Daily Animal Interactions
11:00am Shark & Ray Interaction
1:45pm Sea Turtle Interaction
3:00pm Shark & Ray Interaction
3:30pm Eagle Interaction
Tours, Activities & Programs
Add on a special animal encounter to make your visit extra special!
Pick from the following menu of options for your next Nature Center adventure:
- Feed the sharks & rays
- Meet and feed the endangered green sea turtles
- Meet an owl up-close (5 different types to choose from)
- Meet a hawk up-close (2 different types to choose from)
- Meet a snake and tortoise up-close
Each experience is a 15-20 minute personal animal encounter. Each encounter is just $35 for a group of up to 10 people. Preregistration and prepayment (Visa or MasterCard) are required by calling the Education Department at 619-409-5904. Cameras are welcome!
Arts & Crafts
Arts & Crafts are offered most Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Please call to confirm availability and times.
Composting Programs
Find out why greens and browns are as good as gold! Come join the fun and learn all about the wonders of soils and compost. We’ll cover practical ways to set up home composting systems in order to organically beautify our landscape and lessen our ecological footprint. After attending the workshop, participants will have the opportunity to purchase a discounted outdoor composting unit. Composting workshops are held every Sunday from 1:00-2:00PM and are free for members and free for all with paid admission to the Nature Center. To reserve a space at the workshop, please call (619) 409-5900.
Master Composter Program
Thursday evening from 6:00pm – 8:30pm at the Chula Vista Nature Center. Topics will include Building and maintaining a pile, Soil ecology, Composting with Worms, How to lead your own workshop, and more. Volunteer and hands-on components are included. The course is offered for free. Space is limited so sign up soon! Call (619)409-5912 or email Mark@cvnc.us to sign up!
Click Here for more information about the City of Chula Vista's composting program.
Day Camps
The Chula Vista Nature Center offers safe, affordable and fun Day Camps programs year-round during school breaks for kids ages 4-17. Through animal encounters, games, arts and crafts, outdoor exploration, role play and career exploration, the world of our amazing native wildlife comes to life! Day Camps are offered year-round during school breaks.
Click here for information on our Spring Day Camps!
Docent Training
Join our team of highly trained volunteers with a passion for promoting conservation and environmental stewardship. Email tina@cvnc.us or call (619) 409-5905.
Gone Birding!
Birding tours are led every Sunday at 11:15 AM. Free for members and free for all with paid admission to the Nature Center.
Kayak San Diego Bay
In partnership with Chula Vista Kayak, spend a Sunday morning in San Diego's back bay in search of the illusive Giant Green Sea Turtles. Spottings occur regularly. Call (619) 409-5905 for upcoming dates and prices and to reserve your kayaking adventure! Space is limited. Click Here for more information.
Nature Discovery Tours
Guided tours of the Nature Center and surrounding area are scheduled for Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday at 2PM. Free for members and free for all with paid admission to the Nature Center.
Overnight Adventures
Click Here for Family Overnight Adventures
Click Here for Overnight Adventures for Groups (Scouts, Schools, etc.)
Overnight Adventures are a one-of-a-kind overnight experience at the Chula Vista Nature Center that include a full evening of fun activities and animal encounters finished with a movie and cozy indoor camping. The next morning, campers enjoy a continental breakfast and more opportunities to meet local wildlife up-close.
Scouting Programs
Click Here to view our Girl Scout and Boy Scout programs and activities.
Teen Career Programs
For teens (age 13-17) who are interested in working with animals as a career! This is a full weekend of behind-the-scenes and up-close animal experiences!
Click here for the program flyer.
