summer camps

Find out more about Summer Camps on our home page, including:

  • At-A-Glance (Español)
  • Policies and Procedures (Español)
  • Scholarship Flyer (Español)
  • Medication Forms
  • Registration open dates and links
  • Plus more 

Campers must be entering grade 2 or 3 in the fall following the summer of their attendance.

Animal Academy

CAMP DESCRIPTION
2nd & 3rd grade

Get an inside look at animal success stories as you explore animal survival in the wild. Discover what adaptations help mammals, reptiles, birds, and even humans thrive in their everyday lives and flourish into the future.

Echa un vistazo interno a las historias de éxito de los animales mientras exploras la supervivencia animal en la naturaleza. Descubre qué adaptaciones ayudan a los mamíferos, reptiles, aves e incluso los humanos a prosperar en su vida cotidiana y florecer en el futuro. 

WEEK OVERVIEW
Daily schedule subject to change

Monday: ANIMALS AND THEIR ENVIRONMENT

  • Question of the Day: What do animals need to survive where they live?
  • Museum Exploration: City Park to observe animals in their natural environment
  • STEAM Challenge/Exploration: Observe different tactics animals use to survive in their environment.

Tuesday: STRUCTURAL/PHYSICAL ADAPTATIONS

  • Question of the Day: Adaptations can be physical or behavioral. What are some of the ways animals use physical adaptations?
  • Museum Exploration: Prehistoric Journey
  • STEAM Challenge/Exploration: Investigate physical adaptations and what purpose they serve.
    **INFINITY THEATER

Wednesday: HABITATS/BIOMES

  • Question of the Day: Where do different types of animals live? Why might they live there?
  • Museum Exploration: Insects & Butterflies
  • STEAM Challenge/Exploration: Model habitats/biomes and their corresponding creatures.

Thursday: ZOO DAY
**Your camper will be going to Denver Zoo with their group on this day. Please be sure to prepare your camper in weather appropriate clothing, including their camp shirt and comfortable walking shoes.

  • Question of the Day: How does the zoo create a long-term habitat for animals? Why might they do this?
  • Zoo Exploration: Ask your camper “what adaptations did you see at the zoo?”
  • STEAM Challenge/Exploration: Identify adaptations, habitats, and biomes we recognize.

Friday: BEHAVIORAL ADAPTATIONS

  • Question of the Day: How do animals learn? Do humans use adaptations to learn?
  • Museum Exploration: Temporary Exhibition 
  • STEAM Challenge/Exploration: Explore behavioral and physical adaptations.
    **FRIDAY FUN

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

  • On their first day of camp, your camper will receive a camp t-shirt. We request that all campers wear their camp shirts and closed-toe shoes that are comfortable and good for walking each day. We recommend bringing a water bottle and require that our campers bring a sack lunch.
  • We will be playing in the park. Please be sure your camper is prepared to be walking, playing and exploring in the sunshine!
  • The camp day begins at 9:00 a.m. Outdoor check in will be held on the south side of the Museum and staff will be there to direct you. 
  • Indoor check out will begin at 3:15 p.m., in the Southeast Atrium in front of Gems and Minerals.
    • Please have your photo ID ready to keep the process moving quickly.
    • Please be sure to add everyone who may be picking up your camper in your child(ren)'s Trusted Contacts in CampDoc.
  • To ensure that your child has a great experience at camp and for their safety, any Camper Registration Forms not submitted for review or confirmed as “Approved” by the Denver Museum of Nature & Science two weeks prior to the upcoming registered camp date will have their camp registration for the purchased week forfeited without refund. The purchaser of the camp will be asked to provide the email of the individual responsible for the completion of any and all registration forms. 
    Log into CampDoc Here

SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION

If you qualify for Free or Reduced Lunch, you may qualify for a scholarship that covers 50% or 100% of your camp fees. Call to learn more and to see if you qualify at 303.370.6000

Scholarship registrations: 
Scholarship spots are set aside ahead of time from general camp registration spots. Scholarships are limited and availability is not guaranteed.

Qualify for a scholarship? Call Guest Services at 303.370.6000, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. For On Sale Dates, please check the Summer Camp Home Page.

*Please be aware that we can experience higher than normal wait times on our phone lines in regards to DMNS camps, and we ask that you are patient as we work to provide a great experience for all guests.

Scholarship spots are funded by generous Museum donors. Thank you, donors!

Back To Top