Howl-O-Ween Harvest Family Festival at Helen Woodward Animal Center

Small staff-led groups move through the Humane Education Campus for hands-on encounters with ambassador animals. Past years have included alpacas, snakes, rats, millipedes and hermit crabs. After the animal adventure there are fall crafts, themed games, face painting, trick-or-treat stations and sponsored booth activities, and every child picks out a mini pumpkin to take home. The center calls it not-so-spooky and costumes are encouraged.

Details

• Date: Saturdays October 10, 17, 24 and 31, 2026
• Time: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, booked in timed slots. The guided adventure runs about an hour.
• Location: Helen Woodward Animal Center Humane Education Campus, 6447 Helen Woodward Way, Rancho Santa Fe
• Cost: Children ages 2 to 17 are $18.81 and adults 18 and up are $9.43. Yes, the kids ticket costs more, it covers the activities and the pumpkin. Advance booking required and slots are timed.
• Ages: Preschool through elementary age. Note that children need to be at least 5 years old to pet the reptiles.

Verify details: Helen Woodward Animal Center