Categories: TRAVEL

Summer Zoo Camps in Tennessee

Summer zoo camps in Tennessee are found in 4 of its major cities. Because Tennessee attractions in its cities seem to encourage lots of tourist trade it is likely that these cities have been able to come up with the necessary funding for weekly summer zoo camps which over the years have become popular among their local citizenry. Right now you can find ongoing summer zoo camp programs in places like Nashville, Knoxville, Chattanooga and Memphis. Who knows where you might find the next summer zoo camp in Tennessee.

Nashville Zoo at Grassmere, TN. Like many zoo camps, the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere offers its summer zoo program through its education department. While the summer zoo program there has a lot to teach young people they certainly don’t forget the fun. Education about the zoo and its residents is transmitted to kids here through related games, stories, crafts, activities and especially zoo visits with the animals. This camp is geared for children ages 5-9. Camp programs run as single week programs from Mon-Fri during 3 weeks in June and 3 weeks in July. To let you know how popular the Nashville Zoo summer camp is, suffice it to say that all six weeks are already full. The zoo continues to take names of those who wish to be on the wait list.

For more information or to go on the wait list call the Nashville Zoo at 615-833 -1534

Knoxville Zoo Camp, Knoxville, TN. Maybe its just a southern thing, but in Knoxville they call their summer zoo camp “Toadally Bloomin’ Zoo Camp 2008”. It’s a good attention getter for parents who might not yet have considered a summer camp alternative to more sports. Whatever you call it , the summer zoo camp at Knoxville Zoo is open to children from pre-school age to those entering grade 8. Activities at each grade level are meant to introduce children to animal life at the the zoo and the work done by those who attend them. Children can attend one or more week long session during which they will enjoy a program geared to their understanding and ability level. Themes include sessions about what animals eat, how zoo keepers operate, how animals blend into the larger world even how animals come to recognize their parents for care and protection. Full day sessions are offered but younger children will attend only half day sessions and parental accompaniment is required. Call 637-5331 for more information and to make registration arrangements.

Chattanooga Zoo Camp,Chattanooga, TN. Warner Park is the home of the Chattanooga Zoo. Each summer the zoo offers a summer camp program which effectively serves to introduce kids to what residents call the “hidden jewel” of Chattanooga. The zoo, with some 9 acres of animal habitats is not Central Park Zoo, NYC. But the Chattanooga Zoo is plenty large enough to allow kids to explore animal life and connect it to their own. Camps are offered for kids from 3-14 in one week sessions in June and July for more information you can e-mail at chattanoogazooed@yahoo.

Memphis Zoo, Memphis, TN. Zoo Camp at the Memphis Zoo is a relaxed opportunity for kids to both gain knowledge about the zoo, its animals and its workers and at the same time to enjoy lots of fun activities too. Camps are run for children entering grades Pre-K -Grade 7 in fall 2008. Sessions run from 9 a.m – 2 p.m. This allows children to bring their lunch and have a full day, but still leaves them time for home activities and not feel like they are going to school.
There is lots of diversity in what is offered to children who are attending Zoo Camp at Memphis Zoo. There are games, zoo tours, animal visits, chats with animal experts, zoo and animal related crafts, even experiments. What there isn’t is boredom or a waste of your child’s summer time.

Cost of Zoo Camp in Memphis, TN is $150 for zoo members and $180 for others. Should you require it, after care is also offered for an additional fee.

To register or to get additional information cal the zoo at 901-276-WILD.