Kids for Nature Summer Camp Programs 2026

Animal Tales PreK-K (age 4+): Immerse yourself in wildlife and wild places and record your memories along the way. Campers will create their own Zoo Story inspired by their adventures throughout the Zoo. During this busy PreK-K day, campers will have 20-30 minutes after lunch to enjoy quiet time. The campers may choose to rest, read, or enjoy a quiet activity before they continue their adventure in the afternoon.

Fee: $200

Dates:

• 5/25-5/29 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.
• 6/8-6/12 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.
• 6/15-6/19 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.
• 6/29-7/3 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.
• 7/6-7/10 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.
• 7/20-7/24 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.
• 7/27-7/31 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.
• 8/3-8/7 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.

Animal Builders PreK-K (age 4+): From complex webs to intricate nests, campers will uncover the unique structures that could only be made by nature’s diverse builders. During this busy PreK-K day, campers will have 20-30 minutes after lunch to enjoy quiet time. The campers may choose to rest, read, or enjoy a quiet activity before they continue their adventure in the afternoon.

Fee: $200

Dates:

• 5/25-5/29 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.
• 6/1-6/5 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.
• 6/15-6/19 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.
• 6/22-6/26 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.
• 6/29-7/3 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.
• 7/6-7/10 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.
• 7/13-7/17 M-F 8:30- 3:00 p.m.

Nature’s Artists PreK-K (age 4+): Art is not only found in museums or galleries – it’s all around us! What do you see? What excites you?  Become inspired by nature’s beautiful textures, colors, shapes, and patterns as campers create wild masterpieces all week long. During this busy PreK-K day, campers will have 20-30 minutes after lunch to enjoy quiet time. The campers may choose to rest, read, or enjoy a quiet activity before they continue their adventure in the afternoon.

Fee: $200

Dates:

• 6/1-6/5 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m. 
• 6/8-6/12 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.
• 6/22-6/26 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.
• 6/29-7/3 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.
• 7/13-7/17 M-F 8:30- 3:00 p.m.
• 7/20-7/24 M-F 8:30- 3:00 p.m.
• 7/27-7/31 M-F 8:30- 3:00 p.m.
• 8/3-8/7 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.

When a program sells out, registration closes and there is no waitlist available. If a spot becomes available, the camp will reopen. Check back regularly to reserve a spot. Phone registrations will not be accepted.

We all have first-day butterflies before camp! In this sensory story, you can talk your camper through all of the sights, sounds, and sensory experiences they may have during camp. This can help those first-day butterflies fly away.

For extra learning and reflection, consider these conversation starters for parents.

Ecosystem Explorers (1st – 2nd grade): Explore the diverse ecosystems that animals call home. Together campers will learn about biodiversity and discover how each ecosystem plays an important role in providing resources for plants, animals, and even us!

Fee: $200

Dates:

• 6/1-6/5 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.
• 6/8-6/12 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.
• 6/15-6/19 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.
• 6/29-7/3 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.
• 7/6-7/10 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.
• 7/13-7/17 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.
• 7/20-7/24 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.
• 8/3-8/7 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.

Animal Acrobats (1st – 2nd grade): Do you ever wonder how monkeys balance in a tree? Or how sea lions tumble through the waves? Move your way through the Zoo while we meet the amazing acrobats of the animal kingdom.

Fee: $200

Dates:

• 5/25-5/29 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.
• 6/8-6/12 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.
• 6/15-6/19 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.
• 6/22-6/26 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.
• 7/6-7/10 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.
• 7/13-7/17 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.
• 7/20-7/24 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.
• 8/3-8/7 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.

Creative Critters (1st – 2nd grade): Some of the most imaginative art comes from animal artists. Influenced by the Zoo’s wild backdrop and natural palette, campers will explore their creative side with unconventional materials found in nature!

Fee: $200

Dates:

• 5/25-5/29 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.
• 6/1-6/5 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.
• 6/8-6/12 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.
• 6/15-6/19 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.
• 6/22-6/26 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.
• 6/29-7/3 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.
• 7/13-7/17 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.
• 7/27-7/31 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.

