Stressed out about the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping and pushy crowds? Tired of screaming, rowdy children? Maybe you just want your kids to actually do something productive over winter break? Look no further than Point Defiance Zoo, which will be having its 5th annual Winter Zoo Camp from Dec. 21-24.

The holiday season is a very busy time for parents. Winter Zoo Camp provides an ideal opportunity for parents to drop their children off at a safe, fun and educational program while they complete errands or simply enjoy some private time. But the camp is also just as enjoyable an event for children.

“Winter is a wonderful time at the zoo,” says Craig Standridge, the zoo’s public programs manager and specialist. “Animals are generally more active and viewable during the winter season.”

Each camp day will have specific themes and special activities, crafts and behind-the-scenes experiences. The camp will be broken down into two age groups.

For children ages 9-12, there will be a focus on an introduction to environmental careers. Participants will spend each day learning what it’s like to be a zookeeper, marine biologist, field biologist or wildlife photographer.

For children ages 6-8, there will be a focus on the different habitats of the zoo. Over the course of the four-day camp, children will explore the world of the arctic tundra, the Asian forest, the rocky shores and the amazing aquariums.

Every camp has a mix of indoor and outdoor activities and will rotate between interactive lessons, games, crafts, behind-the-scenes tours and special animal encounters.

Camp times are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with camp staffers conducting check-ins at 8:45 a.m. Children should bring sack lunches from home, but the camp will also provide a morning and afternoon snack. If children have food allergies, parents may wish to provide snacks or contact the program’s staff. Children with wheelchairs will be able to participate in 100 percent of Winter Zoo Camp activities. If a child needs special accommodation for Winter Zoo Camp, call (253) 404-3631 for more information.

Admission prices can range between $35 and $70 per person, depending on the day. Discounts are available for participants with active memberships with the Point Defiance Zoological Society. Point Defiance Zoological Society members receive a discount for every Winter Zoo Camp program offered. Visit pdza.org and click on the link “Kids & Family Programs” for complete details, including program fees, descriptions and policies. As a special offer, register for at least three Winter Zoo Camp programs, with the same child, and receive 10 percent off each program. In the wake of Swine Flu and other contagious/spreadable illnesses, please take extra precaution and consideration when allowing children to join the camp.

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, in Tacoma’s Point Defiance Park, is located at 5400 N. Pearl St. The zoo’s December business hours are 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. The zoo will be closed on Dec. 15, 16 and 25. For specific questions about individual programs, call (253) 404-3690. For any general questions regarding the zoo, call (253) 591-5337 or visit their website. Also, guests can follow the zoo on Facebook.