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Weeklong half- and full-day camps at Chehaw Park & Zoo give kids hands-on animal encounters, crafts, games and outdoor exploration from May 25–Aug 5, 2026. Read on to see why parents and young explorers love this program in Albany, GA.
Weeklong half- and full-day camps at Chehaw Park & Zoo give kids hands-on animal encounters, crafts, games and outdoor exploration from May 25–Aug 5, 2026. Read on to see why parents and young explorers love this program in Albany, GA.
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Operated by Chehaw Park · Albany, Georgia
Chehaw Summer Camp at Chehaw Park & Zoo in Albany, Georgia turns ordinary summer days into a curriculum of curiosity for kids aged 4–12. Located in south Georgia just outside downtown Albany, the weeklong half- and full-day sessions run May 25–Aug 5, 2026, and combine daily zoo visits, animal encounters, crafts, games, snacks and a camp T-shirt into a schedule built for hands-on learning and play.
Each day begins with small-group rotations that move children between keeper-led animal presentations, exploratory hikes through park habitats, and shaded craft stations. Full-day sessions (ages 5–12) add longer exploratory walks and active games; half-day sessions (age 4) focus on shorter, supervised activities with quieter transitions. After-camp care is offered until 6 pm for $10 per day or $40 per week, and Chehaw members receive a 10% discount plus half-price after-care; register one camper for four sessions and receive $50 in savings.
The setting is part neighborhood park, part wildlife sanctuary: trails wind past grassy meadows and fenced habitats that showcase regional species and family-friendly enclosures. Camp leaders emphasize safe, tactile learning—allowing kids to touch a beak, feed safe treats under supervision, and help with habitat enrichment projects. Natural elements you’ll notice include open grassy savanna, mixed pines and hardwoods, and the occasional red clay soil typical of this corner of Georgia. The program balances informal natural history with play-based lessons on animal behavior, diet, and habitat stewardship.
Typical daily rhythm includes morning circle, habitat walk, snack, an animal encounter or keeper demonstration, arts and crafts focusing on natural materials, and free play on shaded lawns. Staff are background-checked, trained in child first aid and wildlife handling protocols, and maintain small group ratios to accommodate different ages and energy levels. Siblings can be scheduled together where possible, and special needs accommodations are considered with advance notice and dietary restrictions.
Parents appreciate the clear schedule, straightforward drop-off and pick-up, and the value of a program that stitches recreation, education and childcare into one week. Practical features—cool camp shirts, snack breaks, and clearly posted emergency procedures—make logistics simple. For caregivers planning a visit to Albany, the camp is a family-friendly way to connect kids to local wildlife and spend a day exploring the park’s public trails and playgrounds.
This camp is particularly notable because it channels the zoo’s daily operations into a child-centered curriculum: animal encounters are led by trained staff, not volunteers, and sessions are limited to age-appropriate group sizes to keep attention focused and experiences calm. Whether you live nearby or arrive for a short family trip to Albany, Chehaw’s summer sessions are an efficient, engaging way to plant curiosity about nature in young explorers while giving adults a reliable, well-run program to rely on.
easy.
4 days (daily 9AM–3PM).
Appropriate for children able to participate in supervised outdoor play and short walks; moderate energy required for active games.
Full-day sessions are for ages 5–12; half-day sessions are available for age 4 as stated in the program description.
Summer 2026 sessions run May 25–Aug 5. Daily camp hours are 9 AM–3 PM with optional after-care until 6 PM.
After-camp care costs $10 per day or $40 for the week. Members receive a 10% discount on sessions and half-price after-care; registering one camper for four sessions saves $50.
Yes. Animal encounters are led by trained staff who follow safety and animal-handling protocols appropriate for children.
Siblings can be placed together when possible. The program considers special needs accommodations with advance notice—contact staff ahead of registration.
Children should bring a labeled water bottle, snack (if not provided), closed-toe shoes, sun protection, and any required medications labeled with instructions.
Chehaw functions as a regional wildlife education park and zoo that connects local communities to native species and conservation programming.
Education and habitat enrichment are core to the park; camps emphasize stewardship, low-waste practices, and respectful animal interactions.
Chehaw Park in Albany, Georgia, combines a wildlife park, campground, and event venue across 800 acres of pine forest. The park operates as a public recreation and education space offering hands-on animal programs, seasonal festivals, cabin and primitive tent camping, and family-focused special events. Animal encounters, scheduled feedings, and behind-the-scenes nights like Good Nights At The Swamp (GNATS) introduce visitors to native and exotic species while trained educators focus on safety and conservation. Chehaw Park hosts signature annual events such as the Upland Wildlife Festival, Boo at the Zoo, and the Catfish Rodeo, attracting families, school groups, and outdoor enthusiasts from the region. Rental options include two-bedroom standard cabins with climate control and kitchenette facilities, plus pavilion rental for private animal-encounter parties and birthday packages that include animal visits and zoo access. The campground offers primitive tent camping among tall pines for guests seeking a back-to-nature experience. Seasonal youth programs such as Fall Camp teach wildlife behavior and preparation for winter. The park emphasizes conservation education through live animal shows and interactive demonstrations led by staff educators. By combining recreation, wildlife viewing, and structured learning opportunities, Chehaw Park provides accessible outdoor experiences that support regional habitat protection and wildlife awareness. Chehaw Park serves as a community resource for education, recreation, and conservation outreach throughout Albany and Southwest Georgia, with year-round programming.
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