Summer Camps

Sunset Zoo will once again offer in-person summer camps in 2021!  Due to COVID-19, capacity will be reduced in an effort to maintain maximum social distancing while in classroom spaces.  Registration will open at 8:00 a.m. on March 29, 2021, and will be available on a first come first serve basis.

Explore the wonderful world of animals through Sunset Zoo’s weekly camp adventures! Each day, campers will enjoy live animal presentations, science-oriented lessons, games and crafts. Visits to zoo exhibits, animal encounters and behind-the-scenes explorations round out each week! All camps taught by Zoo staff trained in child development.  

Times & Fees


Weekly summer camp sessions begin June1 and run through mid August. Parents can drop students off as early as 7:30am and pick them up as late as 5:30pm.  Due to reduced enrollment, we will not be offering half-day sessions in 2021. Snacks are provided but participants must bring a sack lunch.

  FOSZ Member Rate Non-Member Rate
All Day Session
8am to 5pm		 $125/weekly session $135/weekly session

Registration Information & Permission Forms


Enrollment will be taken on a first come, first serve basis. Enrolled students will receive a confirmation packet discussing schedule, dress code and camp checklist. Registration will open at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, March 29, 2021.

  • Online Registration - opens 8:00 a.m. on Monday, March 29, 2021
    Register online from anywhere at anytime until classes fill.
  • Phone or In-Person - opens 8:00 a.m. on Monday, March 29, 2021
    You can also register by phone at 785.587.2737 or in person at any Manhattan Parks & Recreation location including City Hall, the Zoo or the Flint Hills Discovery Center during regular operating hours. 

Permission Forms


Sunset Zoo's Summer Camps are licensed through the Kansas Department of Health & Environment (KDHE) and require a specific set of permission forms to be completed for each camper.  Because Sunset Zoo updated its license through KDHE in 2020, all campers MUST complete the permission forms regardless of previous camp enrollment. Full details coming soon with our Summer Camp FAQ document. Check back soon.

Payment Plan & Refund Policy


Payment Policy


At time of enrollment, a minimum of 50% of each session’s fee is due to reserve a child’s spot; $20 of this fee is a non-refundable deposit. Sessions must be paid in full within five working days prior to the first day of each camp session. Youth will not be able to participate in a camp if fee is not paid in full by the first day of the session, no exceptions. No refunds or prorating for partially-used sessions.

Refund Policy


A non-refundable $20 deposit will be held for each enrolled camp session. A full refund provided (less the deposit) if registration canceled prior to one week of start date. Partial refund given (less the deposit) if canceled between one week and 48 hours prior to start date. No refund given if canceled within 48 hours.

Overview of Camps


Animal Crackers Camp | Completed Kindergarten - 2nd Grade | Capacity - 24
High-energy activities interspersed with downtime every day. Activities include live animal interactions, themed tours of the Zoo, crafts, games and story times. Animal Crackers Camp will be divided into two classrooms to create two cohorts as a safety precaution for COVID-19.  Classrooms will be established based on ages of all enrolled with the youngest half in one classroom and the oldest half in the other classroom.  Campers must have completed kindergarten.
 Date  Theme
 June 1 - June 4  Nature in Art
June 7 - June 11  Scales & Skin
June 14 - June 18 Mammal Mania
June 21 - June 25 Wonders of Birds
June 28 - July 2 Insect Investigations
July 5 - July 9 Animals of the Past
July 12 - July 16 Homes and Habitats
July 19 - July 23 Zoos: A Behind the Scenes Look
July 26 - July 30 I Can Be A Scientist
August 2 - August 6 Conservation Kids
August 9 - August 13 Pollinator Connection


Summer Safari Camp | Completed 3rd Grade - 4th Grade | Capacity - 8
Campers will connect with the natural world through activities around the Zoo, crafts, stories, live animal interactions, themed Zoo tours and nature hikes. 
 Date  Theme
 June 1 - June 4 Inspired by Nature
June 7 - June 11 Herpetologist Who?
June 14 - June 18 More About Mammals
June 21 - June 25 Bird Bonanza
June 28 - July 2 Investigating Inverts
July 5 - July 9 Extinct Animals
July 12 - July 16 Biome Explorations
July 19 - July 23 Zoo Operations
July 26 - July 30 Becoming Scientists
August 2 - August 6 Conservation in Action
August 9 - August 13 Protecting Pollinators

For additional information regarding Sunset Zoo's Summer Camps, check out the Parent Handbook.

Pre-Teen & Teen Opportunities
For opportunities over the summer for your pre-teens and teens, check out Sunset Zoo's Junior Conservation Crew (Details Coming Soon) and Zoo Teens programs.