Day Camps

Day Camps

Day Camps 

Our camps offer kids a one-of-a-kind adventure filled with hands-on activities, exclusive tours, games, and more all set within the incredible environment of the Zoo. Campers will explore, discover, and connect with animals and nature in ways only the Zoo can provide.

Designed for children ages 6 to 11, camps run from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Campers must meet the age requirements for each session. For full-day camps, please bring a sack lunch.

Please note: credits or refunds are not available for no-shows, missed days, or cancellations.

Spring Break Day Camps

Explore animals and their habitats, study animal behaviors, conduct fun experiments and become the envy of your friends at Zoo Camp.

Campers must fall within age ranges of each respective camp. All camps run 9 a.m.- 3:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Campers will need to bring their own sack lunch for full day camps.

Attention Parents: Please download this informational packet to answer important questions and safety about our day camps.

Credits or refunds will not be issued for no-shows, days missed, or cancellations.

Please contact our Education Department at [email protected] for more information.

  • Monday, March 16 - What do Animals Need: Habitats
  • Tuesday, March 17 - What do Animals Need: Diets
  • Wednesday, March 18 - What do Animals Need: Adaptations
  • Thursday, March 19 - What do Animals Need: Enrichment
  • Friday, March 20 - What do Animals Need: Conservation

 

Register Today

Summer Day Camps

Have a wild time with Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium's day camps! Instructors will guide students through camps from one-half to five days in length with educational activities, tours, games, and much more. 

Campers must fall within age ranges of each respective camp. Campers will need to bring their own sack lunch for full day camps.

Credits or refunds will not be issued for no-shows, days missed, or cancellations.

For more information, please contact the Education Department at [email protected].   

Register Today

 

 

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium and Omaha Performing Arts Partnership: Wild About Movement

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is proud to partner with Omaha Performing Arts this summer for a WILD time! 

Camp Overview:

  • Camp Title: Wild About Movement
  • Dates: July 27–31, 2026
  • Time: 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. (daily)
  • Age Range: Campers ages 9–11 (at the time of camp)

Weekly Schedule:

  • Monday – Wednesday: Camp hosted at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium
  • Thursday – Friday: Camp hosted at Omaha Performing Arts' Tenaska Center for Arts Engagement

Get ready to ROAR, LEAP, and DANCE your way through summer! The Wild About Movement Summer Day Camp is a one-of-a-kind adventure that combines the thrill of wildlife exploration with the joy of creative movement and performance.
Campers will spend their week split between the wild wonders of the Zoo and the expressive energy of the stage. At the Zoo, campers will discover the natural movement of animals through guided tours, animal encounters, and nature-based learning. At O-pa, they’ll channel that inspiration into fun-filled dance, creative movement, and storytelling workshops led by professional teaching artists.

Register Today

Parent and Program Information

Parent Information Packet:

Please download this informational parent packet informational parent packet to answer important questions and safety about our summer day camps.

Credits and Refunds will NOT be issued for no-shows, days missed or cancellations.

A reminder for your reservation will be sent out at least one-week prior to the camp, but it is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to retain the copy of the confirmation email for your records. 

Hours:

  • Kinder-Safari (Early Childhood) Camps: Monday -Friday, 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. (morning session) and 12:45 p.m.- 3:45 p.m. (afternoon session)
  • Camps for 6 to 18-year-olds: 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Registration Fee (reflects member pricing):

  • 1-Day Fee: $80
  • 2-Day Fee: $135
  • 5-Day Fee: $265
  • Kinder-Safari Half-Day Fee: $170

Register Today

 

Kinder Safari (half day) Camps

Campers must be fully potty trained to attend this camp. 

 

June 1| Deep Blu Sea (AM and PM Session)

Little explorers will dive into the Deep Blue Sea, discovering colorful fish, playful dolphins, and fascinating ocean creatures. Through fun activities and story time adventures, they’ll explore the wonders of life under the waves!

 

June 8| Rocking the Rainforest (AM and PM Session)

Venture into the Rainforest, discovering colorful birds, playful monkeys, and amazing plants. Through hands-on activities and story time adventures, they’ll explore the sights, sounds, and creatures of this vibrant jungle!

 

June 15| Dancing in the Desert (AM and PM Session)

Journey into the Desert, discovering fascinating animals like lizards, camels, and meerkats. Through fun activities and story time adventures, they’ll learn how these creatures survive and thrive in the hot, sandy environment!

 

June 22| Born to be Wild (AM and PM Session)

Little explorers will roar, crawl, and hop through Born to Be Wild, discovering how animals play, hunt, and explore in the wild. Through fun activities and story time adventures, they’ll learn what makes each creature unique and full of energy!

