Spring Critter Camp
In order to take precautions against the COVID-19 pandemic, humane education programs at Helen Woodward Animal Center are closed 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 live Critter Cam and Virtual Field Trips!
Spring Critter Camp at Helen Woodward Animal Center
March 23–March 27
March 30–April 3
April 6–April 10
April 13–April 17
Daily sign ups available
Preschool through 6th Grade
Automatically receive $5 off each day’s tuition if you register before February 23! More discounts listed below.
Kids in San Diego can spend Spring Break with awesome animals at Critter Camp! Your child’s appreciation for all animals will flourish as they interact with cute critters, create crafts, play games and more. Each day has a unique theme and a variety of species for kids to meet. Sign up for multiple days or come to just one, either way, your kids are sure to have fun!
Spring Camp Themes
Monday – Cheerful Chirping: The sun is shining and the birds are chirping; what do critters communicate about and how do they take in information? Kids will learn the answer as they interact with a goat, large parrot, blue-tongued skink or Chinese water dragon, rabbit and hermit crab.
Tuesday – Hoppy to be Home: Campers will interact with an alpaca, duck, turtle, chinchilla and bearded dragon as they discover what “home” means for each of these animals and how their adaptations help them during transitional times.
Wednesday – Nourish and Flourish: This warm season brings a bounty of food, which is wonderful news for growing critters! Campers will find out about the eating habits of each animal while they meet a sheep, dove, snake, tortoise and millipede.
Thursday – When is it best to leave the nest?: While interacting with a miniature horse, chicken, frog, guinea pig and small parrot, campers will find out which animal families bloom during spring and will discover the different parenting styles that exist in nature.
Friday – Best Buds: Spring is a time of new beginnings, so how can we rewrite the story of our relationship with animals and the planet we share? Kids will find out as they meet a miniature donkey, pigeon, leopard gecko, dog, Madagascar hissing cockroach, and visit the Adoptions department.
Species may vary depending on animal health and safety
Must be at least 5 years old to pet reptiles
Spring Camp Times, Rates, Options & Discounts
Daily Spring Camp Times
Preschool (must be at least 4 years old): 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Kindergarten through 6th Grade: 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
*Extended Care is offered from 8 a.m.–5 p.m. for $20 per day for Kindergarten through 6th Grade.
*We also offer an 8 a.m. drop-off for Preschool for $10 per day. (No late pickup available for Preschool)
Daily Spring Camp Rates
Preschool (must be at least 4 years old): $62 per day
Kindergarten through 6th Grade: $82 per day
*Hot lunch is available for $9 per day and includes an entrée and two sides. Please provide your child with a snack and water bottle each day.
*All campers must be able to use the restroom confidently and on their own.
*We know that camp sounds fun for kids AND adults, but this camp for kids only! **If your child has an aide at school and you plan to have them come to camp with your child, please call us at 858-756-4117 ext. 318 so that we can help them complete the fingerprint process. All aides MUST be fingerprinted through us in order to attend camp. **
Camp Discounts
- 15% off camp tuition for active military (Call us at 858-756-4117 ext. 318 for the code.)
- Automatically receive $5 off each day’s camp tuition when registering siblings. (Must register siblings at the same time. Applies to one sibling.)
- Automatically receive $5 off each day’s tuition if you register before February 23.
- Automatically receive $50 off if you register for five days.
Register for Spring Critter Camp in San Diego today!
For more information about Spring Critter Camp:
Please contact us at education@animalcenter.org or 858-756-4117 ext. 318.
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CLICK HERE to see what parents love about this camp! “My daughter has been here several times and always has special experiences and learns something new. The fact that she is always happy to come back tells me a lot about how fun and interesting it must be.” ~Carrie B. “My kids always come back and know such interesting facts about the animals and remember their names and everything!! I love that you can sign up by the day.” ~Christine P. “The counselors have a lot of enthusiasm for the program. Registration was simple, the cost of the program was a good value, drop off and pick up was easy, and my child loved the program!” ~Karen W. “This is one of the few camps the kids come home raving about. They can’t stop talking about camp and the animals.” ~Mary Z. “It is a safe, well organized environment that is fun, entertaining and educational.” ~Leysin F.