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 programs are available on select weekdays.
Chatfield Farms Location:
8500 W Deer Creek Canyon Road, Littleton, CO 80128
Submit a 2025-2026 School Group Request Form
Guided Programs
During guided programs at Chatfield Farms, students will break into small groups and be lead through different parts of the farm by our knowledgeable and engaging volunteers and staff, making stops along the way to delve into the hands-on activities covering the subject of study followed by self-guided exploration of the farm.
Programs cost $6 per student for schools within SCFD and $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 and must be pre-registered and paid for along with the school group booking in order to secure this rate.
School Group Farm Program (Grades PreK–12)
Travel back in time to learn about life on the farm at the historic Hildebrand Ranch site. Then explore our present-day working farm, see where food is grown, and learn about the future of farming in Colorado.
NGSS Standards: 2-PS1-1, 2-LS2-2, 3-LS1-1
Colorado State Standards for Social Studies: K.1.2, K.2.2, 1.1.1, 1.1.2, 1.2.2, 2.1.2, 2.2.2, 2.3.1, 4.2.2
Ecosystem Adventure (Grades 1–5)
From wetlands to prairies, discover the important ecosystems along Deer Creek. Students will investigate how adaptations help plants and animals survive in different environments.
NGSS Standards: K-LS1-1, K-ESS3-1, 2-PS1-2, 2-LS4-1, 3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-2
Ecology of Chatfield Farms (Grades 6–12)
Explore local conservation topics through the lens of an ecologist. Students will engage in field science and learn about ecosystem dynamics and biodiversity while visiting interactive guided stations.
NGSS Standards: MS-LS2-1, MS-LS2-3, HS-LS4-4, HS-LS4-5
Sustainability 101 (Grades 2–12)
From water conservation to green energy, learn about the ways we incorporate sustainability into daily life on the farm. Students will discover new strategies to implement at school or at home.
NGSS Standards: 2-PS1-1, 2-PS1-2, 2-ESS2-3, 3-LS3-2, 4-PS3-2, 4-ESS3-1, 5-ESS3-1, 5-ESS2-2, 5-LS2-1, MS-ESS3-3, MS-LS2-1, HS-LS2-7, HS-ESS3-4, HS-PS3-2, HS-PS3-3, HS-PS4-5, HS-LS1-3, HS-LS2-4, HS-ESS3-1, HS-LS1-3
A-Maize-ing Explorers (Grades 3–5)
Offered select Mondays–Thursdays in October
Learn all about amazing maize, the life cycle of corn and its many important uses. Test your navigation skills in our 7-acre Corn Maze.
Winter Workshop: Nature Journaling (Grades 3–12)
Offered select weekdays January–March
This workshop combines nature journaling with the wonders of winter along Deer Creek. A guide will lead students through hands-on lessons exploring winter science topics. Students will synthesize their learning through the mindful practice of nature journaling.
Science Topics may include: Snow Science, Seasons and Weather, Colorado Climate, Plant & Animal Adaptations to Winter, Tracks & Signs.
Specialty Programs
These programs are only available certain dates during the year. Each of these programs follow different structures, listed in the descriptions. Please reach out to our school.groups@botanicgardens.org with any specific questions.
One chaperone (any adult) is required for every ten students. One chaperone for every five students is admitted free of charge. Additional chaperones are $7 each, unless otherwise specified, and must be pre-registered and paid for along with the school group booking in order to secure this rate.
Pumpkin Discovery Days (Grades PreK–2)
Mondays-Thursdays, mid-September through early October
This program costs $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.
Learn about the life cycle of a pumpkin plant, explore the mini corn maze and join in on other fun fall activities on the farm. Visit our miniature pumpkin patch where students can pick their own mini pumpkin to take home.
NGSS Standards: K-LS1-1, 2-PS1-1, 2-LS2-2, 3-LS1-1, 4-LS1-1
High School Service-Learning Projects (Grades 9–12)
Fall: October 6, 2025
Featured project: Help us prepare pumpkin fields for our fall festival.
Spring: April 27, 2026
Featured project: Help research staff collect bioblitz data.
This program costs $6 per student for schools within SCFD, $7 per student for schools outside SCFD. One adult chaperone per group (20 students) is required, one chaperone per five students is admitted free of charge. Additional chaperones are $7 each.
Bring garden and farm careers to life for your students during a hands-on service-learning day. Spend one hour learning from our farmers and horticulturists about real life skills they use on the farm, then sit down with a panel of our staff from Chatfield Farms to learn all about the possibilities in this field.
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. After the program, your group is free to explore the site and/or eat a picnic lunch.
Groups are limited to 20 students per project, so if your student base is larger than that, plan to sign up for more than one project.
Pumpkin Festival School Groups (Grades PreK–5)
School groups may attend Pumpkin Festival on Friday, October 10. Visit will be self-guided. Entry for school groups is 9:30-10:30 a.m. ONLY. No lunch storage; no designated lunch space is available.
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.
Self-Guided Corn Maze School Group Visit (Grades 3-12)
School groups may attend Corn Maze on September 26, October 17 and 24. Visit will be self-guided. Entry for school groups is 9:30-10:30 a.m. ONLY. No lunch storage; no designated lunch space is available.
Special event price: $12 per student. One adult chaperone per every five students is required, students must be with a chaperone at all times regardless of age, additional adults $20 each.
Self-Guided School Visit (All Grades)
Tour Deer Creek and the Hildebrand Ranch with your own curriculum or unstructured class exploration. For self-guided visits, the education staff will greet and orient your group, then you are free to explore on your own.
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 and must be pre-registered and paid for along with the school group booking in order to secure this rate.
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.