Zoo Atlanta Safari Camp: A Local’s Guide to Atlanta’s Overnight Zoo Adventure

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to fall asleep next to elephants or wake up to the sounds of lemurs in the heart of Atlanta, Georgia, Zoo Atlanta’s Safari Camp is one of the city’s most unique “things to do.” Designed for kids and families, it combines classic summer camp fun with real wildlife experiences—without leaving the metro area.

Below is a clear, Atlanta-focused guide to what Safari Camp is, who it’s for, how it works, and how to plan your visit.

What Is Zoo Atlanta Safari Camp?

Safari Camp at Zoo Atlanta is a structured, educational camp program where children (and sometimes families) spend time at the zoo learning about animals, conservation, and habitats through:

• Hands-on activities
• Behind-the-scenes style learning experiences
• Crafts, games, and science-based projects
• Guided walks through the zoo

Zoo Atlanta typically offers seasonal Safari Camps such as:

• Summer Safari Camp
• Spring Break Safari Camp
• School Break / Holiday Camps on select days

While you might hear people casually say “Safari Camp sleepover,” many sessions are day camps, with drop-off in the morning and pick-up in the afternoon. Zoo Atlanta has also offered overnight experiences separately (often called overnight programs or sleepovers), which may or may not be part of standard Safari Camp sessions in a given year.

Programs are held on-site at:

Zoo Atlanta
800 Cherokee Ave SE
Atlanta, GA 30315
Phone (main line): (404) 624-5600

Because offerings can change from year to year, it’s a good idea to check directly with Zoo Atlanta for the latest schedule and format.

Who Is Safari Camp For?

Safari Camp is built primarily for kids living in or visiting Atlanta, with age-based groups to keep activities engaging and developmentally appropriate.

Common age ranges (these may vary slightly by year):

• Younger elementary (often starting around Pre-K or Kindergarten)
• Upper elementary
• Middle school groups for some camp weeks

Some seasons also include:

• Teen-focused programs (limited weeks)
• Family overnight programs where adults can stay with children

For Atlanta families, Safari Camp can be:

• A local summer camp option that doesn’t require long drives outside the city
• A Spring Break or school holiday activity when APS or nearby districts are out of session
• A way for visiting kids to have a memorable Atlanta experience beyond the standard tourist stops

If your child attends an Atlanta-area school (APS, DeKalb, Fulton, etc.), Safari Camp often aligns its school-break sessions with local calendars, though this can vary.

What Kids Do at Safari Camp

Activities are designed to be educational, active, and fun, with a strong emphasis on animals you’ll find at Zoo Atlanta.

Typical Daily Activities

While exact schedules change, a camp day usually includes:

• Guided animal encounters (from a distance) – learning about mammals, reptiles, birds, and more
• Themed lessons – habitats, conservation, adaptations, or “animal careers”
• Games and challenges – scavenger hunts, team-building activities, outdoor play
• Crafts and projects – building enrichment items, art based on animals, simple science experiments
• Zoo walks – visiting exhibits like the African savanna, the reptile house, or the African rainforest

Many Atlanta parents appreciate that the camp mixes indoor and outdoor time, which is especially important during hot, humid summer days.

Learning With an Atlanta Focus

Even though the animals are from all over the world, camp activities often touch on:

• Georgia wildlife and ecosystems (like local birds, reptiles, or forest habitats)
• Urban conservation – how people in a city like Atlanta can help wildlife
• The role of Zoo Atlanta as a conservation organization in Grant Park

This helps kids connect what they see at the zoo with the neighborhoods and parks they know around metro Atlanta.

Types of Safari Camp Programs in Atlanta

The exact names and options change, but most years you’ll see versions of the following:

Summer Safari Camp

When: Typically runs across the Atlanta summer break (late May to early August)
Who: School-aged children, often grouped by grade level

Summer Safari Camp is usually the most extensive program, with weekly themes like:

• Predators and prey
• Rainforests vs. deserts
• Wildlife careers
• Conservation heroes

For Atlanta parents, this can cover multiple weeks of childcare during summer break, with a structured schedule in a familiar in-town location.

Spring Break Safari Camp

When: Around local Spring Break weeks (for example, Atlanta Public Schools’ calendar)

Ideal if you:

• Need an engaging, local option instead of traveling
• Are visiting Atlanta during Spring Break and want a camp-style activity for your child

Single-Day / Holiday Safari Camps

You may see single-day or short-session Safari Camps around:

• Winter break
• Teacher workdays
• Select holidays when schools are closed, but parents are working

These can be handy for families in Intown Atlanta, East Atlanta, Decatur, and nearby neighborhoods looking for one-day coverage.

Overnight / Sleepover Experiences

Zoo Atlanta has also run overnight programs at various times, sometimes for:

• Families
• Scouts (Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, etc.)
• School groups

These may or may not be branded as “Safari Camp” in a given year but often include:

• Evening tours of the zoo
• Nighttime animal observations
• Sleeping in a zoo building or designated camp area (not out in the open exhibits)

If you’re specifically interested in an overnight Safari Camp–style experience, ask Zoo Atlanta about current sleepover or overnight programs when you call or email.