Wild Kitchen (1st – 2nd grade): Get the inside scoop of how we feed 1,500 animals every single day! Discover the wild world of animal food groups, nutrition, and Zoo diets that keep animals healthy all year long.

Fee: $200

Dates:

• 6/1-6/5 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.
• 6/8-6/12 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.
• 6/22-6/26 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.
• 6/29-7/3 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.
• 7/6-7/10 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.
• 7/13-7/17 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.
• 7/20-7/24 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.
• 7/27-7/31 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.

When a program sells out, registration closes and there is no waitlist available. If a spot becomes available, the camp will reopen. Check back regularly to reserve a spot. Phone registrations will not be accepted.

We all have first-day butterflies before camp! In this sensory story, you can talk your camper through all of the sights, sounds, and sensory experiences they may have during camp. This can help those first-day butterflies fly away.

For extra learning and reflection, consider these conversation starters for parents.

Animal Olympics (3rd – 4th grade): The animal kingdom has some incredible athletes with some amazing record holders. From super sprinters to long jumpers, compare your own skills to animals’ abilities in a week of interactive Zoo activities.

Fee: $200

Dates:

• 6/1-6/5 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.
• 6/15-6/19 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.
• 6/22-6/26 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.
• 7/6-7/10 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.
• 7/20-7/24 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.
• 7/27-7/31 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.

What’s the Scoop? (3rd – 4th grade): Does an ostrich really bury its head in the sand? Do animals leave the Fort Wayne Zoo in the wintertime? Join us as we explore animal myths and get the true scoop on the animals here at the Zoo.

Fee: $200

Dates:

• 6/8-6/12 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.
• 6/15-6/19 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.
• 7/6-7/10 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.
• 7/13-7/17 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.

Zoo Sleuth (3rd – 4th grade): Put your detective skills to the test as we investigate tracks, fur, and animal signs to uncover and interpret nature’s intriguing mysteries!

Fee: $200

Dates:

• 6/1-6/5 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.
• 6/15-6/19 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.
• 6/22-6/26 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.
• 6/29-7/3 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.
• 7/13-7/17 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.
• 7/20-7/24 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.

Exhibit Engineers (3rd – 4th grade): Learn the ins and outs of Zoo design as campers discover how Zoo Keepers prepare habitats for animal residents!

Fee: $200

Dates:

• 6/1-6/5 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.
• 6/8-6/12 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.
• 6/22-6/26 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.
• 6/29-7/3 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.
• 7/6-7/10 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.
• 7/27-7/31 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.

When a program sells out, registration closes and there is no waitlist available. If a spot becomes available, the camp will reopen. Check back regularly to reserve a spot. Phone registrations will not be accepted.

We all have first-day butterflies before camp! In this sensory story, you can talk your camper through all of the sights, sounds, and sensory experiences they may have during camp. This can help those first-day butterflies fly away.

For extra learning and reflection, consider these conversation starters for parents.

Zoo Careers (5th – 6th grade): If you love animals, there are many different fields to explore! Whether you want to be an animal researcher, veterinarian, or animal nutrition specialist, spend a week exploring your animal interests as we get to see what a day in the life is like for the various Zoo team members.

Fee: $200

Dates:

• 6/1-6/5 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.
• 6/15-6/19 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.
• 6/29-7/3 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.
• 7/13-7/17 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.

Junior Zoologist (5th – 6th grade): Immerse yourself in the world of animal science and zoology as you learn some of the biology, behavior, and ecology knowledge that make our Zoo Keepers amazing at what they do!

Fee: $200

Dates:

• 6/8-6/12 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.
• 6/22-6/26 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.
• 7/6-7/10 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.
• 7/13-7/17 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.
• 7/20-7/24 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.
• 7/27-7/31 M-F 8:30-3:00 p.m.

When a program sells out, registration closes and there is no waitlist available. If a spot becomes available, the camp will reopen. Check back regularly to reserve a spot. Phone registrations will not be accepted.

We all have first-day butterflies before camp! In this sensory story, you can talk your camper through all of the sights, sounds, and sensory experiences they may have during camp. This can help those first-day butterflies fly away.

