Is the Wild Winter Family Festival suitable for toddlers?

Yes, this festival is designed especially for toddlers to elementary-aged children with age-appropriate activities and spaces.

Can we meet Santa without waiting in long lines?

Absolutely! One of the highlights of this event is meeting Santa hassle-free, avoiding the typical long waits.

Are pets allowed at the festival?

For the safety and comfort of all guests and animal ambassadors, outside pets are not permitted during the event.

Is parking available at the Helen Woodward Animal Center?

Yes, ample parking is available on site, making access convenient for families attending the festival.

Can we bring food and drinks?

Outside food and drinks are generally discouraged, but there are on-site vendors and areas to enjoy refreshments.

Is the event wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the festival grounds and facilities are wheelchair accessible to ensure everyone can enjoy the experience.

Wild Winter Family Festival in Del Mar, California | Events | Winter Activities

Celebrate the holiday season with your family at the Wild Winter Family Festival hosted by the Helen Woodward Animal Center in Del Mar, California. This event offers a unique blend of festive cheer and animal interaction, perfect for toddlers through elementary-aged children. You'll meet cheerful animal ambassadors up close and enjoy fun, interactive activities designed to engage young adventurers and their families. Unlike typical holiday events, you can meet Santa Claus without waiting in long lines, making it a stress-free experience for parents. The festival provides a joyful atmosphere filled with holiday spirit, laughter, and memorable moments that your children will cherish. With animal-focused activities, festive decorating, and photo opportunities in a safe and welcoming environment, this private outdoor adventure brings families closer together while creating joyful holiday memories. It's an ideal outing for those looking to enjoy nature, animals, and the magic of the holidays all at once.

About Helen Woodward Animal Center

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.