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.
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: $315–$699
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, and drop-ins are welcome on a space-available basis.
Ages: 5–12
Cost: $600
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, 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
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 quickly by a lottery that opened in December, so set a calendar reminder for next year. Extended day care is available.
Ages: 6–18
Cost: $440–$880
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: Varies by camp
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 its 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: $375–$775
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: $868–$2,831
Animal Compassion Camp (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- and three-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: 7–14
Cost: $40–$100
Shoofly Farm (Sammamish)
Farm animals, such as sheep, goats and pigs, aren’t the only attractions campers will get to enjoy at this outdoor camp, which is focused on connecting kids to the natural world. Making crafts, helping to grow (and taste) veggies from the organic garden and interacting with horses are other camp activities.
Ages: 5 and older
Cost: $730
