Prairie Pup Adventures at Plains Conservation Center

Prairie Pup Adventures at the Plains Conservation Center offers a fun way for preschool aged children to learn about the animals, plants and people who call the prairie home. Each week we will investigate a topic using hands on science, art and nature explorations. For children ages 3-6 with their accompanying caregiver.

May 5, 2026: Life on the Farm

Join us in the replica sod village farm to explore how people lived in the 1800s. Feed and brush the farm animals to learn about animal husbandry, tend to the heirloom garden and leave with a new appreciation for where your food comes from.

May 19, 2026: Campfire Safety

Summer campfires are so much fun and learning about campfire safety can be too! Listen to Native American fire stories, make an edible campfire and finish with toasting a marshmallow on a real outdoor campfire that you get to help build.

June 1, 2026: Nature and Art

Come explore the prairie with an artistic twist! After a nature walk to look for shapes, textures, colors and more, you’ll get creative with mud painting, yucca braiding and even an edible craft.

June 16, 2026: Summer Safari

Join us for a wagon ride across the prairie to explore the ecosystem. Use scientific tools like binoculars and magnifying glasses while we explore the difference between the high plains and the riparian area.

June 30, 2026: Sensory Adventures

Bring the world of plants to life using your five senses to explore their different colors, textures, shapes and smells. Learn about the many ways we use plants every day and plant seeds to grow at home.

July 14, 2026: Mammals of the Prairie

Hop, scamper and explore the world of prairie mammals! In this playful program, little learners discover animals that live on the plains, from burrowing prairie dogs to speedy rabbits and curious coyotes. Learn real biofacts, move like different mammals, and create a fun craft while learning how these furry animals survive on the prairie.

July 28, 2026: Farm Animals

Step back in time and experience life on a prairie homestead. Families meet friendly farm animals and learn what it was like to care for them on an 1800s farm. Children help feed the animals to discover how prairie farmers worked with these animals every day.

August 11, 2026: Birds of the Prairie

Flap, soar and sing as we explore the birds that call the prairie home. Children learn about different bird parts like wings, feathers, and beaks while discovering how birds fly and find food. The adventure concludes with a wagon ride out onto the plains to see if we can spot birds in their natural habitat.

August 25, 2026: Bugs, Bugs, and Bugs!

Get ready to crawl into the amazing world of bugs! Families explore invertebrates and other tiny prairie creatures through games, hands-on exploration, and close-up looks at real specimens. Children discover how these small but important animals live and help the prairie ecosystem.

September 8, 2026: Art in Nature

Nature is full of beautiful colors, shapes, and textures. ! In this creative program, children explore the prairie on a nature scavenger hunt and learn simple art ideas like texture and symmetry. Create unique works of art inspired by the prairie landscape using natural materials.

September 22, 2026: A Day on the Prairie

Travel back in time to the year 1887.! Families experience a day in the life for people living on the prairie long ago. Children try simple chores and activities that families did every day while learning how people worked and lived on the plains.

October 6, 2026: Plant Potions

Travel back in time to the year 1887! Families experience a day in the life for people living on the prairie long ago. Children try simple chores and activities that families did every day while learning how people worked and lived on the plains.

October 20, 2026: Creepy Crawly Critters

Some animals make people nervous—but they’re important to the prairie. In this fun and friendly program, families learn about spiders and snakes that live on the plains. Children explore biofacts, learn how these animals move and survive, and discover why even the creepiest crawlers help keep nature in balance.

November 3, 2026: Seeds

Tiny seeds can grow into amazing plants! In this hands-on program, children explore different kinds of seeds by looking closely, touching, and even tasting some edible varieties. Families learn about the parts of plants and discover how seeds help new plants grow on the prairie.

November 17, 2026: Cooking on the Prairie

Take a wagon ride to the sod village and experience cooking the old-fashioned way! Families learn how people prepared food on the prairie using a wood-burning stove. Children help prepare simple ingredients while discovering what cooking was like long ago.

December 1, 2026: Winter on the Prairie

Winter on the prairie brings big changes for animals! In this seasonal program, families learn how animals survive the cold through hibernation, migration, and other clever adaptations. Explore the prairie to look for signs of wildlife and discover how animals stay safe during winter.

December 15, 2026: Happy Holidays

Celebrate the holiday season on the prairie! Families learn about winter traditions and what the holidays might have been like for families living on the plains long ago. Children enjoy festive activities and enjoy celebrating the season together.

Duration: 1 hour

Audience: Recommended for children ages 3-6 years.

Program Fee One adult per child is admitted free of charge. Additional adults and non-participating siblings (children over the age of 6 years) are $5 each. Non-participating-Infants (children under the age of 18 months) are free.

Location: Plains Conservation Center, 21901 E Hampden Ave Aurora, CO 80013 (Entrance is at the corner of E Hampden Ave and S Picadilly Rd)