For a printout of Crowder District Park's upcoming programs and events, please refer to our quarterly program bulletins below.
The April–June 2015 program bulletin is coming soon. Meanwhile, the programs for this next quarter are listed below.
The following programs are offered at Crowder District Park,
4709 Ten Ten Road, Apex. To register, complete and sign the registration form and return it with payment (made out to Wake County Parks) by mail or bring by the park office.
Payment and
registration form must be received to confirm your spot in the programs.
Please note that all payments must be made using cash, check or money order – park staff do not have the ability to take credit cards.
Special Events
16th Annual Frog Fest Event
Saturday, April 11, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Hop on down to Crowder District Park to participate in some froggy family fun at this year’s Frog Fest!
Learn about frogs and the clean water we all need. Enjoy crafts, games, live music and tasty food from local food trucks. Meet and greet with live frogs and reptiles. For all ages: fee: FREE! Preregistration is not required.
Family Features
For all ages; fee: $5/family. Preregistration is required.
March Winds
Sunday, March 15, 2–3 p.m.
Come discover what makes March the windiest month! Learn what wind is and how wildlife and plants use the wind to survive. Then make a kite and fly it high in the sky!
Rocking Around the Park
Sunday, April 19, 2–3 p.m.
Rocks are everywhere! Come explore the rocks of Crowder through hands-on science. Conduct scientific tests to discover the hidden identity of rocks. Learn the three types of rocks and play the rock cycle game. For all ages; fee:$5/family. Preregistration is required.
Buzz on BeesSunday, May 10, 2–3 p.m.Celebrate our #1 pollinator by learning about the busy bees of Crowder Park. Learn the dances of bees and how they communicate, discover how pollination works and taste different types of honey. Then plant a flower in our container garden. For all ages; fee:$5/family. Preregistration is required.
Daddy Day at the Park
Sunday, June 21, 2–3 p.m.
Hop, skip and jump over to Crowder District Park as we celebrate Father’s Day! Bring the whole family out for an afternoon of games related to nature. Afterwards we’ll cool off with some refreshments. For all ages; fee:$5/family. Preregistration is required.
Family Pond Study
A free wayside nature program offered monthly March through November. For all ages; fee: FREE! Preregistration is not required.
Snakey Neighbors
Sunday, March 29, 1–3 p.m.Ever wonder what kind of snakes live in your neighborhood and which ones are venomous? Join park staff on the boardwalk to discover the various snakes in this area as well as other unique species that are found in North Carolina.
April Showers
Sunday, April 26, 1–3 p.m.
When it rains, water soaks the ground and flows down the street. Join park staff on the boardwalk to learn how water travels through different environments and how each location affects the water that we use every day. For all ages; fee: FREE! Preregistration is not required.
May Flowers
Sunday, May 24, 1–3 p.m.
Water soaks the ground and helps the plants to grow and the flowers to bloom. Join park staff on the boardwalk to discover a diversity of flower types and how flower shapes, colors and smells attract different wildlife. Make and take home a paper flower craft! For all ages; fee: FREE! Preregistration is not required.
Crowder's Critters
Saturday, June 13, 1–3 p.m.
Discover the critters that call the park home! Play a 20 questions game and study pelts, tracks and skulls of park animals. Then go on a scavenger hunt to search for these animals! For all ages; fee: FREE! Preregistration is not required.
Crowder by Night
For all ages; fee: $5/family or $3/person. Preregistration is required.
Signs of SpringFriday, March 27, 6–7 p.m.Shake off the winter blues and welcome in the spring season! Join us as we spot the early signs of spring, from animal songs to earthy smells. Discover the buds on the trees as we walk around the pond. Then decorate a flower pot and take home a flowering bulb.
Alive After Dark
Friday, April 24, 7–8 p.m.
The park comes alive after dark! Let the moon guide your way as we stroll around the pond in search of these night time critters. Play fun games and try to catch some nocturnal animals. Don't forget a flashlight! For all ages; fee: $5/family or $3/*erson. Preregistration is required.
Amazing Amphibians
Friday, May 22, 7–8 p.m.
