Camp · Specialty · Ages 5–12
Directory · United States · Minnesota · Apple Valley
▌ Specialty · Ages 5–12

Fees: $225 ($210 for Zoo members)

Minnesota Zoo

Minnesota Zoo Summer Zoo Camp offers day programs for children in grades K-8, focusing on wildlife, conservation, and animal encounters within the zoo enviro...

▌ Editor's read The Minnesota Zoo Summer Zoo Camp website loads successfully and provides detailed information about their day camp programs for children in grades K-8. The camp is operated by the Minnesota Zoo, which is part of the state's university system, making its owner type 'university.' The website clearly outlines program themes, age groups, and pricing, with a discount for zoo members. While not ACA accredited, the site states that 'All Minnesota Zoo staff and volunteers who work with children undergo a background check.' The Minnesota Zoo has a strong Google review rating of 4.7 stars based on over 18,000 reviews, reflecting a generally positive public perception of the institution. The camp offers a variety of themed weeks, including animal encounters and hands-on activities, leveraging the zoo's resources for educational experiences.
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University programRun by an academic institution
Shortlist in planner → Visit website

Who thrives here Ages 5–12

Fees: $225 ($210 for Zoo members) fits middle-elementary campers — old enough for skill-building to land, young enough that friend-group dynamics and counselor warmth still matter more than program rigor. Parents at this age band tend to prioritize a balanced rhythm of structured activity and unstructured play, which is the actual differentiator inside any given specialty program.

Facts & Credentials

Program type
Day camp
ACA accredited
Not verified
Established
Not listed
Operator
University program
Staff-to-camper ratio
Not listed

How we verify these →

Details

  • Category: Specialty
  • Ages: 5–12
  • Address: 13000 Zoo Boulevard, Apple Valley, MN 55124, USA
  • Cost notes: 2026 pricing TBD as of 2026-04-16.

Logistics

  • Lunch provided: No
  • Transportation: No
  • Financial aid: No
  • Setting: mixed

Frequently asked about Fees: $225 ($210 for Zoo members)

What ages does Fees: $225 ($210 for Zoo members) accept?
Fees: $225 ($210 for Zoo members) is open to children ages 5–12. Camps publish their own age cutoffs, and some run mixed-age groups internally; check the registration page for that summer's grouping if your child sits at a boundary.
How much does Fees: $225 ($210 for Zoo members) cost?
Fees: $225 ($210 for Zoo members) doesn't publish a flat per-week rate — pricing varies by session. 2026 pricing TBD as of 2026-04-16. Contact the camp directly for the current schedule of fees.
Who runs Fees: $225 ($210 for Zoo members)?
Fees: $225 ($210 for Zoo members) is operated by a university program. The operator type matters for tuition policy (refunds, financial aid eligibility) and for what kind of staff training pipeline the camp uses.
Does Fees: $225 ($210 for Zoo members) provide lunch?
Fees: $225 ($210 for Zoo members) does not include lunch — campers bring their own. Most day camps without provided lunch are nut-free or nut-aware, so check the allergy policy before packing. Frozen water bottles double as ice packs and drinks; insulated lunch boxes hold below 40°F for about four hours.
How does Fees: $225 ($210 for Zoo members) compare to other specialty camps in Apple Valley?
Fees: $225 ($210 for Zoo members) is one of 36 specialty camps in Apple Valley that overlap its age range. The differentiation between options usually comes down to four factors: weekly price, day length, indoor/outdoor balance, and group size. Browse same-city alternatives in the directory to compare side by side.

Planning guides

Editorial checklists to use before you compare Fees: $225 ($210 for Zoo members) with other camps.

Camps near here

Same city, with age-overlapping options first. Other camps to consider alongside Fees: $225 ($210 for Zoo members).