Summer Critter Camp
Helen Woodward Animal Center, 6461 El Apajo Rd, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067
About
Summer Critter Camp includes daily animal interactions, animal themed games, crafts, and songs. Children take part in activities that are different each day, with animal interactions that can include birds, small mammals, reptiles, large mammals, and invertebrates. The program is described as “A wonderful San Diego Summer Camp where kids connect with animals” and as “San Diego’s best animal camp for kids Preschool through 8th grade.”
• Ages: 3–13 years old
• Schedule: June 1 – August 21, 2026, with daily and weekly sign ups available; daily registration covers a single day and weekly registration covers a single week
• Price: Additional details and prices can be found when you click the register now button
Weekly registration is described as the best value option and includes a free t-shirt for campers. Daily registration is not available for 7th–8th graders. Camp for 7th–8th graders is offered during 6 select weeks with weekly registration only, and 7th–8th grade themes focus on animal careers. For Preschool–6th grade, there is a weekly theme that alternates every other week: “Amazing Animal Athletes” on odd weeks and “Bioscience and Beyond” on even weeks. All grades visit the Adoptions department during Amazing Animal Athletes weeks, and some older grades visit other departments of the Center on select days. There is no weekly option during Week 5, Fourth of July week, and the program is closed on July third.
Helen Woodward Animal Center, established in 1972, describes itself as an organization where “people help animals and animals help people.” The organization has held Special Consultative Status with the UN Economic and Social Council since 2022.
Last updated June 22, 2026.
• Ages: 3–13 years old
• Schedule: June 1 – August 21, 2026, with daily and weekly sign ups available; daily registration covers a single day and weekly registration covers a single week
• Price: Additional details and prices can be found when you click the register now button
Weekly registration is described as the best value option and includes a free t-shirt for campers. Daily registration is not available for 7th–8th graders. Camp for 7th–8th graders is offered during 6 select weeks with weekly registration only, and 7th–8th grade themes focus on animal careers. For Preschool–6th grade, there is a weekly theme that alternates every other week: “Amazing Animal Athletes” on odd weeks and “Bioscience and Beyond” on even weeks. All grades visit the Adoptions department during Amazing Animal Athletes weeks, and some older grades visit other departments of the Center on select days. There is no weekly option during Week 5, Fourth of July week, and the program is closed on July third.
Helen Woodward Animal Center, established in 1972, describes itself as an organization where “people help animals and animals help people.” The organization has held Special Consultative Status with the UN Economic and Social Council since 2022.
Last updated June 22, 2026.
Is this your business? There is no cost, but you will be asked to sign up or log in.