What ages does Photo Safari accept?

Photo Safari 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 Photo Safari cost?

Photo Safari 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 Photo Safari?

Photo Safari 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 Photo Safari provide lunch?

Photo Safari 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 Photo Safari compare to other specialty camps in Apple Valley?

Photo Safari 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

Photo Safari

Minnesota Zoo

Photo Safari is a day camp at the Minnesota Zoo for grades 6-8, focusing on photography skills and animal observation.

▌ Editor's read The Minnesota Zoo's Summer Zoo Camp website loads successfully, detailing various camp offerings including 'Photo Safari' for grades 6-8. The camp is a day program, running from 9 AM to 4 PM, and is operated by the Minnesota Zoo, which is a state agency. The website mentions that all staff and volunteers undergo background checks. While specific staff-to-camper ratios are not listed, the program description highlights learning from professional photographers. The Minnesota Zoo has a strong online presence with a Google review rating of 4.7 stars from over 10,000 reviews. Social media handles found are @mnzoo on Instagram and 'mnzoo' on Facebook. The camp's unique setting provides an excellent opportunity for aspiring photographers to practice their skills with diverse animal subjects.

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University programRun by an academic institution

Shortlist in planner → Visit website

Who thrives here Ages 5–12

Photo Safari 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 Photo Safari

What ages does Photo Safari accept?: Photo Safari 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 Photo Safari cost?: Photo Safari 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 Photo Safari?: Photo Safari 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 Photo Safari provide lunch?: Photo Safari 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 Photo Safari compare to other specialty camps in Apple Valley?: Photo Safari 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 Photo Safari 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 Photo Safari.

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