Camp · Outdoors/Nature · Ages 4–15 · $375/week
Directory · United States · Missouri · Springfield
▌ Outdoors/Nature · Ages 4–15

Dickerson Park Zoo Camps

Dickerson Park Zoo · $375/week

Day camps at Dickerson Park Zoo for children in grades K-12, with a focus on animals and conservation.

▌ Editor's read The Dickerson Park Zoo Camps are part of the Springfield-Greene County Park Board, suggesting a municipal ownership structure. The website clearly outlines various day camp options for different age groups, from 4-5 year olds to 13-15 year olds, indicating a structured approach to programming. A staff-to-camper ratio of 1:10 is explicitly stated, which is a positive indicator for supervision. The camp's FAQ section mentions that all staff undergo background checks, confirming a commitment to safety. Extended care options are also available, providing flexibility for working parents. The camp's focus on wildlife and conservation aligns with its zoo setting, offering educational and engaging experiences.
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Parks-department programPublic, often subsidized
Register → Shortlist in planner → Visit website

Who thrives here Ages 4–15

Dickerson Park Zoo Camps sits in the upper-elementary to middle-school window where specialization starts to mean something. Kids in this band often want to go deeper on one thing rather than rotate through five, and many camps begin offering pre-CIT (counselor-in-training) tracks here. The right outdoors/nature fit at this age depends on whether the child wants more autonomy or still wants the safety of a structured rhythm.

Facts & Credentials

Program type
Day camp
ACA accredited
Not verified
Established
Not listed
Operator
Municipal parks department
Staff-to-camper ratio
Published by camp see camp site →

How we verify these →

Details

  • Category: Outdoors/Nature
  • Ages: 4–15
  • Hours: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
  • Address: 3043 N Fort Ave, Springfield, MO 65803
  • Phone: 417-833-1570
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Cost notes: $75 per day, so $375 for a 5-day week.

↗ What parents like

  • Variety of age groups
  • Hands-on animal encounters

↘ Watch for

  • No email contact information
  • Registration is per day

Logistics

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

Frequently asked about Dickerson Park Zoo Camps

What ages does Dickerson Park Zoo Camps accept?
Dickerson Park Zoo Camps is open to children ages 4–15. 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 Dickerson Park Zoo Camps cost?
Dickerson Park Zoo Camps publishes $375/week for the standard session. Final cost depends on session length, sibling discounts, and whether extended care is added on.
What are Dickerson Park Zoo Camps's hours?
Dickerson Park Zoo Camps runs 9 a.m.-3 p.m.. If those hours don't quite cover your work day, check whether extended care or early drop-off is offered separately.
Who runs Dickerson Park Zoo Camps?
Dickerson Park Zoo Camps is operated by the local parks department. The operator type matters for tuition policy (refunds, financial aid eligibility) and for what kind of staff training pipeline the camp uses.
Does Dickerson Park Zoo Camps provide lunch?
Dickerson Park Zoo Camps 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 Dickerson Park Zoo Camps compare to other outdoors/nature camps in Springfield?
Dickerson Park Zoo Camps is one of 6 outdoors/nature camps in Springfield 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 Dickerson Park Zoo Camps with other camps.

Camps near here

Same city, with age-overlapping options first. Other camps to consider alongside Dickerson Park Zoo Camps.