10 animal-friendly activities to do this spring break

Whether you're an animal lover, nature enthusiast, or simply looking for some unique experiences, here are 10 animal and family-friendly activities to make your spring break memorable while respecting and appreciating the creatures we share our planet with. 

1. Volunteer at an animal sanctuary 

Spend your break volunteering at a local animal sanctuary. From caring for rescued farm animals to helping to care for injured wildlife, your efforts can make a real difference for these animals. 

Learn more about what makes a farm sanctuary a good one!

2. Go on a wildlife watching adventure 🐦 

Explore nearby parks or nature reserves. Bring binoculars, a camera and a field guide to help you identify birds, mammals and other animals from a safe and respectful distance. You never know what you’ll find - even urban parks are crawling with critters!  

Photo: Janet M Kessler / Shutterstock

3. Attend workshops and tours  

Many wildlife centers and nature reserves offer educational workshops and guided tours focused on conservation, animal behaviour, and ecology. Check their schedules and join in on the learning experience. 

4. Explore pet-friendly destinations 🐶 

From beaches and hiking trails to pet-friendly cafes and breweries, there are plenty of places you and your pet can enjoy together. If you’re going a little further from home, look up pet-friendly accommodations and activities so your furry companions can enjoy the fun too! 

Photo: Reshetnikov_art / Shutterstock

5. Explore our animal activity books 

Introduce children to the world of animals while engaging in fun and educational activities. These free activity books feature animal facts, mazes, origami instructions, word searches, colouring sheets, and more!  
 
These resources are perfect for teaching children about animal welfare and conservation while having a blast.  

View activities

6. Get creative and make a nature collage! 🍁 

Collect leaves, flowers, twigs, and other natural materials during a nature walk, and use them to create beautiful collages inspired by wildlife and the outdoors. Arrange the materials on a piece of paper with some glue.  

Idea: Get creative and make some animals! (Don’t forget to share your beautiful creation with us on social media!) 

Photo: Oleksii Synelnykov (Left) / Elena Chevalier (Right) / Shutterstock

7. Participate in wildlife conservation projects 

Get involved in citizen science projects or conservation initiatives in your area. From monitoring bird populations to cleaning up beaches, there are numerous ways to contribute to wildlife conservation efforts.  

If there are no ongoing projects around you, you can still make an impact on your own. Grab your friends and family and take a walk around the block picking up garbage along the way. Every piece of trash removed from the environment potentially saves an animal from ingesting or getting entangled in it!  

8. Go on a sustainable wildlife tour 🐋 

Looking for something a little wilder? Book a wildlife tour with operators committed to sustainable and responsible tourism practices. Choose tours that prioritize wildlife conservation, minimize environmental impact, and support local communities. 

Learn more about Whale Heritage Sites, venues that offer and promote responsible and sustainable wild whale and dolphin watching.

Photo: Nico Faramaz / Shutterstock

9. Create a wildlife garden 🌸 

Spend your spring break transforming your backyard or a community space into a wildlife habitat garden. Choose native plants that attract birds, butterflies and other pollinators. Not only will you create a beautiful and biodiverse garden, but you'll also provide essential habitat and resources for local wildlife to thrive.  

Plus, gardening is a relaxing and rewarding activity that the whole family can enjoy together! 

Photo: Media Marketing / Shutterstock

10. Enjoy animal-free entertainment 

Skip activities that exploit or harm animals for entertainment, such as captive dolphin shows or elephant rides. Instead, opt for animal-free entertainment options like nature documentaries, outdoor concerts or cultural performances. 

Remember, if you can ride, hug or take a selfie with a wild animal, chances are it’s a cruel venue that doesn’t prioritize animal welfare.  
 
For more animal-friendly travel tips, check out our guide!

By choosing animal-friendly activities this spring break, you can have a fantastic time while promoting kindness and compassion towards all animals. Happy spring break!