Zoo Classes & Camps FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

At the Zoological Society of Milwaukee, we know how important the details are for parents and guardians when deciding if our classes and camps are the right fit for your child and their needs. That’s why we take the time to listen to our participating parents and guardians, staff members, and volunteers to provide detailed and helpful answers to their questions that might also help you along the way.

We’ve gathered the most common questions we hear from families and educators and worked together to give you clear answers and guidance. If you have questions that are not covered here or you’d like further information, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Conservation Education Department at 414-258-5058!

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Frequently Asked Questions Intro

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Zoo Classes & Camps

General Class/Camp FAQs

  • Stop at the main gate and show the Zoo gate attendant your reminder email with the barcode.
  • Anticipate entrance gate lines by arriving at least 15 minutes early. The time required to enter the Zoo can vary greatly depending on weather, special events and school field trips.
  • If the Zoo has not yet opened, you may use the very left entry lane (Gate 7) to enter for Zoo Classes or Camps.
  • If you arrive prior to the Zoo’s opening time, please note that the Zoo is not open to the public, and you are not allowed to walk through the Zoo before your class. Please wait in the car until your class starts.

  • Yes! When you enter the Zoo gates, the staff will ask you who is going to class and if the other people in the car are staying at the Zoo.
    • If you are a member, please present your Zoo Pass card.
    • If you are not a member, you will be asked to pay admission and parking for anyone staying at the Zoo while not attending Zoo Class.

  • Zoo Classes and Camps check in at the Karen Peck Katz Conservation Education Center (Orange and Silver Building) located on Milwaukee County Zoo grounds. The building is in lot 3 toward the picnic area.

  • Classes go out in the Zoo rain, snow, or shine.
    • In the summer we recommend close-toed shoes, sunscreen, and a water bottle.
    • In the cold months we recommend close-toed shoes such as snow boots and warm clothing such as mittens, hats, and winter coats.
  • Please, no flip-flops or wheelie shoes. Children are not allowed to use umbrellas for safety reasons, so please provide appropriate rain gear.
  • Please have your student keep any money, camera, toys, and cell phones at home or put away while in class. We are not responsible for lost items.
  • Talk to your child about appropriate classroom behavior. We will notify adults about positive or disruptive behavior observed in class.

  • An adult (18 years or older) must check children in with the instructor and provide/verify the important safety-related information below:
    • Emergency phone number during class hours.
    • Names of adults authorized to pick up your child. Authorized adults must show a valid ID at pick-up.
    • Medical, cognitive, behavioral or physical information. If your child needs any medication during class, you must fill out this medication form. If your child requires an EpiPen, you must fill out this form.

Early Childhood Tips (Ages 0-5)

  • Come to the Zoo with your child and your stroller.
  • All classes begin at the Conservation Education Building and will move into the Zoo five minutes after the program start time.
  • Classes go outside rain, snow, or shine. We recommend close-toed shoes such as snow boots and warm clothing such as mittens, hats, and winter coats during the cold months.

  • Due to space and class size, only one adult may join the class with their child.

  • Due to the nature of our programs, no unregistered children may attend class or wait in the hallway; this includes siblings and infants. If you have children of the same age, you can register them to be part of the class.

  • Children should be able to fasten and unfasten clothes as staff will not assist children in the restrooms.
  • We ask adults to leave shortly after check-in; we have support staff to help engage students right when they enter the door.

  • Generally, we do not serve snacks in the class. We ask, if you do bring a snack, that you eat it before class if possible and wash your hands after due to allergies.
    • We do provide a snack in the summer for our 4/5-year-old weeklong Zoo Travelers.

Older Childhood Tips (Age 6 and Older)

  • We do not serve snacks in our classes. We ask, if you do bring a snack, that you eat it before class if possible and wash your hands after due to allergies.
    • In the summer, we ask that you pack your child a snack and a cold lunch.
  • When registering, please thoroughly complete the “participant information” form with any food-related allergies and/or call our staff with updates at 414-258-5058.

  • Please send a snack and a cold lunch for full-day classes. We will ensure that food is not shared among children due to food allergies.

Registration FAQs

  • We apologize for difficulties with our education registration site. In the meantime, complete this issue report form to indicate the issue, you are having and how we can best contact you. Our education staff are working through form entries, and someone will contact you soon!

  • We offer A.M. and P.M. care for children ages 6-14 attending Summer Camps. Space is limited.
  • A.M. and P.M. Care participants are supervised in our camp classroom with free-choice activities such as coloring, puzzles, books and games.
  • A.M. Care: 8 a.m. until the start of the camp day ($15 per session).
  • P.M. Care: 3 until 5:15 p.m. ($20 per session). Late fees apply after 5:15 p.m.

  • We do not issue refunds if you cancel.
  • If you are unable to attend, call at least 3 days before the class or camp and we will try to reschedule your child for another available date within the same season.
  • You can offer your child’s class to a friend of the same age. Please contact our staff at 414-258-5058.

  • The Conservation Education Department reserves the right to cancel classes due to low enrollment, weather, or instructor illness. We will attempt to reschedule, accommodate your child in another class, or process a reimbursement.

  • Financial aid is available for qualifying households. Click here for requirements and an application.

  • Be sure to fill out all relevant information during your online registration and discuss any additional concerns with your child’s educator for the day. The more information you can add to the registration, the better our educators can prepare.
  • If there are any changes to your child’s allergies, behavioral or medical needs from the time of registration, call our staff with updates at 414-258-5058. Staff will verify information on the day of class.

Safety & Medical FAQs

  • If your child requires any medication (prescription or non-prescription) while they are attending a program, you must fill out this medication form and bring the medicine to the classroom instructor.
  • We will store the medication for your child to self-administer.
  • Medications must be in the original container, which clearly identifies the child, the medication, the dosage, the prescribing physician, and written instructions for administering the medication.
  • For safety and liability reasons, medications received in any container other than the original will not be accepted.

  • If your child requires an EpiPen, you must fill out this form. A staff member with the child will keep the EpiPen available in a fanny pack throughout the day.

  • Please do not send your child to Zoo Camp if they are feeling unwell or exhibiting any symptoms of any respiratory illness (cough, runny nose, fever.) Please call and reschedule your child’s class at 414-258-5058.
  • An instructor may call home if children are exhibiting symptoms in class.

  • The Conservation Education building and public areas of the Zoo are accessible.
  • However, some of our programs visit behind-the-scenes spaces or areas normally closed to the public which may not be accessible.
  • We will make every effort to accommodate all of our participants. Please call the Conservation Education Department at 414-258-5058 if you have any questions about accessibility.
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You can contact the Zoological Society’s Conservation Education Department by calling 414-258-5058.

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