Thorne Nature Experience

Thorne Nature Experience Kids grow better in nature! Connecting youth to nature through nature preschool, camp, and more.

Thorne endeavors to teach students how to think, not what to think about nature and the environment. Thorne provides joyful education experiences, because we believe that all students learn best while having fun. Thorne teaches in nature or uses nature artifacts to teach in the classroom, because we believe nature provides an engaging, enjoyable venue for discovery. Thorne believes that inspiring

an excitement and passion for education in our students helps support their growth as life-long learners. Thorne’s programs encourage hands-on learning, because we believe that meaningful education grows out of experience – when students use their senses to touch, hear, see, or smell something in nature, they can more deeply understand it. Finally, Thorne teaches place-based education, because we believe that direct association with the local environment is not only the best way to build a lasting connection to the natural world but is also fundamental to understanding and relating to global environmental issues.

Happy National Trails Day! 🥾🌲Every trail tells a story. From tiny tracks in the mud to birdsong overhead, trails invite ...
06/06/2026

Happy National Trails Day! 🥾🌲

Every trail tells a story. From tiny tracks in the mud to birdsong overhead, trails invite us to slow down, explore, and connect with the natural world around us.

At Thorne, trails are more than pathways. They are outdoor classrooms where curiosity grows, discoveries are made, and lifelong connections to nature begin. Whether you're hiking a mountain trail, strolling through a neighborhood open space, or exploring a favorite local park, every step is an opportunity to learn something new.

Today, we encourage you to lace up your shoes, head outside, and see where the trail takes you.

What is your favorite trail to explore? 🌿

Happy World Environment Day! 🌎💚Nature gives us so much: clean air, fresh water, food, beauty, wonder, and countless oppo...
06/05/2026

Happy World Environment Day! 🌎💚

Nature gives us so much: clean air, fresh water, food, beauty, wonder, and countless opportunities to learn and grow. Today is a reminder of how important it is to care for the planet we all call home.

At Thorne Nature Experience, we help children and families build lasting connections with the natural world through exploration, discovery, and hands-on learning. We know that when people feel connected to nature, they are more likely to protect it.

How are you celebrating World Environment Day? 👀

Whether it's taking a walk, planting something new, watching birds, or simply spending a few moments outside, we'd love to hear how you're connecting with nature today.

Spring shows up in the smallest ways 🌱A little more light in the morning. Birds returning. Green breaking through where ...
06/04/2026

Spring shows up in the smallest ways 🌱

A little more light in the morning. Birds returning. Green breaking through where everything looked still.

And in children, it looks the same.

A pause. A question. A moment of wonder that sticks.

We’re now 66% of the way to our spring appeal goal, and we’re so grateful for the community helping make these moments possible. 💚

With your support, more children get to step into nature, ask big questions, and feel like they belong there.
Click here to get more kids in nature: https://bit.ly/thorne-spring-love

Bring a little piece of Thorne with you wherever your adventure takes you. 💚We have a merch store!Every purchase directl...
06/03/2026

Bring a little piece of Thorne with you wherever your adventure takes you. 💚

We have a merch store!

Every purchase directly supports our mission of connecting children and families with nature through joyful, hands-on outdoor experiences.

When you wear Thorne gear, you are doing more than showing off your camp spirit. You are helping support environmental education, outdoor exploration, accessible programming, and meaningful moments of discovery for young naturalists across our community.

Whether you are hiking your favorite trail, dropping your camper off for the day, sipping coffee on a sunny morning, or adding a new sticker to your water bottle collection, we hope these pieces help you carry the spirit of Thorne with you all summer long.

Get your gear here: https://www.thornenature.org/store

OMG. It's Happening! Summer camp has officially begun! ☀️From creek walks and bug hunts to new friendships and wild disc...
06/01/2026

OMG. It's Happening! Summer camp has officially begun! ☀️

From creek walks and bug hunts to new friendships and wild discoveries, we're ready for a summer filled with wonder.

See you outside! 🦋

Looking for a program the whole family will love? 🌼🐝🌿Join us on August 1st for our Summer Edition of Nature Center Satur...
05/31/2026

Looking for a program the whole family will love? 🌼🐝🌿

Join us on August 1st for our Summer Edition of Nature Center Saturdays as we explore the incredible world of insects, pollinators, and plant partnerships! Together, we’ll discover how native plants and beneficial insects depend on one another to keep ecosystems healthy, thriving, and full of life.

