Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium has 45 kids summer camps to choose from this year. Here’s a peek at some they’re offering.
Feb 2025
From developing lifelong friendships to embracing new adventures in the great outdoors, summer camps can be the perfect escape for kids to get out of the house, flex their creativity and make new memories. Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium offers an exciting variety of summer camps that cater to every child’s curiosity, whether they dream of becoming a zookeeper, treasure hunter or wildlife architect.
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Campers engage in hands-on animal encounters, behind-the-scenes tours and creative projects that bring learning to life. Each camp offers a different experience. Kids discover animal habitats, design zoo exhibits and master survival skills, creating unforgettable experiences for those eager to learn and explore. Wonders of Wildlife members get 10% off camps, and anyone purchasing three camps also receives a 10% discount.
Wonders of Wildlife has 45 summer camps this year. Here’s a glimpse at a few of them.
Visiting the zoo is a child’s favorite pastime. Many of them may have wondered what it might be like to work at the zoo and care for the animals every day. These three summer camps provide a glimpse into the career of a zoo keeper, with hands-on learning activities and tours.
When: June 16–20, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Who: First and second graders
Where: Wonders of Wildlife
Cost: $270
Campers discover the good, the bad and the messy sides of being a zookeeper. With trips to the aquarium, keeper chats and hands-on animal encounters, they get an inside look at animal care. Each camper “adopts” a stuffed animal throughout the week, learning about its species and how to care for it.
When: June 16–20, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Who: Third through fifth graders
Where: Wonders of Wildlife
Cost: $250
Campers find out what it takes to be one of nature’s best architects by exploring the unique homes animals build in the wild and at Wonders of Wildlife. They learn about ecosystems and how different creatures create fascinating habitats. The camp includes gallery tours showcasing wildlife in their environments and ends with campers designing their own exhibits to create a collaborative zoo.
When: July 28–August 1, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Who: Third through fifth graders
Where: Wonders of Wildlife
Cost: $280
Aspiring zookeepers dive into the world of animal husbandry in this camp featuring behind-the-scenes opportunities, expert chats and hands-on animal experiences—including an up-close encounter with penguins. By the end of the week, campers can proudly call themselves zookeepers in training!
Is your child a bit competitive? These two Wonders of Wildlife camps combine fun challenges with exciting learning opportunities.
When: August 4–8, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Who: First and second graders
Where: Wonders of Wildlife
Cost: $240
Campers explore the world’s most infamous animals, uncovering what makes them strong, incredible and fierce. They learn about the adaptations and behaviors that help these creatures survive in harsh environments. Each camper creates their ultimate animal team, from lions to birds to sharks.
When: August 11–15, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Who: First and second graders
Where: Wonders of Wildlife
Cost: $240
Campers jump like kangaroos, balance like flamingos and race like cheetahs during a week of active learning, teamwork and competition. They unleash their inner animals through exciting challenges that explore wildlife and behaviors.
If your child is interested in going on an African safari or learning about the classic, iconic animals found there, these two camps for kindergarteners and first and second graders would be perfect for them.
When: June 23–27, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Who: First and second graders
Where: Wonders of Wildlife
Cost: $240
Under the blazing African sun live some of the world’s biggest, fastest and most iconic animals. Campers embark on an African safari, exploring exhibits, creating crafts and playing games while learning about the fascinating creatures that call Africa home.
When: July 21–25, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Who: Kindergarteners
Where: Wonders of Wildlife
Cost: $270
Grab your pith helmets and binoculars for an exciting safari through the African savanna. With live animal encounters, museum visits, hands-on activities and more, campers uncover why zebras have stripes, the secrets behind a lion’s roar and the traits of the savanna’s most ferocious predators.
These camps are geared toward young historians. If your child is interested in dinosaurs, archaeology, myths and legends, treasure hunting and more, these Wonders of Wildlife camps are for them.
When: May 27–30, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m
Who: Kindergarteners
Where: Wonders of Wildlife
Cost: $200
Calling all paleontologists! This camp is filled with dinosaur discoveries and fun activities. It’s the perfect opportunity for campers to roll up their sleeves and dig in the dirt while learning what it takes to make a fossil and what happens when they are found.
