THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Celebrate spring with your family at the Spring Tails Family Festival in Del Mar! Enjoy animal encounters, crafts, face painting, and games in a fun-filled, interactive day perfect for young children.
Celebrate spring with your family at the Spring Tails Family Festival in Del Mar! Enjoy animal encounters, crafts, face painting, and games in a fun-filled, interactive day perfect for young children.
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 the joyful spirit of spring at the Spring Tails Family Festival hosted by the Helen Woodward Animal Center in Del Mar, California. This unique family-friendly event is designed especially for toddlers to elementary-aged children, offering a magical day filled with hands-on animal encounters, themed crafts, whimsical face painting, and lively games. Visitors can dress in their finest spring attire and celebrate nature’s wonders alongside their loved ones in a safe, welcoming environment. The festival’s interactive experiences create lasting memories while encouraging curiosity about wildlife and conservation. Beyond the fun activities, the Helen Woodward Animal Center’s knowledgeable staff and volunteers provide educational insights that enrich each visit. The outdoor setting is perfect for families seeking quality time outdoors without the demands of strenuous hiking or physical challenges. Set in the beautiful coastal community of Del Mar, attendees can also explore the local beaches and parks, making it an ideal getaway destination. Whether it’s your first visit or an annual tradition, the Spring Tails Family Festival promises an unforgettable celebration of springtime joy and animal magic.
easy.
3–4 hours.
No strenuous fitness level required; suitable for toddlers and young children.
The festival is best suited for toddlers and elementary-aged children, but infants accompanied by parents are welcome.
Pets are not allowed on the festival grounds to ensure the safety of the animals and participants.
Yes, parking is available on-site, but arriving early is recommended as spaces can fill quickly.
Yes, you are welcome to bring snacks and drinks; water stations are also available for refills.
Advance tickets are strongly recommended to secure your spot and avoid sellouts.
Most animal encounters, crafts, and games are included, though some special experiences may have additional fees.
Helen Woodward Animal Center has a long history of animal rescue and education since its founding in 1972 in Del Mar.
The center promotes sustainable awareness through hands-on education and habitat preservation efforts in Southern California.
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