Happy Hollow offers full-day camps throughout the summer for young animal enthusiasts ages 5 to 13. Every camp at Happy Hollow is uniquely themed to provide your child with fun, hands-on learning experiences and memories that will last a lifetime. Each week of camp follows a different theme and incorporates a variety of age-appropriate activities and adventures. Come play at the zoo during summer break. These daily drop-off camps are filled with educational activities, live animal encounters, zoo tours & nature play.
Scholarship Recipients: Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025
San José Residents: Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025
Non-San José Residents: Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025
June 2 to August 6, 2025
Monday through Friday
9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
$395 per camp / $355.50 For members
Extra T-shirt: $15
(Please see Scholarship Opportunities below)
We like the things that slither, creep & crawl. Together, we are going to discover their secret worlds.
What do you get when you mix zoo animals with spooky wizard-pirate fairy tales in outer space? All 5 days of the Zoo-ventures summer camp that explores all of the adventures you can imagine.
From the rainforests of South America to the savannahs of Africa, travel to different continents each day! We will explore a variety of habitats & animals found around the world!
Be a zookeeper for a week as we explore exhibits, tour behind-the-scenes & roll up our sleeves as we create animal enrichment & help care for the zoo animals.
What do you get when you mix zoo animals with spooky wizard-pirate fairy tales in outer space? All 5 days of the Zoo-ventures summer camp that explores all of the adventures you can imagine.
Combine your love of animals with a passion for creativity & join us for this unique camp exploring both. We will learn about animals, different artistic techniques & what happens when the two collide!
Be a zookeeper for a week as we explore exhibits, tour behind-the-scenes & roll up our sleeves as we create animal enrichment & help care for the zoo animals.
Combine your love of animals with a passion for creativity & join us for this unique camp exploring both. We will learn about animals, different artistic techniques & what happens when the two collide!
We are taking our animal explorations outside to examine local nature & wildlife. We will hike through the trees & become environmental scientists as we collect specimens, run experiments, & draw conclusions from our deductive observations. Campers will collect outdoor safety skills including wildlife detection, navigation & how to prepare for adventure!
Be a zookeeper for a week as we explore exhibits, tour behind-the-scenes & roll up our sleeves as we create animal enrichment & help care for the zoo animals.
We are taking our animal explorations outside to examine local nature & wildlife. We will hike through the trees & become environmental scientists as we collect specimens, run experiments, & draw conclusions from our deductive observations. Campers will collect outdoor safety skills including wildlife detection, navigation & how to prepare for adventure!
Fee: Non-Members: $395/ Members: $355.50 Extra T-shirt: $15 Are you a Happy Hollow Member? At check out, add code HHMEM in the coupon box and check the box for the HHPZ 10% Member Discount. Citywide scholarship fund covering 75% of registration fees are available for those who qualify. (Please see Scholarship Opportunities below)
Camps take place Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Children attend camps independently without parents or guardians and should be comfortable in a group setting. Drop-off for camps is 8:45 to 9 a.m. and pick-up is at 4 p.m. Early drop-offs or late pick-ups are not permitted. Every camper must sign in (and out) with a camp instructor each day, and a valid form of ID must be presented upon request of the camp instructor.
We have revamped our programs to keep our campers and staff healthy and safe, and to comply with county and state orders. Modifications for all camp programs: • Enhanced cleaning and disinfecting protocols. • Increased safety equipment and supplies on hand. • Daily health screenings of all staff and campers. • At this time (subject to changes in regulations), staff & campers will be required to wear face covering at all times. (Including parents/guardians during drop-off and pick-up.)
Refund and transfer requests need to be made in writing. Refunds and transfers will be given for requests received at least 14 calendar days prior to the start of the program/class. No refunds or transfers will be made for cancellations received by the City less than 14 calendar days prior to the start of the program/class. There will be a $10 refund processing fee for each activity.
The City of San Jose’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services encourages and supports the participation of individuals with all ability levels in programs and services. To facilitate opportunities for people with and without disabilities to engage in leisure pursuits together, the Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services provides inclusion support services. These services include, but are not limited to, interpreters for the deaf or hearing impaired, improved signage, activity modification, additional staff training, accessible equipment and facility features and support staff. To ensure the requested accommodation, please notify the specific facility where the program is provided at least two weeks in advance. For more information on inclusion opportunities, specialized recreation services, and accommodations, please contact Therapeutic Services at 408-369-6438.
San José Citywide Scholarship covers 75% of fees and is available for families that qualify (San José residents utilizing public assistance programs including Medi-Cal, Lifeline phone service, Free & Reduced School Lunch Program, etc.) For questions regarding scholarships for zoo programs, contact the Education Department for details. 408-794-6420; [email protected]
The City of San José’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services’ Citywide Scholarship Program will ensure that residents of the City of San José in need have access to department programs, classes, and activities. All requests are subject to available funding and qualifications.
For the Spring/Summer 2024 season, families interested in scholarships can expect the following process:
1. If the family is not already enrolled in the Citywide Scholarship Program for 2024, they must complete the application process before registering for Happy Hollow Spring and Summer Programs. Applications for the Citywide Scholarship must be submitted in person at Happy Hollow Park & Zoo or any other City of San José Community Center.
2. Once a family is officially enrolled in the Citywide Scholarship Program, they can register as soon as Wednesday, Feb. 14. To register, scholarship families should call the Zoo Education department at 408-794-6420 or email [email protected] . Families are encouraged to call to register before Spring/Summer registration opens to all San José Residents on Saturday, Feb. 24 for a better chance of securing a spot. Summer Camps tend to fill up very quickly.