A Program of Thorne Nature Experience
 

CAREGIVER + CHILD

 
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Nature Together: A Caregiver & Child Nature Play Series

An 8‑week outdoor nature‑play series for caregivers & young children, Fall Session September–October 2025

Nature Together is an 8-week series that creates opportunities for young children and their caregivers to build community, connect with nature, and nurture well-being through sensory exploration, play, and shared experiences outdoors. Rooted in nature-based learning and play, each session will offer gentle rhythms, seasonal activities, and open-ended free play that foster connection to self, to each other, and to the natural world. 

This program recognizes that both caregivers and children thrive in nature and designs intentional space for joy, curiosity, and meaningful connection.

PROGRAM Details

  • Who: Caregivers with children (0-5 years, split into two age tracks)

  • Schedule for Two Age Tracks:

    • Nestlings in Nature- for pre-walkers in carriers and their caregivers: Tuesdays, 9:00 am-10:15 am

    • Nature Explorers- for toddlers through preschoolers and their caregivers: Tuesdays, 10:30 am- 12:00 pm

      ***Nature Explorers is currently full- CLICK HERE to join the waitlist! (updated 7/30/25)***

  • Where: Lafayette Nature Center & adjacent Coal Creek Open Space (held rain or shine, with shelter options if needed)

  • Cost: $200 per child + optional siblings $50

  • Registration: Fall session registration opens on July 23, 2025, at 10 am.

PROGRAM DeSCRIPTIONS

Nestlings in Nature- pre-walkers in carriers and their caregivers

Discover the wonders of nature at the Lafayette Nature Center and gentle walks along Coal Creek. Designed for caregivers with little ones in carriers in mind, these pint-sized explorations invite us to slow down, connect, and experience the magic tucked into the wild spaces close to home. Each experience will include activities for babies and nature walks. Whether your child rides along in a front pack, sling, wrap, or sits in a stroller, it’s the perfect way to meet other families and share the joy of time outdoors. 

  • Who: Geared towards babies in carriers and their caregivers  

  • What: 8-class outdoor, nature connection series 

  • When: September 9 to October 28, 2025; Tuesdays, 9:00 am-10:15 am 

  • Where: Meets at the Promotores Gazebo at Lafayette Nature Center 

  • Cost: $200 per 8-week session 

    Note about Siblings: For families with children of different ages, including babies, toddlers, and preschoolers, please consider signing up for Nature Explorers and bringing babies along at no extra cost. For Nestlings in Nature, older siblings may join on a case-by-case basis. 

Nature Explorers- toddlers through preschoolers and their caregivers

***This program is currently full- CLICK HERE to join the waitlist! (updated 7/30/25)***

Let your little ones’ curiosity run wild as we explore the Lafayette Nature Center and nearby Coal Creek trails together. Nature Explorers is designed for toddlers and preschoolers to connect with nature through joyful, child-led play, simple songs, stories, and hands-on discovery that follow the gifts of the season. With plenty of space for wonder, movement, and social connection, this program supports early friendships, outdoor confidence, and community among caregivers — all while celebrating the beauty of the natural world right near home.  

  • Who: Geared towards toddlers and preschoolers and their caregivers

  • What: 8-class outdoor, nature connection series 

  • When: September 9 to October 28, 2025; Tuesdays, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm 

  • Where: Meet at the Promotores Gazebo at Lafayette Nature Center 

  • Cost: $200 per child per 8-week session

    • Babies join free

    • Additional siblings $50 per child per 8-week session 

Note about Siblings: Infants in carriers or strollers are welcome to join Nature Explorers at no extra cost. Additional siblings within the age range are an additional $50, and older siblings beyond the age range may join as helpers on a case-by-case basis. Families with non-walkers seeking a quieter experience are encouraged to sign up for Nestlings in Nature. 

REGISTRATION

Registration now for the 2025 fall session! Space is limited, as we keep classes intentionally small to foster community and create an ideal learning environment for young children.

***Nature Explorers is currently full- CLICK HERE to join the waitlist! (updated 7/30/25)***

FUTURE SESSIONS

Interested in future sessions? The Fall 2025 Nature Together series is a pilot program. Based on how it goes and the level of community interest, we hope to offer more sessions in future seasons. Join the Interest List to receive updates about upcoming opportunities.

