What does a typical camp day look like?
Camp is a full day of fun at the zoo! The day begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m., including time for a morning and afternoon snack, and lunch. We will walk to visit animal habitats and meet animal ambassadors! Depending on camper age and keeper availability, we will also hear keeper talks and tour behind-the-scenes. Throughout the day, we will engage in activities, games, and crafts relevant to the theme. We will end the day with free time to explore our Kidzone nature play area!
How do you register for one of our camps?
Please register through Etix. If you have any questions you can contact:
- School-grade camps, email Amanda Helms
- Pre-K camps, email Kathy Osborne
*Veterinary Camps are ran by the North Carolina Zoo Society.
How much are the camps? Is there a Society or multiple camp discount for these?
Virtual Camps = $35 per session
Single Day & Kidzu Camps = $75 per session
2- Day Camps = $115 per session
Weeklong Camps = $285 per session
Buy 3 or more camps and receive $5 off each camp!
To use this discount, enter promo code "3ormore"
Current Society Members
If you don't have your Zoo Society promo code to get your discount, please call the NC Zoo Society office at: 336.879.7250
Refund Policy
You will be refunded your entire camp registration fee if you cancel at least 2 weeks before the camp. If you cancel after that or fail to show for your camp, there will be no refund. You may only attend the camps you have registered for.
Please email Amanda Helms or call 336.879.7715 for refund requests.
Is there a camp t-shirt?
Seasonal camps do not include a T-shirt.
Summer camps have an optional T-shirt that can be purchased for $16. The ability to add a T-shirt will appear when summer camp tickets are added to the Etix shopping cart, or you may purchase here. Shirts will be given out at camp check-in.
Waitlist Procedure
If a camp is sold out and you would like to be added to our waitlist please email Amanda Helms with the camp title, age group, date, and number of tickets requested. We will notify you as spots open.
What if a camper needs medication or an EpiPen?
Zoo staff are not allowed to administer ANY medications except for an EpiPen. If your camper must take medications, they will have to be able to take them on their own or a parent/guardian will need to accompany them.
What if there is inclement weather?
All camps are rain or shine. In the event of thunder and lightning, the camp activities will be adjusted for safety. If the camp is canceled, you will be notified.
Do virtual campers need to be supervised? Do parents/guardians need to attend?
You are not required to attend a virtual camp with the child, although you are welcome to join! We do ask that an adult is available to the child should they need assistance with technology. We also ask that materials for the camp (communicated beforehand) and snack are available when needed during the camp schedule.
How many campers can attend each camp? What if there is low registration?
Camps have a maximum and minimum number of participants that ensure the best programming and vary by the age/audience of a camp.
Virtual Camps = 10 campers max (5 campers minimum)
Single Day Camps = 16 campers max (8 campers minimum)
Kidzu Camps = 9 campers max (5 campers minimum)
2-Day Camps = 11 campers max (6 campers minimum)
Weeklong Camps = 16 campers max for rising 1st-6th grade camps, 11 campers max for the rising 7th-8th grade camp (8 campers and 6 campers minimum, respectively)
Camps have a minimum number of participants to run. If a camp is cancelled due to low registration you will be notified at least one week prior to the camp date. You will be given the option to transfer to another, comparative camp date or receive a full refund.