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!

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

Public Raptor Center Tour – Mar 15, 2025 – 2:00 PM Reservation Time Slot

March 15, 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 – Mar 15, 2025 – 1:00 PM Reservation Time Slot

March 15, 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 – Mar 15, 2025 – 12:00 PM Reservation Time Slot

March 15, 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 – Mar 15, 2025 – 11:00 AM Reservation Time Slot

March 15, 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. […]

March: Yoga on the River!

March 22, 2025
Nature & Wildlife Discovery Center
Yoga on the River! Every 4th Saturday *Some dates are modified to celebrate the solstices and the equinoxes*   River Campus of the Nature and Wildlife Discovery Center on Saturday March 22,2025 10am-11am Please Note: If temperatures are forecasted to be under 50 degrees this program will be canceled. During this completely outdoor yoga our bodies and hands will be pressed against the ground and we want to make sure you are comfortable. Preferred age group: Ages 13 and up Please meet near the deck in front of our main riverfront building. Capacity of 25 participants *All participants are required…

Public Raptor Center Tour – Mar 29, 2025 – 2:00 PM Reservation Time Slot

March 29, 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 – Mar 29, 2025 – 1:00 PM Reservation Time Slot

March 29, 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 – Mar 29, 2025 – 12:00 PM Reservation Time Slot

March 29, 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 – Mar 29, 2025 – 11:00 AM Reservation Time Slot

March 29, 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. […]

Wings & Wonders Day Camp 2025 (4-6 Grade)

June 9 - 13, 2025
River Campus & Mountain Campus
Wings & Wonders Day Camp Campers entering 4th-6th: Your child will embark on an exciting journey of discovery across both NWDC campuses during this one-of-a-kind camp! They’ll dive into the fascinating world of modern-day dinosaurs—birds! Our expert rangers will reveal how animals navigate using their own internal compass, and teach your child to do the same. They'll get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at wildlife rehabilitation, plus so much more! With plenty of hands-on activities, nature hikes, and opportunities to explore diverse bird species, it’s the perfect adventure for curious minds. Join us for an unforgettable, fun-filled experience! Camp location details:…

Raptor Day Camp 2025 (4-6 grade)

June 16 - 20, 2025
River Campus & Raptor Center
Raptor Day Camp Campers entering 4th-6th: Student must have graduated 3rd grade and be at least 9 years old. Wild about birds of prey? Spend a week among these magnificent creatures. Experience what it takes to operate a wildlife rehabilitation facility. This premier camp is very popular and limited to 9 participants so register early! NEW ADVENTURES this year!! What's included in the price? -5 fun filled days spent around the Birds of Prey & Nature exploration. -Behind the scenes look at our Raptor Center Facility. -Unforgettable memories with our resident raptors. -NWDC Camp T-shirt Please note: There are other…

Fish Tales Day Camp 2025 (3-6 Grade)

June 23 - 27, 2025
River Campus
Fish Tales Fishing Camp!  Campers entering 3rd-6th: Let your child craft their very own fishing tale during NWDC’s beginners' fishing camp! By camps’ end, they will master the essentials of fishing, knot tying, fish identification, and tackle box packing. We will also embark on an exciting tour of our state's fish hatchery. Join us for a “reel-y” good time as we partner with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to make this fishing experience a true catch! This camp is a community favorite! Spots are limited and fill quickly! Sign up today! Camp location details: This camp will take place at our River…

Raptor Naturalist Day Camp 2025 (7-10 Grade)

July 7 - 11, 2025
River Campus & Raptor Center
  Raptor Naturalist Day Camp Campers entering 7th-10th: Students must have graduated 6th grade and be at least 11 years old. This camp takes our Raptor Camp to the next level! Elevate your child’s experience with our Raptor Naturalist Camp! Campers will undergo special training to handle a bird of prey and learn how to publicly speak on its captivating story with others. The grand finale of this camp includes presentations by our newly minted Raptor Junior Naturalists! This exclusive camp, limited to just 8 participants, is a sought-after opportunity, so please secure your child’s spot EARLY for an experience…

Nature Explorers Day Camp 2025 (k-2 grade)

July 14 - 18, 2025
River Campus
Spend five days exploring the wonders of the Nature & Wildlife Discovery Center- River Campus!

Outdoor Skills & Escapades Camp 2025 (6-9 grade)

July 21 - 25, 2025
River Campus, Mountain Campus and Off-site locations
Outdoor Skills & Escapades Camp Campers entering 6-9 grade: Student must have graduated 5th grade and be at least 11 years old. New this year! Experience the ultimate thrill of outdoor adventure at both our River Campus and Mountain Campus. This camp is a fresh addition to our lineup this year, with a seamless blend of day and overnight adventures. Your child will experience two whole days of fly fishing along the Arkansas River with expert instruction from Trout Unlimited & The Drift Fly Shop. They will have the opportunity to “hit the target” with the skill of archery. Then,…

Mission: Wolf Overnight Camp 2025 (7-10 Grade)

July 28 - 31, 2025
Offsite -Mission: Wolf Sanctuary
Mission: Wolf Overnight Camp Campers entering 7th-10th: Student must have graduated 6th grade and be at least 12 years old. Spend time with the resident wolves of the Mission: Wolf Sanctuary, volunteer to support this wonderful organization, and learn all about the role wolves play in ecosystems. Camp beneath the stars as the wolves gently sing us to sleep in the majestic Sangre De Cristo Mountain Range. Camp location-Mission: Wolf Sanctuary. Click the link below for more information on Mission Wolf: https://www.missionwolf.org/mission What's included in the price? - Mission Wolf Caretaker Membership (https://www.missionwolf.org/become-a-wolf-caretaker) -All Meals & Snacks for Days 2-4…