A Kid’s Birthday Party to Remember
In order to take precautions against the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person humane education programs at Helen Woodward Animal Center are cancelled until further notice. We understand the disappointment this may cause as many of these events have required lengthy planning from the participants, but we are committed to preserving the community’s health and safety. Please connect with us about either rescheduling your program to a later date if possible, or fully cancelling it and receiving either a refund or considering your current payment as a donation.
We recognize the importance of staying positive and educated during times like these, so check out our Virtual Education and Critter-grams!
Would your child like to spend time with animals on their birthday? They will have an unforgettable party at Helen Woodward Animal Center! Our birthday parties offer HANDS-ON animal interactions (chosen by the birthday child!), private use of our outdoor, covered pavilion area, and more (depending on which package you choose). Reserve your Ultimate, All Inclusive or Custom animal birthday party today!
BIRTHDAY PARTY PACKAGES
*Guest count includes children and adults. The birthday child is free. Additional guests are $10 each.
Themes and Animal Choices
Theme Choices:
Theme choices are included in the All Inclusive and Ultimate packages. The themes relate to the party decorations, but not necessarily to the animals you will meet. You do have the option to add themed items to the Custom package as well.
Animal Choices:
Tours of Adoptions can only be given during their hours of operation. M-F: 12 – 6 pm, Saturday: 10 am – 6pm, Sunday 11 am – 6pm
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
Available Birthday Party Times
We have weekend and weekday birthday party slots available. Weekend times fill up quickly!
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
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
May I request specific animals for my guests to meet?
We ask the birthday child to select the animals on the day of the party. 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.
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.
Will we see the Adoptions kennels and be able to pet the dogs and cats?
If requested, a tour of the kennels can be substituted for one of the animal presentations; However, the group will not be able to pet the Adoptions animals.
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 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.
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 $75 fee will be charged for every 30 minutes the attendees remain in the party area.