Rribbit! Listen to the chorus of frogs and toads as the sun sets at Crowder District Park. Sort through amazing facts about amphibians, play frog bingo and make a froggy craftl! Then walk down to the pond and hear our amphibian friends in action! For all ages; fee: $5/family or $3/*erson. Preregistration is required.
Firefly FrenzyFriday, June 5, 8–9 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; fee: $5/family. Preregistration is required.
Nature Families
A weekday program that is fun for the whole family! For all ages; fee: $5/family. Preregistration required.
Silly Salamanders
Tuesday, March 3, 11 a.m.–noon
As spring arrives, come explore the park in search of salamanders, frogs and other amphibians. Learn the unique adaptations of a salamander and create a salamander craft. Dress for a wet and possibly muddy day, as we will be hiking off the beaten path.
Three Cheers for Trees
Tuesday, April 7, 11 a.m.–noon
Trees are important in our daily lives. They not only beautify our environment but provide homes and food for wildlife. Learn the important role trees play in our communities through games and hands-on activities. Make paper and then discover the goods we get from our woods! For all ages; fee: $5/family. Preregistration is required.
Flower FunTuesday, May 5, 11 a.m.–noonFlowers are very important to the animals in the park. Learn the life cycle of a plant and which animals depend on flowers. Discover how flowers drink water in a fun science experiment and then paint a flower pot to take home. For all ages; fee: $5/family. Preregistration is required.
Sneaky Snakes
Tuesday, June 2, 11 a.m.–noon
Did you know there are over 3,000 species of snakes? Sort through facts about these reptiles in a fun trivia game. Learn about their neat adaptations and observe scales and snake skins using hand lenses. Then meet "Popcorn," our park's corn snake! For all ages; fee: $5/family. Preregistration is required.
Tiny Tots
A half-hour weekday program for children ages 18 months to 3 years old, with an accompanying adult; fee: $2/child or 3 Tiny Tots programs for $5. Preregistration is required.
Numbers in Nature
Monday, March 2, 10:30–11 a.m.
Practice your numbers through centers-based activities and develop your fine motor skills using natural objects.
Colors in NatureMonday, April 6, 10:30–11 a.m.Practice your colors by sorting natural objects in found in the park! Then go on a nature hunt to find plants and animals of different colors! For ages 18 months–3 years (with an accompanying adult); fee: $2/child. Preregistration is required.
Movement in Nature
Monday, May 4, 10:30–11 a.m.
Work on your motor skills through center-based activities. Practice threading, sorting, jumping and catching. Then play with musical instruments. For ages 18 months–3 years (with an accompanying adult); fee: $2/child. Preregistration is required.
Animals in Nature
Monday, June 1, 10:30–11 a.m.
Practice your recognition skills through sorting, matching and more! Move like animals in nature and find park critters in a fun scavenger hunt. For ages 18 months–3 years (with an accompanying adult); fee: $2/child. Preregistration is required.
Preschool children with accompanying adult(s) discover the natural world through stories, hands-on nature activities, games, crafts and guided outdoor exploration. Meet at the Park Pavilion. For ages 3–5 with an accompanying adult. Fee: $4 for each program or 3 Nature Watcher programs for $10. Preregistration is required.
Salamander Room
Wednesday, March 4, 1–2 p.m.
Slimy, squishy and slippery – salamanders are neat animals! Read "The Salamander Room" and learn the life cycle of a salamander. Play a "move like an amphibian game" and then decorate a silly salamander to take home.
To Be a Tree
Wednesday, April 8, 1–2 p.m.
Even the mightiest of oaks start out as young seedlings! Explore seeds, cones, leaves and trees through hand lenses and observation. Read a fun story and make a tree costume to learn the parts of a trees. For ages 3–5; fee: $4/child or $10 for 3 Nature Watchers programs. Preregistration is required.
Planting a Rainbow
Wednesday, May 6, 1–2 p.m.
Flowers are in full bloom at the park! Read "Planting a Rainbow" by Lois Ehlert and learn what flowers need to grow. Then search for colorful flowers in the park and make a fun craft to take home. For ages 3–5; fee: $4/Child or $10 for 3 Nature Watchers programs. Preregistration is required.
