chatfield school programs

Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield features a natural environment of 750 acres. Come explore the plants, animals and history of this unique site located near the intersection of C-470 and Wadsworth Blvd. in Littleton. Whether exploring the wetlands, riparian area or historical farm, students are sure to walk away with a newfound appreciation for life and the natural world that surrounds them.

Guided programs are no longer available at Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield.  Please choose from the self-guided Discovery Backpacks, Discovery Days or self-guided visits. 

Click here for directions to Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield.

Reservations:
Reservations must be made a minimum of two weeks in advance for Discovery Backpacks and Pumpkin Patch programs (both on a space-available basis). To schedule a visit or program, please call 303-973-3705. Shortly after you make a reservation, you will receive a confirmation e-mail. Please make sure to read our general information before your field trip.

Pumpkin Patch (Grades PreK-2)
Watch a brief video in the Schoolhouse to learn how pumpkins grow. Proceed with your group to the Pumpkin Patch to complete a scavenger hunt and pick out a class pumpkin to take home.
Cost:  Pumpkin Patch programs cost $2 per student and $2 per adult. For an additional $2, each child may choose a pumpkin of his/her own.
When: Mid-September to early October 

Discovery Backpacks
Explore the site on your own as adult chaperones lead small groups in hands-on activities related to the backpack's theme. When using our Discovery Backpacks, your group should be broken in smaller groups of no more than 10 students. Each small group will be given a Discovery Backpack to be completed under the leadership of an adult chaperone.
Cost: Discovery Backpacks are $1.50 per student for schools within the SCFD, $3.50 per student for schools outside the SCFD. One adult chaperone (parent or teacher) for every ten students is admitted free of charge.  Extra adults must pay $2 each, no exceptions. 

Exploring Plants (Grades 1-6)
Discover the diversity of plants while creating lasting memories to take home.

Exploring Animals (Grades 1-6)
Look for and identify different types of animals and their signs.   

Self-Guided Visit
Groups are welcome to visit Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield at any time. Whether you have your own curriculum to follow or you just want your class to enjoy the beauty of the natural world, a self-guided visit may be the perfect way for your class to explore Chatfield. 
Cost:  Self-guided visits will need to pay the entry fee of $5 per passenger vehicle, $8 for buses or vans seating 6-15 people, $15 for buses seating 16-30 people and $30 for buses seating 31+ people.