There’s something special about watching someone encounter an animal up close for the very first time — the wide eyes, the cautious reach, the sudden burst of delight. That’s exactly the magic that Inland Regional Center’s The Animal Experience delivered once again this year, bringing the community together for an unforgettable morning in Colton.
On Saturday, March 21, 2026, IRC’s In-Roads Creative Programs location transformed into a world of jungle wonder, welcoming attendees ages 5 and up for a two-hour adventure unlike anything else in the community.
Meet the Animals — Up Close and Personal
This year, IRC partnered with Reptacular Animals Ranch to bring an incredible lineup of creatures for guests to meet, touch, and learn about. Whether attendees were seasoned animal lovers or picking up a reptile for the very first time, the joy in the room was impossible to miss. Reptacular Animals Ranch brought expertise, passion, and a genuine love for connecting people with wildlife, making every single person feel comfortable, curious, and excited to get involved.
Learning That Sticks
One of the things that makes The Animal Experience truly unique is its commitment to accessibility and inclusive learning. ASL interpretation was provided throughout the event, ensuring that Deaf and Hard of Hearing attendees could fully participate in every moment.
The scavenger hunt gave participants a fun, hands-on way to explore space and engage with everything they were learning. Balloon animals were part of the hunt, adding a creative and playful element to the adventure. It was the kind of activity that kept everyone, young kids especially, moving, laughing, and discovering something new.
Food, Fun, and Community
No community gathering is complete without good food, and The Animal Experience delivered on that front too. After all that excitement, guests sat down to share a meal together — a simple but meaningful way to close out the morning with warmth and connection.
Best of all, admission was completely free. IRC’s commitment to creating accessible, enriching experiences for its consumers and their families means that cost is never a barrier to belonging.
A Tradition Worth Celebrating
What began as a dream of bringing people and animals together has grown into one of IRC’s most beloved annual events. Each year builds on the last — new animals, new activities, new memories — while holding onto the heart of what makes it special: a community that shows up for one another, ready to learn, laugh, and be amazed together.
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