Hide and Snake
Wednesday, June 3, 1–2 p.m.
Snakes are amazing animals once you get to know them. Read a fun story and learn the life cycle of a snake in an active game. Create a colorful "snake" to take home and learn which snake we should stay away from in the woods! Then meet "Popcorn," our park's corn snake! For ages 3–5; fee: $4/child or $10 for 3 Nature Watchers programs. Preregistration is required.
In these programs, kids will discover the natural world through hikes, hands-on nature activities, outdoor exploration, games and crafts. Meet at the Park Pavilion. For ages 6–9. Fee: $4 for each program or 3 Nature Friends programs for $10. Preregistration is required.
Salamander Safari
Wednesday, March 4, 11 a.m.–noon
Did you know salamanders can regrow a missing tail? Learn the parts of the salamander and their special adaptations. Then make a salamander out of salt dough and go on a nature walk to hunt for these cool amphibians. Dress for a wet and possibly muddy hike, as we will be heading off the beaten path.
Forest FriendsTuesday, April 7, 11 a.m.–noonBig and tall, short and small, trees come in all shapes and sizes. Learn the different parts of a tree and which animals call trees home. "Adopt" a tree at the park and make a leafy craft to take home. For ages 6–9; fee: $4/child or $10 for 3 Nature Friends programs. Preregistration is required.
Spring Wildflowers
Wednesday, May 6, 11 a.m.–noon
Springtime is here and the flowers are blooming! Discover the many beautiful flowers at Crowder District Park. Dissect a flower and go on a scavenger hunt for wildflowers in the park. Then make a flower craft to take home. For ages 6–9; fee: $4/child or $10 for 3 Nature Friends programs. Preregistration is required.
Friendly Snakes
Wednesday, June 3, 11 a.m.–noon
Did you know snakes do not have eyelids? Learn all about snakes and their neat adaptations, and explore how they move. Find out what the common snakes are of the park and which ones are venomous. Then meet "Popcorn", our park's corn snake! For ages 6–9; fee: $4/child or $10 for 3 Nature Friends programs. Preregistration is required.
Kids Get Crafty
A quarterly program for children of all ages; fee: $4/child. Preregistration is required.
Trash to Treasure
Saturday, March 14, 11 a.m.–noon
Join us as we turn recyclable materials into amazing crafts! Make your own paper, grow a garden of egg carton flowers, then build a bug!
Beautiful Bugs
Saturday, May 9, 11 a.m.–noon
Bugs come in a variety of shapes and colors. Join us for a full hour of crafts using insects as our inspiration! Make a beautiful butterfly, a dazzling dragonfly and a spider out of ordinary objects. Come prepared to get messy and be creative. For all ages; fee: $4/child. Preregistration is required.
Summer Camps
Crowder’s camps offer your child hands-on history and nature activities including visits with live animals, hikes, crafts, games and more. Each day offers a different theme. There will be two adult staff with the kids at all times. Kids bring their own snacks. Preregistration is required. Camp size is limited, so sign up early!
Polliwogs: Trees
Tuesday–Thursday, June 23–25; 9 a.m.–noon
Drop off program for ages 4–5; Fee: $36/child
Big and tall, short and small, trees come in all shapes and sizes. You will be so amazed at what trees do for our Earth! Discover the parts of the tree and go on a scavenger hunt. Then help us plant a flower to help feed the butterflies and bees of the park!
Polliwogs: Water
Tuesday-Thursday, July 21–23; 9 a.m.–noon
Drop off program for ages 4–5; Fee: $36/child
Where does our water come from and why is it important? Learn about the water cycle, and explore the critters that live in and around the pond. Prepare to get wet as we splash around and learn about this important resource! Drop off program for ages 4–5; Fee: $36/child. Preregistration is required.
Polliwogs: Animals
Tuesday–Thursday, August 11–13; 9 a.m.–noon
Drop off program for ages 4–5; Fee: $36/child
Join us this week as we explore the animals that live in the park. Collect bugs, slugs and other slimy critters and learn about their habitat. Then meet “Popcorn” our corn snake and other reptiles. Drop off program for ages 4–5; Fee: $36/child. Preregistration is required.