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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Make your child’s big day truly unforgettable with an animal-filled birthday bash!

At Helen Woodward Animal Center, our exciting, hands-on birthday parties let the birthday child choose the animals they’ll meet, making it a one-of-a-kind experience from the very start. Each celebration includes a private indoor party space and access to an adjacent themed playground where kids can play, explore, and enjoy the day to the fullest.

 

With fun-filled packages and memorable moments for every guest, it’s the paw-fect way to celebrate!

Book your party today and celebrate your child’s special day with hands-on animal encounters, private party space, and a themed playground to explore!

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  • Each birthday party space includes a bright and spacious indoor event room, complete with a sink, fridge, countertop, tables, and audio/visual equipment, including a projector screen to personalize your celebration.

 

  • Decorations are part of select packages, which includes jungle-safari themed table countertop and centerpiece items, and an animal themed banner. And you are welcomed to bring other personal decorating supplies.

 

  • Every party room is paired with its own outdoor playground; either our earthy Park Playground (designed for ages 2–5) or the vibrant Pollinator Playground (designed for ages 5–12), perfect for kids to explore and play.

 

  • Animal encounters take place in nearby, immersive habitat-themed classrooms or, depending on the species, in one of our outdoor presentation areas.

 

  • More details and some photo renderings of the playgrounds and classroom wall artwork can be found when you select ‘book now’ and in a photo carousel below.

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 (Pollinator ): 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m. or 2 p.m.–4:30 p.m.

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

 

    • Once you select your playground space, you can customize your celebration by choosing one of our three party packages: Custom, All-Inclusive, or Ultimate, each packed with animal fun and party perks!

 

Weekday times are available

Book a Birthday Party Today!

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.

Nothing Bundt Cakes will reach out to you prior to your birthday party to gather more details regarding the cake being delivered to your party. 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 Cost

$759

$453

$289
Party Length

2.5 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 an indoor party room with adjacent access to a themed outdoor playground.
Access to a themed outdoor playground with slides and interactive structures.
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 a Birthday Party Today!

Check out a few photos of our awesome party space and decorations, this is where the fun happens!

 

Birthday Parties FAQs

HOW IS THE PARTY RUN?

Your party will begin at your reserved birthday space, with approximately 30 minutes for guests to arrive, kids to explore the themed playground, parents to mingle, and for the Party Pro to offer face painting (if included). Then it’s off to meet the animals handpicked by the birthday child in nearby habitat-themed classrooms or outdoor areas. After the animal encounters, your group will return to the party space for food, cake, and presents. Your Party Pro will be there to help every step of the way!

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, while following strict CDC guidelines. Children under 5 are not permitted to pet our reptiles, but we offer plenty of engaging alternatives! Animals like frogs, parrots, and death-feigning beetles are used for fun activities, like having a parrot sit on a child’s toes. Larger animals such as sheep, mini horses, goats, and mini cows are perfect for younger children and provide safe, memorable interactions.

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?

No worries, rain won’t ruin the fun! Our parties are designed to run smoothly in any weather. Most animal presentations take place indoors, and we have indoor games and activities ready to keep the celebration going. While farm animals may be limited during heavy rain, our animal team ensures engaging encounters rain or shine. Plus, with no muddy areas to worry about, kids can stay clean, safe, and smiling throughout the party.

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 goody bag includes a themed pencil, animal stickers, temporary tattoo, and a fun rubber bracelet. You’re also welcome to bring additional items to personalize the bags even more!

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 education@animalcenter.org or 858-756-4117 ext. 406
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!