Field Trips
Field trips for every grade,
K–5
Our field trips are built so students can come back as they grow. Each one fits the age it serves, guided by The Wild Path Home, a research-based guide that maps the outdoor experiences children need at each age, from infancy through the teen years, to grow into adults who care for the land.
K–3 · Play. A day to wade, dig, build, and explore at their own pace. Book it any year.
2nd or 3rd grade · Investigate. Students look closely at who lives here and what each plant and animal needs to thrive.
4th–5th grade · Tend. Students pick up tools and work on the land: harvesting seed, planting, rebuilding a creekbed.
Students return to the same land as they grow: first to play on it, then to study it, then to tend to it.
Field Day (Grades k-3)
Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri • 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Cost: $6/per student
Come play at Thorne’s unique nature playground at the Lafayette Nature Center! This immersive experience invites students to spend up to 3 hours with exclusive access to our nature center’s outdoor educational features. After an engaging educator-led activity, classes enjoy teacher-guided exploration and free time to play and discover!
Nature's Recipe (Grades 2-3)
Mon, Thu, Fri • 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Cost: $12/per student
Come join us for Thorne’s signature field trip at the Lafayette Nature Center! This immersive experience invites students into the heart of Colorado’s natural landscapes to investigate what makes a habitat healthy for plants, animals, and people alike.
Standards addressed (NGSS): 2-LS4-1, 2-LS2-1
Stewardship Days (Grades 4-5)
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri • 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Cost: $12/per student
Come learn about and help restore Colorado native plants at the Lafayette Nature Center! 4th & 5th graders learn how natives support wildlife, soil, and water. Walk, ID plants, then rotate through seasonal stations: seed harvest, garden beds, planting, creek bed restoration. Every class leaves the land healthier!
Standards addressed (NGSS): 5-LS2-1, 4-ESS2-1, 5-ESS3-1
For more information about Field Trip Programs contact Christian Fowler (Field Trip Lead) // christianf@thornenature.org
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Trip Today!
Field Trip FAQ
Booking & Registration
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All reservations are made through Thorne’s registration system, Sawyer. Through Sawyer you are able to select one of the three field trip options, which contain more detail about the program. For assistance, contact Christian F.
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Most field trips are available Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday throughout September–November and March–May. Please be sure to check which days are offered in the title.
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You may cancel your program at no cost (with the exception of the $20.00 administrative fee) with at least 10 days' notice. Requests made with less than 10 days' notice are not eligible for a refund. If Thorne Nature Experience cancels or reschedules the program, you will receive a full refund.
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Yes! Homeschool groups are welcome. Email Christian F. at christianf@thornenature.org to arrange your visit.
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We require a minimum of 25 participants per visit (students).
For the Nature's Recipe program, students rotate through stations in small groups of 10–15. Maximum capacity varies by program—contact us to discuss your group's needs.
Cost & Budgeting
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For Nature’s Recipe and Stewardship Day: $12.00 per student.
For Field Day: $6.00 per student.
All teachers and chaperones attend for free.
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Full program facilitation for Nature’s Recipe and Stewardship Day, and partial program facilitation for Field Day.
You’ll have exclusive access to facilities (Rabbit Creek, mud kitchen, playground, and tents etc.), and materials needed for programmatic activities.
Logistics & Weather
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Programs are held rain, snow, or shine. All activities take place outdoors in areas that may be wet or muddy. Please remind students and adults to dress appropriately for the season and expected weather conditions.
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On-site lunch areas are available either in our breezeway, or pavilions. 4th–5th (Stewardship Day) classes can stay up to 1 hour after the program for lunch and recess.
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Closed-toe shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and sun/rain gear as needed. Sunscreen is also encouraged. Most activities involve being in the sun for an extended periods. There is shade in various areas.
Program Details
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K–3: Nature Center Field Day (hands-on play and discovery) OR Nature's Recipe (ecosystem investigation)
4th–5th: Stewardship Day
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K–3: Up to 3 hours on-site
2nd: 9:30am-1:30pm
4th–5th: 9:30am-12:00pm, plus up to 1 hour for lunch/play after.
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This field trip gives your class exclusive access to Lafayette Nature Center's unique features—including the creekbed, mud kitchen, and shaded tents. A Thorne Nature educator kicks things off with a brief introduction, then teachers lead the rest of the visit at their own pace during the allotted time.
FIELD TRIP RESOURCES
Get the most out of Thorne’s field trip programs with these helpful resources.