Through hands-on activities, exploration, and interactive learning, families will dive into the fascinating connections between pollinators and the plants they help grow. Learn how you can become a steward of these important relationships by creating pollinator-friendly gardens and restoring habitats that support wildlife year after year.

Whether your family loves gardening, bugs, flowers, or simply spending time outdoors together, this program is the perfect way to connect with nature and one another this summer. ☀️🦋

Come ready to learn, explore, and celebrate the tiny creatures that make our beautiful Earth possible!

Register here: https://www.thornenature.org/events-calendar/nature-center-saturdays-summer-2026

There’s still time to join later sessions of Waterway Connections Camp this summer! 🌊💚Perfect for curious kids who love ...
05/30/2026

There’s still time to join later sessions of Waterway Connections Camp this summer! 🌊💚

Perfect for curious kids who love getting outside, our Waterway Connections Camp invites campers to dive into the creeks, ponds, and waterways of Boulder County through hands-on adventure and nature exploration. From searching for aquatic creatures and observing local wildlife to playing games and making new friends, every day is filled with discovery, movement, and summer fun.

Campers will explore incredible local spots like Roger’s Grove and Golden Ponds while learning how Colorado’s waterways support plants, animals, and our communities. Along the way, they’ll build outdoor confidence, strengthen teamwork skills, and develop a deeper connection to the natural world around them.

At Waterway Connections Camp, campers will:
🐸 Explore creeks, streams, and ponds throughout Boulder County
🦆 Discover local wildlife and diverse ecosystems
💦 Play outdoor games and enjoy hands-on nature activities
🌎 Learn how to care for and protect our waterways
🌱 Build friendships and confidence through outdoor adventure

If your child loves splashing in creeks, spotting wildlife, and spending their summer outside, this is a camp experience they will not want to miss. ☀️

Only a couple more weeks until our Thorne Nature Preschool summer sessions begin! 🌞After a wonderful year of learning, ...
05/29/2026

Only a couple more weeks until our Thorne Nature Preschool summer sessions begin! 🌞

After a wonderful year of learning, discovery, and growing together, we are so excited to head back out beneath the cottonwoods and soak up the magic of summertime in nature. From muddy boots and creek exploration to bug hunts, songs, stories, and sunny adventures, summer at Thorne Nature Preschool is all about curiosity, connection, and joyful outdoor play.

Our little learners will spend their days building confidence, making friends, and deepening their relationship with the natural world through hands-on experiences and child-led discovery. We cannot wait to welcome both new and returning families for another season of wonder, learning, and unforgettable memories outside. 🌿✨

Still looking for the perfect summer adventure for your child? 👀There’s still time to join later sessions of Mountain Co...
05/28/2026

Still looking for the perfect summer adventure for your child? 👀
There’s still time to join later sessions of Mountain Connections Camp in Boulder, Longmont, and Lafayette! 🏔️🌿

At Mountain Connections Camp, campers spend their days exploring the foothills of Boulder County, building confidence outdoors, making new friends, and discovering the incredible ecosystems that make Colorado so special. From hands-on learning at their home site to field trips at Chautauqua and the Mt. Sanitas Trailhead, every day is filled with curiosity, connection, and adventure.

Campers will:
🌱 Explore Boulder’s foothills, prairies, and mountain landscapes
🥾 Build outdoor confidence through teamwork and exploration
🦋 Develop a deeper appreciation for the natural world
🌎 Learn what it means to care for and protect our local environment

If your child loves nature, adventure, and getting outside, they won’t want to miss this unforgettable summer experience. Spots in later sessions are still available!

Learn more here: https://www.thornenature.org/summer-camp/boulder-lafayette-longmont-k-6th-mountain-connections! 🐦

Tomorrow’s the day! 🌿☀️ Join us at our Thorne Camp Kickoff Event at the Lafayette Nature Center and get a sneak peek at ...
05/27/2026

Tomorrow’s the day! 🌿☀️

Join us at our Thorne Camp Kickoff Event at the Lafayette Nature Center and get a sneak peek at all the adventure summer camp has in store. Meet our incredible camp team, try out hands-on nature activities, and help your camper feel excited and confident before their first day.

We’re also thrilled to welcome delicious food available for purchase from local favorite Dos Manos.

Camp season is almost here, and we can’t wait to kick it off with you! 🌲🎶

Address

300 Old Laramie Trail E
Lafayette, CO
80026

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+13034993647

Website

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