📍 Location: Greenville, SC — within city limits📏 Distance from Greenville: 0 miles

About: A perfect fit for young animal enthusiasts, this camp offers the chance to learn about the animals at the zoo, including behind-the-scenes tours, animal care, and fun nature crafts. Kids will love interacting with the zoo's residents!🌟 Highlights: Engaging activities including games, experiments, animal encounters, and behind-the-scenes adventures

👧 Why It's Great for Kids: Provides an immersive experience into the animal kingdom, fostering curiosity and learning

💡 Helpful Tip: Register early as spots fill quickly; members receive discounted rates

🐄 Clemson University’s Youth Animal Science Camps (SC)

📍 Location: Clemson, SC — ~1 hour from Greenville📏 Distance from Greenville: Approximately 40 miles

About: For kids interested in the science behind animal care and farming, this camp provides hands-on learning with animals, ranging from cows to chickens. It’s a great way for kids to learn more about animal husbandry and agriculture🌟 Highlights: Hands-on experiences with various animals, learning about animal industries, and veterinary skills

👧 Why It's Great for Kids: Offers practical exposure to animal care and science, inspiring future careers in veterinary fields

💡 Helpful Tip: Limited to 80 participants; early registration is recommended

🦁 Riverbanks Zoo & Garden Camps (SC)

📍 Location: Columbia, SC — ~1.5 hours from Greenville

📏 Distance from Greenville: Approximately 100 miles

About: This camp allows kids to explore the zoo and learn about different species, conservation efforts, and animal behavior. 🌟 Highlights: Themed camps like "ZOOlympics" and "Science of Ewww," with activities from 8:45 AM to 4:00 PM

👧 Why It's Great for Kids: Combines fun and education, exploring animal behaviors and habitats

💡 Helpful Tip: Camps are grade-specific; ensure you select the appropriate program for your child's grade level

📍 Location: Conestee Nature Preserve, 840 Mauldin Rd, Greenville, SC
🧭 Distance from Greenville: 4 miles

ℹ️ General Information:This nature-focused camp teaches kids (ages 8–12) about local wildlife, conservation efforts, and ecological preservation. Activities include hiking, bird watching, and exploring the preserve’s ecosystems.

✨ Highlights: Kids learn about birds, insects, and other wildlife through guided hikes. 🌳 Conservation education: The camp focuses on teaching kids about protecting local habitats and the environment. 🧭 Outdoor activities: Hands-on activities like nature crafts and scavenger hunts.

💡 Helpful Hints:👟 Bring sturdy shoes: 🍪 Pack a snack: While the camp provides plenty of activities, a small snack is recommended.

📍 Location: Taylors, SC — approximately 15 minutes from Greenville

🌟 Highlights: Focuses on trust, leadership, resilience, and horsemanship through hands-on learning with horses—no riding required

👧 Why It's Great for Kids: Helps build confidence, patience, and connection with animals in a supportive environment

💡 Helpful Tip: Register early as spots are limited

📍 Location: Ballyhoo Petting Zoo, 2000 Kistner Rd, Anderson, SC
🧭 Distance from Greenville: 35 miles

ℹ️ General Information:This camp is ideal for younger kids, ages 4–12, and focuses on hands-on experiences with domestic and exotic animals. Kids learn about animal care, grooming, and feeding while interacting with animals like goats, pigs, and llamas.
✨ Highlights:🦙 Interactive petting zoo: Kids can pet and feed animals, learning about their behaviors. 🐐 Animal care activities: Campers take part in feeding and cleaning up after the animals. 🎨 Fun crafts and games:

💡 Helpful Hints: 👚 Wear old clothes 🧢 Bring sunscreen and a hat: Much of the camp is outdoors, so sun protection is important.

Location: Columbia, SC

What It Is: Nature-based day camp exploring wildlife habitats and field science.

Highlights:

Live animal meet-and-greets, habitat hikes, and hands-on science activities.

Helpful Hint:

Morning sessions mean it’s not too hot — plan a Columbia museum or splash pad trip after camp pick-up.