A nature center just off I-70 at Avon, with a visitor center, a pond, a stream and forest trails. You can check out a sensory-friendly kit and a kids' Adventure Pack at the front desk.
Walking Mountains Science Center, Avon Tang Campus
“Sensory-friendly kit available at the front desk to check out.” “You may check out an ‘Adventure Pack’ with kid-friendly tools such as magnifying glasses, kid binoculars, and field guides.”
“To request accommodations at any location, please call us at least 72 hours in advance of your visit or program at (970) 827-9725.”
Our note A small nature center with a visitor center, a pond, a stream and aspen forest trails, just off I-70 at Avon. The visitor center is open to the public, and the guided nature walks are free.
Our note The center doesn't list what's in the sensory kit. If your kid needs something specific, call 970-827-9725 at least 72 hours ahead and ask.
Three things to know
A sensory-friendly kit and an Adventure Pack (magnifying glasses, kid binoculars, field guides) to check out at the front desk.
About 1.2 miles of trails, 0.25 miles of them wheelchair and stroller friendly; mostly flat, with short uneven inclines.
Spanish translations of the interpretive signs and Braille translations of the indoor exhibits are at the front desk.
More: winter walks, getting there
The center names no loud or quiet spots
Louder
Quieter
Quiet roomnot stated
Free Winter Nature Walks, about 1/3 mile over an hour with stops, on snowshoes if the snow is deep enough. Snowshoes and trekking poles are provided; register on the center's site. Dress for an hour outside in the cold.
Strollers don't work well on the nature walk trails. Pets aren't allowed on the walks.
Indoor restrooms are open during visitor center hours. All buildings on campus are wheelchair accessible.
Directions: I-70 Avon exit 167 to Nottingham Road heading west, right on Buck Creek Road, an immediate right onto Walking Mountains Lane, then left up the hill. Follow the signs to park at the Mountain Discovery Center.
Questions: 970-827-9725 or nature@walkingmountains.org.
Park at the Mountain Discovery Center and start at the visitor center's front desk, where you can check out the sensory-friendly kit and an Adventure Pack with magnifying glasses, kid binoculars and field guides. A quarter mile of the trails is flat and stroller friendly. In winter, dress for cold and snow on the trail. 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.
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