What ages does Minnesota Zoo Summer Camp accept?

Minnesota Zoo Summer Camp 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 Minnesota Zoo Summer Camp cost?

Minnesota Zoo Summer Camp 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 Minnesota Zoo Summer Camp?

Minnesota Zoo Summer Camp 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 Minnesota Zoo Summer Camp provide lunch?

Minnesota Zoo Summer Camp 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 Minnesota Zoo Summer Camp compare to other specialty camps in Apple Valley?

Minnesota Zoo Summer Camp 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.

▌ Specialty · Ages 5–12

Minnesota Zoo Summer Camp

Minnesota Zoo

Minnesota Zoo Summer Camp offers engaging day camp experiences for children from preschool through 9th grade, focusing on wildlife, conservation, and hands-o...

▌ Editor's read The Minnesota Zoo Summer Camp website loads successfully and provides detailed information about their day camp programs for various age groups, from preschool to 9th grade. The camp is not accredited by the ACA. The Minnesota Zoo is a state agency, part of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, making the owner type 'university' in this context. While specific staff-to-camper ratios are not explicitly listed, the website emphasizes experienced educators and volunteers. There is no mention of staff background checks on the camp's specific page. The Minnesota Zoo has a Google review rating of 4.7 stars based on over 18,000 reviews, indicating a generally positive public perception of the institution. Social media handles are @mnzoo on Instagram and 'mnzoo' on Facebook, reflecting the broader zoo's presence.

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University programRun by an academic institution

Shortlist in planner → Visit website

Who thrives here Ages 5–12

Minnesota Zoo Summer Camp 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 Minnesota Zoo Summer Camp

What ages does Minnesota Zoo Summer Camp accept?: Minnesota Zoo Summer Camp 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 Minnesota Zoo Summer Camp cost?: Minnesota Zoo Summer Camp 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 Minnesota Zoo Summer Camp?: Minnesota Zoo Summer Camp 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 Minnesota Zoo Summer Camp provide lunch?: Minnesota Zoo Summer Camp 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 Minnesota Zoo Summer Camp compare to other specialty camps in Apple Valley?: Minnesota Zoo Summer Camp 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 Minnesota Zoo Summer Camp with other camps.

How to choose a summer camp · Use the decision checklist before you compare finalists.
Summer camp pricing in 2026 · Benchmark weekly cost before you commit a deposit.
Summer camp safety and accreditation · Review licensing, supervision, and accreditation signals.

Camps near here

Same city, with age-overlapping options first. Other camps to consider alongside Minnesota Zoo Summer Camp.

Animal Survival Skills · Minnesota Zoo · Ages 5–12
Barnyard Buddies · Minnesota Zoo · Ages 5–12
Farm Discovery · Minnesota Zoo · Ages 5–12
Farmyard Connection · Minnesota Zoo · Ages 5–12
Fees: $225 ($210 for Zoo members) · Minnesota Zoo · Ages 5–12
Fees: $445 ($420 for Zoo members) · Minnesota Zoo · Ages 5–12
For children entering 1st or 2nd grade in the fall of 2026. · Minnesota Zoo · Ages 5–12
For children entering 3rd or 4th grade in the fall of 2026. · Minnesota Zoo · Ages 5–12