PreK Nature Play Camps 2024 (Tickets on Sale Now)
Offered by the Week - Tuesday & Thursday
For Rising Preschool and Kindergarten Age Students
Get Wild About Nature while splashing in our play stream, stomping in mud puddles, exploring the woods, and meeting our Animal Ambassadors!
Price: $65/week (Tuesday and Thursday session)
Time: 8:30am-12:30pm
Maximum number of campers: 12 campers per week
Please note updated medical policy: 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. If your camper has to carry medications other than an EpiPen, in case of an emergency, staff will not be able to administer, and a parent or guardian will have to accompany the camper all during camp.
All camps are rain or shine. Camp will only be cancelled if the Zoo is closed for inclement weather.
Join us for a summer of fun they’ll always remember!
Weekly Themes
Week 1: June 18 & 20 Buzzing for Bugs Build a Bug—what goes into making an insect? Meet some cool bugs and visit the Kaleidoscope Butterfly Habitat. Bring home your “bug” and a little planter with a pollinator plant.
Week 2: June 25 & 27 Racing for Reptiles What makes a reptile a reptile? Meet some scaley friends and find out why they are important! Make a turtle to take home.
Week 3: July 2 & 4 Dinosaur Discovery Make some dino tracks, dig for dino eggs and meet one of our Animal Ambassador species that has been around since dino days. Take home your own dino track makers.
Week 4: July 9 & 11 Zootastic Zoofari Take a ride on the Zoofari bus, see how big an elephant’s trunk really is and play on the new gorilla climber. Decorate a safari bandana to take home.
Week 5: July 16 & 18 Amazing Amphibians What is an amphibian anyway? Learn what they are and why they are important. Meet some amazing amphibians and make your own bean bag frog.
Week 6: July 23 & 25 Excellent Elements Let’s get messy by playing in the mud and the water. Learn how zoo animals use the elements. Learn how to keep your pets safe from the elements and visit the dog show. Make a pollinator pod to plant at home.
Week 7: July 30 & Aug. 1 Digging the Desert Visit our desert dome and meet one of our Animal Ambassadors that dwells in the desert. Play in our dig pit and bring home your very own succulent.
What does a daily schedule look like for the campers?
Daily Schedule:
8:30 AM drop off at Stedman Education Building in North America Parking Lot
9:00 arrive at Kidzone
9:15-9:30 Play activity based on weekly theme
9:30-9:45 Animal Ambassador visit/Bathroom Break
10:00-11:00 Visit a Zoo habitat based on the weekly theme
11:15-11:30 Snack Time/Bathroom Break, snacks will be provided and will be based on the weekly theme. You may send a snack if you prefer. Also please inform us of any food allergies. All campers will need to bring a reusable water bottle with the camper’s name on it.
11:30-12:15 Free Play in Kidzone, children may get wet in our Play Stream and/or muddy in our Mud Café. Packing a change of clothing is recommended.
12:30 PM Pick up at Stedman Education Building in North America Parking Lot
How do you register for one of our camps?
Please register through the Eventbrite link. If you have any questions, you can contact Kathy Osborne at kathy.osborne@nczoo.org
How much are the camps? Is there a Society or multiple camp discount for these?
Price: $65/week (Tuesday and Thursday session)
SAVE $5 on each camp when you purchase 3 or more of our series or any day camps at the same time!
To get the discounted rate:
1- Register for 3 or more day camps (any combination)
2 - Enter the following code “3+camp” in the promotion box on the ticket page.
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: 336-879-7262
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.
Is there a camp t-shirt?
Yes, it can be purchased on the "Ticket Page" of Eventbrite. Scroll down to the "Add-ons" section found below all the camp tickets.
Waitlist Procedure
If a camp is sold out and you would like to be added to our waitlist please email Kathy (kathy.osborne@nczoo.org) with the camp date and number of tickets requested. As spots open we will notify you.
What is the camper to staff ratio?
Camps are staffed by 3 adults with combined 8 years preschool camp experience. At least one staff member is currently certified on child CPR and First Aid. Staff to child ratio is 1:3.