Summer Day Camp at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is a great opportunity for kids to stay active and mentally engaged over their summer break from school.

Kids ages 5-14 can spend their summer days at the Zoo participating in fun and educational activities with experienced camp counselors. Campers are grouped according to age to provide a safe and nurturing learning environment. All sessions include Zoo exhibit tours, Get Close animal encounters, crafts and more.

Three different camp sessions are offered for each age group, so kids can sign up for one or all of the week-long sessions. Educational themes for young campers age 5-6 include “Animal Coverings,” “Basic Needs” and “Sustainability.” Campers in the 7-8 age group will learn about “Animal Groups,” “Life Cycles,” and “Sustainability.” More advanced topics for campers in the 9-10 and 11-12 groups include “Food Webs,” “Endangered Species,” “Symbiosis,” and “Sustainability.”

“Counselor-in-Training” leadership camp for kids ages 13-14 allows participants to develop their leadership skills by working alongside day camp staff, partnering with the teen “Zoo Crew” volunteers and participating in team building and challenge activities.

Summer Day Camp runs June 18 through August 17. General registration begins March 15. Space is limited, so check with the Zoo’s Conservation Education Department at clemetzoo.com/education/sdc/index.asp or call (216) 635-3391.

Northeast Ohio’s most-visited year-round attraction, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Through March 31, 2012, admission is discounted to $8 per person, $5 for kids ages 2 to 11 and is free for children younger than 2 and Zoo members. Parking is free. Located at 3900 Wildlife Way, the Zoo is easily accessible from Interstates 71, 90 and 480.

For more information, visit clemetzoo.com or call (216) 661-6500.