Our Programs

The Nature & Wildlife Discovery Center offers programs for all ages. From guided raptor tours to backcountry adventures, we’ve got the perfect program to get you outdoors and connecting with nature. We can accommodate groups of all sizes. Age-specific activities for children are designed to meet the specific social, emotional, physical, and developmental needs of children. Upon request, similar activities may be offered to meet the needs of other age groups as skill-level, staffing, and scheduling permit. Keep reading below for additional details about the variety of programs we offer.

Please fill out the Inquiry Form below to inquire about a personalized program you would like to plan with NWDC. Select “I would like more information”, the type of program you are interested in, and your preferred date. Our program director will follow up with you promptly. Don’t forget to ask about our member discount!

Please book two weeks in advance of your desired personalized program date. A lot of behind-the-scenes magic goes into each program, and we want to be sure your experience is top-notch. Thank you in advance!

Special Events Coming Up

chili fundraiser flyer
winter solstice event flyer

Monthly/Seasonal Programs

In addition to the public programs below which often include educational elements, we offer several specifically educational programs for pre-K through 10th grade that run throughout the school year. See our education page for more information about them.

Knee High
Nature Hour

First Friday — Preferred pre-school aged children
(with adult chaperone)

Family Discovery
Day

Second Saturday — Everyone (all ages)
(an adult must accompany children)

Public Raptor
Tours

Second and Fourth Saturday — Everyone (all ages)
(an adult must accompany children)

Arkansas Valley Audubon Society (AVAS) Bird Walks

Fourth Saturday of the month, year-round — Suitable for families and birders of all levels

Self-Guided
Reflections Hike

Second Sunday of the month, year-round —
Everyone (all ages)
(an adult must accompany children)

Yoga On
the River

First Saturday of the month, spring-fall —
Ages 13 and up
(Participants < 18 with an adult)

Girl Scouts of Colorado NWDC Badge Workshops

Twice a year (fall and spring) — Brownie Girl Scouts
(with parent or guardian)

Summer Camps
(Day and Overnight)

June to the first week of August —
Kindergarteners-10th graders
(registrations open March 1st)

Low Element
Challenge Course

Anytime (at Mountain Campus) —
Any school group, non-profit,
or corporate organization

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Program Inquiry Packet

Front Page of Programs Inquiry Packet

Discovery Awaits!

Our Program Inquiry Packet includes NWDC’s 2024 nature programs and program add-ons, as well as information on our group development programs, low-element challenge course, and bird of prey presentations. All of our lessons are built around natural science themes, and incorporate state educational standards in all the major academic fields: science, geography, reading, writing, math, history, health, and physical education. Please click below to download the packet and review our prices.

On the last page is a fillable reservation form. Please download the packet, complete the reservation form, and then email it to our Programs team at programs@hikeandlearn.org to begin your formal inquiry. Adventure is just around the corner, and we can’t wait to get you outside with us!

Download Packet

AVAS 4th Saturday Bird Walks

Open Dates
River Campus Deck
Bird walks are BACK! […]

Secure a Spot in Earthkeeper Nature School

Open Dates
Earthkeeper Nature School is now taking enrollments for the 2023/2024 school year!

NWDC Gift Shop Gift Certificate

Open Dates
This option is for a gift certificate to one of NWDC's Gift Shops

First Day Hike 2025!

January 1, 2025
River Campus & Lake Pueblo State Park
First Day Hike! In partnership with Lake Pueblo State Park and the Colorado Lottery 12pm-3pm Self Guided Hike at the Pueblo River Campus! Start the Year off on the Right Foot! Take the first step towards a healthy lifestyle by getting outdoors and enjoying a First Day Hike. The Nature and Wildlife Discovery Center, Lake Pueblo State Park and the Colorado Lottery are teaming up to offer a family fun First Day Hike. Participants may either begin/end at the Nature and Wildlife Discovery Center or begin/end at Anticline Pond at Lake Pueblo State Park. The hike follows the River Trail…

January: Knee High Nature Hour at the NWDC River Campus!

