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 120 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.
“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!
Thank you so much for that experience! 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
Go Wild in San Diego: 8 Awesome Animal Encounters
Go Wild in San Diego: 8 Awesome Animal Encounters [...]
Children’s Nature Retreat Open for In-Person Visits and Virtual Programs
Children’s Nature Retreat Open for In-Person Visits and Virtual [...]
The happy place... #zebra #camel #peacock #pig #horse #goat #childrensnatureretreat #animalsanctuary #animalsanctuarylife #visitsandiego #alpinecalifornia
So precious! Pumpkin 😍 #babyalpaca #alpaca #childrensnatureretreat #animalsanctuary #animalsanctuarylife #alpinecalifornia #visitsandiego #upcloseandpersonal #animalencounter
Cheyenne grazing in the sunset at the Retreat. #bison #americanbuffalo #childrensnatureretreat #animalsanctuary #animalsanctuarylife #alpinecalifornia #visitsandiego
We are on TikTok! Follow us and discover our cute little videos that will put a smile on your face! ☺️ #tiktok #childrensnatureretreat #animalsanctuary #animalsanctuarylife #friesian #alpinecalifornia #visitsandiego
Thank you to Animal Fire Rescue Training in Alpine, Ken Gilden and Jeff Wohler for this great training day. The Emergency Team at CNRF is getting ready for the fire season and it feels really good! #animalfirerescue #firetraining #animalrescue #animalsafety #animalsanctuary #animalsanctuarylife #childrensnatureretreat
Scarlett visiting our students this morning during their field trip. #schoolfieldtrip #learningthroughplay #experientiallearning #learningpods #naturelearning #animallove #childrensnatureretreat #animalsanctuary #animalsanctuarylife #visitsandiego #alpinecalifornia
Precious moment at the Retreat. Too cute not to share. Pumpkin was obsessed with the little boy. Thank you for this memorable encounter 🥰 #childrensnatureretreat #upcloseandpersonal #babyalpaca #specialencounter #alpinecalifornia #visitsandiego #animalsanctuarylife #animalsanctuary
Ready to strike! 😅 #zebra #childrensnatureretreat #animalsanctuary #animalsanctuarylife #animalday #alpinecalifornia #visitsandiego
“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.”
Partners
Children's Nature Retreat Foundation would like to thank our sponsors and partners!
