Zoology
Minnesota Zoo Summer Camps offer immersive, age-appropriate day camp experiences for children from preschool through 9th grade, focusing on wildlife, conserv...
▌ Editor's read The Minnesota Zoo Summer Camps website loads successfully, detailing day camp programs for various age groups, from preschool to 9th grade. The Minnesota Zoo has a Google rating of 4.7 stars based on over 16,000 reviews, with many reviewers praising the diverse animal exhibits and educational opportunities. The camp is not listed as ACA accredited. The website mentions that all camp staff undergo background checks. The program is exclusively day camp, with no overnight options. The Minnesota Zoo is a state agency, making the owner type 'university' in this context as it's a public educational institution. Social media handles found on the site include Instagram (@mnzoo) and Facebook (MinnesotaZoo).
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University programRun by an academic institution
Who thrives here Ages 5–12
Zoology 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
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 Zoology
- What ages does Zoology accept?
- Zoology 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 Zoology cost?
- Zoology 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 Zoology?
- Zoology 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 Zoology provide lunch?
- Zoology 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 Zoology compare to other specialty camps in Apple Valley?
- Zoology 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 Zoology 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 Zoology.
- 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