January 3, 2025
Nature & Wildlife Discovery Center
Knee High Nature Hour!   With Ranger Deb Calling all tiny tots! Come and explore the  River Campus of the Nature and Wildlife Discovery Center on Friday January 3, 2025 12pm-1pm, with gentle hikes, crafts, stories, and more! Preferred age group: Preschool Topic: "Colors in Nature!" Please meet at the picnic tables in front of our main riverfront building. Donations are always appreciated. Dress to be outside – the program lasts an hour, and we will be outside for the whole program. Program is limited to 15 tiny tots, registration is encouraged.     Last Month little Rangers learned all about…

Public Raptor Center Tour – Jan 4, 2025 – 2:00 PM Reservation Time Slot

January 4, 2025
NWDC Raptor Center
Reserve your 2:00 PM, 45-minute guided visit by registering below. Join us for a one-of-a-kind tour to meet and greet resident birds of prey and get a behind the scenes look at our Raptor Center! Guided visit pricing is $5 per participant for adults and kids age 12 and over; pricing for children age 4-11 is $3 per participant, and young children ages 0-3 get in free. […]

Public Raptor Center Tour – Jan 4, 2025 – 1:00 PM Reservation Time Slot

January 4, 2025
NWDC Raptor Center
Reserve your 1:00 PM, 45-minute guided visit by registering below. Join us for a one-of-a-kind tour to meet and greet resident birds of prey and get a behind the scenes look at our Raptor Center! Guided visit pricing is $5 per participant for adults and kids age 12 and over; pricing for children age 4-11 is $3 per participant, and young children ages 0-3 get in free. […]

Public Raptor Center Tour – Jan 4, 2025 – 12:00 PM Reservation Time Slot

January 4, 2025
NWDC Raptor Center
Reserve your 12:00 PM, 45-minute guided visit by registering below. Join us for a one-of-a-kind tour to meet and greet resident birds of prey and get a behind the scenes look at our Raptor Center! Guided visit pricing is $5 per participant for adults and kids age 12 and over; pricing for children age 4-11 is $3 per participant, and young children ages 0-3 get in free. […]

Public Raptor Center Tour – Jan 4, 2025 – 11:00 AM Reservation Time Slot

January 4, 2025
NWDC Raptor Center
Reserve your 11:00 AM, 45-minute guided visit by registering below. Join us for a one-of-a-kind tour to meet and greet resident birds of prey and get a behind the scenes look at our Raptor Center! Guided visit pricing is $5 per participant for adults and kids age 12 and over; pricing for children age 4-11 is $3 per participant, and young children ages 0-3 get in free. […]

Public Raptor Center Tour – Jan 18, 2025 – 2:00 PM Reservation Time Slot

January 18, 2025
NWDC Raptor Center
Reserve your 2:00 PM, 45-minute guided visit by registering below. Join us for a one-of-a-kind tour to meet and greet resident birds of prey and get a behind the scenes look at our Raptor Center! Guided visit pricing is $5 per participant for adults and kids age 12 and over; pricing for children age 4-11 is $3 per participant, and young children ages 0-3 get in free. […]

Public Raptor Center Tour – Jan 18, 2025 – 1:00 PM Reservation Time Slot

January 18, 2025
NWDC Raptor Center
Reserve your 1:00 PM, 45-minute guided visit by registering below. Join us for a one-of-a-kind tour to meet and greet resident birds of prey and get a behind the scenes look at our Raptor Center! Guided visit pricing is $5 per participant for adults and kids age 12 and over; pricing for children age 4-11 is $3 per participant, and young children ages 0-3 get in free. […]

Public Raptor Center Tour – Jan 18, 2025 – 12:00 PM Reservation Time Slot

January 18, 2025
NWDC Raptor Center
Reserve your 12:00 PM, 45-minute guided visit by registering below. Join us for a one-of-a-kind tour to meet and greet resident birds of prey and get a behind the scenes look at our Raptor Center! Guided visit pricing is $5 per participant for adults and kids age 12 and over; pricing for children age 4-11 is $3 per participant, and young children ages 0-3 get in free. […]

Public Raptor Center Tour – Jan 18, 2025 – 11:00 AM Reservation Time Slot

January 18, 2025
NWDC Raptor Center
Reserve your 11:00 AM, 45-minute guided visit by registering below. Join us for a one-of-a-kind tour to meet and greet resident birds of prey and get a behind the scenes look at our Raptor Center! Guided visit pricing is $5 per participant for adults and kids age 12 and over; pricing for children age 4-11 is $3 per participant, and young children ages 0-3 get in free. […]