Marwell Ranger Camps
Embark on a 3-day Ranger Camp, for young people aged 5-15 who love animals, being outdoors and discovering nature.
Everything in nature is connected – animals, habitats and people.
Across three unforgettable days, Rangers will go on a real zoo expedition: discovering amazing animals, exploring the zoo in new ways, taking on team missions, and learning how conservation protects wildlife here and around the world.
Ranger Camps are delivered by Marwell Wildlife, in partnership with Kidztivity.
£180 per child for all three days (not available as individual days).
Bookings will open at 6am on Monday 1 June. Book by 14 June to receive a free Marwell Ranger Camp hoodie (worth £29.99).
Bookings
Bookings will open at 6am on Monday 1 June.
2026 Summer Camp Dates and Weekly Themes
Each 3-day camp has its own connected theme:
Tues 28 – Thurs 30 July 2026
Animal Connections
Who relies on who? How do different species live alongside each other, share habitats and thrive?
Tues 11 – Thurs 13 August 2026
Wildlife and People
People are part of nature. How do keepers and animals work together at Marwell, and how does nature support our wellbeing too?
Tues 25 – Thurs 27 August 2026
Restoring Connections (Conservation)
Where does Marwell deliver conservation projects? Which species are we helping, and how can we play our part?
What’s included?
(and what makes it different)
- A first of its kind Ranger Camp experience at Marwell Zoo
- Exclusive ‘Marwell Moments’ led by Marwell’s Zoological Team
- Small, age‑grouped teams (with Senior Rangers as a separate group)
- A dedicated, secure basecamp in the Secret Garden
- An exclusive Marwell Ranger Camps T‑shirt for every attendee
- An afternoon snack each day (fuelled by Kidnetics)
- A Thursday Ranger Mission Showcase for parents/guardians (optional)
Key Camp Details
- Each camp takes place over 3 days (Tues – Thurs)
- Suitable for ages 5-15 (see age groups below)
- Daily drop-off: 9.30am
- Daily pick-up: 4pm – 4.30pm
- Food: children should bring a nut-free packed lunch (details provided at booking)
- Drink: children should bring drinks in a reusable bottle. Water and squash will be provided across the camp as required.
- Clothing: suitable for outdoor adventure (whatever the weather)
- Medical needs / allergies / additional support: please let us know at booking so we can plan properly.
Choose your Ranger journey
Children join the age group that’s right for them, with activities tailored to their age, education, and confidence.
We keep group sizes intentionally small, so every child is known, supported and involved.
Explorers (ages 5–7)
A playful, confidence-building adventure with lots of movement, imagination and hands-on discovery.
Their journey includes: animal encounters, themed games, creative builds, simple Ranger missions and plenty of outdoor play.
Rangers (ages 8–11)
A bigger, bolder expedition with more challenge, teamwork and problem-solving.
Their journey includes: deeper behind-the-scenes learning, bigger missions, observation tasks, creative builds and team challenges.
Senior Rangers (ages 12–15)
A more independent, more educational experience designed for older children who want something that feels grown-up. Senior Rangers follow the same weekly themes, but with a different level of challenge and responsibility – including guided mini-projects, observation work and a stronger conservation focus.
Senior Rangers operate as a separate group.
What happens at Ranger Camp?
Every day is a mix of:
- ‘Marwell Moments’ – exclusive experiences led by Marwell’s Zoological Team. Children might get to help feed the meerkats, discover how animals are moved safely between zoos, or learn what different animal poo can tell us. Marwell Moments will vary by day and age group, and may be subject to animal welfare and operational requirements.
- Ranger Missions and Challenge Trails – fast-paced team fun with a real sense of achievement
- Hands-on Conservation Learning – real stories from the zoo and Marwell’s work in the world
- Creative Builds – design, make and solve challenges as a team
- Outdoor Adventure – active play and time to explore
- Children are supported throughout the day by our Ranger Camp Leaders, experienced children’s activity specialists, working closely alongside Marwell’s Zoological Team who lead the exclusive ‘Marwell Moments’.
- All camps are delivered with robust safeguarding and welfare standards, so children are safe, supported and included throughout the day. Policies are available to view on request.
Your 3-day Ranger Journey
Camp Rangers will be welcomed at the main zoo entrance at 9.30am each day (before the zoo opens to the public), then hop on Marwell’s Road Train to travel together to the Secret Garden in the heart of the zoo – our Ranger basecamp.
- Day 1: Discover (Tuesday) – meet your Ranger team, explore the theme, start your mission.
- Day 2: Investigate (Wednesday) – go deeper through experiences, challenges and evidence gathering.
- Day 3: Create and Share (Thursday) – complete your mission outcome and get showcase-ready. On the final afternoon, children will share their Ranger Mission showcase – what they discovered, what they created, and how their team solved the challenge (parent/guardian attendance at the showcase is optional).
Pick-up will be from Ranger basecamp (Secret Garden) between 4pm – 4.30pm. Please allow 15 minutes to walk to basecamp from the zoo entrance.
Please note that sign-in/out is required by a parent or guardian at both drop-off and pick-up.
Delivered in Partnership with Kidztivity
Kidztivity supports Marwell to design and deliver high-quality children’s activity programmes, helping create safe, inclusive and brilliantly fun camp experiences.
