Dive into a summer adventure with the Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo. This year’s summer camps invite children aged 5 to 13 to explore the wonders of nature, gain new skills, and make lifelong memories. The age-tailored camps offer an exciting opportunity for young adventurers to connect with the outdoors and the incredible wildlife around them. Camps take place Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Mornings begin with a light breakfast followed by hands-on animal encounters and guided zoo tours. Campers can indulge their creative side with animal-inspired arts and crafts, enjoy scenic train and boat rides in the zoo’s exotic settings, and relax over lunch from the concessions stand. Afternoons promise a cool-off at the popular ZOOasis splash pad, where campers get at least two splash sessions during the week. Plus, families benefit from added convenience: extended care options are available for early drop-off (starting after 8 a.m.) and late pickup (running until 5 p.m.) for an extra fee and every camper leaves with a souvenir t-shirt to commemorate their experience.
Not-so-loony tunes (June 2-6 for Ages 5-7): Unravel the facts behind animal-themed animations, uncovering the science behind cartoons like Mickey Mouse and Bugs Bunny. Do rabbits actually love carrots? Let’s find out!
Down by the Bayou (June 9-13 for Ages 8-10): Dive deep into Louisiana’s vibrant bayou ecosystem. From microscopic critters to apex predators, discover flora and fauna in this lively chain of life, all while exploring the zoo’s immersive swamp exhibit.
Nature Thought of it First (June 16-20 for Ages 11-13): Investigate nature’s clever creations that inspire human innovation. Learn how elements like Velcro or airplanes were inspired by wildlife and begin brainstorming inventions of your own.
Wonderful World of Color and Patterns (June 23-27 for Ages 5-7): Examine animal adaptability through color and markings. Discover why certain species display patterns or stripes and how coloration aids their survival.
he All-Stars (July 7-11 for Ages 8-10): Look at nature’s champions and measure your own abilities against theirs. From speeding like a cheetah to jumping like a kangaroo, see how humans compare to wildlife’s best athletes.
Lights, Camera, Action (July 14-18 for Ages 11-13): Produce your very own animal mockumentary. Campers collaborate to write scripts, shoot videos, narrate, and edit their work to showcase the life of one zoo animal.
Splash Bash (July 21-25 for Ages 5-7): Explore the incredible world of aquatic creatures, from otters to hippos. Learn about animals living in or around water and cool off with wet and wild fun at the Splash Pad.
Science of Ewwww! (July 28-Aug. 1 for Ages 8-10): Dive into the gross-but-captivating side of the animal kingdom. Learn why some creatures stink, slime, or follow peculiar survival strategies through interactive experiments and lessons.
The cost is $150 per week for Zoological Society members and $200 per week for non-members. To sign up, visit https://lpgzbooking.as.me to view monthly options, or go to https://LPGZBooking.as.me/SummerCamps to view availability by week.
