Summer Safari campers at the National Zoo explore the lives, habitats, and conservation of animals around the world. Week-long sessions include exciting hands-on activities, craft projects, science experiments, and walks through the Zoo (but there is never direct contact with the animals).
The Summer Safari Day Camp is accredited by the American Camp Association, and won their Environmental Education Award for the Chesapeake region in 2008. Nickelodeon Parents' Pick also named it the "Best Day Camp for Big Kids" in 2008 in Washington, D.C. by the Nickolodeon Parents Pick.
Ages
Depending upon the grade that children are entering in the fall, camp sessions are grouped into three grade levels:
Note: 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.
Due to limited capacity, we reserve our full-day programs for older children. Sessions for campers entering grades K-1 are held from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. only. No After-Camp Care is available for this age group.
Times
- For campers entering grades K–1, camp is held from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. No After-Camp Care is available for this age group.
- For campers entering grades 2–5, camp is held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Campers must be dropped off between 8:45 and 9 a.m.
- After-Camp Care is offered in the Visitor Center classrooms from 3 to 6 p.m., after full-day sessions only.
Locations
Sessions are held in classrooms throughout the Zoo. Please allow extra time in the morning if you have children attending sessions at different locations. The drop-off location will be provided in the confirmation information. Please pick up campers in Parking Lot A. Campers in After-Camp Care must be picked up in Visitor Center classrooms.
Fees
A current FONZ household
membership (or higher level) is required to
participate. You can join FONZ during the registration process or 
join
or upgrade now.
- Prices per week (five-day sessions)
9 a.m.–12 p.m. (K–1): $210
9 a.m.–3 p.m. (2–5): $315 - After-Camp Care: $115
Available from 3–6 p.m., but only for those enrolled in 9 a.m.–3 p.m. sessions (grades 2–5). Additional fees will be charged after 6 p.m. You can sign up for After-Camp Care when you register for camp. (Registration begins February 3.)
Register for camp.
With our new registration system for camps and classes, all participants must create an account to register. You will need your FONZ member ID number during the process. This new system enables you to register multiple children at once, view your account online, and make payments. Also, nonmembers can join FONZ during the registration process.
Registration Confirmation
You will receive confirmation via email upon registration.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation
requests received at least four weeks before the
session will receive a 75 percent refund. Please
email the FONZ Summer Safari Office.
No refunds or changes will be
made for less than four weeks notice.
Questions?
Summer Safari Day Camp is accredited by the American Camp Association.
All Summer Safari Day Camp snacks are made in facilities that do not manufacture products with peanuts. We thank Gak’s Snacks for its generous donation.