When: June 16–19, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Who: Sixth through eighth graders
Where: Dogwood Canyon Nature Park
Cost: $280
Dig up history at Dogwood Canyon Nature Park by thinking and working like an archaeologist. Campers explore dig sites and conduct artifact conservation while learning what it truly means to investigate the lives of people from the past. The camp includes a one-day visit to the Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum at Top of the Rock.
When: July 7–11, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. (with an overnight)
Who: Third through fifth graders
Where: Wonders of Wildlife
Cost: $280
In this camp, students explore myths and stories about cryptids from around the world. They learn about their surprising origins, separate fact from fiction and discover animals once thought to be hoaxes but later proven real. This camp includes an overnight on Thursday evening, concluding with pickup on Friday morning.
Kids are curious—always asking questions and discovering the world around them. These Wonders of Wildlife camps help kids learn about creatures on land, in the ocean and in outer space.
When: May 27–30, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Who: First and second graders
Where: Wonders of Wildlife
Cost: $200
Kids learn about animals that many find creepy but are truly fascinating. From spiders to snakes, campers develop an appreciation and respect for these incredible creatures. This summer, they overcome fears, spark curiosity and form a deeper connection with the weird and wonderful world of creatures that crawl, slither and flutter.
When: June 9–13, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Who: Kindergarteners
Where: Wonders of Wildlife
Cost: $240
Have you ever wondered about what might exist in outer space? Campers explore the mysteries of outer space, from distant galaxies to tiny space particles. They build rocket ships, explore the stars, and learn all about Earth’s atmosphere.
When: June 16–20, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Who: Kindergarteners
Where: Wonders of Wildlife
Cost: $240
The ocean covers 71% of the Earth’s surface—let’s explore it! In this camp, campers learn about the exciting creatures of the big blue sea, including sharks, jellyfish, stingrays and groupers.
When: June 23–27, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Who: Kindergarteners
Where: Wonders of Wildlife
Cost: $240
At this camp, students explore the many animals that creep and crawl through one of Earth’s most exciting spaces—the rainforest. They learn about predators and prey and take a trip through the Wonders of Wildlife rainforest, where they get up close and observe these amazing creatures in their natural habitats.
Let’s get crafty! These camps offer children hands-on experiences through art projects, outdoor activities and more.
When: May 27–30, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Who: Sixth through eighth graders
Where: Dogwood Canyon Nature Park
Cost: $320
Hands-on experience is gained with survival basics like fire starting, shelter building, packing essentials and camp cooking. Campers also explore the park on horseback, try fishing and practice principles to become good stewards of the environment.
When: June 2–6, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Who: Third through fifth graders
Where: Wonders of Wildlife
Cost: $250
Critters can be pretty crafty when it comes to building homes, hiding from predators and even migrating to different parts of the earth. Participants get creative by designing nature-inspired art while spending time with furry, feathered and scaly friends.
When: July 21–25, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m
Who: Sixth through eighth graders
Where: Finley Farms
Cost: $300
Calling all outdoor adventurers! Campers spend a week at Finley Farms exploring the great outdoors and learning new recreational skills. They try archery, fishing, water quality monitoring, fire building and more. They also learn basic water safety and participate in water sports like kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. It’s a week packed full of fun!
Five parents anonymously submitted reviews of Wonders of Wildlife’s Summer EdVenture camps. Here’s what they shared:
• “My grandson loved every minute of camp. I appreciated the thought and organization that went into the pre-camp information. I especially enjoyed the pictures that were posted each day.”
• “As parents, we were pleasantly surprised at the activities and value.”
• “My son always has a lot of fun and can’t stop talking about the activities.”
• “It is a great camp. Both of my kids look forward to their week at WOW every summer!”
• “Keep up the good work! We have been to several camps around town, and while the aquarium and museum are obviously amazing, the staff are what keep us coming back. Happy kids make happy parents.”
If you can believe it, Wonders of Wildlife has many more summer camps available to children this summer. Find the whole list here and register today!
