Interactive Animal Encounters and Animal Education for Kids

Create unforgettable memories with customizable animal encounters at Helen Woodward Animal Center! This incredible educational opportunity is perfect for animal enthusiasts of all ages. Whether you’re organizing a vibrant playgroup outing, searching for a unique experience for your homeschool curriculum, or looking to share an interactive adventure with friends alongside our charming animal ambassadors, this experience is ideal for any group.

 

Immerse yourself in hands-on interactions with our delightful furry, feathered, and scaled friends, and enrich your understanding of their amazing lives. Don’t wait—secure your extraordinary animal encounter today! 

Book Today!

Customize Your Encounter!

1. Select your level of adventure
2. Pick your quest for discovery
3. Choose your animals and activity

1. Level of Adventure (age ranges are guidelines)

Beginner Skilled
Toddlers and Preschoolers Kindergarten and beyond
60 minutes 90 minutes
3 animals
1 activity
4 animals
1 activity

To make a reservation, a minimum of 5-6 attendees is required, although you may bring fewer participants on the day of the program. Please note that if fewer than 6 participants attend, the difference will not be refunded. For those under 17, at least one adult chaperone is required for every group. 

2. Quest for Discovery (lesson theme)

Lesson Themes Descriptions
Adaptations Learn about the unique ways animals overcome obstacles in their world such as searching for food, finding mates, staying safe from predators, and more!
Diets Learn about how an animal’s anatomy, habitat, and role in the the food web help determine what they eat.
Communication Learn about the many ways animals interact with one another or their environment through auditory, visual, and even tactile cues.
Habitats Learn about where animals live and how they are able to survive in some unusual places!
Compassion Learn about the reasons why animals deserve our respect and the ways we can create a more humane world.
Careers Learn about rewarding careers in which we can help animals and some “careers” animals have too!

3) Animal Encounters & Activities:

Type of Animal Animal Options
Large mammals Sheep
Goat
Miniature horse
Small mammals Guinea pig
Rabbit
Birds Chicken
Dove
Parrot*
Invertebrates Earthworm
Madagascar hissing cockroach
Blue Death-Feigning Beetles
Reptiles & Amphibians Bearded dragon lizard
Blue tongue skink lizard
Leopard gecko lizard
Ball python snake
Rosy boa snake
Kenyan sand boa
Turtle
Tortoise
Frog*

* denotes animals that cannot be pet, other interactions may be possible depending on species. Animal education and interaction is dependent upon animal health and safety.  Must be at least 5-years-old to pet reptiles.

Type of Activity Description
Team Oriented Game Have fun putting your communication and coordination to the test with games that will be sure to encourage your group to work as a team!
Service Project for the Center From animal ambassadors to pets waiting to be adopted, many animals call Helen Woodward Animal Center home. Use your creativity to help enrich the lives of these animals and show you care!

NOTEIf you are interested in a combination of animals & activities other than the one listed for your level of adventure, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate your request.

Book Today!

Your program fee helps support all of our adoptable animals, as well as the many human and animal services Helen Woodward Animal Center provides.

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!

Due to Hurricane Hilary, all  departments will be closing at 3pm today.  Stay safe!