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What’s the cost of your group programs?
There is no cost for our programs because we are supported, in part, by a ½ percent Open Space sales tax established by voters in 1972. 

How much is the deposit and is it refundable?
A $25 deposit is required for each guided group program.  Lookout Mountain Nature Center programs are on a first-come, first-served basis. To ensure that the date and time of your program are secured, we ask for a deposit as your commitment to the scheduled session time. The deposit is refundable if the program is completed as scheduled.  The deposit is surrendered when the program is not completed as scheduled, or cancelled by the group within three weeks of the scheduled date, or for reasons other than hazardous weather conditions.

What kind of programs do you offer?
Download our Group Program Request Brochure for a complete list of age-appropriate programs for your group.

What is the least and maximum amount of people allowed in each group?
Groups can be as small as 5 and as large as 30 people, or 20 for water-oriented programs. Multiple programs can be scheduled at the same time to accommodate larger groups.

Are programs only offered to school groups?
We welcome any group including organizations, clubs, home-school, and scout groups.

Can I schedule a birthday party at Lookout Mountain Nature Center?
We do not offer programs specifically for birthday parties, but we may be able to present one of our current group programs for your group (see our Group Program Brochure for a complete list of programs).  You can also bring your group to the Nature Center to hike the trails and visit the Nature Center.  Picnic tables are a first-come first-serve basis and are not reservable.  The Nature Center does not provide an indoor eating area.

How long are your programs?
60 minute programs for PreK and Kindergarten
2-hour programs for 1st grade - Adult

Where are the programs held?
Most of the group programs are at Lookout Mountain Nature Center, but other Jefferson County Open Space Parks are available. Please download our Group Program Request Brochure to see which programs can be held at which parks.  View our complete list of all the Jefferson County Parks!

Where can we eat?
Lookout Mountain Nature Center has an outdoor picnic area which may be used on a first-come, first-served basis. The picnic area can accommodate approximately 60 people.  There are also benches and plenty of room for kids to sit on the ground in front of the Nature Center.  We do not have indoor eating areas available and the picnic area cannot be reserved for your group.

What if the weather is bad?
We teach our programs rain or shine. In many cases weather enhances the outdoor experience and students should be dressed appropriately for the weather on Lookout Mountain.  If the weather is especially severe or potentially hazardous, please contact our main line at 720-497-7600 to find out if the program will be cancelled. 

What can our group do after/before the program?
Groups are welcome to explore the exhibits inside the Nature Center or hike the trails around the Nature Center.

Can your programs travel to our school site?
Our interactive nature programs are designed to be lead outside here at the Nature Center or at one of our parks.  At this time, we are not able to visit schools and deliver a program.

Last Modified: Nov 2, 2009 10:26 AM