 

July 6| Colorful Critters (AM Session ONLY)

Meet bright birds, vibrant insects, and other dazzling animals. Through fun activities and story time adventures, they’ll explore the amazing colors and patterns of the animal world!

  

July 13| Feeding Frenzy (AM and PM Session)

Dive into Feeding Frenzy, discovering how animals find, catch, and eat their favorite foods. Through fun activities and story time adventures, they’ll explore the exciting ways creatures eat and survive in the wild!

 

July 20| Where the Wild Things Live (AM Session ONLY)

Little explorers venture into Where the Wild Things Live, meeting playful, imaginative animals and discovering their wild homes. Through fun activities and story time adventures, they’ll explore the exciting world of creatures big and small!

 

July 27| Colors of the Wild (AM and PM Session)

 

Little explorers will soar into animals and plants in a rainbow of bright and beautiful colors. Through fun activities and story time adventures, they’ll explore the wonders of nature and the vibrant world around them!

6-8 Year Old Camps

One Day Camps

May 26| Bird Bonanza

Take flight at our Bird Bonanza Zoo Camp! Campers will spread their wings as they explore the amazing world of birds—from colorful parrots to powerful eagles—through hands-on activities, up-close animal encounters, and fun games. It’s the perfect adventure for young nature lovers ready to soar into summer!

 

May 27| Giraffe Discovery

Stretch your imagination at our Giraffe Discovery Zoo Camp! Campers will journey into the world of these gentle giants, learning all about their towering height, unique spots, and amazing adaptations through exciting games, crafts, and animal encounters. Get ready for a wild day of fun that’s head and shoulders above the rest!

 

May 28| Stingrays and Sharks 

Campers will uncover the secrets of the ocean’s most fascinating creatures as they learn how stingrays glide and sharks rule the seas. With plenty of underwater-themed fun, this camp is sure to be fintastic!

 

May 29| Desert Dwellers

Embark on an adventure to the arid world of Desert Dwellers Zoo Camp! Campers will discover how animals like lizards, meerkats, and snakes thrive in hot, dry environments. It’s wild fun exploring the wonders of the desert!

  

June 3| Monkey Business

It’s time to monkey around with a primate filled day at the zoo! Learn about the various species of monkeys housed at OHDZA and their wild counterparts.

 

June 10| Roar and Explore

Get ready to Roar and Explore! Campers will journey through the wild world of animals, discovering fascinating creatures, big and small through hands-on learning and on grounds encounters. Join us for a fun-filled day with excitement, exploration, and roaring fun!

 

June 17| Penguin Palooza

What’s black and white and fun all over? Spend the day learning about the best dressed birds in the place!

 

June 24| Oh Baby!

What happens to the baby animals born at the zoo? Join us to learn how we care for them before and after their birth to maximize their quality of life.

 

July 1| Desert Dwellers

Embark on an adventure to the arid world of Desert Dwellers Zoo Camp! Campers will discover how animals like lizards, meerkats, and snakes thrive in hot, dry environments. It’s wild fun exploring the wonders of the desert!

 

July 2| Super Senses

We’re all familiar with Sight, Taste, Hearing, Smell, and Touch when it comes to humans. But how do these vary in the animal kingdom?

 

July 8| Corals and Jellies

Dive into the wonders of the ocean at our Corals and Jellies Animal Adventure Camp! Campers will explore colorful coral reefs and meet mesmerizing jellyfish up close, discovering the fascinating creatures that call the sea their home.

  

July 15| Grossology

Everybody does it, and sometimes it has amazing benefits for the planet! Learn what makes different animal poop so special, from fertilizing plants to spreading seeds and lots in between.

 

July 22| Eat or be Eaten

Get ready for a thrilling time as we explore the wild world of predator and prey, learning how animals hunt, hide, and survive. Keep your eyes peeled!

 

July 29| Things with Wings

Campers will explore the incredible world of flying animals, from colorful birds to fascinating insects, discovering how they soar, hunt, and survive through up-close encounters and interactive learning.

 

Two Day Camps

June1| Born to be Wild 

Join us as we unleash our wild side as we explore the exciting behaviors and habitats of animals in the zoo, from playful predators to curious creatures. We will discover what makes each animal truly “born to be wild.”

 

June 4| Life in the Water

Don’t hold your breath – learn all about the different animals that live underwater. From phytoplankton to crocodiles and so much more, join us for a two-day adventure beneath the surface.

 

June 8| The Fast and Furriest

Campers will zoom into the world of speedy and agile animals, learning how the fastest and furriest creatures survive and thrive in the wild. Hands-on activities bring the thrill of animal speed and skill to life!

