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Educational Nature Programs for Young Kids in Denver - Denver

Educational Nature Programs for Young Kids in Denver

Dallaseasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

1–1.5 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for young children with basic motor skills

Overview

Habitat Highlights in Denver offers PreK-2nd graders an engaging, hands-on nature program that brings diverse habitats to life through aquarium-based learning.

Denver, Colorado

Habitat Highlights

Starting at $9.50 l 45 min l Grades preK-2nd

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Adventure Photos

Habitat Highlights photo 1

About This Adventure

Experience an engaging classroom program at the aquarium designed for PreK-2nd graders. Students will explore diverse habitats, learn about survival needs of plants and animals, and participate in hands-on activities that promote inquiry and motor skills. This unique educational adventure meets state standards and fosters a love for nature.

Bring Your School to the Aquarium: Classroom Program!


Rates

Student (Grades preK-2): $9.50 - Fee includes self-guided tour aquarium admission Chaperone (Ages 18+): Free - 1 chaperone is free for every 5 paying students Additional Adult (Ages 18+): $20.00 - aquarium admission School fieldtrips are not taxed. There is a 6% booking fee for online booking added to your total at check-out.

Classroom programs must be booked at least 3 weeks in advance.


Duration

45 minutes for the program.


About

Grades: PreK – 2nd (PreK students must be at least 3 years old) Explore a variety of habitats and the organisms that live in them. Habitats look very different from one to the next, but they all have food, water, shelter and space. Animals and plants are living organisms that need different things to survive. This early childhood program incorporates nature play, inquiry learning, gross and fine motor skills. Meets the Colorado State Standards - SC.P.1.1, SC.K.2.1, SC.P.2.1, SC.K.3.2, SC.P.2.2, SC.P.3.1, SC.1.2.1, SC.2.2.1, SC.1.2.2, SC.2.2.2

Policies and Guidelines - Please read in full before booking your trip.

  • Group Size: School groups must have a minimum of 10 students or you will be charged for a minimum 10. The maximum group size for this classroom program is 60 students per hour time slot. If you have more students you will need to book an additional hour time slot.
  • Chaperones: We highly recommend a chaperone ratio of 1:5, adults (include the teachers) within this ratio are free. For proper student supervision we require a minimum of 1 chaperone for every 10 students, regardless of the grade level. Students MUST stay with their chaperone at all times including the restrooms. At the stingray exhibit, chaperones must ensure that students are following all guidelines and listening to the Downtown Aquarium Education staff. Because students have an opportunity to interact with some of our animals, we ask that teachers and chaperones encourage quiet, gentle behavior. Aquarium staff reserves the right to limit animal interaction time if students do not conduct themselves in an appropriate manner.

Due to space constraints in the classroom space, only 1 teacher and 5 other adults will be admitted to the Classroom Programs. Additional adults can enjoy the aquarium while their students are in the class. Siblings and strollers are not allowed in the Classroom Programs.

  • If you are scheduled for a Classroom Program, please arrive 10 minutes in advance of your program time. If you are more than 10 minutes late for your classroom program, it will be cancelled and is non-refundable.
  • DOWNTOWN AQUARIUM DOES NOT HAVE A STORAGE AREA FOR LUNCHES, COATS OR BACKPACKS.

Dining

School Group Lunches: Please plan to keep lunches in backpacks or on the bus. Food may be enjoyed in the grass next to the Aquarium, or in the case of poor weather, extremely limited space may be available. Plan to dress warmly and eat outdoors on all occasions.

Restaurant Reservations: If you are interested in dining with us during your visit, we have a pre-order menu that we can prepare for your group up to 20 people. Please call us for more information to set up a restaurant reservation.


Identification

The aquarium representative will give each chaperone a sticker. Chaperones must wear the “Chaperone” sticker at all times while visiting Downtown Aquarium the day of their visit. It is recommended that all students also have a name tag that includes the school name, teacher’s name or contact phone number.


Adventure Tips

Engage young learners interactively

Incorporate as many hands-on activities as possible to maintain children’s attention and enhance motor skills.

Focus on local habitats

Highlight Denver’s distinct ecosystems to make lessons relevant and relatable for kids.

Keep sessions brief and dynamic

Young children benefit from short, varied activities to prevent fatigue and boredom.

Align with educational standards

Ensure the program meets Colorado state guidelines for early science education to support curriculum objectives.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Native freshwater fish species
  • Local amphibians such as frogs

History

Denver’s aquarium serves as a hub for environmental education and aquatic conservation efforts.

Conservation

The program emphasizes sustainability by teaching children about habitat preservation and responsible environmental practices.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing

Essential

Ensures children stay comfortable during indoor and outdoor components of the program.

Water bottle

Essential

Keeps kids hydrated throughout the learning sessions.

Notebook and crayons

Useful for drawing and taking notes during activities.

Closed-toe shoes

Essential

Provides safety and support for active participation and walking.