Prehistoric Pets Camp: Hands-On Animal Adventure for Kids
Prehistoric Pets Camp is a unique wildlife and dinosaur-themed camp that blends learning and hands-on animal encounters — perfect for curious kids who love living animals and prehistoric giants alike.
Is your little one dreaming about growing up to be a zookeeper? Help make it a reality with our Summer Jr. Zookeeper program.
Dig fossils, handle live snakes, and play games; every day is a new adventure in the life of a Jr. ZooKeeper!
Campers will enjoy educational activities covering the ecosystem, habitat, food chain, senses, and camouflage taught by real life zookeepers. Campers will receive a camp shirt and workbook filled with everything they learned on their Prehistoric Adventure, a certificate of graduation as a Jr. ZooKeeper; plus a six-month membership to The Reptile Zoo to continue their hands-on reptile education.
Here is the direct link to the camps
🐾 What Families Should Know
Best Ages: Approx. 6–14 years
Focus: Live animal education, reptile interactions, fun science
Type: Day camp (some locations have multi-day options)
Kids interact with animals like:
Snakes, Lizards, Tarantulas
Frogs, Turtles, Tortoises
Birds and small mammals
Dino Discoveries & Fossil Fun
This isn’t just a “petting zoo” — it’s a structured camp experience with education, storytelling, and safe animal handling.
If dinosaurs are a favorite in your family, don’t miss our guide to the Cabazon Dinosaurs, another fun stop for dinosaur-loving kids.
Popular Things to Do
✔ Meet live animals (many kids’ favorites!)
✔ Hands-on animal care activities
✔ Learning about habitats, diets, and adaptations
✔ Creative games with science focus
✔ Dino labs and fossil workshops
Each session is designed to be interactive, exciting, and educational — blending wildlife learning with play.
If your kids love getting up close with animals, check out our LA Zoo Camp guide for another kid-friendly animal experience.
Family Logistics + Nearby Eats
Before/After Camp Lunch Spots (varies by city):
Casual cafés & sandwich spots
Family-friendly chain restaurants
Local parks for picnic lunches
Prehistoric Pets Camp is one of those rare experiences where curiosity meets confidence. Kids don’t just learn about reptiles, fossils, and wildlife — they build comfort around animals, ask bigger questions, and leave feeling braver than when they arrived.
For families raising animal lovers, future biologists, or kids who just can’t get enough of snakes and dinosaurs, this camp delivers hands-on education in the most exciting way possible.
If your child lights up around creatures great and small, this camp is more than a summer activity — it’s a memory-maker and a spark for lifelong curiosity.
Parents should pack:
Water bottle(s), Sunscreen + hat (if outdoor elements are included), Closed-toe shoes, Comfortable change of clothes
Parents should pack: Most camp locations are in urban/suburban areas, so food options are plentiful.
Tips for Traveling with Kids
⭐ Label everything — water bottles, lunches, hats
⭐ Pack a small first-aid kit
⭐ Send extra snacks in case of a long day
⭐ Confirm pickup/drop-off times — most camps are strict
⭐ Take photos during animal encounters — these are priceless!
How to Sign Up:
Spots for this camp can fill up quickly, especially during peak summer weeks.
To register:
Looking for more kid-friendly adventures in Southern California? Explore our Things to Do in Southern California with Kids content for more family-friendly ideas.