Zoo Camp FAQ

When will Zoo Camp run?

Summer 2022 Zoo Camp will run Monday – Thursday, from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm.

Fall & Winter 2022 Zoo Camp will run 9:00 am – 4:00 pm on the following dates: Nov 21 – 23, Dec 19 – 23, Dec 27 – 30

What grade do I sign my child up for?

For summer Zoo Camp, you must sign your child up according to the grade level they will be entering in the next school year.

For winter Zoo Camp session, please register your child according to their grade in the current school year.

How many weeks can I sign up for?

For Summer Zoo Camp: Campers can be registered for 1 week of each theme (A, B. or C) for a total of 3 weeks. Please do not register children for duplicate themes. See cancellation policy for more details.

For Fall & Winter Zoo Camp: campers may register for 1 week of Fall Camp and 1 week of Winter camp only.

What will the campers do all day?

Zoo Camp is filled with opportunities to foster an appreciation for nature and wildlife conservation. Campers will learn about animals and ecosystems, engage in a mix of structured and unstructured activities, make art, and play! Campers will spend the majority of their time outdoors in the Zoo.

What COVID-19 health and safety precautions will be implemented?

The San Francisco Zoo & Gardens is thrilled to be able to offer a safe atmosphere for your child to learn and grow. We have adapted the program to meet SF Department of Public Health directives and will continue to modify protocols as recommendations evolve. Below are a few examples that illustrate our commitment to safety:

All staff and volunteers are fully vaccinated against Covid-19
Campers, volunteers and staff will participate in daily health screenings
Campers who test positive for Covid-19 or have any other contagious illness, may not attend Zoo Camp. Families should notify Zoo Camp immediately so that we may contact staff and other camp families about possible exposure. Campers are welcome to return to camp after a negative Covid test and/or note from a physician.
If a child exhibits Covid-19 symptoms while at camp, we will contact families to pick-up immediately.
Camp will take place primarily outdoors; when indoors for short periods of time, spaces will be well ventilated
As always, regular handwashing and sanitizing will occur throughout the day

What is the camper to adult ratio?

There are up to 20 children in each camp group, with 2 adult instructors.

Are the children supervised at all times?

Yes, children are never left unsupervised while on Zoo grounds. Children must arrive and leave Zoo Camp with an authorized adult.

Can my 5-year-old and 10-year-old be place in the same group?

No. For benefit of the classes and the campers we follow strict guidelines on age ranges and grade levels.

Can we sign up with a friend?

Yes, when you register you will have the option to enter a friend’s name as a “buddy request”. We will do our best to accommodate requests, but cannot make guarantees.

Can you tell me if my child’s friend has already signed up for Zoo Camp?

No, privacy laws do not allow us to share enrollment information.

How much does it cost?

Fees are listed on the Zoo Camp webpage.

Can I become a member when I sign-up for camp?

You need to become a member before registering for camp. We are unable to retroactively apply the membership discounts, so please make sure that you know your member number before registering. Learn more about San Francisco Zoo memberships here.

Have membership questions?
Email [email protected] or call 415-753-7097.

Do you have scholarships available?

Yes, we offer a lottery for full and partial scholarships for Summer Zoo Camp only. We will be accepting scholarship applications from March 7, 2022 to April 18, 2022. Email [email protected] to request a scholarship application.

How much interaction will the campers have with animals?

Each camp group will have opportunities to see animals up-close and connect with animal staff.

Is extended care available?

Extended care is not available for summer 2022.

For Fall & Winter Zoo Camp: PM Extended Care is available from 4:00pm – 5:30pm daily. Fees are for the entire week; unfortunately, we cannot accommodate drop-ins.

Do I have to pay for parking at drop-off and pick-up?

No, we provide daily complimentary parking passes to Zoo Camp families who park vehicles in our parking lot.

Can I switch weeks after registering?

Yes, as long as there is availability in the week that you want to switch to. A $25 administrative fee applies each time you switch weeks after registering. There is a 24hr grace period after registering where transfers are free. Please see the full cancellation policy below for more details.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancellations must be received in writing by email.

A 100% refund will be issued for cancellation requests received within 24 hours of registration. The timestamp on your email will serve as reference for potential refunds.

A 75% refund will be issued for cancellation requests received more than 7 days in advance of the event. The non-refundable 25% will be forfeited completely and is non-transferable.

No refunds will be issued for cancellations within 7 days of the event. No refunds or transfers will be issued for missed days.

These policies hold for instances of illness (including Covid-19 infection) and family emergencies.

Campers should be registered for no more than 3 weeks during the summer and no more than 1 week in the winter; the Zoo reserves the right to cancel additional weeks at any time without advance notice. No refunds or transfers will be issued, but you may elect to receive credit for later use.

There is a $25 fee to transfer more than 24 hours after registering, if a spot is available. The timestamp on your request email will serve as a reference for potentially waiving this fee.