Most children love animals, but city life puts some limits on how much of that love families can express. Summer camp is a great place for city kids to explore their interest in all creatures great and small. Read on for camps where kids can learn horsemanship, interact with rescued animals, learn about zoo animals or discover the birds, insects and other critters in a park.
Woodland Park Zoo (Seattle)
These day camps teach STEAM skills, scientific inquiry, global conservation and, of course, all about the animals. Developmentally appropriate, standards-based curricula are specific to each program, which are divided into tiers by age. Note that campers do not interact with zoo animals. Extended day care and financial assistance are available.
Ages: 5–13
Cost: $450–$545
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium (Tacoma)
Wildlife is the theme of these zoo camps, whether your kid is signed up for Tiny Turtles, Eco Explorers or any number of other sessions. Preschool, kindergarten and kindergarten graduates attend two- or three-day camps, while campers in first through 11th grade attend four- and five-day camps. Programs are focused on animals, ecosystems and biology, and offer hands-on opportunities as well as a chance to see zoo animals.
Discounts for members; scholarships available for Pierce County residents. Member registration opens March 10; general registration opens March 12.
Grades: Preschool–grade 11 graduates
Cost: $175–$530
Wildwood Ranch (Fall City)
Kids enjoy exploring the natural world on this 20-acre camp property that features horse rides, campfire cooking, crafts and gardening. Older kids can learn all about wool, go on hiking adventures at special themed camps or take on leadership roles during select weeks. Attending gives kids a chance to disconnect from their devices, connect with nature and each other and be their true selves.
Ages: 5–15
Cost: $325–$650
Little Green Acres Farm (Redmond)
The weeklong day camps at this Redmond farm use nature activities, crafts, animal interactions and plenty of outdoor time to make STEM learning fun. Siblings receive a discount.
Ages: 7–12
Cost: $650
UW Botanic Gardens (Seattle)
Kids will explore either the Washington Park Arboretum or the Center for Urban Horticulture, get dirty while adventuring outdoors, and learn about bugs, birds and local flora at these day camps, most of which are two-weeks long. The program fills up quickly by a lottery that opened in December, so set a calendar reminder for next year. Extended day care is available.
They also offer a Junior Naturalists program for teens ages 15–18. This is a free, volunteer opportunity, and teens can use it to help fill their service hour requirements.
Ages: 6–18
Cost: $485–$970
Camp Huston Horse Camp (Gold Bar)
Camp Huston offers three horse camps each summer. These are weeklong, overnight camps at which campers are assigned their own horses to care for. They learn how to groom, saddle and ride safely. They also participate in traditional camp activities and chapel at this Episcopalian camp.
Grades: 1–10
Cost: $345–$1,700
Red Gate Farm (Sammamish)
This is the camp for a horse-loving camper who doesn’t want to attend an overnight camp. Each camper partners with another to care for their assigned horse and learn horse care, grooming and even horse psychology. They also get daily riding lessons, as well as time for arts, crafts and horsey games. The week ends with a demonstration of their riding skills for family and friends.
Ages: 6–11
Cost: $795
Sunset Lake (Mount Rainier)
Sunset Lake is a nonprofit summer camp and retreat center owned and operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. It offers a horsemanship add-on to both its overnight and day camps. Beginner through intermediate riders will progress through riding lessons, earning a certificate for completing each level. Campers will also participate in other camp activities.
Ages: 8–17
Cost: $635–$855
Camp Sealth Horse Camp (Vashon Island)
From novice to advanced, campers will learn to care for, groom and ride horses, along with participating in lots of traditional camp activities. Staff evaluate riding ability at the beginning of the session and place campers in a riding group appropriate to skill level. Each camper will be matched with a horse for the week in these fun overnight camps on Vashon Island. Tiered pricing and financial aid are available.
Grades: 3–10
Cost: $960–$3,000
Animal Compassion Camps (Sultan)
At Pasado’s Safe Haven, an 85-acre sanctuary for rescued animals, kids will learn about the resident animals. Activities include interacting with the critters, hands-on projects, music, art and more. In these one-, three-, and five-day day camps, each day will be spent outside and around animals. Campers may choose their camp week based on animal interests and age groups. Financial assistance is available.
Ages: 7–15
Cost: One-day camp, $40; three-day camp bundle, $100; five-day camp, $200
Shoofly Farm (Sammamish)
Farm animals, such as sheep, goats and pigs aren’t the only attractions campers will enjoy at this outdoor camp, which is focused on connecting kids to the natural world. Kids will also have fun making crafts, helping to grow (and taste) veggies from the organic garden and interacting with horses.
Ages: 5 and older
Cost: $750
Looking for more summer camp fun? Check out our editorially curated great big list of 2026 summer camps. |
Editor’s note: This list was created last year and was updated on Jan. 22, 2026, by ParentMap’s editorial team to include a thorough fact-check and new camp listings.
