Summer Safari Camps: Destination Australia

Keeping Up With Kids  |  05/01/2013

The fascinating natural world of the Land Down Under comes to Toledo this spring and summer in the form of day camps for kids. These Australia-themed camps are focused around the Toledo Zoo’s Wild Walkabout, presented by Mercy.

Summer Safari Camps kick off in June, and are suitable day camps for children 4 to 14. New this year is Journey through the Outback, a unique opportunity to learn about the animals of Australia, including the Zoo’s own dingoes and wallabies; explore the world of the Zoo’s polar bear cubs in Polar Opposites; or discover some “conservation tricks of the trade” with Junior Field Researcher. Additional camps include outdoor activities such as fishing in the Lake Erie Island, designing your own fantasy zoo, and coming a Junior Zookeeper for the week.

And guests of all ages are invited to participate in the Family Snoozes at the Toledo Zoo. These fast-paced overnight camps for children 5 and over and their families, includes animal interaction, keeper talks, exclusive tours, meals and more. Sleeping accommodations vary from sleeping in the Forest Room of Nature’s Neighborhood to camping in tents on Zoo grounds. Each Snooze has a theme that directs the animal interactions and tours.

For more information about Summer Safari Camps or Zoo Snoozes, visit www.toledozoo.org.

Get a preview of the fun May 24-26, when Wild Walkabout opens to the public. Don’t miss Baru, the huge saltwater crocodile brought to Toledo by Block Communications, or the walk-through wallaby exhibit where you’ll come closer to these gentle marsupials than you’ve ever been before.

The Toledo Zoo is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily (starting May 4, weekend hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.). The Zoo is located on the Anthony Wayne Trail (US 25), four miles south of downtown Toledo. For more information, please visit www.toledozoo.org or call 419.385.4040.