Are you looking for a way to give your little ones a super summer camp experience? Your search can end here because at Critter Camp, kids will be surrounded by superheroes! Through hands-on interactions, campers will discover each animal’s amazing adaptations and their ability to improve our lives and our planet. Spots disappear quickly, so register today!
Summer Critter Camp 2020
In order to take precautions against the COVID-19 pandemic, humane education programs at Helen Woodward Animal Center are closed until further notice. We understand the disappointment this may cause as many of these events have required lengthy planning from the participants, but we are committed to preserving the community’s health and safety. Please connect with us about either rescheduling your program to a later date if possible, or fully cancelling it and receiving either a refund or considering your current payment as a donation.
We recognize the importance of staying positive and educated during times like these, so check out our live Critter Cam and Virtual Field Trips!
A Wonderful San Diego Summer Camp for Kids
Where kids connect with animals!
June 8–August 28, 2020
Preschool through 8th Grade
Get a Summer Camp Discount Today
Register before May 8 to take advantage of the early bird pricing!
(More discounts listed below)
Summer Critter Camp is San Diego’s best animal camp for kids Preschool through 8th grade!
Children will experience amazing animal interactions and summer camp activities, including animal-themed games, crafts, songs and more! Each camper who is signed up for a full week of camp will also receive a free Critter Camp T-shirt.
We know that committing to a full week of summer camp can be difficult with busy schedules, so daily registration is available all summer! If you sign up for a full week (5 days in the same week, Monday-Friday), you’ll automatically receive the weekly rate listed below.
Summer Camp Themes, Preschool–6th Grade
Click to view details! Activities will be similar to the following and may include: Species and activities may vary depending on animal health, safety, and availability. Must be at least 5-years-old to pet/hold reptiles. This is not a full list of the animals that campers will interact with during the week – they will meet the majority of the species that are a part of the Education department.
Does your child have an incredibly inquisitive mind? Then sign them up for camp where they will delve into the seemingly distant worlds of nature and technology and find out why they aren’t so different after all. Campers will uncover the ways that wildlife has influenced technology and our advancement as humans. Your kids won’t want to miss out on this exciting exploration!
Click to view details! Activities will be similar to the following and may include: Species and activities may vary depending on animal health, safety, and availability. Must be at least 5-years-old to pet/hold reptiles. This is not a full list of the animals that campers will interact with during the week – they will meet the majority of the species that are a part of the Education department.
Summer Camp Theme, 7th & 8th Grades
While still meeting the same animals as our Preschool through 6th Grade camps, 7th and 8th graders will also develop lifelong leaderships skills and learn about various animal-focused careers during their time here at Helen Woodward Animal Center in San Diego.
Click to view details! Activities will be similar to the following and may include: Species and activities may vary depending on animal health, safety and availability. This is not a full list of the animals that campers will interact with during the week – they will meet the majority of the species that are a part of the Education department.
Critter Camp Schedule
Preschool–2nd Grade (as of Fall 2020)
Bioscience and Beyond
Week 1: June 8–12
Week 3: June 22–26
Week 5: July 6–10
Week 7: July 20–24
Week 9: August 3–7
Week 11: August 17–21
Surrounded by Superheroes
Week 2: June 15–19
Week 4: June 29–July 2 (no camp on July 3)
Week 6: July 13–17
Week 8: July 27–31
Week 10: August 10–14
Week 12: August 24–28
3rd–6th Grade (as of Fall 2020)
Surrounded by Superheroes
Week 1: June 8–12
Week 3: June 22–26
Week 5: July 6–10
Week 7: July 20–24
Week 9: August 3–7
Week 11: August 17–21
Bioscience and Beyond
Week 2: June 15–19
Week 4: June 29–July 2 (no camp on July 3)
Week 6: July 13–17
Week 8: July 27–31
Week 10: August 10–14
Week 12: August 24–28
7th–8th Grade (as of Fall 2020)
Week 1: June 8–12
Week 2: June 15–19
Week 3: June 22–26
Week 4: June 29–July 2 (no camp on July 3)
Week 5: July 6–10
Week 6: July 13–17
Week 7: July 20–24
Week 8: July 27–31
Week 9: August 3–7
Week 10: August 10–14
Critter Camp Times, Rates, Options & Discounts
Critter Camp Times
Preschool (must be at least 4 years old): 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Kindergarten through 8th Grade: 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
*Extended Care is offered from 8 a.m.–5 p.m. for $20 per day for grades Kindergarten through 8th.
*We also offer an 8 a.m. drop off for Preschool for $10 each day. (No late pickup available for Preschool)
Weekly Critter Camp Rates* (not offered Fourth of July week)
Preschool (must be at least 4 years old): $248 per week ($223 per week before May 8)
Kindergarten through 8th Grade: $328 per week ($303 per week before May 8)
*Sign up for 5 days in the same week to automatically receive the rate listed above.
Daily Critter Camp Rates (available all summer!)
Preschool (must be at least 4 years old): $62 per day ($57 per day before May 8)
Kindergarten through 8th Grade: $82 per day ($77 per day before May 8)
*Lunch options are available for $9 per day. All lunches include an entrée and two sides. Please always provide your child with a water bottle and food for snack time each day.
*All campers must be able to use the restroom confidently and on their own.
*We know that camp sounds fun for kids AND adults, but this camp for kids only! **If your child has an aide at school and you plan to have them come to camp with your child, please call us at 858-756-4117 ext. 318 so that we can help them complete the fingerprint process. All aides MUST be fingerprinted through us in order to attend camp.**
Camp Discounts
- 15% off camp tuition for active military (Call us at 858-756-4117 ext. 318 for the coupon code.)
- Automatically receive $5 off the tuition fee per day when registering siblings. (Must register siblings at the same time. Applies to one sibling only.)
- Sign up for 5 days in the same week to automatically receive the weekly rate listed above.
- Register before May 8 to take advantage of the early bird pricing listed above.
For more information about Critter Camp:
Email us at education@animalcenter.org or call us at 858-756-4117 ext. 318.
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Click here to see what parents love about this camp!
“Not only did my son get to meet lots of cool animals, but he was able to build social confidence through learning interesting facts about them in the kind, compassionate environment encouraged by the educators and the overall mission of the Center.” ~Theresa K.
“This was the best summer camp of his summer. He is wondering why he has to go to kindergarten – he’d rather spend all year in Critter Camp. Thanks so much.” ~Dana G.
“My son had a great week! He was excited to go to camp every day and came home talking about what he learned and did. He loved his counselor and told me she was the best counselor he ever had at camp. He said he wanted to go back for 2 weeks next year!” ~Jaimee S.
“My kids loved how hands-on it was and I loved how easy the drop off/pick up was. I also loved how the camp was simple for the parents (no asking to put the kids in a certain color shirt each day or pack different clothes, etc.)” ~Sarah S.
“I especially liked the questions/answers that were provided in the parent information e-mail before camp started. Each day on the ride home, I asked the kids the questions of the day and they were able to answer with lots of details and additional facts. They were excited to share and I was impressed!” ~Courtney E.
“This is a great program, so fun and we love that it’s educational as well. We learn a lot as parents too because our kids can’t stop talking about the animals and everything they learned. Great job!” ~Sarah L.
“Thank you for sharing your outstanding resources with our community and for providing an excellent educational experience for my son… He loved it, and he looks forward to future camps at the animal center.” ~Jaquelin D.