Camp · Specialty · Ages 5–12
Directory · United States · Minnesota · Apple Valley
▌ Specialty · Ages 5–12

Full day session: 9:30 am–3:30 pm

Minnesota Zoo

Minnesota Zoo Summer Zoo Camp offers day programs for children in grades K-9, providing immersive experiences with animals and nature.

▌ Editor's read The Minnesota Zoo Summer Zoo Camp website loads successfully and provides detailed information about their day camp programs for children in grades K-9. The camp is operated by the Minnesota Zoo, which is part of the state university system, making its owner type 'university'. The website clearly states that all staff and volunteers undergo background checks, indicating a commitment to safety. Programs are offered in full-day sessions from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm, confirming it as a day camp. While not ACA accredited, the camp leverages the educational resources and animal access of the Minnesota Zoo. Google reviews for the Minnesota Zoo generally show a high rating (e.g., 4.6 stars from over 16,000 reviews), reflecting positive public perception of the institution that runs the camp. Social media handles found are @mnzoo for Instagram and mnzoo for Facebook.
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University programRun by an academic institution
Shortlist in planner → Visit website

Who thrives here Ages 5–12

Full day session: 9:30 am–3:30 pm 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 Full day session: 9:30 am–3:30 pm

What ages does Full day session: 9:30 am–3:30 pm accept?
Full day session: 9:30 am–3:30 pm 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 Full day session: 9:30 am–3:30 pm cost?
Full day session: 9:30 am–3:30 pm 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 Full day session: 9:30 am–3:30 pm?
Full day session: 9:30 am–3:30 pm 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 Full day session: 9:30 am–3:30 pm provide lunch?
Full day session: 9:30 am–3:30 pm 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 Full day session: 9:30 am–3:30 pm compare to other specialty camps in Apple Valley?
Full day session: 9:30 am–3:30 pm 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 Full day session: 9:30 am–3:30 pm with other camps.

Camps near here

Same city, with age-overlapping options first. Other camps to consider alongside Full day session: 9:30 am–3:30 pm.