Getting ready forthe El Paso County Nature Centers.
Two county nature centers, Bear Creek in Colorado Springs and Fountain Creek in Fountain, with indoor exhibits, short nature trails and free sensory bags for any guest: noise-reducing headphones, sunglasses, emotion cards, scent tubes and fidgets.
Sensory supports. Free sensory bags, short nature trails.
El Paso County Nature Centers: Bear Creek and Fountain Creek
“Sensory bags are designed for individuals with autism and sensory processing disorders but are available to any guest. Sensory bags include noise-reducing headphones, sunglasses, emotion communication cards, essential oil scent tubes, and assorted fidget toys. Located at both Nature Centers.”
“All programs are free to use.”
Our note The scent tubes hold essential oils. If smells are hard for your kid, you can leave them in the bag.
Our note The emotion cards can work alongside your own break card.
Three things to know
Bear Creek has “two miles of self-guiding nature trails.” Fountain Creek has a “0.7 mile loop trail” that winds around the nature center pond.
The nature trails are for “foot traffic only” and pets are not allowed on them. At Fountain Creek, the nature trail also has no fishing, bikes or horses.
Both are accessible buildings with accessible parking. Fountain Creek has “an ADA compliant ramp leading from accessible parking to the front doors.”
More: trails for every body, programs, contact
The county names no loud or quiet spots
Louder
Quieter
Quiet roomnot stated
The Trailability Program lends off-road mobility vehicles so people with disabilities can hike the trails, at both centers.
Bear Creek's VIP Trail is a flat, wide boardwalk with a guide rope and an audio reader for the signs. Fountain Creek has an audio tour: scan 9 QR codes along the trail.
Most programs and special events need registration and payment ahead, and space may be limited.
Bear Creek 719-520-6387, Fountain Creek 719-520-6745. For the accessibility resources: Mary Jo Lewis at Bear Creek, 719-520-6388, maryjolewis@elpasoco.com; Jessica Miller at Fountain Creek, 719-520-6765, jessicamiller@elpasoco.com.
Both centers are open Tuesday to Saturday, 9 to 4. Ask at the front desk for a sensory bag; they are free and open to anyone. Inside there are exhibits about local animals and plants. Outside, Bear Creek has two miles of nature trails and Fountain Creek has a 0.7-mile loop around a pond. Pets stay off the nature trails. Change anything.
Common questions
What if my child won't look at the schedule or story?
That is common at first. Leave it where the moment happens, point to one picture at a time, and keep it low-pressure. Many kids warm up to it after a few calm tries, in their own time.
Can I make this in Spanish?
Yes. Every tool and this page exist in Spanish, and the printed page comes out in the language you choose. Use the language switch at the top.
Do I need an account?
No. There is no signup, and we don’t keep what you type; anything you save stays on your device. Make it, print it, done.
