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A wild week of nature exploration for children entering grades K-7!

Summer Safari campers at the National Zoo explore the lives, habitats, and conservation of animals around the world. Weeklong sessions include exciting hands-on activities, craft projects, science experiments, and walks through the Zoo (but there is never direct contact with the animals).

Summer Safari Day Camp is accredited by the American Camp Association.

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Ages

Camp sessions are grouped into four grade levels according to the grade that children are entering in the fall:

Note: Following DC kindergarten eligibility law, children must turn five (5) years of age on or before September 30th to be eligible for our K-1 programs. There are no pre-K Summer Safari sessions. Children should be registered for the grade level they will be entering in the fall, and they may be registered only within their correct age group.

2013 Dates and Times

  • Camps are offered June 17 - August 9.
  • For campers entering grades K-7 full-day camp is held from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. We are no longer offering half-day session.
  • Campers must be dropped off between 8:45 and 9 a.m.
  • After-Camp Care is available for a limited number of campers each week. After-Camp Care takes place in the Visitor Center classrooms from 3 to 6 p.m.

Fees

Camp fee includes Summer Safari Day Camp baseball cap and water bottle, daily snack with juice box, and a ride on the new Speedwell Foundation Conservation Carousel.

  • Five-day sessions, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.: $380 members/$475 non-members
  • Four-day session (July 1-3, 5), 9 a.m.-3 p.m.: $305/$382 non-members
  • NEW! Before-camp care, 8-8:45 a.m.: $100 per week ($80 for the four-day session)
  • After-camp care, 3-6 p.m.: $175 per week ($140 for the four-day session)
  • Summer Safari Day Camp tee shirt: $20

Locations

For your convenience, drop-off for all camps is in the Visitor Center Auditorium. After gathering with their teachers and classmates, campers will be led to their classrooms at one of several locations in the park. Please pick up campers in Parking Lot A. Campers in After-Camp Care must be picked up in Visitor Center classrooms.

About Registration

With our registration system, all participants must have an online account. You will need your FONZ member ID number during the process to receive the member discount. This system enables you to register multiple children at once, view your account online, and make payments. Also, non-members can join FONZ during the registration process.

Register now!

Summer Safari Day Camp Hyman Family Scholarships 2013

The scholarship application deadline has been extended to June 1, 2013.

Friends of the National Zoo is thrilled to offer four full, need-based Hyman Family Scholarships to attend Summer Safari Day Camp.

Learn more and apply

Registration Confirmation

You will receive confirmation via email upon registration.

Cancellation and Transfer Policies

Cancellation requests received at least four weeks prior to the start of the session will receive a 75-percent refund. Transfer requests received at least four weeks prior to the start of the session will be charged a 10-percent administrative fee. Please email the FONZ Summer Safari Office with cancellation and transfer requests. No refunds or changes will be made for less than four weeks notice.

Questions?

Email us.

Thank you to Banfield Pet Hospital for generously sponsoring many of this summer's camps!

Campers will enjoy healthy snacks generously provided by Snikiddy Snacks.