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
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How Animal Sanctuaries Can Benefit Your Children
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We found this emu on Japatul Road this morning. Anyone recognizes him/her? He/she is safe in the barn in a big stall for now. He will stay with us until we found his/her owner. If no one claims him, he will stay with us. ❤️. #emu #lostemu #lostanimal #childrensnatureretreat
We are honored to be highlighted in @sdhumanesociety …check out this nice feature on our creator @agnesbarrelet
Just outside of San Diego’s bustling city life, Agnès Barrelet created a serene, magical haven for animals and people alike. Agnès founded the Retreat to provide solace to rescued animals — from guinea pigs to zebras — and shares the oasis with visitors. In our Animal People interview, Agnès tells us about the healing power of her work and what inspired her to create this little slice of heaven for animals.
I was volunteering at a rescue when I saw the movie 'We Bought a Zoo,' with Matt Damon. After seeing the movie, I had the idea of creating the retreat. That's how it started, and it took me a year to find the right property and two years to build. I’ve always been attracted to animals, and I think the animals were attracted to me. I thought it was normal, but now, having the retreat, I feel like I have a special connection with animals.
Most of the animals come from individuals, and they were pets who lost their home when their people had to move, got sick, had financial issues or passed away. We have some animals who came from slaughter houses and dairies. I promise the animals that they will stay here for life. They are retired and I don't want them to work one day of their life. They come and see the visitors if they want to, but they are not obliged to be in the presence of humans.
It’s very difficult to put the experience into words, because you’ve never experienced something like this. It’s magical. You feel at peace.
Read the full interview at sdhumane.org/AnimalPeople, and go to childrensnatureretreat.org to plan a visit to the retreat!
#AnimalPeople #InspireCompassion #animalrescue
Today marks what would have been Betty’s 100th birthday. So in honor of Betty's birthday, the #BettyWhiteChallenge has gained momentum around the world. People are encouraged to donate to their favorite animal charity in her honor. We would love our supporters to take part in this tribute to Betty and donate to the Children’s Nature Retreat Foundation.
Animal rescues all around the world know that this would have made her incredibly proud to see her birthday being marked as a special day to support animals in need. ❤️
If you would like to donate in Betty’s honor simply click the PayPal link below or Venmo or you may donate directly from our website
www.childrensnatureretreat.org.
https://www.paypal.me/cnrf
or
Venmo @childrensnatureretreat
#BettyWhiteChallenge
Tomorrow would have been Betty White’s 100th Birthday ❤️ In her honor, people will donate to non-profit organizations helping animals in need. Please, consider donating to the Retreat. We will be honored to receive your donations for the #bettywhitechallenge She was such an incredible animal advocate. We will all miss her dearly. ❤️ #animalsanctuary #childrensnatureretreat #animallovers #farmanimals #exoticanimals #donate
Betty White loved all animals! We believe she would have enjoyed very much meeting our animals and learn about what we do here at the Retreat. In her honor, you may choose the Retreat to donate $5 or $100 on her 100th birthday ❤️ #bettywhitechallenge #donate #makeadifference #animallovers #childrensnatureretreat #animalsanctuary
We captured the magic of the Retreat yesterday. ❤️ ……………………………………. #watusi #watusicattle #sunset #sunsetphotography #animalsanctuary #animalsanctuarylife #beautifulscenery #beautifulscene #nature #naturelovers #animallovers #childrensnatureretreat
After struggling with multiple infections over the last year, we decided that the best decision was to schedule a mastectomy. Today was the day. Precious did fantastic and is going to recover in the barn for at least the next 2 weeks. Before waiting for this to become unmanageable, we opted to have the surgery now to give Precious the ultimate odds at recovery. We love our animals and we always choose the best medical course of action regardless of costs.
Bamboo…. Relaxing……………………… #animallovers #animalsanctuary #childrensnatureretreat #exoticanimals #farmanimals #zebra #africananimals
“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!
