Zoo Camp (ages 5-12)

Learning Has Never Been So WILD!

Birmingham Zoo Camp offers programs for kids ages 5-12. Experiences include zoo tours, up close meet-and-greets with animals, unique learning opportunities about nature and conservation, games, crafts, and more!

Zoo Camps Sponsored by the Poarch Creek Indians

2026 Summer Zoo Camp

Zoo Camp at Your Birmingham Zoo is bursting with brand-new topics and wild adventures for ages 5–12. From hands-on activities to up-close animal experiences, every day is filled with discovery, creativity, and fun. Get ready to explore, learn, and make unforgettable Zoo memories!

Camp Topics & Dates: 

May 26 – May 29: Biggest and Baddest – *Sold Out! (week 1 & week 6) – Step into the world of the Biggest and Baddest and meet nature’s apex predators! Campers will explore lions, jaguars, and other incredible hunters to discover what makes them so powerful. 

June 1- June 5: Even Stranger Things (week 2 & week 7) – Join ‘Even Stranger Things’ to uncover the weirdest, wildest, and most mysterious creatures around! Campers will explore bizarre animals, strange behaviors, and the myths that surround them.   

June 8 – June 12: Alabamazon (week 3 & week 8) – Dive into the ‘Alabamazon’ and explore Alabama’s amazing rivers, streams, and wetlands! Campers will meet fish, amphibians, and other aquatic creatures while learning how these habitats support wildlife.   

June 15 – June 19 (Camp week INCLUDES holiday): Wild About Science (week 4 & week 9) – Get ‘Wild About Science’ and see how animals and plants inspire amazing discoveries! Campers will explore biomimicry, plant-based medicines, and other ways nature sparks science. 

June 22 – June 26: Dino Safari: A Camp Before Time (week 5 & week 10) – Travel back in time on Dino Safari and meet the giants that once ruled the Earth! Campers will discover fascinating facts about dinosaurs, their habitats, and how scientists study them today. 

June 29 – July 3: Biggest and Baddest *Sold Out!

July 6 – July 10: Even Stranger Things *Sold Out!

July 13 – July 17: Alabamazon 

July 20 – July 24: Wild About Science 

July 27 – July 31: Dino Safari: A Camp Before Time  *Sold Out! 

NEW! Extended Care:
Birmingham Zoo’s Learning Team is proud to announce we are bringing back Extended Care options for an additional fee. Extended Care options are available each day camp is offered. 

Rise & Roar (before care- 7:30am to 8:30am)   

Activities may include:   

• Dance party  

• “Ready, Set, Stretch” animal themed stretching   

• Zoo themed and music trivia  

• Ice breakers  

Wild Wind-Down (after care – 4:00pm to 5:30pm)  

Activities may include:   

• Snack (included) 

• Biofact exploration  

• Animal themed yoga  

• One small craft that will vary per day  

• Free choice nature play (playtime at Sticks or Rocks Nature Play Spaces) 

Camp Times:  

• Drop off is from 8:30am to 9:00am  

• Pick up is from 3:30pm to 4:00pm 

• *Any camper not picked up at 4:00pm will automatically be transferred to Wild Wind-Down and registrants will automatically be charged the $15.00 fee if not already enrolled.  

Camp Costs:  

• $400.00 – Summer camp is sold by the week  

• $50.00 Rise & Roar – Extended Care is sold by the week

• $75.00 Wild Wind-Down – Extended Care is sold by the week. 

***Members recieve a 15% discount on registration costs. Member discount and scholarships do not apply to extended care pricing for Rise & Roar or Wild Wind-Down.  

***Scholarships: Scholarship applications are closed for the 2026 season.

RULES & REGULATIONS  

Please click HERE to view details, rules, and regulations for 2026 Zoo Camps.

Have questions or need additional information? Contact your Birmingham Zoo Learning Department at [email protected]. Or give us a call at 205.879.0409 ext. 4. 

WHAT ABOUT TEENS?

Click HERE for more info on the NEW! Conservation & Careers summer program for ages 13-15. 

Quick Tips for a Successful Experience  

 What to Bring  

• A positive attitude and sense of curiosity  

• Comfortable clothes that can get a little dirty  

• A reusable water bottle with student’s name clearly and permanently displayed 

• Close-toed shoes  

What NOT to Bring  

• Electronics, game cards, money, collectables, and jewelry  

• Fireworks, lighters, or other dangerous or inappropriate items  

Grouping & Supervision  

• Campers will be grouped based on age for the best experience possible  

• Classes average 12-15 students with one teacher and 2-4 volunteers  

• Needs for accommodation should be emailed to [email protected]   

Lunch & Snacks  

• Caregivers are required to pack an allergen-free* daily lunch and snack for their camper or teen. Birmingham Zoo will provide a limited option of snacks. 

• Allergy Alert  
  • “Allergen-free” refers to food that does not contain ingredients that cause allergic reactions such as nuts or shellfish.

• • Please disclose all food and environmental allergies to Learning Department Staff.  

• • Traces of nuts may be found in areas that animal feedings/demonstrations take place.  

• • Staff have limited training to recognize and respond to allergic reactions. Important Note: Birmingham Zoo staff are not fully trained medical professionals and will contact emergency responders immediately in the event of a medical crisis.

Communication  

• Ensure your information is up-to-date on the registration website. This is crucial for staff to be able to reach you on behalf of your camper if needed.  

Behavioral Expectations  

• Zoo Camp is a safe, respectful, accepting, and courteous place for all. Age-appropriate corrective action will be taken for behavior that does not meet these expectations. Contact [email protected] if you have further questions regarding this.  

Medical Policy & Procedures  

• Campers must be free of contagious symptoms for 72 hours before attending any Zoo Camp   

• Caregivers will be notified immediately if signs of illness appear.  

• First Aid will be administered for minor cuts, bumps, and insect bites by staff.   

• Campers may only self-administer medication which has been documented and provided to staff at the start of the day.  

• Important Note: Birmingham Zoo staff are not fully trained medical professionals and will contact emergency responders immediately in the event of a medical crisis 

Weather  

• Zoo programming occurs rain or shine. In the event of severe weather, programs may be delayed, end early, or be cancelled.   

Animal Contact  

• For the safety of all, direct, physical contact with Zoo animals is rarely possible. Birmingham Zoo Ambassador Animals will be utilized for meet-and-greet experiences.  

SAFETY STATEMENT
The Birmingham Zoo Education Department closely follows American Camp Association, state, local, and federal guidelines to provide for the safety of campers, staff, and animals.  

Questions? Contact the Education Department at [email protected] Or Call 205.397.3864