The Children’s Nature Retreat
The Children’s Nature Retreat welcomes visitors of all ages, allowing everyone to enjoy and explore the beautiful and tranquil surroundings at their leisure.
This magical and serene ranch-style retreat, with its 20-acres of terrain, is a safe haven to over 200 domesticated livestock and exotic animals from around the world.
The retreat is specifically designed to help children develop a sense of wonder for nature and its inhabitants through unstructured exploration and learning.
Fun and educational `interactive encounters’ are available for everyone to learn and foster an appreciation for animals, nature, sustainable farming and the ecosystem.

The Retreat
The Children’s Nature Retreat is located on 20 acres of stunning terrain approximately 40 minutes outside San Diego.

Animals
We strongly believe in the ethical treatment of animals and we are extremely passionate about the well-being of our furry friends!

Nature
The retreat is specifically designed to help children develop a sense of wonder for nature and its inhabitants.

Wellness Center
Our luxury, private oasis overlooking the Retreat offers deluxe packages that will suit your next seminar or exclusive event.
Thank you so much for that experience!
“I just wanted to thank you for the great time that Laina had meeting you and visiting your nature retreat last Friday. I think it really was the first time that Laina smiled and even giggled at a zoo or wild animal park. We have visited many parks and most of the time the animals are so hidden or there are usually children standing in front of her wheelchair to even see anything. She actually got to see the animals this time and smiled when they started to walk up to the fence! It made me so happy to see her smile. I am sure her caregiver and/or I will make sure Laina comes to visit once a month.”
-Sandy R.
ACRES OF TERRAIN
APPRECIATED ANIMALS
FIELD TRIP PARTICIPANTS
HAPPY GUESTS
Our Vision
In our increasingly digital-dependent and urbanized world, we are loosing touch with nature.
With this in mind, we believe the Children’s Nature Retreat offers a rich connection to the earth, its plants and animals.
We allow guests to step away from their fast pace life, reduce stress levels and find their balance in nature.
Our Blog
Benefits of Bringing Kids to an Animal Sanctuary Children’s Camp
Benefits of Bringing Kids to an Animal Sanctuary Children's Camp [...]
5 Animals You Must See at an Animal Sanctuary & Farm
5 Animals You Must See at an Animal Sanctuary & [...]
This Week's Fresh Produce! Make sure to stop by and see the progress we have made in our garden! All of our produce is biologically grown and picked fresh each day! Get your fresh veggies and help support the Farm at the same time! #sandiegoanimalsanctuaryandfarm #freshveggies #biologicalgardening #biologicalfarming #buylocal #supportsmallbusiness #japatulvalley #alpine #sandiego #farmfresh #farmnearme #farmsandiego
Sophie dislocated her back fetlock a few days ago, first XRays did not show any broken bones but yesterday we found some… poor Sophie, she will stay in the barn for a few weeks. Please visit, it’s beautiful outside and it will cheer her up 💚
#sandiegoanimalsanctuaryandfarm #brokenankle #brokenbones #goatinjury #goatxray #goatrescue #goatlove #goat🐐 #animalsanctuary
THIS Sunday, May 21st, at 1 pm. This presentation is free with your admission to the Farm!!! Get Up Close and Personal with a large variety of beautiful snakes! Bring the whole family and enjoy all of our animals, plus get to touch and feel exotic snakes! We look forward to seeing you! #notfurryfriends #snakesofinstagram #animalsanctuary #animallovers #thingstodothisweekend #thingstodowithanimals #snakelove #sandiegoanimalsanctuaryandfarm #sandiegozoo
A bee hive was found last night in our parking lot. The 🐝 are looking for a new home… the parking lot was not a good spot for them so we asked Gabriel, the bee keeper to relocate them safely. Amazing…
#bee #sandiegoanimalsanctuaryandfarm #beehive #beehouse🐝 #beekeeping #animallovers #honeybee #beeremoval #beerescue #beekeepers
More veggies available!
You can stop by Monday through Sunday between 10am and 5pm.
#sandiegoanimalsanctuaryandfarm #biologicalvegetables #biologicalgardening #biologicalfood #biologicalfarming #pumpkinpatch
Smokey is back at the hospital. His progress are slow and he had a little setback this afternoon. If you can help us financially, please do not hesitate to do so here or on our website, this month veterinary bills have been skyrocketing. Thank you ❤️
#sandiegoanimalsanctuaryandfarm #fundraiseforacause #kittycat #kittylove #emergencyvetvisit #emergencyvet
EXCITING NEWS!!! We have partnered with @notfurryfriends and he will be doing a presentation THIS Sunday, May 21st, at 1 pm. This presentation is free with your admission to the Farm!!! Get Up Close and Personal with a large variety of beautiful snakes! Bring the whole family and enjoy all of our animals, plus get to touch and feel exotic snakes! We look forward to seeing you! #notfurryfriends #snakesofinstagram #animalsanctuary #animallovers #thingstodothisweekend #thingstodowithanimals #snakelove #sandiegoanimalsanctuaryandfarm #sandiegozoo
Escape May Gray!
Perfect weather awaits you in the hills of Alpine. Shop our fresh produce, meet our animals, and enjoy a relaxed time under the oaks!
#sandiegoanimalsanctuaryandfarm #animalinteraction #animalsanctuarylife #freshproduce #biologicalvegetables #pettingzoo #animallovers #biologicalgardening #thingstodoinsandiego

“My family and I loved it! Our favorite was Burkina. She was so sweet and followed us around from her enclosure. Also, we met the owner Agnes. She was super nice and chatted with us about the animals.”
“The children’s nature retreat-is not just for children. it is a magical place where one is reminded how powerful nature is-the animals and the park like setting restore a sense of awe and wonder to all of its visitors-including the grown ups.”
“This was a very fun getaway! Close to home yet far enough you feel out of the city. The grounds are maintained very well and all of the staff are very friendly l. I can’t wait to go back.”
“The serene setting east of San Diego where the Children’s Nature Retreat resides is a must see for everyone who lives or visits the San Diego area. Rescued animals are cared for in a beautiful setting where children and adults alike can enjoy close up encounters with one another. Agnes does an amazing job of not only caring for the animals, but also her dedicated staff who do a wonderful job of making sure your visit is a memorable experience. There are indoor and outdoor options for organizations looking for a retreat center to focus on their work ahead. All said, our school staff had a wonderful day of planning and preparing at the Children’s Nature Center and we look forward to a return visit this fall.”
“We were very fortunate this year to have our team building professional development in August for all of the staff at Americas Finest Charter School. We had over 80 staff attend and visit the Children’s Nature Retreat. They were able to see all of the animals and plan in their grade level and subject area groups for the coming year. Agnes prived snacks and a wonderful BBQ lunch for all. At lunchtime, the staff was able to have a hands-on animal visit or swim in the pool. The staff wants to return next year.”
Partners
Children’s Nature Retreat Foundation would like to thank our sponsors and partners!