 
 
 
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Nature Together- Frequently Asked Questions

    • Nestlings in Nature (Tuesdays 9:00 am–10:15 am): Ideal for babies in carriers and pre-walkers and their caregivers. If you have an older child, please consider signing up for Nature Explorers and bringing your baby to that at no extra cost. 

    • Nature Explorers (Tuesdays 10:30 am–12:00 pm): Designed for toddlers through preschoolers, typically ages 2–5, with flexibility for caregivers to bring babies and siblings. 

      If you're unsure where your child fits best, we’re happy to help you decide based on your child’s stage.  

  • Yes. For families with children of different ages, including babies, toddlers, and preschoolers, please consider signing up for Nature Explorers and bringing babies along at no extra cost. For Nature Explorers, additional siblings within the age range are an additional $50 and older siblings beyond the age range may join as helpers on a case-by-case basis.

  • We use a balance of gentle rhythms, seasonal activities, and open-ended nature play. Each session includes time for group connection, a shared activity or invitation, and plenty of unstructured exploration.

  • Sample Flow: 

    • Arrival: Loose parts play on tarps (infant-safe sensory materials) 

    • Opening Circle: Songs with sign language, theme introduction, caregiver check-in 

    • Sensory Walk: Caregivers explore with babies (focus on textures, sights, sounds) 

    • Quiet Connection Time: Silent pause to connect with self, baby, and nature 

    • Closing Song or Story 

  • Sample Flow of Nature Explorers: 

    • Arrival: Open exploration with loose parts and materials 

    • Opening Circle: Songs, welcome activity, theme introduction 

    • Nature Walk & Discovery: Play-based exploration, guided observations, collection of natural items 

    • Storytime or Snack (optional, depending on group needs) 

    • Free Play and Social Connection Time 

    • Closing Song or Reflection

  • We play in rain or shine or snow! Nature Together is designed to embrace all kinds of weather, helping children and caregivers grow comfortable outdoors year-round. In cases of extreme weather (e.g., lightning, hazardous air quality, severe storms), we will notify families of any schedule changes.

  • No, this is a caregiver and child experience. Caregivers actively participate alongside their children to foster shared connection and learning.

  • All caregivers are welcome—parents, grandparents, relatives, family friends, nannies, babysitters or other trusted adults.

  • We understand life happens and we scaled the pricing to accommodate some missed classes. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer refunds for missed classes.

    1. The 8-week series costs $200 per child, and $50 for additional siblings. Babies are welcome in Nature Explorers at no extra cost.  

    Your fee supports high-quality programming, experienced educators, materials, permits, and a safe, welcoming environment. 

  • Yes. We are committed to making Nature Together accessible to all families. Please contact us to inquire about scholarships or sliding-scale options.

  • We recommend: 
    ✔ Comfortable clothes for you and your child that can get muddy or wet 
    ✔ Appropriate Layers for changing weather 
    ✔ Sturdy shoes for uneven ground 
    ✔ Water bottles and snacks 
    ✔ A baby carrier (for Nestlings in Nature) 
    ✔ Sunscreen/hat or rain gear depending on the forecast 

  • We meet at the Promotores Gazebo at the Lafayette Nature Center (300 Old Laramie Trail, Lafayette). Parking and restrooms are available on-site.

  • We will start a group chat over text to allow for real-time communication when needed. 

  • For Nestlings in Nature, most families use carriers, slings, or wraps, but using a stroller is an option too.

  • For Children: 

    • Early sensory development and cognitive stimulation 

    • Confidence and comfort in natural spaces 

    • Social interaction with peers in developmentally appropriate settings 

    For Caregivers: 

    • Increased social connection and peer support 

    • Exposure to strategies for engaging young children in nature 

    • Access to resources supporting postpartum well-being 

    For Community: 

    • Strengthens family bonds to nature and local outdoor spaces 

    • Nurtures a culture of inclusion, belonging, and outdoor engagement 

  • We are currently only offering this series in English. If you are interested in programs in Spanish, please reach out to info@thornenature.org.

  • Our Fall 2025 Nature Together series is a pilot program. Depending on how the experience unfolds and community interest, we hope to offer this program in additional seasons in the future.

Questions? Please reach out to us at info@thornenature.org or 303.499.3647.

 
 
 
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