 

June 11| Leaders of the Pack

Elephants, Lions, and Gorillas, we will explore the different ways animals are leaders and followers.

 

June 15| Specialty Camp: Dr Zooolgist

Discover what are all the different jobs we must have save and protect the animals at the Zoo.    

 

June 18| Amazing Amphibians

What are amphibians and where do we find them? Join us as we discover the world of amphibians and how the Zoo is helping them!

 

June 22| Animal Families

Campers will explore the amazing world of animal families, discovering how parents care for their young and how siblings interact in the wild. Interactive activities and guided animal experiences bring the bonds of the animal kingdom to life!

 

June 29| Ocean Adventures

Spend time diving below the surface to learn all about the different species and ecosystems that live throughout the different layers of our ocean. Learn what we’re doing to protect them from right here in Nebraska and how you can get involved, too.

 

July 6| Up in the Trees

Campers will climb into the world of Up in the Trees, discovering the animals that live high above the ground and how they adapt to life in the treetops. They’ll explore the hidden wonders of the forest canopy and the creatures that call it home!

 

July 9| Specialty Camp: Dr Zooolgist

Discover what are all the different jobs we must save and protect the animals at the Zoo.    

 

July 13| Penguin Palooza

What’s black and white and fun all over? Spend the day learning about the best dressed birds in the place!

  

July 20| Wild Senses and Crazy Defenses

We will dive into the world of Wild Senses and Crazy Defenses, discovering how animals use their senses and unique adaptations to survive in the wild. They’ll explore the fascinating ways creatures protect themselves and navigate their environments!

 

July 23| Animals at Play

Join us as we discover how creatures have fun, learn, and interact through playful behaviors. They’ll observe and investigate the surprising ways animals engage with each other and their environment!

 

July 27| Howls and Growls

Venture outside with us as we discover how animals use sounds to communicate, defend, and connect in the wild. They’ll explore the fascinating ways creatures express themselves through vocalizations and behaviors!

 

July 30| Jungle Journey

Let’s get down and boogie with the different animals that we find in the jungle!

 

Five Day Camp

June 1| Jungle Discovery

From animals that fly to plant that grow, learn how much we rely on the jungle in our everyday lives.

 

June 1| Desert Quest

Have you ever been to the desert? Discover the amazing animals that survive in hot, dry environments and the unique adaptations that help them thrive. We’ll explore the wonders of desert life and the strategies creatures use to stay cool or warm, find food, and stay safe!

 

June 1| Amazing Adaptations

From the coldest tundra to the hottest desert, animals have always adapted to their environment. Spend the day with us learning about these different adaptations and how animals continue to put them to use.

  

June 8| Colorful Creatures

Grab your sunglasses! We will be finding animals with dazzling patterns, bright feathers, and striking markings. Explore how these colors help animals survive, communicate, and stand out in their habitats!

 

June 8| Fairy Tales

The Three Little Bears and the Princess and the Frog, what are the animals that are the center of our famous fairytales.

 

June 8| Amazing Animals

Open your eyes to fascinating creatures from around the globe and the incredible adaptations that make them unique. They’ll learn how animals live, thrive, and survive in their natural habitats!

 

June 15| Animals Wild Wardrobe

Fur feathers and scales… Come explore the different wardrobes of our animals.

 

June 15| Home Sweet Habitats

Wipe your paws at the door as you join us on a journey through the different habitats our animals live in and what it takes to thrive there.

 

June15| Marvelous Mammals

Uncover diverse species, behaviors, and adaptations that make mammals so remarkable. Explore how these animals live, care for their young, and thrive in habitats around the globe!

 

June 22| Jedi Jungle Camp

Where the excitement of the wild meets the wonder of the galaxy. They’ll explore jungle animals and their habitats while engaging in imaginative challenges inspired by the ways of the Jedi!

 

June 22|Critter Quest 

Small critters from insects to amphibians and everything in between. Explore how these tiny creatures live, survive, and play important roles in their ecosystems!

 

June 22| Wildlife Protecters

You can help, yes you! Let’s see what we can do to protect our wildlife, near and far!

 

July 6| Marvelous Metamorphosis

Animals transform through incredible life cycles from birth to adulthood. They’ll witness the fascinating changes of creatures like butterflies, frogs, and more, learning how adaptation shapes their survival!

 

July 6| Creepy Critters

Uncover the spooky and surprising world of insects, reptiles, and other misunderstood animals. They’ll learn how these creatures use their creepy features to survive and why they’re an important part of the natural world!

