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Join the Wild Winter Family Festival at Helen Woodward Animal Center for a festive, fun-filled holiday adventure with animals and Santa in Del Mar. Perfect for kids and families to celebrate the season away from the crowds!
Join the Wild Winter Family Festival at Helen Woodward Animal Center for a festive, fun-filled holiday adventure with animals and Santa in Del Mar. Perfect for kids and families to celebrate the season away from the crowds!
Book with Helen Woodward Animal Center
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Helen Woodward Animal Center · Del Mar, California
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.
easy.
2–3 hours.
Suitable for all fitness levels including young children and seniors.
Yes, this festival is designed especially for toddlers to elementary-aged children with age-appropriate activities and spaces.
Absolutely! One of the highlights of this event is meeting Santa hassle-free, avoiding the typical long waits.
For the safety and comfort of all guests and animal ambassadors, outside pets are not permitted during the event.
Yes, ample parking is available on site, making access convenient for families attending the festival.
Outside food and drinks are generally discouraged, but there are on-site vendors and areas to enjoy refreshments.
Yes, the festival grounds and facilities are wheelchair accessible to ensure everyone can enjoy the experience.
Helen Woodward Animal Center has been a cornerstone of animal care and education in Del Mar since 1972, committed to animal welfare and community outreach.
The center promotes sustainability through rescue and rehabilitation programs, encouraging visitors to respect and protect 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