Spring Break Camps

Register online by visiting our website at CalgaryZoo.com.

The website has information about available spaces.

Once the registration is completed, you will receive an email immediately which includes confirmation of your registration.

Camps are designed with program components that inspire participants to take action to sustain wildlife in wild places. Campers will engage in activities, games, crafts, interpretive programs, and tours on grounds. Campers will see different parts of the zoo and will have opportunities to meet an Animal Care Technician.

Our goals are that campers will be safe, have fun, have a positive social experience, as well as learn how the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo works to be Canada’s leader in wildlife conservation.

Yes. The website will show the number of spaces available in each camp. If space is available, you can register each child in the camp and you will receive immediate confirmation. We may need to redistribute campers depending on registration, however we will work to ensure all friends are kept together. Please be sure to note the name of your child’s friend during your registration in the comments section.

We place children together that are in the same age group in order to plan a program that is appropriate for their age and to facilitate positive social interactions. If you have extenuating circumstances, please contact us prior to registration.

Please indicate any special needs on your registration form. Children who are in regular school classrooms and have an aide will generally be able to attend if they are accompanied by the aide. Please call (403) 232-7732 for further information or email SummerCamp@CalgaryZoo.com.

Each camp will have an opportunity to have an animal experience with an Animal Care Technician, which may or may not be “behind-the-scenes.” In addition to the animal experience, participants have opportunities to meet a smaller animal (i.e. snake, bird, etc.).

Spring Break Camps run from 9:00am to 4:00pm.

When dropping off in the morning and picking up in the afternoon, you will have a 30 minute grace period in the zoo’s North Parking Lot. If you are staying longer than 30 minutes, the regular $13 fee applies unless you have a Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo membership that includes parking.

Spring Break Camp drop off and pick up is at the Karsten Discovery Centre entrance.

Parents who have not picked up their children by 4:15pm and have not phoned the camp leader or after care program will be charged a $20 late fee for the first 10 minutes and $5 for each additional 10 minutes, which must be paid before the beginning of the next camp.

Please indicate any medical, mobility, or allergy concerns on your registration form. Staff are trained in first aid and will respond appropriately in an emergency situation.

Staff are not able to carry or administer any medication to campers.

Staff will support campers who are able to self-medicate if required and carry their medication with them. Staff can help by setting timer for reminders to take medication and will communicate with parents as needed.

Staff are trained in first aid and will respond appropriately in an emergency situation.

If your child has special needs that you would like to elaborate on, please contact (403) 232-7732 or email SummerCamp@CalgaryZoo.com prior to camp. All messages will be responded to as soon as possible.

Behaviour is managed appropriately to provide a fun and safe week for all campers and there is zero tolerance for bullying. If behaviour is disruptive and continuous, parents/guardians will be advised. If the behaviour continues, the camper may be asked to leave camp and no refund will be issued.

The zoo can be a busy place and safety is our number one concern for participants of Zoo Camps.

You can help us provide a safe experience for all children by:

• Ensuring your child has the necessary items for a day away from home (refillable water bottle, weather appropriate clothing, two snacks, and a peanut-free lunch)
• Advising camp staff of your child’s medications and/or allergies
• Advising camp staff of any behavioral, emotional, or physical concerns that may affect your child’s camp experience
• Asking your child not to share lunches or snacks

We strive to give each child a great experience at our camps and work with parents, guardians, and aides to enhance activities to meet each child’s needs wherever possible. However, we reserve the right to remove a camper from activities, tours, or from the camp entirely if there are repeated, unresolved concerns that put the child, other children, or zoo staff in an unsafe situation.

Our website outlines costs for each camp.

Unfortunately, the Calgary Fee Assistance program cannot be applied to our summer camp program.

You are able to cancel the registration within one business day of its submission with no fees applied. Otherwise, the following will apply:

A cancellation made seven days or more prior to the camp start date will be refunded less a $25  administration fee.

Cancellations made less than seven days prior to the camp start date will not be refunded.

Cancellation requests due to medical reasons must be accompanied by a doctor’s note at the time of the request.

Transferring your registration from one camp to another will result in a $25 administration fee. Because we use a secure external registration system and do not keep credit card information at the zoo, we will require the original credit card number to refund and reapply the registration to an alternate camp date.

We are not able to pro-rate the cost of a weeklong camps should your child need to miss any day(s) or portions thereof.

Yes, as long as there is space in a similar camp we are able to transfer you registration.

Transferring your registration from one camp to another will result in a $25 administration fee. Because we use a secure external registration system and do not keep credit card information at the zoo, we will require the original credit card number to refund and reapply the registration to an alternate camp date.

We are not able to pro-rate the cost of a camps should your child need to miss any day(s) or portions thereof.

We are not able to transfer camp registration to child who is in a different household.

Starting October 2nd 2023, the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo does not offer discounts on summer or school break camps.