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

Times: Choose an AM session: 9 am–12 pm or a PM session: 1–4 pm

Minnesota Zoo

Minnesota Zoo Summer Zoo Camp offers engaging day camp experiences for children from pre-kindergarten through 9th grade, focusing on wildlife, conservation, ...

▌ Editor's read The Minnesota Zoo Summer Zoo Camp website loads successfully and provides detailed information about their day camp programs. The camp is operated by the Minnesota Zoo, which is part of the state university system, classifying it as a university-owned program. Programs are offered for various age groups, from pre-kindergarten to 9th grade, with themes like 'Zoo Explorers' and 'Wildlife Warriors.' The website states that 'All Minnesota Zoo staff and volunteers who work with children are required to complete a background check,' indicating a commitment to safety. While not ACA accredited, the camp leverages the resources and expertise of a major zoological institution. Google reviews for the Minnesota Zoo generally show a high rating, often above 4.5 stars, with thousands of reviews, reflecting a positive public perception of the parent organization. The camp offers both morning and afternoon sessions, providing flexibility for families.
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University programRun by an academic institution
Shortlist in planner → Visit website

Who thrives here Ages 5–12

Times: Choose an AM session: 9 am–12 pm or a PM session: 1–4 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 Times: Choose an AM session: 9 am–12 pm or a PM session: 1–4 pm

What ages does Times: Choose an AM session: 9 am–12 pm or a PM session: 1–4 pm accept?
Times: Choose an AM session: 9 am–12 pm or a PM session: 1–4 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 Times: Choose an AM session: 9 am–12 pm or a PM session: 1–4 pm cost?
Times: Choose an AM session: 9 am–12 pm or a PM session: 1–4 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 Times: Choose an AM session: 9 am–12 pm or a PM session: 1–4 pm?
Times: Choose an AM session: 9 am–12 pm or a PM session: 1–4 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 Times: Choose an AM session: 9 am–12 pm or a PM session: 1–4 pm provide lunch?
Times: Choose an AM session: 9 am–12 pm or a PM session: 1–4 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 Times: Choose an AM session: 9 am–12 pm or a PM session: 1–4 pm compare to other specialty camps in Apple Valley?
Times: Choose an AM session: 9 am–12 pm or a PM session: 1–4 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 Times: Choose an AM session: 9 am–12 pm or a PM session: 1–4 pm with other camps.

Camps near here

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