We offer a variety of park programs for all ages – register for one today! Visit our
calendar of events, view our program
e-newsletter or
sign up here to receive our e-newsletters to keep up with what is happening in the parks.
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.
Scroll down or select a program series below to learn more about our offerings:
Each person attending family programs must be registered through the online system. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
Thanksgiving Wagon Ride
*This program is full but you may be added to the waiting list.
Friday, Nov. 23
1–2 p.m.
For all ages
$1 per person
Bring the family out for a fall wagon ride along the back roads of the park to enjoy the fall colors and the beauty of Harris Lake County Park. Staff will interpret the natural and historical features in the park. Bring a blanket or wear a coat if weather is chilly.
Meet at the wagon at the playground.
Kids Discover Nature: Create Treats for Wildlife
Monday, Dec. 10
11 a.m.–noon
For ages 1–6 with accompanying adult
$4 per child
As winter approaches, don't forget the wildlife this season! We will read the charming book Night Tree by Eve Bunting and then spend time creating treats for you to take home for your backyard wildlife. Dress for outdoor fun in nature!
Meet at the Cypress Shelter.
Wagon Ride with Santa
Saturday, Dec. 15
2:30–4 p.m.
For all ages
$2 per person
Harris Lake will welcome a special holiday visitor this December! Santa will take time out of his busy schedule to join us for a cup of hot cocoa and a ride on our wagon along the back roads of the park. Spend some special time with Santa. Photo opportunities will be provided. Prepare for chilly weather – bring a blanket to stay warm.
Meet at the Loblolly Shelter.
Nature Lab: Kids Get Holiday Crafty
Friday, Dec. 21 1–4 p.m.
For ages 6–10
$12 per child
Bring your kids to the park for an afternoon of crafting and nature while you take advantage of a few more hours of holiday shopping. The crafts your child creates will make great keepsakes or gifts for Christmas. We will provide snacks, music and all the supplies! This has become a holiday tradition at Harris Lake County Park, so register early.
Meet at the Park Office.
Ages: 10 and up
Time: 1:30–3:30 p.m.
FREE but all participants must be registered
through our online system.
Click on a date below to register:
Volunteer your time with our monitoring and citizen science projects! Tasks will vary depending on what needs attention. Tasks may include: cleaning or repairing habitat boxes or installing new ones, monitoring our current boxes or assisting with other relevant tasks. Come prepared to learn and work as you help manage our natural resources. This volunteer opportunity is free but registration is required so we know who to expect and can plan accordingly.
Dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes and bring work gloves and a water bottle.
This release is required for participation.
Meet at the Cypress Shelter unless told otherwise.
Our 15th Annual Haunting at Harris: Halloween Around the World on Sunday, Oct. 7, was a wonderful success with over 1,000 visitors enjoying the event!
We would like to say THANK YOU to our volunteers and partners who gave of their time and talent to make Haunting at Harris a fun event for our visitors:
Carolina Children's Museum
Wake County Animal Center
New Hill Community Center
NCSU Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management 358 students
Green Hope High School AP Environmental Science students
NCSU Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity
National Charity League – Cardinal Chapter
Fuquay-Varina High School students
Staff from Blue Jay Point & Historic Yates Mill County Park
Special friends of our park!
Here are just a few photos taken at Haunting at Harris.
Stay tuned to our Facebook page for more coverage of the event and check back for next year's date!
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Check out our public programs at the American Tobacco Trail!
We would love your feedback!
Did you attend one of our programs?
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You can register for public programs online at your convenience and pay for them with a credit/debit card.
To register for one of our public programs, click the Harris Lake icon next to the program to be taken to the registration page on our
online registration website, or use the button below to search for programs by location, age, date and more.
Internet Browser Issues?
Internet Explorer works best when registering or searching via our program calendar.
Questions?
The most common registration questions are answered on our
FAQ page.
If you still need further assistance after visiting that page or if you have a question about a program, please call the park office at 919-387-4342.
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Interested in a private group program? Please note that you will still need to contact park staff by phone at 919-387-4344 or by email at
jackie.trickel@wakegov.com to schedule school field trips, birthday parties and other group programs.
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 to
Wake County Parks, Recreation and Open Space,
PO Box 550, Suite 1000, Raleigh, NC 27602.
Are you unable to register online with a credit/debit card? Contact the park office at 919-387-4342 or email us at harris.lake@wakegov.com for assistance.