Nature
Center
PROGRAMS
Programs and Space for our Community to come together
Lafayette Nature Center Experiences
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Child & Caregiver Program: Nature Together
Discover Nature Together, an 8-week nature play series designed for caregivers and their young children to play, explore, connect, and grow in community.
For children ages 0-5 and their caregivers.
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Field Trip Program: Nature's Recipe
Hands-on field trips at the Lafayette Nature Center invite students to explore Colorado’s ecosystems up close. Through guided activities, they practice observation, build confidence outdoors, and discover how people, plants, and animals are all connected.
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Nature's Workshop & Community Events
We host a variety of workshops and special events designed to bring people closer to nature. From immersive learning experiences to seasonal gatherings, these programs offer opportunities for all ages to explore, connect, and grow.
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Visit the Lafayette Nature Center
Enjoy world-class nature play areas and playgrounds, grassy field space, gazebos, a BBQ pit, and the natural beauty of nearby Coal Creek Open Space.
Free and open to the community during daylight hours year-round.
Come Visit us
Lafayette Nature Center
300 Old Laramie Trail E
Lafayette, CO 80026
Free to visit and open to the community from dawn to dusk year-round.
About the Center
The Lafayette Nature Center is a community hub where everyone can come together and enjoy nature. Whether you love climbing, digging, swinging, sliding, or simply relaxing in the fresh air, the Nature Center has something fun for everyone.
Highlights & FEATURES
Outdoor play and learning spaces, including nature playgrounds with features like sandpits with water, log structures, loose parts for building, and a nature-themed swing and slide.
Community gathering spaces with two first-come, first-served pavilions with picnic tables (one with electrical outlets and BBQ grill), and field space.
Connecting trail to nearby Coal Creek Open Space, an incredible natural area with giant cottonwood groves, abundant flora and fauna, and year-round access to water exploration.
Plan Your Visit
Hours: Open to the public from dawn to dusk year-round
Nature play areas and pavilions may be closed when in use by Thorne. The public is still welcome to visit at this time, but some areas may be unavailable if our groups are using them. Check our events calendar for availability.
Facilities:
On-site public restroom and drinking fountain
The Lafayette Nature Center is an outdoor center and does not have indoor exhibits
To keep the LNC safe for the community, please note the following:
No pets allowed
Please plan to pack out all trash. There are no public waste bins.
For more information about visiting the Lafayette Nature Center, email info@thornenature.org or call 303.499.3647 x100.
Upcoming events
Discover upcoming events and key program dates. Check back regularly, new events are added from time to time.