Español

Caregiver & Child

Nature Together Programs

Nature Together

Outdoor nature‑play programs for caregivers & young children. Programs are offered to children ages 0 to 5.

At Nature Together, young children and their caregivers build community, connect with nature, and nurture well-being through sensory exploration, play, and shared experiences outdoors. Rooted in nature-based learning and play, programs offer gentle rhythms, seasonal activities, and open-ended free play that foster connection to self, to each other, and to the natural world. 

Both caregivers and children thrive in nature, and these programs create an intentional space for joy, curiosity, and meaningful connection.

Spring and Fall Sessions

Spring session days, dates, and times are TBD

  • 8-week sessions

  • Sign up for the whole session ($240)

  • Consistent cohort enhances community building

  • Regular repeated outdoor play experiences strengthen connection with nature

Winter Sessions

1st week of January through the 1st week of March 2027

Tuesdays, 9:30 AM-11:00 AM and Wednesdays, 10:30 AM-12:00 PM

  • 16 drop-in classes over 8 weeks

  • Purchase 5-pack before you register ($30 per class - $150) or purchase the full 8-week semester ($240)

  • Choose which classes to sign up for without committing to every week

  • Free trial available for new families

About the 5-class pack

You still sign up for classes ahead of time. When you are ready to commit to the classes that work best for you, you can register for one or more classes, and your class pack will apply at check out so you won’t have to pay.

Need more than 5 classes? Families that purchase a winter class pack will receive a coupon code to add on additional classes at the $30 rate!

Class Transfers: If you need to change your registered class date, please request a transfer by emailing Erin Saunders (erin@thornenature.org) as soon as possible so another family can use the open spot. To avoid using one of your five classes (or an additional drop-in class), you must request a transfer before 3:00 p.m. the day prior to your scheduled class. Transfer requests made after this deadline will count as a used class.

Purchase your 5-class pack

Sign up for the individual classes, or the full semester here! (If you have already purchased the 5 class-pack, they will automatically be applied at check out!

  • Let your little ones’ curiosity run wild as we explore the Lafayette Nature Center and nearby Coal Creek trails together.

  • Let your little ones’ curiosity run wild as we explore the Lafayette Nature Center and nearby Coal Creek trails together.

  • Let your little ones’ curiosity run wild as we explore East Boulder Community Park and nearby trails together. Program ran by Growing Up Boulder.

Nature Together FAQ

Age / Participation

  • Yes. Nature Together is billed on a per-family basis, so siblings and their caregiver can attend.

  • 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.

Program Format & Activities

  • 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.

Logistics & Weather

  • 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.

  • 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 non-walking children)
    ✔ Sunscreen/hat or rain gear depending on the forecast 

  • Most families use carriers, slings, or wraps, but using a stroller is an option too.

Payment / Attendance / Accessibility

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

  • 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.

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