If you’ve hit the summer doldrums and you’re looking for some animal-centric fun, look no further. We’ve rounded up a selection of interesting, exciting and generally intriguing activities that will entice you to jump in the car and enjoy a good old-fashioned summer road trip to indulge your love of animals and all-things-wildlife. Here are some of our favorite animal-related events taking place this summer.
Grab the family and enjoy some hands-on fun with wildlife this summer!
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Mustang Challenge – July 10-12, 2025
Marvel at the showmanship and skill of riders of American mustangs at this annual event. You don’t have to compete to attend. In fact, the general public is encouraged to attend and witness the majestic nature of the American mustang. Categories of competition include reining, trail and ranch riding. Tickets start at $31, and ages 3 and younger get in free. Learn more at mustangchallenge2025.com.
Wild America Nature Festival – July 19 & 20, 2025
Head to the most southwest corner of New York to enjoy two days of nature, art and food in a beautiful outdoor space. This annual event invites guests mingle with an array of creatures courtesy of WILD Creatures — snakes, lizards, mammals and more. And don’t miss the fascinating falconry display courtesy of American Hawkeye. The fun takes place July 19-20, 2025, at Panama Rocks, 11 Rock Hill Road, Panama, NY 14767. Learn more at panamarocks.com.
National Moth Week – July 19-27, 2025
Enjoy a virtual retreat with countless fellow moth-lovers from around the globe when you celebrate National Moth Week. During this week-long celebration, participants share moth species from their location to help crowd-source and contribute data that scientists then use to garner a better understanding of these mystical creatures. Find out more about how you can participate at nationalmothweek.org.
Shark Week – July 20-26, 2025
This is also a virtual celebration and one with a rich history and impassioned fanbase. This year, celebrate Discovery’s Shark Week with nightly shows airing each night starting at 8 p.m. EST. Intriguing titles like “Florida’s Death Beach,” “Attack of the Devil Shark,” and “How to Survive a Shark Attack” entice record numbers of viewers year over year. Tune in and you’ll see why! Get the complete schedule here.
Pony Swim – July 30, 2025
This year marks the 100th annual pony swim at Chincoteague Island. Be a part of this milestone festivity based on Misty of Chincoteague by Marguerite Henry. During the week leading up to the swim, guests can enjoy a variety of activities like the Southern and Northern Herd Round-ups, the Beach Walk and more. The festivities culminate in the swim, during which the Saltwater Cowboys swim the ponies across the Assateague Channel till they reach Chincoteague Island. Learn more about this one-of-a-kind event here.
Enchanted Wild Fest – August 2, 2025
Head to West Falls, NY, to enjoy a day filled with all-things-animals! This one-day event invites guests to have animal encounters, take in a flying bird show and become engulfed in a magical day of meeting the real counterparts to popular movie animals. Costumes are encouraged if that’s your thing, and the event takes place rain or shine. Tickets start at $10. Learn more at hawkcreek.org.
Woods, Water and Wildlife Festival — August 9, 2025
Milton Mills, New Hampshire, is where you’ll find a day’s worth of fun, animal-related activities. Enjoy wildlife presentations courtesy of Squam Lakes Science Center, youth fishing, farm animal encounters and more. There will be food trucks and drinks available as well. Learn more here.
Wildlife Festival – September 13, 2025
Head to Gainesville, Georgia, for this one-day event, featuring hands-on animal encounters, animal expert panels, family activities (think face-painting, food trucks, etc.) and more. Tickets go on sale August 1, 2025, and the fun takes place 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Learn more here.
