New York Zoos & Aquariums, operated by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)

The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) offers one of NYC’s most unique summer camp experiences, with programs hosted across five locations: Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, and New York Aquarium. Designed for toddlers through teens, WCS camps combine traditional summer fun with hands-on science, animal encounters, outdoor exploration, and conservation education. Campers spend their days exploring exhibits, observing wildlife, participating in STEM activities, creating art, solving challenges, and learning how scientists and conservationists protect animals around the world.

Each location offers a slightly different camp experience based on its unique environment. At the Bronx Zoo, campers explore habitats, animal behavior, and conservation through programs such as Zoo Sleuths, Animal Adventures, and Wild Survivors, with opportunities for older campers to dive deeper into conservation science and leadership. Central Park Zoo offers smaller-scale, city-friendly programs where younger children can explore wildlife through hands-on investigations, while older campers learn about global conservation efforts and careers in wildlife science. The New York Aquarium brings an underwater focus, with campers learning about ocean ecosystems, marine animals, and conservation through interactive activities and animal exploration. Queens Zoo and Prospect Park Zoo provide more intimate settings where children can connect with animals, explore nature, and participate in science-based adventures close to home.

For NYC parents, WCS camps are a great fit for kids who are curious, love animals, or enjoy learning through hands-on experiences rather than a traditional classroom setting. Programs range from toddler-and-caregiver introductions to wildlife for younger children to full-day, drop-off camps for elementary, middle, and high school students, with options for teens interested in conservation careers and leadership opportunities. With convenient locations across the five boroughs and the credibility of one of the world’s leading conservation organizations, WCS camps offer a memorable summer experience that blends adventure, education, and a deeper connection to the natural world.

Bronx Zoo
June 15 - Sept 4, 2026

‍Central Park Zoo
June 1 - August 28, 2026

‍Prospect Park Zoo
June 22 - Sept 4, 2026

‍Queens Zoo
June 15 - Sept 4, 2026

‍NY Aquarium
June 29 - Sept 4, 2026

Bronx Zoo

‍2300 Southern Boulevard

Bronx, New York 10460

‍Central Park Zoo

‍64th Street and Fifth Avenue

New York, New York 10021

‍Prospect Park Zoo
450 Flatbush Avenue

Brooklyn, New York 11225

‍Queens Zoo

‍53-51 111th Street

Flushing, New York 11368

‍NY Aquarium

‍602 Surf Avenue

Brooklyn, New York 11224

Bronx Zoo‍

• $300 members/$325 regular (Toddler Camp)
• $700 members/$775 regular (5-day camp)
• $1,215 members/$1,350 regular (2-week program)

‍Central Park Zoo‍

• $280 members/$312 regular (Zoo Fledglings toddler camp)
• $580 members/$646 regular (4-day camp) protated‍
• $585 members/$650 regular (5-day half day camp)
• $725 members/$806 regular (5-day camp)

‍Prospect Park Zoo‍

• $135 members/$150 regular (3-day Caregiver & Me sessions)
• $225members/$250 regular (5-day Caregiver & Me sessions)
• $700 members/$775 regular (5-day camp)

‍Queens Zoo‍

• $225 members/$250 regular (Toddler Time)
• $315 members/$350 regular (Zoo Tykes half-day camp)
• $585 members/$650 regular (5-day camp)

‍NY Aquarium
$565 members/$625 regular (5-day camp)

Bronx Zoo
Find camps and register for them online here.

‍Central Park Zoo
Find camps and register for them online here.

‍Prospect Park Zoo
Find camps and register for them online here.

‍Queens Zoo
Find camps and register for them online here.

‍NY Aquarium
Find camps and register for them online here.

Bronx Zoo
(800) 433-4149

bzeducation@wc.org

‍Central Park Zoo
(800) 433-4149

cpzeducation@wcs.org

‍Prospect Park Zoo
(800) 433-4149

ppzeducation@wcs.org

‍Queens Zoo
(800) 433-4149

qzeducation@wcs.org

‍NY Aquarium
(800) 433-4149

nyaeducation@wcs.org

What Parents Like‍

• Children come home excited to share what they learned, with many parents saying the camps spark a lasting interest in animals, marine life, and conservation across all WCS locations. (1, 1.5)
• Parents consistently praise the knowledgeable, enthusiastic educators and counselors, noting that staff are patient, engaging, and skilled at making science fun for a wide range of ages. (1.25, 1.75)
• The camps strike a strong balance between education and fun, blending animal encounters, exhibit exploration, games, crafts, outdoor play, and hands-on STEM activities that keep campers engaged throughout the day. (1)
• Many reviewers mention excellent organization, smooth drop-off and pick-up procedures, and responsive communication before and during camp. (1, 1.5)

‍What Parents Think Could Be Improved‍

• Tuition is on the higher end compared to many local day camps, and some families say the cost can add up quickly for siblings. (1)
• Some parents expected more hands-on animal interactions and recommend understanding that the camps focus primarily on wildlife observation, conservation education, and science-based activities. (1.25)

‍Our Take

‍Wildlife Conservation Society camps consistently receive high marks from families seeking a summer experience that goes beyond traditional day camp activities. Across all five locations—the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, and the New York Aquarium—parents praise the camps' engaging educators, thoughtfully designed programming, and ability to inspire a genuine appreciation for wildlife and conservation.

While tuition is a premium investment and expectations should be set around the educational (rather than petting-zoo) nature of the experience, WCS camps stand out as some of New York City's best options for curious kids who love animals, science, and the outdoors.