School Programs at Chatfield Farms
Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms, managed in cooperation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, features a natural environment of 700 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. All programs may be modified in the event of inclement weather. A Spanish speaking bilingual instructor may be available upon request.
School group tours are available Monday-Thursday.
Chatfield Farms Location:
8500 W Deer Creek Canyon Road, Littleton, CO 80128
Submit a Summer Program Request for June-August 2023
Submit a School Program Request for Fall 2023
Guided Programs
Small groups of students explore Chatfield Farms through guided and self-guided activity stations. Programs cost $6 per student for schools within SCFD, $7 per student for schools outside SCFD. Small groups of students explore Chatfield Farms through guided and self-guided activity stations. Programs cost $6 per student for schools within SCFD, $7 per student for schools outside SCFD. One adult chaperone per every 10 students is required, one chaperone per every five students admitted free of charge. Additional chaperones are $7 each.
Pumpkin Discovery Day (Grades PreK–2)
Visit our mini pumpkin patch where each student gets to pick their own mini pumpkin to take home. Learn about the life cycle of a pumpkin plant, explore the mini corn maze and complete other fun fall activities on the farm. Offered select Mondays-Thursdays in September.
Pumpkin Festival School Groups (Grades PreK–5)
School groups may attend Pumpkin Festival on Friday, October 6. Visit will be self-guided.
Special event price: $8 per student without pumpkin, $10 per student with mini pumpkin (the additional $2 includes one miniature pumpkin per student to take home). One adult chaperone per every five students is required, additional adults $14 each.
School Group Farm Program (Grades PreK–12)
See where food is grown, explore the historical Hildebrand Ranch site and learn about the history and future of farming in Colorado.
Sustainability 101 (Grades K–12)
From water conservation to the foods we consume, learn about all the ways we incorporate sustainability into daily life on the farm. Take new ideas and strategies back with you to implement at school or at home.
Ecosystem Adventure (Grades 1–12)
From wetlands to prairies, discover the important ecosystems and habitats along Deer Creek. Students investigate how plants and animals are adapted to survive in different ecosystems.
Corn Maze Explorers (Grades 3–5)
Learn about all about amazing maize, the life cycle of corn, and its many important uses. Test your navigation skills in our 7-acre corn maze. Offered select Mondays-Thursdays in October.
High School Service-Learning Projects (Grades 9–12)
Bring Garden and Farm careers to life for your students during a service-learning day. Service projects include helping in the produce fields, flower beds, assisting with research activities across the property and may include moving large quantities of materials or weeding.
October 2, 10 a.m. – noon; after the program your group is free to explore the site and/or eat lunch.
Self-Guided School Visit (All Grades)
Whether you have your own curriculum to follow or you just want your class to enjoy unstructured time exploring Deer Creek and the Hildebrand Ranch, a self-guided visit may be the perfect way for your class to experience Chatfield Farms. Education staff will greet and orient your group, then you are on your own to explore.
Self-guided visits cost $5 per student for schools within SCFD, $6 per student for schools outside SCFD. Advance reservations are required for all self-guided visits. One adult chaperone per every 10 students is required, one chaperone per every five students admitted free. Additional chaperones are $7 each.
Call 720-865-3656 or email school.groups@botanicgardens.org with any questions.
A limited amount of scholarship money is available to support schools with 50 percent or more participation in the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Program.