super strength, super speed, wall climbing, web slinging, and so much more! Dive into this zooper world of animal superpowers as we discover what powers animals are hiding and how it helps them survive.

Rockin’ Reptiles
Dates: July 1 – 3 & 5
Re-growing body parts, running on water, venomous bites, and the ability to climb any surface. No, this isn’t the newest superhero; it’s reptiles! From snakes, to lizards and turtles, explore the amazing adaptations and creatures that call the Zoo home, plus enjoy up-close encounters with some of our Zoo’s rockin’ reptiles.

Register Today!

Grossology
Dates: May 28 – 31
In this camp, discover all about things that make parents go “yuck!” From slimy slugs to stinky skunks, the animal kingdom has lots of things that we may consider gross, but animals use these gross adaptations to help them survive! Your camper will explore what gross adaptations animals have, as well as how those seemingly gross aspects keep them alive!

Jaws and Claws
Dates: June 17 – 18 & June 20 – 21
Animals have powerful adaptations that they use to survive daily in the wild, but few are as important as their jaws and claws! In this camp, explore the different mouths and paws of the animal kingdom and discover the various, unexpected ways they are used — from the way a tiger picks up and moves its cubs to the way armadillos dig with their claws!

Over Aus
Dates: July 1 – 3 & 5
G’day mate! This camp is all about Australia and New Zealand’s fascinating wildlife! Take a walkabout to one of the most incredibly diverse and interesting ecosystems on our planet as we explore dry deserts, arid bushlands, jagged peaks, deep valleys, bustling coral reefs, gorgeous rainforests and many other ecosystems.

Register Today!

 MAY AND JUNE SUMMER CAMPS ON SALE NOW. JULY CAMPS WILL BE ON SALE MARCH 6TH!

If you have not reset your password on the new webstore, you will need to do so during the registration process.