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Celebrate Halloween with animal encounters, crafts, and spooky fun at the HowlOWeen Harvest Family Festival in Del Mar, CA. Perfect for kids and families ready for a memorable day!
Celebrate Halloween with animal encounters, crafts, and spooky fun at the HowlOWeen Harvest Family Festival in Del Mar, CA. Perfect for kids and families ready for a memorable day!
Book with Helen Woodward Animal Center
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Helen Woodward Animal Center · Del Mar, California
Experience a festive and spooky day out at the HowlOWeen Harvest Family Festival hosted by the Helen Woodward Animal Center in Del Mar, California. This event is perfect for families looking to celebrate Halloween with a twist of animal fun and creative activities. Explore hands-on animal encounters where you’ll meet some of the center’s lovable critters up close, making it an engaging experience for kids and adults alike. Little ones can enjoy face painting and crafting sessions, perfect for getting into the Halloween spirit. The mini pumpkin patch is an added highlight, offering families a chance to pick their own pumpkins, ideal for a festive keepsake or at-home decorating. For those who love a little thrill, the haunted house tour departs every 20 minutes, led by friendly staff ensuring a fun and safe spooky adventure. Dress up in your favorite costumes and make memories with your kids, surrounded by the fun, community vibe of this seasonal event. The festival blends festive fall traditions with animal education and entertainment, making it a standout day trip in the beautiful coastal city of Del Mar. Whether you’re a local or visiting from nearby San Diego, this family-friendly festival invites you to celebrate the season with joy and a little scare!
easy.
3–5 hours.
Suitable for all fitness levels; mostly walking with short standing intervals during activities.
Yes, the festival offers many activities like crafts and animal encounters that are enjoyable and safe for toddlers under supervision.
To ensure the safety and comfort of the animals and guests, pets are not allowed at the event.
Limited parking is available at Helen Woodward Animal Center, but nearby street parking or public transit options can also be used.
Haunted house tours are led by staff every 20 minutes throughout the festival hours.
Yes, visitors can purchase pumpkins directly from the mini pumpkin patch to take home.
Yes, food and beverages are available from vendors onsite, including seasonal treats.
Helen Woodward Animal Center has been a vital community resource since 1972, promoting animal welfare and education in California.
The center emphasizes sustainable practices and rehabilitation efforts to support local wildlife and domestic animals.
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.
Book with Helen Woodward Animal Center