 

July 6| Rockin Reptiles and Awesome Amphibians

Slither and hop into an adventure with the cool characteristics that make these animals so unique. They’ll explore how reptiles and amphibians live, move, and thrive in their wild habitats!

 

July 13| Animal Athletes

Who’s going to win the big game? Explore animals that are star athletes in the natural world.

 

July 13 Who’s who at the Zoo?

Did I just see a celebrity?? Join us as we discover the world-famous animals (and people!) living right here in Nebraska at the Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium!

 

July 13| Home Sweet Habitat

Wipe your paws at the door as you join us on a journey through the different habitats our animals live in and what it takes to thrive there.

 

July 20| World Builders 

Dig into adventures with animals big and small create, shape, and transform their habitats. From busy beavers building dams to ants engineering tunnels, they’ll uncover the wild architects that make our planet amazing!

 

July 20| Wildlife Agents

Campers will step into the role of Wildlife Agents, investigating the mysteries of the animal kingdom and uncovering clues about how creatures survive in the wild. With curiosity and teamwork, they’ll solve nature’s biggest cases and become true defenders of wildlife!

 

July 20| Curious Creatures

Campers will dive into discovery with Curious Creatures, exploring the most fascinating and unusual animals from around the world. They’ll uncover surprising facts, investigate animal mysteries, and learn what makes these creatures so wonderfully weird!

 

July 27| Animals in Action

Jump into excitement with Animals in Action, exploring how creatures move, hunt, and play in the wild. They’ll discover the amazing ways animals use speed, strength, and skill to survive and thrive in their habitats!

 

July 27| Walk on the Wild Side

Take a Walk on the Wild Side, exploring the thrilling world of untamed animals and their incredible behaviors. They’ll discover how creatures adapt, survive, and thrive in the wild through exciting adventures and wildlife discoveries!

 

July 27| Natures Got Talent 

Discover the stars of the animal kingdom in Nature’s Got Talent, where every creature has a special skill to show off! From clever problem-solvers to amazing acrobats, they’ll explore the wild talents that help animals survive and shine in nature!

 

Register Today

9-11 Year Old Camps

One Day Camp

May 26| Radical Reptiles

Come explore the different reptiles at the zoo and find out what makes them so radical!

 

May 27| Prey Vs. Predators

Get ready for a thrilling time as we explore the wild world of predator and prey, learning how animals hunt, hide, and survive. Keep your eyes peeled!

 

May 28| Invasive Species

Step into an environmentalist’s shoes with this camp all about invasive species. From Lion Fish to the Emerald Ash Borer, learn what makes these species so dangerous to various ecosystems and how we can protect the native species.

  

May 29| Animal Powers

Mighty fighter and faster than lightning. Help us figure out what makes the animals at the zoo so powerful.

 

June 3| Marine Mammals Adventure

The largest mammals in the world don’t live on land, but under water. Settle in for a one-camp all about the mammals of our seas, from whales to seals and all those in-between.

 

June 10| Giants of the Wild

The largest animals can be the kindest. Join us on a two-day adventure all about animals whose temperament doesn’t quite match their appearances.

 

June 17| Guardians of the Wild

Campers will become Guardians of the Wild, exploring how people and animals work together to protect our planet’s incredible wildlife. They’ll discover what it takes to care for nature, conserve habitats, and be heroes for animals everywhere!

 

June 24| Radical Reptiles

Come explore the different reptiles at the zoo and find out what makes them so radical!

 

July 1| Lemurs

Campers will leap into adventure with Lemurs, discovering these playful primates and the unique island world they call home. They’ll explore how lemurs move, communicate, and work together in the forests of Madagascar!

 

July 2| Living Fossils

Spend a day with us at the Zoo to explore dinosaurs and their modern-day counterparts through evolution and living fossils.

 

July 8| Night Prowlers

Join us for a trip into the world of nocturnal animals. Learn why and how certain species thrive in the night.

 

July 15| Critter Science Investigation 

Campers will become wildlife detectives in Critter Science Investigation, exploring how scientists study animals and their behaviors. They’ll investigate, observe, and uncover the secrets of creatures big and small in hands-on wildlife adventures!

 

July 22| Marine Biology-Sharks and Rays

Let’s explore the different marine animals that survive without bones!  

 

July 20| Wild Rivals

explore the exciting world of Wild Rivals, discovering how animals compete for food, territory, and survival in the wild. They’ll learn about the strategies and adaptations that help creatures outsmart their opponents and thrive in their habitats!

 

Two Day Camp

June 1|Marine Biology-Birds

Penguins, Puffins, and Seagulls – oh my! Spend a day with our team learning all about the birds that sustain themselves on the sea.

