The Education Department at Helen Woodward Animal Center serves people of all ages by providing a variety of unique programs which support the bond between humans and animals. Participating in any program will help improve understanding, compassion, and responsibility toward all living things, which is one more step towards creating a more humane world.
Programs include presentations with live animal ambassadors and hands-on interactions such as handling, petting, feeding, or getting an up-close look. Most programs are also supplemented with related crafts, games, and/or activities. You’ll walk away with a greater understanding of the natural world and how you can leave a positive impact. Learn more about our animal-focused Education programs below!
Critter Camp is San Diego’s Best Animal Camp for kids from Preschool through 8th Grade!
Children will experience amazing hands-on animal interactions and camp activities, including animal-themed games, crafts, songs and more!
Our animal ambassadors can’t wait to celebrate your birthday with you! We make planning a party easy with three party packages that aim to fit your needs.
We offer badge earning activities for Daisies, Brownies, Juniors, and Cadettes or join us for a Custom Scout Trip that is personalized to fit your troop’s age and interests.
You choose your own path with this customizable program, great for families or small groups. Choose from our over 30 different animal species as you explore a topic of your own choosing and participate in an activity that will be sure to create lifelong memories.
Learn about dog behavior and overcome your fear with one-on-one sessions that aim to build your confidence around dogs.
We bring humane education to the classroom with school outreaches or on-site school field trips.
Animal ambassadors will teach you how to hike safely and responsibly!
This session will explore a different style of art and include a different animal muse that includes hands-on interaction with their animal model.
Please do not park in spots labeled “Adopters Only”.
Lot B: Google Map off Helen Woodward Way (off San Dieguito), follow the road straight then turn left at the stop sign. After parking, walk towards the large white building with the red roof until you see our covered pavilion.
I-5 Northbound (coming from the South – San Diego)
I-5 Southbound (coming from the North – Oceanside, Encinitas)
1-15 Northbound (coming from the South – Poway, Rancho Bernardo, and Scripps Ranch)
I-15 Southbound (coming from the North – Temecula, Riverside, Escondido)
**Please note: Helen Woodward Way is NOT accessible via El Apajo; you must enter from San Dieguito Road. It is closed via El Apajo by a traffic gate only the fire department can operate that isn’t visible on GPS and Google maps.
If you have any questions, please call us at 858-756-4117 x318 or e-mail: [email protected]
It is our mission to show the community all of the amazing ways people help animals and animals help people, and that is why we are proud to offer scholarships to our Education programs so that anyone has the opportunity to participate!
Click here for the scholarship guidelines and application
Completed applications can be sent in a few ways:
If you have any questions, please contact Haylee Blake at [email protected] or 858-756-4117 ext 317
In commemoration of our 50th Anniversary, the “Sharing the Earth” booklet, first published in 1982, was recently updated and is designed especially for use in the fifth-grade classroom, in order to meet the need for humane education instructional materials. The booklet contains reproducible materials designed to increase the basic interrelationships between animals and humans by providing for lively activities that can both capture children’s interest and extend their knowledge.
A limited number of “Sharing the Earth” booklets include a display poster and are currently available to purchase for $35 plus tax and shipping.
To purchase your copy of “Sharing the Earth”, please call 858-756-4117 ext. 318 or email [email protected].
Purchase the gift of making memories with our hands-on animal interactions! We run programs off two different software – you can redeem your gift card on any program offered on the same software (non-camp programs run on FareHarbor, camp programs run on Jumbula. Expires 12 months after purchase date. Select a gift card with our minimum requirement to run most programs ($75) or set a value of your choosing.
Buy FareHarbor Gift Cards Here (non-camp programs)
Buy Jumbula Gift Cards Here (camp programs)
For more information:
Please contact us at [email protected] or 858-756-4117 ext. 318
Follow us online to get more humane education virtually including animal facts, cute animal photos and videos, and notifications about upcoming programs!
Education Office: 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Monday–Friday
Programs offered: Monday–Sunday
858-756-4117 ext. 318
[email protected]
Haylee Blake
858-756-4117 ext. 317
[email protected]
Due to Hurricane Hilary, all departments will be closing at 3pm today. Stay safe!
