a white logo with text at the bottom saying Helen Woodward Animal Center. There are two kids with dogs, a horse, a bird and cats under a tree.

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Hands on Animal-Themed Birthday Parties

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Is your child ready for an unforgettable birthday celebration? At Helen Woodward Animal Center we offer exciting animal-themed parties that bring fun and education together for a unique experience that is sure to create lasting memories for everyone involved! Our engaging birthday experiences feature hands-on animal interactions (chosen by the birthday child!), access to a large private space for kids to play and explore, and more (depending on which package you choose).

Starting June 2025, we will host parties at our new Humane Education Campus! This will include changes to our birthday party space, look, and processes. Please be on the lookout for updates and contact us if you have questions.

Available Birthday Party Times

We have weekend and weekday animal-themed birthday parties available. Please note, weekend times fill up quickly, so schedule your time now!

Saturday & Sunday (All Inclusive & Custom): 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m. or 2 p.m.–4:30 p.m.

Saturday & Sunday (Ultimate): 10 a.m.–1 p.m. or 2 p.m.–5 p.m.

Weekday times are available

Book Today

Book Custom
Book All Inclusive
Book Ultimate

Ultimate parties just got sweeter! Now, every Ultimate package comes with a 10″ cake (feeds 18 people) from Nothing Bundt Cakes and 15% off additional Nothing Bundt Cakes purchases added for the party.

You’ll receive a certificate in your confirmation email which you will need to submit to the Nothing Bundt Cakes in Pacific Highlands (5950 Village Way Suite 104, San Diego, CA 92130) in order to submit the cake details. Note that certain cake details may add a price. Then Nothing Bundt Cakes will deliver your cake the day of the party with us.

It’s the perfect addition to make your child’s birthday even more unforgettable!

KIDS BIRTHDAY PARTY PACKAGES

Party Packages Ultimate All Inclusive Custom
Party Length

3 hours

2.5 hours

2.5 hours
Included Guests*
50
30
20
Hands-on animal encounters (chosen by the birthday child)
5 Includes 1 Animal Feeding Encounter
4
4
10” Nothing Bundt Cake included to be delivered to party, and 15% off additional NBC orders”
N/A
N/A
All packages include a party pro to lead the festivities.
Private use of the outdoor covered pavilion and picnic tables.
Access to a large play area filled with engaging toys and activities.
Face painting
$25
Themed decorations (You can add your own too!)
$30
Themed invite and thank you note templates.
$5
Themed paper goods (plates, utensils, napkins, cups)
$50
Themed party favors
$50
Party set up and clean up
*Guest count includes children and adults. The birthday child is free. Additional guests are $10 each.

We Make Planning Your Party Easy!

If purchasing the All Inclusive or Ultimate Party Package, you and your guests will take a walk on the wild side with included jungle-themed décor, tableware, and goody bags. You and your fellow party animals are sure to have a roarin’ good time alongside a backdrop of green, gold, and white hues, as well as fun animal print patterns.

Animal Choices:

LARGE MAMMALS

Sheep
Goat
Miniature horse

INVERTEBRATES

Earthworm*
Madagascar hissing cockroach

Blue death-feigning beetles

SMALL MAMMALS

Guinea pig
Rabbit

BIRDS

Chicken
Dove
Parrot*

REPTILES & AMPHIBIANS

Bearded dragon lizard

Blue tongue skink lizard

Leopard gecko lizard

Ball python snake

Rosy boa snake

Kenyan sand boa

Turtle

Tortoise

Frog*

*Species may vary depending on animal health and availability. Must be at least 5-years-old to pet reptiles.

 

*Denotes animals that cannot be pet, other interactions may be possible depending on species

Book Today

Book All Inclusive
Book Custom
Book Ultimate
  • Themed paper plates, napkins, forks, and cups are included in the Ultimate and All Inclusive party packages. Themed paper goods can be purchased separately for the Custom party package.
  • Face painting will be done by one of our Instructors using professional face painting materials. Choose from a premade design or one of your own! Face painting can be purchased separately for the Custom party package.
  • All party packages include access to two 6-foot long tables for items such as food or other decorations. Ultimate and All Inclusive party packages include themed tablecloths.
  • You and your guests will have access to our large, private covered Pavilion. Guests will have access to various large toys as well as smaller toys such as balls, bean bags, and hula hoops.
  • Ultimate and All Inclusive party packages include themed center pieces. Themed centerpieces can be purchased separately for the Custom party package.
  • All party packages include access to eleven 10-foot long picnic tables. These tables do not include tablecloths but you are able to bring them if you choose.

Birthday Parties FAQs

HOW IS THE PARTY RUN?

Your party will begin in the pavilion area where we allow approximately 30 minutes for guests to arrive, children to play, parents to socialize, and the party pro to perform face painting (if included). Your party pro will take your guests on an excursion to meet the animals chosen by the birthday child. Following the animal presentations, your group will be escorted back to the pavilion area for food, cake and or presents. The party pro will be available to assist during all activities.

WHAT ANIMALS DO YOU SUGGEST FOR A YOUNG CHILD (2-4 YEARS)?

We provide as many petting opportunities as possible for children of all ages, but do follow strict CDC guidelines. Our policy is that children under the age of 5 cannot pet our reptiles. We do have a few animals such as frogs, parrots, and hermit crabs, which are used for interactive activities but do not include touching the animal, such as having a parrot sit on children’s toes. Larger animals like the sheep, mini horse, and alpacas are great for younger children.

MAY I REQUEST SPECIFIC ANIMALS FOR MY CHILD TO MEET?

We ask the birthday child to select the animals from the above list in advance as much as possible. If your child has an absolutely favorite animal, let us know and we’ll do all we can to make sure one is included in the party. Please be aware that animals are selected for the party based on their health and how much they have been used in the previous week. Since animals are unpredictable, we cannot promise any particular animal for your event. In the event your pre-selected animal is not available, we will ask for an alternate on the day of the party.

WILL WE SEE THE ADOPTIONS KENNELS AND BE ABLE TO PET THE DOGS AND CATS

Because Adoptions is open to the public, you can visit them during their hours of operation before or after the program! The adoptable animals cannot be pet.

WHAT HAPPENS IF IT RAINS?

Parties are held under a large pavilion that allows for events regardless of weather conditions. Most animal presentations are indoors, so there will still be the ability to meet and pet a variety of animals. Due to muddy conditions if it does rain, farm animals cannot be guaranteed.

CAN WE RIDE THE HORSES?

Unfortunately there are no horses available for riding. The large horses at the Center are hospital patients, or specifically for our Therapeutic Riding program. Our smaller Education horses are never ridden.

WHAT KIND OF DECORATIONS SHOULD I BRING?

It is not necessary to bring your own decorations; however, we do ask that you are sure to take any decorations you do bring when you leave. Some people put table cloths on the picnic tables, but bring tape to hold them down. Please note that the following items are prohibited: balloons, piñatas, alcohol, confetti, and straw/hay bales.

CAN I EXTEND THE TIME OF MY PARTY?

We currently do not offer an option to extend the time of parties. Starting 15 minutes after the party’s ending time, a $50 fee will be charged for every 30 minutes the attendees remain in the party area.

WHAT DO THE PARTY FAVORS INCLUDE?

Each party favor bag includes a themed pencil, themed notepad, and a silly straw. You may also bring additional items to include in the bag!

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

Questions?
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!