Hemker Park & Zoo camps focus on expanding each child’s appreciation for the natural world while working with a professional educator and zookeepers, going behind-the-scenes and meeting animals up close and personal! We will be discussing their habitat, diet, conservation, and have lots of hands on activities.
Zoo
Camps
Go behind-the-scenes with educators and zookeepers and meet the animals up close!
VIP
Tours
Enjoy an unforgettable private two-hour guided tour through the Hemker Park & Zoo grounds.
School
Programs
Information on field trips and Hemker Park & Zoo’s year-round in-school educational initiative.
Virtual
Zoo to You
A unique way to learn about and experience zoo animals at your school, organization or home.
Zoo Camp is back and better than ever for our 2024 Season!!! We will be offering 2 different weeks of camp with a full day of activities & our Safari Day camps!!! Safari Day camps are one day camps broken down by ages. Campers will get some very unique experiences we are sure they will remember!
If you are signing up for a camp you’ll also need to download these two forms, fill them out, and bring them to the camp:
Media Release Form
Medical Waiver
Winter Safari Day Camp
When School is Out, Winter Safari Day Camp is In!
Winter Safari Day Camp! It’s that time of year again where snow covers the ground, ponds become ice skating rinks and the air is cold enough to see your own breath! How do you survive the cold? Hot Chocolate? Fireplace? Warm Socks? These might work for humans, but they don’t work that way for animals! Come and experience the Frozen Zoo Camp! During this time zoo campers will learn all about frozen habitats, and we will investigate different methods animals use to endure the icy cold.
Zoo Campers will be inside the Zoo Beans Café and in suitable temp’s zoo campers will explore outside and learn how to snowshoe (weather dependent), play outside and learn more about animals in the winter!
Please have Zoo Campers bring warm outdoor clothing, boots, hats and gloves/mittens.
Winter Safari Day Camp - Standard
Wednesday, December 27th, 2023 9:30 am – 2:00 pm and/or Thursday, December 28th, 2023 9:30 am – 2:00 pm
Children 5 to 12 years old
An optional meal plan can be added for lunch for $8.50. Please contact us at 320-836-2426 for arrangements.
Space is limited, Register Today!
The camp includes:
- Full-Day Camp Experience: Drop-off is from 9:30 am to 9:40 am and pick up is from 2:00 pm to 2:15 pm
- Age-Appropriate Learning: Our camps are designed for elementary students (though campers must have completed Kindergarten).
- Snacks! We’ll provide healthy and tasty morning and afternoon snacks each day. (meal plan can be added)
- A Wildly Different Staff: Our education staff members and volunteers are the best in the business at providing our campers with an awesome camp experience!
*Note: All encounters will be conducted in a protected contact situation. In most cases touching the animal will not be available. (Please note Giraffe feedings happen when temperature is above 45 degree)
Cancellation and Refund Policies
- Cancel 14 days or more before the first day of your child’s camp session, and receive a refund equal to 75% of the total balance.
- Cancel 8 to 13 days before the first day of your child’s camp session, and receive a refund equal to 50% of the total balance.
- A cancellation made less than 8 days before the first day of your child’s camp session, is not eligible for a refund.
Are refunds available for absences?
No refunds are issued due to camper absences, including absences due to illness.
General Zoo Camp Information
Junior Zookeeper Program
The Junior Zookeeper program at Hemker Park & Zoo provides the zoo campers who are interested in animals a chance to develop life skills and an opportunity to work with animals and kids in a fun and exciting environment.
Junior Zookeeper Academy
The Junior Zookeeper Academy is for children 10+.
Junior Zookeeper Academy is held the week of June 17-20, 2024 from 9:30 am- 4:00 pm
Junior Zookeeper Camp
The Junior Zookeeper camp is designed for children from Kindergarten to 9 years old.
Junior Zookeeper camp is held the week of June 24-27, 2024 from 9:30 am- 4:00 pm
An optional meal plan can be added for lunch all 4 days for $25. Please contact us at 320-836-2426 for arrangements.
Space is limited, Register Today!
The camp includes:
- Day Camp Experience: Drop-off is from 9:15 am to 9:30 am and pick up is from 4:00 pm to 4:15 pm
- Age-Appropriate Learning: Our camps are designed for elementary students (though campers must have completed Kindergarten).
- Snacks! We’ll provide healthy and tasty snack during the day. (meal plan can be added)
- A Wildly Different Staff: Our education staff members and volunteers are the best in the business at providing our campers with an awesome camp experience!
Cancellation and Refund Policies
- Cancel 14 days or more before the first day of your child’s camp session, and receive a refund equal to 75% of the total balance.
- Cancel 8 to 13 days before the first day of your child’s camp session, and receive a refund equal to 50% of the total balance.
- A cancellation made less than 8 days before the first day of your child’s camp session, is not eligible for a refund.
Are refunds available for absences?
No refunds are issued due to camper absences, including absences due to illness.
General Zoo Camp Information
Safari Day Camp
Safari Day camp is a WILD way for children to spend the day!
Campers will explore the zoo and learn about animals and how we care for them as they make new friends and spend time in the great outdoors. Campers will get some very unique experiences we are sure they will remember!
Safari Day Camp - 5-9 years old
Monday, July 15th, 2024 9:30 am – 2:30 pm and/or Monday, August 12th, 2024 9:30 am – 2:30 pm
Children 5 to 9 years old
Safari Day Camp - 10-15 Years old
Monday, July 22nd, 2024 9:30 am – 2:30 pm and/or Monday, August 5th, 2024 9:30 am – 2:30 pm
Children 10 to 15 years old
An optional meal plan can be added for lunch for $8.50. Please contact us at 320-836-2426 for arrangements.
Space is limited, Register Today!
The camp includes:
- Day Camp Experience: Drop-off is from 9:15 am to 9:30 am and pick up is from 2:30 pm to 2:45 pm
- Age-Appropriate Learning: Our camps are designed for elementary students (though campers must have completed Kindergarten).
- Snacks! We’ll provide healthy and tasty snack during the day. (meal plan can be added)
- A Wildly Different Staff: Our education staff members and volunteers are the best in the business at providing our campers with an awesome camp experience!
Cancellation and Refund Policies
- Cancel 14 days or more before the first day of your child’s camp session, and receive a refund equal to 75% of the total balance.
- Cancel 8 to 13 days before the first day of your child’s camp session, and receive a refund equal to 50% of the total balance.
- A cancellation made less than 8 days before the first day of your child’s camp session, is not eligible for a refund.
Are refunds available for absences?
No refunds are issued due to camper absences, including absences due to illness.