Safari Camp Schedule, Drop-Off, and Pick-Up

Details change by season and year, but you can typically expect:

• Day camp hours: Often something like 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 or 3:30 p.m.
• Extended care options: Some seasons offer early drop-off and/or late pick-up for an additional fee

For Atlanta commuters, this matters:

• If you’re driving in from Decatur, East Point, College Park, or the northern suburbs, rush-hour traffic on I-20, I-75/85, or surface streets can affect timing
• Plan extra time for morning drop-off if you’re coming from outside the Grant Park area

Where to go:
Zoo Atlanta is located within Grant Park, a historic in-town neighborhood just south of I-20. Parking and exact drop-off locations are typically included in your registration confirmation.

What It Costs (General Guidance)

Safari Camp pricing can vary based on:

• Season (summer vs. single-day holiday camps)
• Length (multiple days vs. one day)
• Membership (Zoo Atlanta members often receive a discounted rate)

While exact prices change regularly, you can expect Safari Camp to be comparable to other structured Atlanta day camps that include education, supervision, and specialized programming.

Common cost-related considerations:

• Member discounts – worth checking if your family already has a Zoo Atlanta membership or plans to visit the zoo multiple times a year
• Sibling registrations – some families ask about discounts for multiple children; availability varies
• Extended care fees – if offered, early/late care usually adds to the base price

For the most accurate cost information, call Zoo Atlanta’s main line or ask for the Education / Programs department.

What to Pack for Safari Camp (Atlanta-Specific Tips)

Atlanta’s weather—especially in summer—can be hot, humid, and unpredictable. Packing appropriately makes a big difference for your camper’s comfort.

Essentials Most Families Include

• Refillable water bottle (labeled with your child’s name)
• Packed lunch if lunch is not provided (check your camp confirmation)
• Lightweight, breathable clothing
• Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers
• Hat and sunscreen (applied before arrival; send extra if allowed)
• Rain jacket or poncho for summer storms

If your child attends school in Atlanta, treat packing like a field trip day, but with extra emphasis on staying hydrated and sun-safe.

Zoo Atlanta usually provides guidance on:

• What’s allowed and what should stay at home
• Any restrictions on snacks due to animals or allergies
• Labeling personal items

Safety, Supervision, and Accessibility

Parents in Atlanta often want to know how Safari Camp handles safety, supervision, and special needs.

Supervision and Group Size

Safari Camp is staffed by Zoo Atlanta educators and trained supervisors. Children are typically:

• Placed in small groups by age or grade
• Supervised at all times, including during zoo walks, lunch, and indoor activities

The camp is held entirely within the Zoo Atlanta grounds, so security is more controlled than at a public park.

Health and Special Needs

If your child has:

• Allergies
• Medication needs
• Behavioral or developmental considerations

Zoo Atlanta generally asks for this information during registration. Families can:

• Contact the zoo in advance to discuss accommodations
• Share specific instructions with staff at check-in

Accessibility

Zoo Atlanta is designed with wheelchair-accessible pathways and offers a variety of accommodations. If your camper has mobility needs or sensory sensitivities, ask about:

• Indoor cool-down spaces
• Quiet areas
• Accessibility around key exhibits

Getting to Zoo Atlanta Safari Camp

Atlanta traffic and layout can be confusing if you’re not familiar with the city. A few local pointers:

Driving and Parking

Address:
Zoo Atlanta
800 Cherokee Ave SE
Atlanta, GA 30315

From common areas:

• Downtown / Midtown Atlanta: Usually a short drive south via I-75/85 to I-20 or surface streets like Memorial Drive or Boulevard
• Decatur / East Atlanta: Often faster via neighborhood routes than interstates
• Northside suburbs (Sandy Springs, Roswell, Dunwoody): Plan extra time, especially during morning rush hour

Zoo Atlanta typically uses designated parking areas around Grant Park. Camp instructions often specify exactly where to park or queue for drop-off.

Public Transit

If you’re relying on MARTA, options may include:

• MARTA Rail to a central station, then a bus or rideshare to Grant Park
• It’s walkable from some bus stops, but less practical with young children and camp gear in summer heat

Many Atlanta families choose to drive or carpool because of transit connections and timing with camp hours.

Registration, Waitlists, and Planning Ahead

Safari Camp is a popular Atlanta attraction and childcare option, and many sessions fill quickly—especially:

• Summer weeks close to major holidays
• Spring Break weeks that align with APS, Fulton, or DeKalb calendars
• Specialty or themed weeks that sound especially appealing

When to Register

Atlanta families often:

• Register for summer Safari Camp in late winter or early spring
• Watch for announcements from Zoo Atlanta about when registration opens
• Join waitlists if a preferred week is full

If your schedule is flexible, you may have better luck with:

• Weeks outside major holiday periods
• Last-minute openings when other families change plans

Quick Safari Camp Snapshot for Atlanta Families

Is Safari Camp a Good Fit for Your Atlanta Kid?

Safari Camp tends to be a strong fit if your child:

• Loves animals or science
• Does well in structured group settings
• Can handle Atlanta heat and outdoor walking with breaks
• Is curious about nature, conservation, or zoos

For local Atlanta parents, it’s a way to:

• Turn Zoo Atlanta into more than just a one-day visit
• Provide meaningful summer or school-break activities close to home
• Give kids a chance to learn in a setting they can revisit throughout the year

For visitors, Safari Camp can be:

• A memorable highlight of an Atlanta trip
• A chance for kids to experience something uniquely local while adults explore other parts of the city

To move forward, your most practical next step is to contact Zoo Atlanta directly or check their current camp listings, confirm dates and ages, and register early for your preferred session.