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!
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 arrival of spring at the Spring Tails Family Festival hosted by the Helen Woodward Animal Center in Del Mar, California. This lively event offers a perfect day out for families with toddlers to elementary-aged children, combining hands-on animal encounters, creative crafts, face painting, and engaging games. Kids can interact with friendly animals in a safe and educational environment, creating unforgettable memories while learning about nature and wildlife. The festival encourages visitors to dress in their best spring outfits, adding a festive, colorful vibe to the day’s activities. With plenty of interactive stations and fun-filled entertainment, it’s an ideal community event where children can explore their curiosity and creativity. Conveniently located in the scenic coastal town of Del Mar, the festival also offers easy access to beaches and parks for families who want to extend their outdoor adventure. Whether you’re a local or visiting from nearby San Diego, the Spring Tails Family Festival is a delightful way to welcome the season and spend quality time with your loved ones surrounded by the beauty of California’s wildlife and springtime charm.
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 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