DEL MAR ZOO FIELD GUIDE
Spring Tails Adventure: Hands-on spring science with live animal ambassadors in Del Mar
A seasonally themed, educator-friendly field program from Helen Woodward Animal Center that pairs live animal encounters with age-appropriate STEM activities to teach life cycles and springtime change.
Spring Tails Adventure: Hands-on spring science with live animal ambassadors in Del Mar.
Spring Tails Adventure brings the science of spring into sharp relief through structured encounters with live animal ambassadors and a guided, age-appropriate STEM activity—an intentional, tactile primer on life cycles, baby animals, and the seasonal changes that unfold as winter gives way to spring.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Meet a mammal, bird, amphibian and invertebrate
Participants observe and compare life cycles and adaptations across very different species by meeting live animal ambassadors, using real examples to illustrate growth, development, and springtime behaviors.
STEM learning through butterfly conservation
The program centers a 30‑minute, age‑appropriate STEM activity focused on butterfly conservation that encourages curiosity, problem‑solving and scientific thinking rather than passive listening.
Flexible, standards‑aligned programming
Designed to be adapted for different ages and settings, Spring Tails can be hosted on campus or brought into classrooms, and it can be customized to meet specific educational requirements—making it a useful fit for school groups and Scouts.
What the day feels like
What the program feels like
A concise, age-tailored session unfolds as several short animal presentation blocks—each about 15 minutes—followed by a 30‑minute hands‑on STEM activity; the general flow is meeting the animals first and then moving into the butterfly conservation exercise, though instructors may vary the order to suit the group.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this program is made for—and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Choose either a 60‑minute or 90‑minute session depending on group size and depth of activities.
Water and snacks are encouraged; participants should wear closed‑toed shoes and comfortable clothing; phones or cameras are welcome for photos of the animals.
On‑site sessions meet at 6461 El Apajo, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067; the program can also be brought into classrooms to reduce transportation needs.
Schools are encouraged to contact the Education Office to reserve programming; bookings can be held without upfront payment and invoiced after the program concludes.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is a Spring Tails session?
Sessions are offered in 60‑minute or 90‑minute lengths.
Where does the program meet?
On‑site sessions meet at 6461 El Apajo, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067; the program can also be brought into classrooms for school outreach.
Can you bring the program to a private home?
No—outreaches are only available for schools; the operator does not visit private residences.
Are there any clothing or safety requirements?
Yes—closed‑toed shoes are required; drawstrings on clothing should not be worn on the playground for safety reasons.
Can children take photos?
Yes—participants are encouraged to bring a phone or camera to take pictures of the animals.
Is the program aligned with school standards?
Yes—the program incorporates STEM concepts and aligns with Next Generation Science Standards for grades K–6 and can be customized to meet educational requirements.