For a printout of Crowder District Park's upcoming programs and events, please refer to our quarterly program bulletins 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.
For more information about the following programs, contact the park at 919-662-2850 or email
crowderdistrictpark@wakegov.com.
Crowder by Night
Spring Has Sprung
Friday, March 28, 6:30–7:30 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. Go on a sensory hike around the pond and then make a toad abode for the spring peepers around your home! For all ages; fee: $5/family or $3/person. Preregistration is required.
Offered once per quarter
Check back here for the next session!
Nature Families
A weekday program that is fun for the whole family! For all ages; fee: $5/family. Preregistration required.
Catch the Wind
Tuesday, March 4, 11 a.m.–noon
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! For all ages; fee: $5/family. Preregistration is required.
Tiny Tots – New Preschool Series!
Nature Time
Tuesday, March 4, 1–1:30 p.m.
Join us for our new program Tiny Tots! This 30-minute class is for toddlers ages 18 months to 3 years old. Practice sorting and labeling skills of plants and objects in the park. Then work on names of common animals and the sounds they make! For ages 18 months to 3 years; 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. Fee: $4 for each program or 3 programs for $10. Preregistration is required.
Whistling Winds
Wednesday, March 5, 1–2 p.m.
Do you know what wind is? Learn all about the wind in a fun hands on discovery lab. Read a windy story, identify the direction of the wind by blowing bubbles and then make a wind sock. For ages 3–5; fee: $4/child or $10 for three 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 programs for $10. Preregistration is required.
Wind Gusts
Wednesday, March 5, 11 a.m.–noon
Did you know we measure winds in knots? Study the movement of air at the park and measure the wind speed using an anemometer of your own design. Then learn why wind energy is so important and make a breeze-mobile! For ages 6–9; fee: $4/child or $10 for three Nature Friends programs. Preregistration is required.
Family Features
Sunday Programs for Busy Families. For all ages; $5/family.
Magical Habitats
Sunday, March 23, 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 and build a fairy home. End the day by tasting a magical snack. For all ages; fee: $5/family. Preregistration is required.
Weekday Wonders Track Out Days
Join us for one, two or all three days. Children in Grades K–5 will participate in curriculum-correlated activities, both together and by grade level. This program is great for year-round students and for homeschool students who want to learn science in a hands-on setting. Preregistration is required.
More offerings coming in April 2014.
Family Pond Studies
Meet on the pond boardwalk for a fun and educational study of life in Crowder Pond! Drop-in wayside program. For all ages; Free! Preregistration is not required.
Peek into the Pond
Sunday, March 9, 1–3 p.m.
Meet park staff on the boardwalk to study the many animals and insects that live in the pond! Peek into the water as we explore the critters that are swimming underneath the surface. For all ages; FREE! Preregistration is not required.
Discovery boxes are packaged lesson plans intended for use by teachers or parents who wish to educate a group of children without requesting a program through the office. These boxes are available at the office and must be signed out for use. Discovery boxes are also available on a first-come, first-served basis. Discovery boxes are a great way to explore the park in a new and exciting way!
Identification
- Bird Behavior Bingo Box
Students will learn to identify different bird behaviors and how they help the bird stay safe, find food, locate a mate and stay healthy.
Number of Participants: 1–11. Recommended Age: 4–12.
- Bird ID Bingo Box
Students will learn to identify different birds that are seen at the park. Individuals will practice their observation skills.
Number of Participants: 1–11. Recommended Age: 4–12.
- ABC Hike
Students will find items on a nature walk. Individuals will develop observational skills, identify plants and animals and practice the alphabet.
Number of Participants: 1–28. Recommended Age: 4–8+.
- Pondgo
Students will find items located around the pond area. Individuals will develop observational skills and identify plants and animals.
Number of Participants: 1–25. Recommended Age: 4–8+.
- Crowder’s Critters
Students will familiarize themselves with animals native to the NC Piedmont. Students will practice their question-asking skills.
Number of Participants: 2+. Recommended Age: 8+.
Predator/Prey Relationships
- Birds and Worms
Students will simulate how predators use their vision to locate prey. Individuals will describe some of the various ways animals use camouflage for survival.
Number of Participants: 4+. Recommended Age: 5+.
- Fox Hunt
Students will develop an understanding of carrying capacity as they act as predatory animals in a finite area hunting for food to stay alive.
Number of Participants: 4+. Recommended Age: 8+.
Senses
- The Nose Knows
Students will learn about the sense of smell and how animals use it to communicate, identify each other and mark their territory.
Number of Participants: 2–24. Recommended Age: 4+.
- Hear Here
Students will learn about the many ways that animals use sound. Students will learn to distinguish between and match sounds that they create in a group setting.
Number of Participants: 4–32. Recommended Age: 4–12+.
Other
- Little Sprout
Students will learn about the parts of a seed and their functions.
Number of Participants: 1+. Recommended Age: 4–12+.
Summer Camps for Kids
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
June 24–26; 9 a.m.–noon
Drop off program for ages 4–5; Fee: $36/child (Track 1, traditional and homeschool)
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
July 22–24; 9 a.m.–noon
Drop off program for ages 4–5; Fee: $36/child (Track 4, traditional and homeschool)
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!
Polliwogs: Animals
August 12–14; 9 a.m.–noon
Drop off program for ages 4–5; Fee: $36/child (Track 3, traditional and homeschool)
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.