 

June 4| Big Cats

This camp is all about big cats, from all continents and all types of weather!

 

June 8| Great Barrier Reef    

Coral reefs house some of the most biodiverse lives on our planet. This two-day camp will explore the largest gross reef system in the world, why they are so important, and how we can do our part to protect these vital ecosystems.

 

June 11| Specialty Samp: Jr. Vet

Come find out what the zoo does to keep the animals healthy.  

 

June 15| ZSI

Dust off your investigative thinking with our two-day Zoo Scene Investigation camp. Help our team solve a zoo mystery while diving deeper into the world of animals.

 

June 18| Animal Behavior and Training

Learn more about how and why we train our animals on different behaviors, see this training in action, and enjoy a Q&A with keepers who have close relationships with these animals.   

 

June 22| Specialty Camp: Photography

 Grab your camera and capture amazing moments of wildlife up close. Alongside a professional photographer, we will learn how to observe, photograph, and appreciate animals while discovering the stories behind their behaviors and habitats!

 

June 29| Rainforests

Lets get down and boogie with the different animals that we find in the rainforest.

 

July 6| Specialty Camp: Jr. Vet

Come find out what the zoo does to keep the animals healthy.  

 

July 9| Specialty Camp: Keeper Camp

Find out what zookeepers do to take care of our animals, big and small!

 

July 13| Specialty Camp: Keeper Camp

Find out what zookeepers do to take care of our animals, big and small!

 

July 20| Junior Naturalists

Learn how to do your part for our planet; protecting habitats, eliminating waste, and saving animals is all in a day’s work for our naturalists!

 

July 23| Marine Biology: Deep Sea Creatures 

Take a peek below the surface with us at the deep sea animals of our mysterious oceans. Discover what makes them so unique from the ones that live higher up.

 

July 27| Design a Zoo

Become wildlife architects in Design a Zoo, imagining and creating habitats for their favorite animals. They’ll explore how to meet animals’ needs, design enriching environments, and bring their own zoo vision to life!

 

July 30| Zoology

Dive into the world of Zoology, exploring the science behind animals and their behaviors. They’ll investigate, observe, and learn how creatures live, adapt, and thrive in habitats around the globe!

 

Five Day Camp

June 1| Into the Wild

Venture Into the Wild, exploring the fascinating animals and habitats that make up our planet’s untamed places. They’ll discover how creatures survive, adapt, and thrive while experiencing the excitement of the natural world up close!

 

June 8| Camp All Access

Campers will get All Access to the wonders of the zoo, exploring behind-the-scenes areas and meeting incredible animals up close. They’ll discover how creatures live, learn, and thrive while experiencing the excitement of wildlife like never before!

 

June 15| In a Zoo Far, Far Away…  

Where the excitement of the wild meets the wonder of the galaxy. They’ll explore animals and their habitats while engaging in imaginative challenges inspired by the ways of the Jedi!

 

June 22| Fantastic Beasts

Let's explore some of those mythological creatures inspired by real life animals!

 

July 6| Wild Careers

Join us to find out about all the jobs necessary to keep OHDZA running!

 

July 13| Camp All Access

Campers will get All Access to the wonders of the zoo, exploring behind-the-scenes areas and meeting incredible animals up close. They’ll discover how creatures live, learn, and thrive while experiencing the excitement of wildlife like never before!

 

July 20| Extreme Animals

From the hottest desert to the coldest tundra, animals live in all kinds of extreme environments. Learn what it takes to survive in these conditions and how animals adapt to our changing climate.

 

July 27| Zoo Tube

A big part of what we do here at the zoo is interpreting, or teaching, about animals to the general public, both in person and online! You will step in front of the camera this week to create fun and creative videos here at the zoo! We will write scripts, practice public speaking, and film videos to share what we love about the zoo and animals with others!

Register Today

12-14 Year Old Camps

Two Day Camp

 

July 6| Climate and Wildlife Adapting to Change

From shifting seasons to melting ice caps, our planet is changing—and wildlife is changing with it! In this 2-day adventure, campers will explore how animals and ecosystems adapt to a warming world.  Participants will uncover the science behind climate change and discover the innovative ways conservationists are helping species survive.

 

July 13| Genetics and Conservation: The Code of Life

Every living thing on Earth carries a unique code — DNA — that tells the story of who they are and how they survive. Campers will explore how scientists use genetics to unlock the mysteries of wildlife and protect endangered species. From studying DNA models and solving genetic puzzles to investigating real-world conservation case studies, campers will step into the role of zoo scientists working to preserve biodiversity.