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Summer Camps
Explore the wonderful world of animals through Sunset Zoo’s weekly camp adventures! Each morning, campers will enjoy live animal presentations and science-oriented lessons; in the afternoon, activities include games and themed videos. 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.
Weekly summer camp sessions begin late May and run through mid August. Parents can drop students off as early as 7:30am and pick them up as late as 12:15pm (half day session) or 5:30pm (full day session). Snacks are provided and full day participants must bring a sack lunch.
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.
Sunset Zoo's Summer Camps are licensed through the Kansas Department of Health & Environment and require a set of permission forms to be completed for each camper. An updated permission form packet must be on file at the Zoo throughout the summer; parents/guardians will receive the packet prior to the camp start date and must turn in forms in advance of the camp. If your child was enrolled in the Zoo's camps last year (2016), you may use an updated copy of those forms for this year's camps. For more details, see our Summer Camp FAQ document.
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.
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.
Animal Crackers Camp | 5 to 7 Years Olds (Must Have Completed Kindergarten)
High-energy activities interspersed with downtime every day. Activities include live animal interactions, themed tours of the Zoo, crafts, games and story times. Campers must have completed kindergarten. See current class calendar and register online.
Summer Safari Camp | 8 & 9 Year Olds
Campers will connect with the natural world through activities around the Zoo, crafts, stories, live animal interactions, themed Zoo tours and nature hikes. See current class calendar and register online.
Nature Navigators | 10 to 12 Years Olds
Campers will explore their surroundings through nature hikes, Zoo tours, science-based projects, group games, live animal encounters and field trips to sites in and around Manhattan. See current class calendar and register online.
Sign up to receive text or email alerts regarding program emergencies, reminders and general happenings. Messages will engage parents about their children's experiences, as well as alert parents to any emergencies and the procedures the Zoo has implemented. Sign up by class below:
Learn more about our Early Childhood Classes for children ages 2-5 held throughout the summer on most Saturday mornings. Only $8 per class!
Times & Fees
Weekly summer camp sessions begin late May and run through mid August. Parents can drop students off as early as 7:30am and pick them up as late as 12:15pm (half day session) or 5:30pm (full day session). Snacks are provided and full day participants must bring a sack lunch.
| FOSZ Member Rate | Non-Member Rate | |
| All Day Session 8am to 5pm |
$115/weekly session | $125/weekly session |
| Half Day Session 8am to Noon |
$75/weekly session | $85/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.
- Online Registration - opens March 2019 at 10am
Register online from anywhere at anytime until classes fill. - Phone or In-Person - opens March 2019 at 10am
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 and require a set of permission forms to be completed for each camper. An updated permission form packet must be on file at the Zoo throughout the summer; parents/guardians will receive the packet prior to the camp start date and must turn in forms in advance of the camp. If your child was enrolled in the Zoo's camps last year (2016), you may use an updated copy of those forms for this year's camps. For more details, see our Summer Camp FAQ document.
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 | 5 to 7 Years Olds (Must Have Completed Kindergarten)
High-energy activities interspersed with downtime every day. Activities include live animal interactions, themed tours of the Zoo, crafts, games and story times. Campers must have completed kindergarten. See current class calendar and register online.
Summer Safari Camp | 8 & 9 Year Olds
Campers will connect with the natural world through activities around the Zoo, crafts, stories, live animal interactions, themed Zoo tours and nature hikes. See current class calendar and register online.
Nature Navigators | 10 to 12 Years Olds
Campers will explore their surroundings through nature hikes, Zoo tours, science-based projects, group games, live animal encounters and field trips to sites in and around Manhattan. See current class calendar and register online.
Notifications by Email or Text
Sign up to receive text or email alerts regarding program emergencies, reminders and general happenings. Messages will engage parents about their children's experiences, as well as alert parents to any emergencies and the procedures the Zoo has implemented. Sign up by class below:
- Summer Camp // Animal Crackers (ages 5-7)
- Summer Camp // Summer Safari (ages 8 & 9)
- Summer Camp // Nature Navigators (ages 10-12)
Looking for Something for Younger Kids?
Learn more about our Early Childhood Classes for children ages 2-5 held throughout the summer on most Saturday mornings. Only $8 per class!