Nature Play

Kindergarten and 1st Grade

Camp Description

Your camper will have an unbe-LEAF-able week connecting with animals and the natural world in Denver Zoo’s nature play camp! Young explorers will engage their sense of wonder and discovery as they literally dig into nature on the Zofnass Barclay Family Nature Play Trail; climb under bushes, find bugs, balance on stumps, and get their hands dirty. Throughout the week, campers are left nature play activities and challenges by the mysterious nature fairy!! This camp is sure to ROCK – come play with us!

Week Overview

**Ask your camper the questions below to learn about their day!

Monday

Question of the Day: How can we learn more about nature?
Animal Experience: Who did I meet today?
Activity: leaf matching game, animal homes

Tuesday

Question of the Day: How can we use our senses to explore nature?
Animal Experience: Who did I meet today?
Activities: rock band, sensory walk, color matching

Wednesday

Question of the Day: Where do we find nature?
Animal Experience: Who did I meet today?
Activities: Bug hunt, build a bird’s nest

Thursday

Question of the Day: How can we help care for nature?
Exploration: City Park Nature Play Spaces/City Park Fountains!
Animal Experience: Who did I meet today?
Activities: nature treasures

Friday

Question of the Day: What are my favorite things about nature?
Exploration: City Park Nature Play Spaces
Animal Experience: Who did I meet today?
Activities: nature potions

Reminders

As this is a camp that focuses on Nature Play (specifically outdoor play), you can count on your kiddo getting messy! We recommend dressing your camper in clothing you don’t mind getting dirty (shoes included). No need to do wash every night – it is perfectly acceptable to send your camper in their dirty camp shirt each day!
Please note your child’s camp group will take a walking field trip to explore the City Park Nature Play Spaces on Thursday and Friday!
- They will also visit the City Park H20 Odyssey Fountains on Thursday! While playing in the fountains, campers must keep their camp shirt and pants/shorts on – quick dry shoes and shorts are recommended on this day, but not required. Campers are welcome to bring a change of clothes, but are usually dry by the time we return to the zoo.
Camp runs in rain or shine. Make sure your camper is dressed for the weather.
Campers are required to bring:
- Backpack
- Sack lunch + 2 snacks
- Water bottle
Drop-off and Pick-up occurs at the Special Programs Entrance (Gate 1), according to their designated time window.
- Drop-off:
  - 8:45-9:00 AM – 6-8th Grade + 2-3rd Grade
  - 9:00-9:15 AM – 4-5th Grade + K-1st Grade
- Pick-up:
  - 3:45-4:00 PM — 6-8th Grade + 2-3rd Grade
  - 4:00-4:15 PM – 4-5th Grade + K-1st Grade
You will need to bring an ID every day for pick-up.

Contact Us

If your camper liked Summer Safari, they will LOVE Fall, Winter, and Spring Safari Mini-Camps! When school is out, Safari Camp is in! These camps run from November through March. There’s a Safari for every season!

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