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 170 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
Celebrate Fall Season at Children’s Nature Retreat
Celebrate Fall Season at Children's Nature Retreat [...]
5 Educational Benefits of Animal Sanctuaries and Why Your Kids Should be Visiting
5 Educational Benefits of Animal Sanctuaries and Why Your [...]
Our animals love to hang out with @heatherlaketv ❤️ Thank you Heather for increasing awareness about the Retreat!
The Retreat needs the San Diegans’ help to keep its doors open. Please share, set up a monthly donation on our website, visit us, or become members. Anything will help further our mission and keep our doors open so children continue to experience the magic of connecting with our animals.
Papa pig is such a good boy! Getting closer to us, accepting food from our hands ❤️
BIG NEWS FROM THE RETREAT!!
We have 3 new additions to the family! Mama pig had three little babies on Wednesday night. We are so excited that this rescue story has such a happy ending! Mama and babies are doing well now but we did have to call the vet to make an emergency visit during the difficult birth. Any amount you could spare to help us cover this cost is appreciated! Thank you so much for your generosity. We hope you come by soon to see these three cuties for yourself! 🐷 🐷 🐷
The weather is beautiful here at the Retreat! It’s the perfect weekend to come get your pumpkins, grown organically right here in our pumpkin patch. You can pick your own, right off the vine. How fun is that? No need to drive far, we are right off the 8 freeway in beautiful Alpine.
Did you know all of the money you spend here at the Retreat goes directly to caring for the animals that live here? Not only would you get to pick out a gorgeous pumpkin and see some amazing animals, you’ll also be helping a good cause!
We hope to see you this weekend at the Retreat. Call today to make a reservation 619-320-4942 or go to the link our bio. We can’t wait to see you! 🎃
Beautiful day at the Retreat! Those pictures capture the serenity and happiness shared among our guests, staff and animals. Thank you for visiting and choosing your pumpkin! 🎃
Pumpkins organically grown from XSmall to XLarge! Call for appointment at 619-320-4942
Meet the Mini Trio! This is Dolly the goat, Louie the pony, and Oink the pig. Did you know that just to feed these three for a month, it costs over $100? You can help feed these three cuties by becoming a monthly donor today! We really need your help, and we hope you’ll consider giving a gift today. You can become a monthly donor on our website for as little as $10 a month. Click the link our bio to help feed the Mini Trio! Thank you!
“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!
