General Information for Chatfield Farms School Groups

Location, Directions and Transportation  

8500 W Deer Creek Canyon Road, Littleton, CO 80128

Here is information about parking, transportation and accessibility

Prior to Your Visit

• Payment is due one week prior to the date of the program. See payment instructions below.
• Review the safety and behavior guidelines listed below with your students and adult chaperones.
• Many programs take place entirely outdoors regardless of weather.
• Encourage your students to come dressed for the outdoors and quickly changing weather conditions. Layers of clothing, sturdy shoes, a hat, sunscreen and a water bottle are highly recommended. Access to drinking fountains or water refill stations onsite is dependent on weather.
• All groups are required to bring one adult for every 10 students. Please coordinate this in advance as Chatfield Farms has the right to refuse admittance to groups with too few adults. One adult chaperone per every 5 students is admitted free of charge; additional chaperones are $7 each.
• For guided groups: depending on the size of your group, you will be split into a number of smaller groups. Please be prepared to split up and make sure there is at least one adult per small group.
• Although we are in close proximity, Chatfield Farms is not associated with Chatfield State Park. Please make sure you know how to get to Chatfield Farms prior to your departure.

Pre-Payment for All School Groups Visits

• We require advance payment for all school group visits. Final payment is due one week before the program. Additional children or chaperones will result in additional cost the day of the program. Bringing fewer students does not result in a refund because we must prepare for your final number of students.
• You may pay by check or with credit card. Payments are not accepted the day of.
• When paying by check, please make the check out to Denver Botanic Gardens. Mail it to 909 York Street, Denver, CO  80206; Attn: School Programs with the confirmation number in the memo.
• When paying by credit card, call our Resource Center at 720-865-3500 or use the secure payment link that was emailed to you.

Cancellations and Rescheduling

• Cancellations with less than one week’s notice are non-refundable. If you must reschedule or make other changes, please do so as early as possible because our dates often fill. To make changes to your program please call our registration assistant at 720-865-3656.

Arrival at Chatfield Farms

• Please check your email within the week before your visit for updated parking and bus unloading information. Thank you for your flexibility as we adjust due to exciting new construction projects.

Behavior Expectations

• Chatfield Farms is not a park or playground, but rather a living museum and working farm. Please be respectful to the plants, animals and the hard work of our staff by following the guidelines. Groups not following the guidelines will be asked to leave.
• Potential hazards exist at Chatfield Farms and being aware of such dangers can help students avoid falling on the trail or into water, contact with poisonous plants, insect stings or bites, and unfavorable interactions with wild animals.
• Stay on the designated trails. Walking off the trail can damage the environment and the habitats of animals such as rattlesnakes.
  Stay with your group. Chatfield Farms is a large place – do not risk getting lost. All students (regardless of age) must be under constant adult supervision.
• Keep voices at a normal speaking level. Loud voices can scare off the wildlife that visitors come to see.
• Restrooms are located near the entrance and across Deer Creek near the red barn. Encourage students to use the restroom before heading out to explore the site.
• Help preserve the natural environment – leave what you find, including all plants, rocks, and other natural objects.
• Safety comes first – please walk, don’t run, wherever you go; do not climb or hang on any rocks, trees, or other structures at Chatfield Farms.
• Please keep an eye out for maintenance vehicles that may be working along the trails. Ask your group to step aside if one crosses your path.
• Chatfield Farms Programs are guided by staff. Your group will be self-guided outside of your scheduled program time or if you booked a self-guided visit. It will be the responsibility of your adult chaperones to ensure these rules are being followed during and after your scheduled program.
• If your students visit the Children’s Play Area, please be respectful and mindful of family groups with small children.

Eating Lunch

• Lunch storage is available onsite. Our staff with let you know where you can store lunches upon arrival.
• The grassy outdoor Amphitheater is the appropriate place to eat lunch. In case of inclement weather, a covered or indoor lunch space may be available. You are welcome to eat at any of our picnic tables.
• Remind students not to feed any animals.
• Please make sure students clean up after themselves and leave no trash behind.  Bear-proof waste receptacles are available throughout the site.