These animal and nature summer camps around Columbus promise a wild time! We're asking parents to recommend their picks for the best local summer camps where kids can explore the outdoors, learn about the environment, and get up close with animals. Check the map to find one near you.
If your kid has gone to a nature, zoo or animal summer camp in Columbus, please share your personal review below to help fellow parents.
Find more parent-recommended options for all interests on our Columbus summer camp guide.
Audubon Center Adventure Camp
Kids will explore the Grange Insurance Audubon Center and Scioto Audubon Metro Park in the Audubon Adventure Camps program. Campers will participate in nature hikes and scavenger hunts, explore different habitats, and enjoy songs and crafts.
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens Summer Camps
Camps at the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens are a fantastic way for kids to marvel in the wonders of science and nature without heading deep into the woods! Camps are themed and divided by age so your child is sure to find something they'll love. They get to spend time in the Children's Garden -- complete with a stream, wetland area, canopy walk, nature art studio and more!
Columbus Metro Parks Summer Camps
Themed summer camps are held at Highbanks and other area Metro Parks. Kids participate in activities like fishing, group games, crafts, and hiking. GRANDcamp offers a fun, half day camp that campers can attend with their grandparents!
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Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Summer Camps
The Columbus Zoo offers great camps for a variety of age groups, where kids have hands-on experiences and learn about animals and the environment with age-appropriate activities and animal encounters. They offer a unique 4-day camp in which you can choose which day of the week to attend, and then attend on that same day for 4 weeks in a row. They also offer traditional 4- and 5-day camps.
Ohio Wildlife Center Summer Day Camps
Ohio Wildlife Center offers various day camps where kids learn about nature through hands-on adventures. Campers help collect information for research, go on learning hikes, explore the study pond, identify animal tracks, learn about conservation, and more.
Stratford Ecological Center Farm Camp
Farm Camp at Stratford Ecological Center is an opportunity for kids to explore nature, get their hands dirty, and help out on a working farm.
Primary photo: Grahm S. Jones, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
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