Happy Hollow offers full-day camps for young animal enthusiasts this winter break. Camps are filled with interactive, educational activities, animal encounters, zoo tours & nature play opportunities. Every camp at Happy Hollow is uniquely themed to provide fun, hands-on learning experiences & memories that will last a lifetime. Each week of camp follow a different theme & incorporates a variety of age-appropriate activities & adventures. Come play at the zoo during your break. These daily drop-off camps are filled with educational activities, animal encounters, zoo tours & nature play.
View Camps & ClassesWild & wintry fun await all who come to slide like a penguin, burrow like a polar bear & pounce like an Arctic fox. Critter games, creative crafts, awesome activities & animal encounters are on this vacation adventure wish list.
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Age: 5 to 11 years
Camp #1: Thursday, Dec. 26 to Friday, Dec. 27
Camp #2: Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 to Friday, Jan. 3, 2025
Fee: $142.2 members / $158 non-members for 2-day camp*
* Pricing includes 1 child (this is a drop-off program)
Monday, Feb. 17 to Friday, Feb. 21
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
8 to 13 years
Fee: $355.50 members / $395 non-members for 5-day camp*
* Pricing includes 1 child (this is a drop-off program)
The zoo is full of mystery & we need you to become an animal detective to solve a crime. Follow the clues, use the science & deduce "who done it".
Are you a Happy Hollow Member? During check out, on the order summary page, use coupon code HHMEM to receive the 10% Member Discount. Citywide scholarships may be available each season for those who qualify. Contact Happy Hollow's Zoo Education team or any City of San José community center to apply.
Camps run 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 signed in (and out) with a camp instructor each day, and a valid form of ID must be presented upon request of the camp instructor.
Campers must be clear of any illness symptoms for over 24 hours in order to attend or return to classes and camps. If a camper exhibits any symptoms of illness during camp, they must be picked up within the hour by an adult from the camper’s approved pick-up list.
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 per person for each activity.
The City of San José’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services (PRNS) 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, PRNS 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 Happy Hollow's Zoo Education team 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.
The San José Citywide Scholarships may cover part or all of the program registration fees for participants who qualify. The San José Citywide Scholarship is available for families that qualify (San José residents utilizing public assistance programs such as Medi-Cal, CalFresh, Lifeline phone service, etc.) Free and Reduced school lunch programs no longer qualify. Contact the Zoo Education team 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.