For extra learning and reflection, consider these conversation starters for parents.

Keeping Safe

• Close-toed shoes are required.
• Wear weather-appropriate clothing. We spend a lot of time outside exploring the Zoo, even in snow, rain or shine.
• Programs are held rain, snow, or shine.
• Kids for Nature Summer Camps spend the majority of their time outdoors. Counselor staff will regularly remind camp groups to drink water and we play games that help us stay hydrated. Please remind your camper to drink water throughout the day.
• Campers may wish to wear sunblock which they must be able to apply themselves.
• For camper safety, have your photo ID at hand. All parents or guardians are required to sign campers out by showing a photo ID.

BEHAVIOR POLICY

• Kids for Nature participants are expected to be kind and respectful to animals, participants, guests, staff, and property. Participants are not to leave a group on their own and they are expected to be with their assigned groups at all times. The Fort Wayne Zoo reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to deny any program participant the opportunity to participate in the program if the child’s social conduct or behavior is deemed unsatisfactory or unsafe by the zoo administration. No refunds will be issued if a participant is asked to leave for disciplinary reasons.

CANCELLATION POLICY

• Programs are held rain or shine.Refunds (minus a processing fee) are available if you cancel at least 2 weeks in advance. To cancel, camp registrants must email education@fwzoo.com with your contact information and order number. Refunds cannot be completed over the phone. No refunds if you cancel less than 2 weeks in advance.The Zoo reserves the right to cancel camps with insufficient registration. In the event of such a cancellation, all of your fees will be refunded.

PHOTO RELEASE (Optional at time of registration)

• I give the Fort Wayne Zoo permission to use photographs, audio or video recordings taken of Participant(s). I agree that the Fort Wayne Zoo may use such images for any lawful purpose, including but not limited to publicity, illustration, advertising, and Web content. I authorize the Fort Wayne Zoo its assignees and transferees to copyright, use and publish the same in print and/or electronically. I release the Fort Wayne Zoo from any and all claims, demands, or actions arising out of the Fort Wayne Zoo’s use of any such media.

MEDICAL RELEASE

• I give the Fort Wayne Zoo permission to seek and/or perform urgent and/or emergency medical care for the participant in the event it becomes necessary at the discretion of the Fort Wayne Zoo. I understand that the Fort Wayne Zoo will make reasonable attempts to contact me before seeking or providing medical care; however, I give my consent that emergency and/or urgent medical care may be performed in my absence if attempts to contact me are unsuccessful or implausible.In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”), all staff working youth activities, including camp programs, are required to complete training for epinephrine auto-injector administration. The Zoo coordinates with the American Red Cross for this training and will cover the cost of the training for employees required to complete the training.

CONSENT TO PARTICIPATE

• I hereby give my consent for the registered participant to take part in the Fort Wayne Zoo’s program. I understand that he/she may touch animals and although closely supervised, there is risk of injury or illness from animal contact. I understand that there are inherent risks associated with any program activity and declare that both I and the registered participant (for whom I have legal custody) will not hold the Fort Wayne Zoo, its instructors, volunteers, employees, or other representatives (“Released Parties”) responsible for injury, illness, and/or death arising from, or in any way connected with the program, including the negligence of any of the Released Parties.

Kids for Nature participants are expected to be kind and respectful to animals, participants, guests, staff, and property. Participants are not to leave a group on their own and they are expected to be with their assigned groups at all times. The Fort Wayne Zoo reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to deny any program participant the opportunity to participate in the program if the child’s social conduct or behavior is deemed unsatisfactory or unsafe by the zoo administration. No refunds will be issued if a participant is asked to leave for disciplinary reasons.

Behavior Policy

Kids for Nature participants are expected to be kind and respectful to animals, participants, guests, staff, and property. Participants are not to leave a group on their own and they are expected to be with their assigned groups at all times. The Fort Wayne Zoo reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to deny any program participant the opportunity to participate in the program if the child’s social conduct or behavior is deemed unsatisfactory or unsafe by the zoo administration. No refunds will be issued if a participant is asked to leave for disciplinary reasons.