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 is no charge for all Wake County Parks, Recreation and Open Space public, group and outreach programs. Fees still apply for camps and shelter rentals.
 
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.
 
 

 
 
Fishing for Beginners
Saturday, Aug. 3
10–11:30 a.m.
Free for ages 7 and up
Participants will learn about a cherished outdoor pastime. The program will cover fishing basics such as how to prepare a rod and reel, bait a hook, cast your line and how to handle a fish. Fish identification and common fish species that can be found in the pond will be discussed. Instruction will be followed by an opportunity to fish. Fishing poles and bait will be provided or you may bring your own.Participants 16 and over must have an NC fishing license.ALL participants must be registered in the online system.
Meet at the shed at the fishing pond.
 
 
 
Family Disc Golf
Saturday, Aug. 10
9–11 a.m.
Free for ages 6 and up
This special instructional event is for players of all levels. Disc golf professionals from Capital Area Disc League (CADL) will provide interactive lessons for beginners (and those who just want to sharpen their skills!). Try out what you have learned on a short practice course. Bring your own discs or borrow ours. All participants must be registered in the online system.
Meet at the Parking Field (first gravel lot on your left after you enter the park).

 
 
Kids Discover Nature: Pond Discovery
Monday, Aug. 12
11 a.m.–noon
Free for ages 1–6 with accompanying adult
Peek into buckets of pond water to see the critters living in our pond. Who are they and what do they turn into? Enjoy a story and hands-on activities.
Meet at the Cypress Shelter.

 

 
Nature Lab: Water Wonders
Wednesday, Aug. 21
9 a.m.–noon
Free for ages 6–10
Join us at Harris Lake County Park as we explore the wonders of water through educational activities and some for just plain fun! We will dip for critters in our pond to discover what lives beneath the surface and play water games to cool off. Bring a snack, full water bottle and dress to get wet.
Meet at the Cypress Shelter.

 

 
Evening Campfire and Night Hike
Friday, Aug. 23
8–9:30 p.m.
Free for all ages
Bring the kids out for some late summer fun before school begins! Roast marshmallows over the fire and go on a short night hike to see who comes out when the sun goes down! Bring a camp chair or blanket and a full water bottle.
Meet at the Cypress Shelter.


 
Geocaching 101
Sunday, Aug. 25
2–3:30 p.m.
Free for ages 6 and up
Geocaching is a treasure hunt where participants use GPS coordinates to track down hidden "caches." We will learn how to use traditional GPS units and the geocaching app (by Groundspeak) and then hike to find real geocaches hidden in the park! Be prepared to be walking on and off the trail. Register early as class size is limited.
Meet at the platform in the Educational Garden near the restrooms.

 

 
Exploring Habitats
Monday, Sept. 2
10–11 a.m.
Free for all ages

Come out to enjoy the park and explore different habitats on a leisurely hike. We will stop by our meadow, a pond, the lake and the forest to investigate which animals live in each and learn the four survival needs of living things.

Meet at the platform in the Educational Garden near the restrooms.
 
                   Stay tuned for upcoming opportunities! 

Ages: 10 and up
Time: 1:30–3 p.m.
FREE but all participants must be registered
through our online system.
  
 
Check back for scheduled dates!
                 
   
 
Help us monitor and keep our bluebird and wood duck boxes clean throughout our park; create or place additional habitat boxes and assist with other natural resource tasks. Come prepared to learn and work – dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes, bring work gloves and a water bottle.
Children ages 10–14 must have an adult registered with them.

 Meet at the Cypress Shelter unless told otherwise.
 
  
 
Check out our public programs at the American Tobacco Trail!
Go to the American Tobacco Trail programs page for details.
 
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How to Register for Public Programs 

 
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.
 
 
Having trouble registering for a program online?
Contact the park office at 919-387-4342 or email us at
harris.lake@wakegov.com for assistance.