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.






Wildlife in Winter
Wednesday, Dec. 4
10:30 a.m.–noon
Free for all ages
Have you ever wondered what happens to our wildlife during the winter? They have a variety of adaptations to help them get through the cold months. Come explore some of their techniques, then take a walk to search for our winter residents!
Meet at the Cypress Shelter.



Kids Discover Nature: Alfie the Christmas Tree
Monday, Dec. 9
11 a.m.–noon
Free for ages 1–6 with accompanying adult
Children will enjoy this wonderful book written by John Denver reminding us not to forget about the wildlife this holiday season. We will make a craft then take a walk to look for our wildlife friends. Dress for outdoor fun in nature!
Meet at the Cypress Shelter.



Nature at Night Campfire
Friday, Dec. 13
5:30–7 p.m.
Free for all ages
Bundle up and enjoy an evening around the campfire learning about creatures of the night and listening to Native American tales about some of our favorite nocturnal animals. Roast marshmallows and go on a short night hike around one of our ponds.
Meet at the Cypress Shelter.



Geocaching 101 at Harris Lake County Park
Sunday, Dec. 15
1:30–3 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), 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 Gardens.



Nature Lab: Kids Get Holiday Crafty
Friday, Dec. 20
10 a.m.–2 p.m.
$16 per child
For ages 6–10
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 will create will make great keepsakes or gifts for Christmas. We will provide snacks, music and all the supplies. Each child should bring a lunch and a box to take your creations home. This has become a holiday tradition at Harris Lake County Park so register early.
Meet at the Park Office (first right after you enter the park).



Wagon Ride with Santa
Saturday, Dec. 21
1:30–3 p.m.
Free for all ages
Harris Lake County Park 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 on the wagon.
Meet at the Loblolly Shelter.


 

Ages: 10 and up
Time: 1:30–3:30 p.m.
FREE, but all participants must be registered
through our online system.
Assist with our habitat box monitoring. Tasks will vary depending on what needs attention and may include: cleaning or repairing habitat boxes or installing new ones, monitoring our current boxes or assisting 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.