Crowder County Park offers public, educational programs for all ages, year-round. Visit our Calendar of Events and sign up for our E-Newsletter to stay up to date!
Scroll down or select a program series below to learn more about our offerings:
Important Updates
As of Jan. 1, 2019, there will be no charge for all Wake County Parks, Recreation and Open Space public, group and outreach programs. Fees will still apply for camps and shelter rentals.
As of Jan. 1, 2019, we will no longer accept cash on site at any Wake County Parks, Recreation and Open Space location. Payments can be made on site or in advance with a credit or debit card. Checks must be mailed in advance.
Search for programs by location, age, date and more!
To register in person or by mail please download a copy of our Registration Form or call 919-662-2850 for more information.
For a printout of quarterly programs and events, and for a paper copy of the Wake County parks program registration form, refer to the program bulletin below.
Our staff also offers public programs at Historic Yates Mill County Park.
Check out the
Yates Mill programs page for details.
Stay tuned for more listings.
A weekend program that is fun for the whole family! Meet at the Upper Pavilion.
Sun Power
Sunday, July 28, 1–2 p.m.
Learn the importance of the sun in our ecosystem and how to protect yourself in the heat, then play some fun sun-related games. For all ages; FREE. Registration is required for all family members, and children must have adult accompaniment. Meet at the Upper Pavilion.
Backyard Beetles
Sunday, Aug. 25, 1–2 p.m.
Have you found yourself wanting to take a closer look in the forest? Come join a local naturalist and discover the life under the leaves. We will be outdoors for the whole program. Bring drinking water and bug spray, and wear lightweight long pants and socks. For all ages; FREE. Registration is required for all family members, and children must have adult accompaniment. Meet at the Upper Pavilion.
Build a Beaver
Sunday, Sept. 22, 1–2 p.m.
Did you know that beavers are actually large rodents? Join us at the park and discover the parts of a beaver and what they like to eat. Test your knowledge in a round of trivia and take a walk in the park to search for signs of the beavers that live at Crowder! For all ages; FREE. Registration is required for all family members, and children must have adult accompaniment. Meet at the Upper Pavilion.
Crowder by Night
These family programs explore the park at night. Please see program description for meeting.
Firefly Frenzy
Friday, June 21, 7:45–8:45 p.m.
How many fireflies can you catch? Sign up for an evening of summer fun as we catch and release lightning bugs. Explore what gives them a special glow through hands-on discovery, games and more! For all ages (adult accompaniment is required for all children); FREE. Registration is required. Meet at the Heron Shelter.
Summer Fun
Friday, July 19, 7–8 p.m.
Join us for a night of family fun at the park! Play nature games, observe nocturnal animals and roast s'mores around the campfire. For all ages (adult accompaniment is required for all children); FREE. Registration is required for all participants. Meet at the Heron Shelter.
This weekday program is fun for the whole family! Meet at the Upper Pavilion.
Wet and Wild
Tuesday, July 23, 11 a.m.–noon
Cool off this summer by learning about the three stages of water through science experiments, outdoor games and more. Learn why this wet resource is so important to both the animals of the park and us! Bring a bathing suit and towel, and prepare to get wet! For all ages; FREE. Registration is required for all family members and children must have adult accompaniment. Meet at the Upper Pavilion.
Delightful Dragonflies
Tuesday, Aug. 20, 11 a.m.–noon
Dragonflies love to eat flying bugs, especially mosquitoes and gnats! Discover the different parts of a dragonfly's body through a colorful craft, learn about its life cycle and play fun games exploring these incredible insects. For all ages; FREE. Registration is required for all family members, and children must have adult accompaniment. Meet at the Upper Pavilion.
Fish Tales
Tuesday, Sept. 3, 11 a.m.–noon
There are lots of fish in Crowder Pond! Learn what kinds of fish we find in the park and how they move through water and breathe through gills. Examine a fish up close, then listen to a fishy tale! For all ages; FREE. Registration is required for all family members, and children must have adult accompaniment. Meet at the Upper Pavilion.
This half-hour weekday program is for children ages 18 months to 3 years old. Meet at the Upper Pavilion.
Senses in Nature
Monday, July 8, 10:30–11 a.m.
Squish, touch and feel your way through center-based activities as we explore our senses. Make a smelly painting and splash in our sink/float bucket. For ages 18 months–3 years (with an accompanying adult); FREE. Registration is required. Meet at the Upper Pavilion.
Shapes in Nature
Monday, Aug. 5, 10:30–11 a.m.
Practice your shapes and develop your fine motor skills through games and hands-on activities. Then go on a nature hunt to find plants and animals of different shapes. For ages 18 months–3 years (with an accompanying adult); FREE. Registration is required. Meet at the Upper Pavilion.
ABCs in Nature
Monday, Sept. 16, 10:30–11 a.m.
Practice your ABCs and develop your fine motor skills through games and hands-on activities. Play a letter game and go on a scavenger hunt! For ages 18 months–3 years (with an accompanying adult); FREE. Registration is required. Meet at the Upper Pavilion.
This weekday drop-in program requires no registration. Come anytime for some creative fun (please note supplies may be limited on occasion)! Meet at the Cardinal Shelter.
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Autumn Leaves
Wednesday, Sept. 25, Session 1: 10–11 a.m.
Let’s celebrate the arrival of fall! Make a craft inspired by the leaves’ changing colors. We will bring the materials if you bring the imagination! For all ages (adult accompaniment required for all children); FREE. Preregistration is encouraged but not required. Meet at the Cardinal Shelter. Maximum participants: 36 per session
Autumn Leaves
Wednesday, Sept. 25, Session 2: 11 a.m.–noon
Let’s celebrate the arrival of fall! Make a craft inspired by the leaves’ changing colors. We will bring the materials if you bring the imagination! For all ages (adult accompaniment required for all children); FREE. Preregistration is encouraged but not required. Meet at the Cardinal Shelter. Maximum participants: 36 per session