Camp FAQs

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!

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. 

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

Kidzu camps are specifically designed camps geared toward children with Autism, ADHD, or any sensory needs. Kidzu camps are a smaller group of kids to increase the staff to child ratio, have longer times for transitions, and more activity variations offered. Lead staff on Kidzu camps have experience working with neurodivergent children and carry headphones, fidgets, and other calming tools throughout the camp day. If needed, campers are welcome to attend with an adult or aide.