Experience a full day as a junior vet at the Helen Woodward Animal Center in Del Mar, where kids learn veterinary skills and interact with animals. This camp is the perfect blend of education and adventure for young animal enthusiasts.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
6–7 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for children with average fitness; minimal physical strain but requires ability to stand and move around for extended periods.
Wildlife
History
Helen Woodward Animal Center has been a leader in animal care and education since 1972, focusing on community outreach and youth engagement.
Conservation
The center promotes responsible animal stewardship and environmental sustainability through educational programs and habitat preservation efforts.
Helen Woodward Animal Center
Experience a full day as a junior vet at the Helen Woodward Animal Center in Del Mar, where kids learn veterinary skills and interact with animals. This camp is the perfect blend of education and adventure for young animal enthusiasts.
Helen Woodward Animal Center in Del Mar, California, is a hands-on animal education and events facility that hosts camps, field trips, parties, and interactive animal encounters. The Center offers structured programs for all ages, including the DogSmart dog-handling lessons, Full Day Veterinarian Camp with suturing and CPR practice, and school-ready Spring Tails and Trail Adventure field trips that emphasize STEM and outdoor skills.
Birthday parties and family festivals combine private indoor spaces, themed playgrounds, animal interactions, crafts, face painting, and mini pumpkin patches to create memorable celebrations. Group-friendly experiences include customizable Interactive Animal Encounters and Crafting with Critters sessions that pair live animal ambassadors with guided art activities. Seasonal events such as Howl-O-Ween Harvest and the Howl-O-Ween Harvest Family Festival feature haunted-house explorations, hands-on STEM stations, and rotating animal presentations.
Programs mention expert guidance, age-appropriate instruction, and hands-on practice to build confidence and skills around animals. Many offerings are designed for schools, Scout troops, and families seeking educational enrichment, with options tailored to classroom goals or badge requirements. Activities focus on animal behavior, life cycles, veterinary skills, and responsible nature exploration. By combining practical instruction, live animal interaction, and customizable itineraries, Helen Woodward Animal Center supports engaging, educational experiences in Del Mar that cater to learners, families, groups, and event planners.
Reservations and program details are available through the Center's event and education pages, allowing groups to select durations, customize presentations, and plan age-appropriate activities that meet learning objectives and create hands-on memories for schools, scouts, and families alike regularly.
Location
Del Mar, CA
Located in Del Mar, California
Programs Offered
11 experiences
Camps, parties, field trips, and festivals
Educational Focus
STEM & Animal Care
Hands-on learning and vet skills
Event Types
Parties & Festivals
Birthday parties and seasonal events
Book interactive encounters, educational camps, birthday parties, or seasonal festivals in Del Mar — customizable options for schools, scouts, families, and groups.
Arrive Early for Check-In
Arriving 15 minutes before the start time helps ensure a smooth registration and orientation process.
Bring a Refillable Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is important as activities may involve outdoor animal handling during warmer hours.
Wear Comfortable, Closed-Toe Shoes
Closed-toe shoes provide safety and comfort while moving around the animal center and participating in hands-on activities.
Pack a Light Snack
While lunch is typically provided, having a light snack handy can help keep energy levels up during the day.
Closed-toe shoes
Protects feet during hands-on animal activities and outdoor movement.
Sun hat
Keeps your child protected from direct sun exposure during outdoor sessions.
summer
Light jacket
Helpful for cooler mornings or breezy conditions in the afternoon.
fall
Refillable water bottle
Encourages hydration throughout the active, full-day camp experience.