Payment and registration form must be received to confirm your spot in our programs. Please note that all payments must be made using cash, check or money order (made out to "Wake County Parks") – park staff do not have the ability to take credit cards.
To register, complete and sign the
registration form and return it with payment by mail or bring by the park office. For more information and to check availability about the following programs, contact the park at 919-387-4342 or email
harris.lake@wakegov.com.
Our staff also offers public programs at the American Tobacco Trail! Check out the ATT Programs page for details.
Click on a program series and learn more about our offerings:
(For children ages 1–3 w/adult)
Discover the natural world through stories, hands-on nature activities, games, crafts and more.
Ages 1–3 years with an adult; 10:30–11 a.m. (**New Time**)
Meet at the Cypress Shelter
Fee: $4/child
Friday, August 8
What Lives in the Pond?
What lies beneath those still waters? We will read a story and look at some pond samples to see all the cool things living in the water.
Friday, September 12
Monarch Magic
Monarch butterflies love to eat milkweed. They have a special friendship. We will read a story and play a butterfly matching game.
(For children ages 3–5 w/adult)
Get up close with nature! Discover amazing things in the park as we explore nature "hands on" through games, crafts, hikes and more.
Ages 3–5 years with an adult; 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Meet at the Cypress Shelter
Fee: $4/child
Friday, August 8
What Lives in the Pond?
What lies beneath those still waters? We will read a story and look at some pond samples to see all the cool things living in the water.
Friday, September 12
Monarch Magic
Monarch butterflies love to eat milkweed. They have a special friendship. We will read a story and play a butterfly matching game.
Unless otherwise noted, these programs are open to all ages. A water bottle is suggested for all programs. Please register at least 2 days in advance!
Fee: $5/family or $3/individual
Take a Hike: Shoreline Ramble
Saturday, July 26, 10 a.m.–noon
Meet at the Restroom Pavilion
Beat the heat by hiking in the breeze along Harris Lake County Park's shoreline. We'll explore the coves and hidden sights from the lake's edge in rarely seen areas of the park. Bring your lunch and have a picnic at the park when we finish our hike!
Super Full Moon Hike
Sunday, August 10, 7:30–9:30 p.m.
Meet at the Cypress Shelter
Start off the evening learning what a super moon is with a fun activity. As the Super Full Moon rises in the night sky, we will hike under its light.
Cicada Cidah-da
Saturday, August 16, 10–11 a.m.
Meet at the Cypress Shelter
You hear about them in the news, you hear them in the air, and you might even see them on the ground. What are these fascinating insects? Join us as we unlock the mystery of the cicada.
Busy Beavers
Saturday, August 23, 10–11:30 a.m.
Meet at the Loblolly Shelter
Beavers are industrious and amazing animals. These busy engineers have many unique features that allow them to survive in their watery world. We will learn about these adaptations through our popular "Build a Beaver" program then hike a portion of the Peninsula Trail to look for evidence of this large rodent. We may even see one!
Take Your Grandparent(s) Fishing for National Grandparents Day - FREE Program!
Sunday, September 7, 3–5 p.m.
Meet at the Longleaf Shelter
Calling all grandchildren – bring your grandparent(s) fishing for a late afternoon of fishing fun on Harris Lake. Bring your own pole or borrow one of ours through the “Tackle Loaner Program.” Park staff will be available for basic instruction if needed. There will also be some fun fishing activities including taking your photo with a giant fish!
All persons 16 and over that wish to fish must have a license.
Family Pond Exploration
Saturday, September 13, 10–11:30 a.m.
Meet at the Cypress Shelter
What lies beneath those still waters? Have you seen the red-spotted newt or macroinvertebrates like the dragonfly nymphs and aquatic beetles? Collect samples from the pond to see these creatures up close, and learn what they tell us about water quality.
For the Love of Longleaf
Sunday, September 14, 4:30–6 p.m.
Meet at the Restroom Pavilion
Enjoy a relaxing wagon ride back to our Longleaf Pine Management Area to walk among our unique longleaf pines. Learn about their special history to the area and the ecology of the longleaf forest ecosystem.
Take A Child Outside Week (TACO)
FREE Programs in honor of TACO Week
Build Your Own “TACO”
Thursday, September 25, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. (Teacher workday for traditional schools)
Meet at the Longleaf Shelter
Registration Required: Preferred
Build your own “Take a Child Outdoors” program. Between 11 and 2, we will have a variety of fun, educational activities for you to participate in. We will have all the equipment/supplies you need to go bird watching, fishing, insect collecting, or go on a scavenger hunt, make nature crafts and more. Bring your picnic lunch and spend the day at Harris Lake. Drop in anytime between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. and do one or many activities.
Park after Dark
Friday, September 26, 7–9 p.m.
Meet at the Longleaf Shelter
Registration Required: Yes
End your summer with an evening at the “Park after Dark”!
A variety of activities will be available for you to choose from: fishing, night hike, stargazing, flashlight games or roasting marshmallows. Times for certain activities will be available closer to the date and space will be limited. All persons 16 and over that wish to fish must have a license. Bring your own fishing pole/bait, flashlight, and camp chair. You will be provided with more information upon registering.
Your Family Trees
Saturday, September 27, 3–4 p.m.
Meet at the Loblolly Shelter
Registration Required: Yes
Your family tree details your family history, but did you know that trees can tell history, too? Join us at Harris as we explore how trees can tell us their history, and how you can tell yours.
Please register in advance for these "drop-off" kids programs.
Due to the preparation time that is needed, if the minimum number of participants is not met, the program will be canceled. Please register early!
Nature Lab: Life Under a Log
Tuesday, July 22, 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
For ages 6–12. Fee: $8/child Meet at the Cypress Shelter
Millipedes, slugs, snails and beetles, oh my! Search the park's log garden to discover what's living there. We'll learn about the unsung heroes of the ecosystem – our decomposers – and the important role they play in nature. This is a drop-off program. Pack a lunch for your child if you would like to take advantage of the optional meal time from noon–12:30 p.m. Even if they do not eat lunch, your child can stay with us until 12:30 doing an additional activity.
Nature Lab: The World You Cannot See
Thursday, August 14, 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
For ages 6–12. Fee: $8/child
Meet at the Cypress Shelter
There is more going on in nature than meets the eye. Come see the big picture using magnifying glasses and microscopes. Pack a lunch for your child to enjoy lunch with friends.
Check back for more adult learning opportunities!
Play animal BINGO, inspect earthworms, go leaf hunting and much more while you explore nature from different points of view.
In the course of about two hours, your troop will have the opportunity to earn the "Earth and Sky," try-it and parts of the following try-its: Animals, Watching Wildlife, Plants and Outdoor Adventure; 11 requirements in all.
This is a troop-led program in which all activities are independent of each other, giving your troop a choice in activities. Program kits are reserved and loaned out through the park office on a first-come, first-served basis.
For more information please contact the office at 919-387-4342.