Big Animals for Little Kids is an all-volunteer organization in San Diego. Our purpose is to bring joy to children.

We dress in animal costumes and visit at-risk children in homeless shelters, hospitals, convalescent homes and residential facilities.

We entertain the kids by painting their faces, making balloon hats, taking Polaroid™ pictures of them with the animals, playing music and dancing. The kids keep the pictures and balloons as a remembrance of the day.

How It All Got Started!

In 1996, a small group of friends, inspired by their love for children, decided to do something special for children at-risk in San Diego. After considering various possibilities, they found something that fit their busy schedule and sense of adventure. They dressed in animal costumes and entertained the kids at Children’s Hospital’s annual Celebration of Champions.

It was an unqualified success! The kids were thrilled by the big goofy animals that were only there to love them. The volunteers were so touched by the experience they all asked to come back the next year. The Big Animals have been at every Celebrations of Champions since, and hold events for at-risk kids regularly.

How You Can Help

One thing we learned is that we really make a difference in these kid’s lives, but we can’t do it alone. In order to keep the special moments coming, we depend on members of the community for donations to help purchase and maintain the animal costumes, as well as all of the fun, balloons and other materials we use.

We rely completely on volunteers and have no paid staff, so 100% of our collected donations go toward providing events for the children. Any donation you make will be greatly appreciated and will be used to make a difference in the life of a child. Together, we are a a force of good in the lives of San Diego’s precious children.