Crowder County Park offers programs covering history, nature and recreational topics. Public programs are open for registration to the general public.
Public Programs
Register for Programs
You may register for several of Crowder’s upcoming programs or camps online.
Family Features
In-person programs (with restrictions): For all ages. Free. Registration is required for everyone (All adults, children + siblings), and children must have adult accompaniment. No unregistered participants will be allowed into the program. We ask that you and your family please arrive 10 minutes early for check-in.
FAMILY FEATURES
Magical Habitats
Sunday, March 10, 2–3 p.m.
Nature is full of magic! Learn what a habitat is and discover a few animals that call the park home. Then explore the enchanted side of the woods, build a habitat of your own, and learn neat ways to navigate through the woods using the nature around you! Meet at the Cardinal Shelter, first right after entering the park.
Nature Families
In-person programs: For all ages. Free. Registration is required for everyone (All adults, children + siblings), and children must have adult accompaniment. No unregistered participants will be allowed into the program. We ask that you and your family please arrive 10 minutes early for check-in.
Silly Salamanders
Wednesday, March 27, 11 a.m.–noon
As spring arrives, so do salamanders, frogs, and other amphibians. Learn the unique adaptations of a salamander, play a life cycle game, and join us for a meet- and-greet with a live amphibian.
Crowder by Night
In-person programs: For all ages. Free. Registration is required for everyone (All adults, children + siblings), and children must have adult accompaniment. No unregistered participants will be allowed into the program. We ask that you and your family please arrive 10 minutes early for check-in.
Spring Has Sprung
Friday, March 1, 4–5 p.m.
Shake off the winter blues and welcome the spring season! Join us as we spot the early signs of spring, from songs to smells. Discover the buds on the trees as we walk around the pond. Then decorate a flowerpot and take home a flowering bulb. Meet at the Cardinal Shelter, first right after entering the park.
Discover the Park
Walk in the Woods
Offered once a quarter. Join one of our naturalist staff on a nature hike around Crowder to see what we can find! Come prepared to hike a mile by wearing close-toed shoes and bringing a full water bottle. For all ages (best for ages 6 and up). Free.
Registration is required for everyone (All adults, children + siblings), and children must have adult accompaniment. Meet at the park office, and we ask that you and your family please arrive 10 minutes early for check-in.
Saturday, March 16, 10-11 a.m.
Take a walk in the woods and discover the animals and plants that call our park home. This month we will be discussing early signs of spring and looking for critters coming out of their cozy winter homes! All experience levels are welcome. Meet at the Park Office.
Kids Get Krafty
Offered once a quarter. Kids use their imagination to create a different themed craft each season. For all ages. Free. Registration is required for everyone (All adults, children + siblings), and children must have adult accompaniment.
Spectacular Snowflakes
Tuesday, Jan. 9, 11–11:45 a.m.
Let kids unleash their creativity by creating unique art pieces relating to the wonderful season of winter! Discuss different snowflake shapes, and encourage them to use their imagination. For all ages. Meet at the Cardinal Shelter.
Tiny Tots Story Times
We hope your tiny tots can join us for a short story time and a fun craft with park educators! For all ages (best for ages 6 and under); FREE. Registration required for all programs, and adult accompaniment is required. We are now also offering Tiny Tots in Spanish! (You do not have to speak Spanish to attend.)
March: "The Color Monster," by Anna Llenas: March 18, 10:15–11 a.m.
March: “El Monstruo de Colores,” por Anna Llenas: March 18, 4:30–5:15 p.m.
StoryWalk®
Crowder is excited to offer you and your families a wonderful interactive StoryWalk® activity within the park!
Join us for this fun self-guided activity. This will be located on the Outer Loop Trail, beginning at the park's Bird Garden, which is immediately on the left as you enter the park, across from the park's office.
This wonderful program combines the joy of reading a story while also getting out and enjoying nature. This hike is around 0.8 miles.
New to StoryWalk® concept? Laminated pages from a children's book are attached to signs, which are installed along an outdoor path. As you stroll down the trail, you're directed to the next page in the story. The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, Vermont, and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. StoryWalk® is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson.
STORYWALKS®
March: "If You Plant a Seed," by Kadir Nelson
Discovery Boxes
Want to explore the park with the knowledge of staff? Check out a discovery box from the park! Discovery boxes are self-guided lesson plans, intended for use by teachers of small classes or parents who wish to educate children without requesting a formal program through the office. All boxes come complete with hands on lesson plans, equipment, story books, guides and take-home activities!
Discovery boxes can be checked out at the park office. Stop by and sign one out today!
For larger groups, please call ahead to 919-662-2850 to reserve a box.
A complete list of activities and age recommendations can be found here.
Birds: Activities Length 15 minutes +; Recommended Age: 3 years of age +
Summary: Students will learn to identify different bird behaviors and common birds of the park.
Bugs: Activities Length: 30 minutes +; Recommended Age: 3 years of age +
Summary: Students will familiarize themselves with insect life cycles and bugs found at the park.
Crowder’s Critters: Activities Length: 30 minutes +; Recommended Age: 3 years of age +
Summary: Students will familiarize themselves with animals native to the NC Piedmont.
Pond-Go: Activities Length: 15 minutes +; Recommended Age: 3 years of age +
Summary: Students will identify the plants and animals that live in a pond.
ABC Hike: Activities Length: 30 minutes +; Recommended Age: 3 years of age +
Summary: Students will practice their ABCs on a nature walk and learn about habitats around the world.
Wetlands: Activities Length: 30 minutes +; Recommended Age: 6 years of age +
Summary: Students will explore a wetland and learn defining characteristics.
Trees of the Park: Activities Length: 15 minutes +; Recommended Age: 3 years of age +
Summary: Students will explore the parts of a tree, life cycle and discover the trees of the park.
Become a Junior Park Explorer!
Do you like to explore parks and preserves? Do you like winning prizes? Our Junior Park Explorers program is for you! Learn more here.