Youth Programs
DUG’s Youth Engagement programs aim to inspire a love of nature for our future earth stewards.
At Denver Urban Gardens, we believe that every child deserves the chance to dig in the dirt, taste something they’ve grown, and feel connected to the natural world around them. Our youth programs nurture curiosity, resilience, and a sense of belonging by grounding learning in real-life experiences—rooted in the rhythms of the garden and the wisdom of community.
From planting seeds to harvesting produce, our hands-on, play-based approach invites young learners to explore the intersections of food, community, and climate. We partner with schools, educators, and local organizations to bring vibrant garden-based education to life—offering joyful, inclusive experiences that support academic learning, social-emotional growth, and environmental stewardship.
Whether through a school garden class, a family workshop, or a sensory-rich garden adventure, DUG cultivates meaningful opportunities for youth to grow as curious thinkers, empowered changemakers, and future earth stewards.
Explore Our Family Workshops
DUG’s Family Workshops bring people of all ages together through hands-on, nature-based learning experiences. Focused on intergenerational activities, the program encourages families to connect with each other and with the natural world.
Bring DUG to your School or Group
DUG brings the wonder of gardening to your classroom or community group with our signature youth classes. Explore our options to bring a DUG instructor directly to your kiddos with classes that run 30-60 min long, depending on your class’s availability and needs. Our private class options can be tailored to accommodate learners from early childhood through 12th grade.
Explore our available topics below and book a DUG educator to lead a workshop with your group!
Soil Superheroes: Hands-on with Red Wiggler Worms
Join us on an exciting journey to discover the underground world of worms—our very own soil superheroes! In this fun and interactive class, kids get up close and personal with red wiggler worms, learning why they’re crucial for healthy soil and plants. We’ll explore a worm bin, find out what worms love to eat, and get close and personal with our wriggly visitors. From feeding our worm friends to uncovering the secrets of “black gold,” this adventure is packed with hands-on learning, curiosity, and creativity.
Optional Worm Bin Add-On ($75)*:
We’ll set up your very own classroom worm bin! Students will help build your worm bin while learning all about their new classroom companions. Worm bin, initial materials, and ½ pound of Red Wiggler worms included. Teachers are responsible for maintenance and continued care of their worm bins.
*subject to availability
Seeds of Wonder: Seasonal Planting Experience
This lively exploration allows young gardeners to discover the secrets within different seeds, journey through their amazing lifecycle, and get hands-on with soil and planting while making learning fun and interactive. Perfect for indoor planting, this class sparks curiosity about plant life cycles and fosters a love for growing in our youngest earth stewards.
Optional Light Kit Add-On ($50)*:
We’ll set up your very own classroom light kit! Participants will be able to start their first seeds with DUG staff and be able to do the process with you all year round. Kits include seed trays and domes, 84 LED with 6000K white light attachable to tables, and watering tools. Participants are responsible for maintenance and continued care of their growing areas!
*subject to availability
Peck, Scratch and Squawk: Everyday Use of Chickens in the Garden
In this hands-on experience, students will be introduced to aviculture with live chickens, discovering the role of poultry birds in gardens and farms. They’ll learn about different poultry types used for meat, eggs, and feathers, as well as essential bird care, including nutrition housing, and even how to speak chicken!
Intro To The Garden: Outdoor Garden Exploration
Do you have access to a school or community garden but aren’t sure how to use it as an outdoor classroom? Let us show you the way! During our Introduction to the Garden class, DUG will cover the rules for the garden and then lead you and your students through a grade-appropriate hands-on activity, from discovering shapes and colors to exploring the senses or identifying animal and plant life cycles.
The Four Seasons Sensory and Wellness Nature Practices
Join us as we explore mindfulness and emotional well-being through nature-based activities that change with the seasons. Students will engage in hands-on experiences that foster a deep connection with the environment, promoting relaxation and mental health. From sensory explorations to seasonal discoveries, this class is designed to help students unwind, de-stress, and learn about the rhythms of nature in a fun and meaningful way!
$95 per class
Tier Available To:
- Title-1 designated, non-Denver County public schools (e.g., JeffCo, Aurora, Adams, etc)
- Nonprofit organizations, extracurricular programs, youth groups, and private organizations not principally serving Denver County youth with annual operating budgets of $500,000 or less
- Denver County private schools with annual operating budgets of $500,000 or less
$175 per class
Tier Available To:
- Title-1 designated, non-Denver County public schools (e.g., JeffCo, Aurora, Adams, etc)
- Nonprofit organizations, extracurricular programs, youth groups, and private organizations not principally serving Denver County youth with annual operating budgets of $500,000 or less
- Denver County private schools with annual operating budgets of $500,000 or less
*subject to availability
DUG ECE Resources
Lessons offered in nature are transformative for young children. In the garden, students engage in hands-on experiences that foster holistic learning, build skills in natural science, and encourage collaboration, community, curiosity, and exploration.
ECE Garden-Based Lesson Plans
Our ECE gardening-based lesson plans for educators offer a range of engaging activities and lessons designed to ignite curiosity and nurture a love for science in the littlest of learners.
DUG on YouTube
Our monthly webinars cover simple and engaging ways to support the wonder of early learners in the garden throughout the year.
Farmer Dave + Friends Video Collaboration
DUG meets up with Rocky Mountain PBS stars Farmer Dave (and his friends!) in DUG gardens across Denver as we have fun in nature!
Youth Resources
Our Community Partners
Want to learn more about youth engagement or partnerships with DUG?
Contact Youth Engagement Manager Vanessa Carrillo Villalobos at [email protected]
Seed to Plate to Regenerate (SPR)
Denver Urban Gardens, Slow Food Denver, and We Don’t Waste work together to educate students and increase access to nutritious food. Leveraging each organization’s strengths, SPR delivers hands-on activities in gardening, cooking, nutrition, composting, and food waste reduction, including classroom lessons, cooking classes, food waste audits, and food distribution.
Denver Urban Gardens is proud to receive program support through Healthy Food for Denver’s Kids.
