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
10 Steps to Help Your Child’s Fear of Animals
Do you have a child that is terrified of animals? [...]
Why You Should Send Your Kids to an Animal Summer Camp
The summer months are upon us, and school is wrapping [...]
The weather is cooling down. We have the breeze, the oak trees shade, misters and ice cream to keep you comfortable! Visit us, our animals need your company 😊
#animalsanctuary #childrensnatureretreat #farmanimals #exotics #animalinteraction #pettingzoo #thingstodoinsandiego
Bath time for Banfora! He loves his behind and back legs to get washed regularly to remove the excess pee 🥹
#camel #childrensnatureretreat #animallove #animalinteraction #animalconnection #animalconnectionhealing
Daisy wants to say Hi! 😂
She’s so funny! Pickle and Daisy enjoy life at the pond but never miss a cuddle!
#duck #animalsanctuarylife #animalsanctuary #animalinteraction #animalconnection #animalbond #animallove
The continuous ocean breeze and our big oak trees welcome you and your family on this first day of summer! 🥰
Beautiful Neela! Our free roaming peacock are showing off their feathers nowadays. Come and visit, they will surprise you at the corner of a trail 😍
#peacock #peacockfeathers #animalsanctuary #animalsanctuarylife #childrensnatureretreat #thingstodoinsandiego #animalinteraction #animalconnection
Happy Father’s Day to all the wonderful dads out there! Come and celebrate with us! Calypso is one of the best father any calf could ever dream for. Calypso we love you ❤️
#watusi #africancattle #africancattleofkings #animalsanctuary #animallove
Squirt is now with his 2 friends Mel and Ash 😍 Come visit this weekend, it’s beautiful out!
#childrensnatureretreat #animalsanctuary #animalsanctuarylife #farmanimals #animallove
Bath time! 😍
#childrensnatureretreat #alpaca #friesian #bathtime #horsebath #alpacabath #feelgood #animalsanctuarylife
“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!
