THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Experience a magical day at the Spring Tails Family Festival in Del Mar, where animal encounters, crafts, and games bring spring to life for young children and families. Join the fun and make lasting memories with your little ones!
Experience a magical day at the Spring Tails Family Festival in Del Mar, where animal encounters, crafts, and games bring spring to life for young children and families. Join the fun and make lasting memories with your little ones!
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Helen Woodward Animal Center · Del Mar, California
easy.
3–4 hours.
Suitable for all fitness levels, including families with young children. Minimal physical exertion required.
Yes! The festival is designed with activities appropriate for toddlers through elementary-aged children, ensuring a safe and fun experience.
Pets are not permitted to ensure the safety and comfort of the festival animals and guests.
Yes, there is ample parking available on-site for festival attendees.
Yes, there will be food vendors onsite offering a variety of family-friendly options.
It’s recommended to book tickets in advance through the Helen Woodward Animal Center’s official website to secure your spot.
Yes, children will have opportunities for interactive, supervised animal encounters to learn about and connect with the animals.
Helen Woodward Animal Center has been a community leader in animal welfare and education since 1972, promoting humane treatment and awareness.
The center focuses on sustainable practices and teaches visitors about conservation and the importance of respecting wildlife habitats.
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