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!
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Hang tight — photos are loading
This usually takes just a second.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3–5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; mostly walking with short standing intervals during activities.
Wildlife
History
Helen Woodward Animal Center has been a vital community resource since 1972, promoting animal welfare and education in California.
Conservation
The center emphasizes sustainable practices and rehabilitation efforts to support local wildlife and domestic animals.
Helen Woodward Animal Center
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!
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 to Avoid Crowds
The festival can get busy, especially for popular activities like the haunted house tours, so plan to arrive early for the best experience.
Wear Comfortable Costumes
Dress your kids in fun but comfortable costumes that allow them to move freely during animal encounters and crafts.
Bring Cash for Food and Souvenirs
Some vendors may only accept cash, so having it on hand will make purchasing snacks or pumpkins easier.
Mind the Weather
Del Mar can get cool in late October evenings; bring light jackets to stay comfortable when the sun goes down.
Comfortable walking shoes
You'll be on your feet for several hours, so sturdy and comfortable shoes are a must.
Light jacket or sweater
Evenings can get chilly, so bring a layer to stay warm, especially if attending late afternoon or evening events.
fall
Reusable water bottle
Stay hydrated throughout the day while enjoying all the festival activities.
Costume accessories
Festive costume pieces add to the fun and enhance your family's memorable experience.
fall