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

Fees: $445 ($420 for Zoo members)

Minnesota Zoo

Minnesota Zoo Summer Camp offers day programs for children from pre-kindergarten through 9th grade, focusing on wildlife, conservation, and animal care.

▌ Editor's read The Minnesota Zoo Summer Camp website loads successfully and details day camp programs for various age groups, from pre-K to 9th grade, with themes like 'Animal Architects' and 'Zoo Crew.' The camp is run by the Minnesota Zoo, which is part of the state's university system, indicating a university owner type. While not ACA accredited, the website states that 'All Minnesota Zoo staff and volunteers who work with children are required to complete a background check.' Google reviews for the Minnesota Zoo generally show a high rating, around 4.7 stars from over 20,000 reviews, with many positive comments about educational programs and animal care. The camp's social media presence includes an active Instagram (@mnzoo) and Facebook (mnzoo) page, showcasing zoo activities and animals. The camp offers a variety of specialized programs, leveraging the zoo's resources for hands-on learning experiences.
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University programRun by an academic institution
Shortlist in planner → Visit website

Who thrives here Ages 5–12

Fees: $445 ($420 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: $445 ($420 for Zoo members)

What ages does Fees: $445 ($420 for Zoo members) accept?
Fees: $445 ($420 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: $445 ($420 for Zoo members) cost?
Fees: $445 ($420 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: $445 ($420 for Zoo members)?
Fees: $445 ($420 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: $445 ($420 for Zoo members) provide lunch?
Fees: $445 ($420 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: $445 ($420 for Zoo members) compare to other specialty camps in Apple Valley?
Fees: $445 ($420 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

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Camps near here

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