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.

  

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(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; 10–11 a.m.
Meet at the Cypress Shelter
Fee: $4/child or 3 programs (January - March) for $10 - “New quarter” special
 
 
Friday, January 10
Snowflakes
This time of year children dream of snow! We will read a snowy story, play a snowflake matching game and create our own snowflake to take home and wish on.
 
Friday, February 7
Nature's Architects
What keeps a beaver busy? Discover the many adaptations beavers have that make them so special through our popular "Build a Beaver" program.
 
Friday, March 14
Super Salamanders
To celebrate The Year of the Salamander, we will learn about these super amphibians and how they are different from lizards. Hopefully, we will meet a real one!
 
 
 

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Forest Friends

(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. (**new time**)
Meet at the Cypress Shelter
Fee: $4/child or 3 programs (January–March) for $10 – “New quarter” special
 
 
Friday, January 10
Snowflakes
This time of year children dream of snow! We will read a snowy story, play a snowflake matching game and create our own snowflake to take home and wish on.
 
Friday, February 7
Nature's Architects
What keeps a beaver busy? Discover the many adaptations beavers have that make them so special through our popular "Build a Beaver' program.
 
Friday, March 14
Super Salamanders
To celebrate The Year of the Salamander, we will learn about these super amphibians and how they are different from lizards. Hopefully, we will meet a real one!
 

 

 

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 Family Programs

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
   

 

Moonlight Meander
Tuesday, December 17, 5–6:30 p.m.
Meet at the Loblolly Shelter
We'll let the full moon guide our way as we explore the park after dark. Bring a flashlight and
comfortable walking shoes.
 
Winter Hayride
Sunday, December 22, 1:30–3 p.m.
Meet at the Loblolly Shelter
Join us for a game of "I Spy" as you take a ride to our Longleaf Pine Restoration Area and Womble Family history site. We'll warm up with some hot chocolate along the way.
 
Track Time
Sunday, January 19, 2–3:30 p.m.
Meet at the Cypress Shelter
Join a park staff on a hike along the lake to find clues left behind by our active winter wildlife. We'll hunt for tracks and other signs as we walk, then return to the shelter for a fun track activity to test your new skills.
 
Introduction to Winter Photography
Saturday, January 25, 10 a.m.–noon
Meet at the Longleaf Shelter
Fee: $4/individual; for ages 8 and up
Tackle the challenge of winter photography! Often called the most difficult season to photograph, winter offers breathtaking scenery. Learn the best techniques for capturing those great winter shots in the first hour, then explore the trails to test your new skills in the last hour. Participants must bring their own cameras.
 

Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC)

Friday, February 14–Monday, February 17
The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) is an annual, four-day event that encourages bird watchers of all ages and skill levels to count birds and report their results online to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. The data collected gives useful information to scientists, which enables them to better evaluate fluctuations in bird populations. Visit www.birdsource.org/gbbc for more information!
 
Harris Lake County Park encourages you to participate by joining us for our counts and other programs and events. All programs listed below are FREE and open to all ages to help you learn more about birds! Whether you're an avid birder or a beginner who wants to learn more about local birds, the GBBC is for you! Registration is requested for these programs:
 
Valentine's for the Birds
Friday, February 14, 1:30–3 p.m.
Meet at the Longleaf Shelter
What a perfect way to celebrate Valentine's Day – creating treats for the birds to start off the GBBC weekend. We will have many ingredients for you to create some tasty tidbits to take home for your birds (and probably squirrels).
 
Introduction to Bird Watching for Kids
Friday, February 14, 4–5:30 p.m.
Meet at the Longleaf Shelter
Learn the basics of bird watching and how to participate in the GBBC. We will finish with a bird hike. Take time over the next three days to count at your house, neighborhood or park. Binoculars will be provided, or bring your own.
 
Birdapalooza
Saturday, February 15, 1–4 p.m.
Meet outside the Restroom Pavilion
Enjoy a variety of fun, interactive, hands-on activities about birds, including games, crafts, hikes and scavenger hunts. Warm up with a cup of shade-grown coffee.
 
Night Hike with the Birds
Saturday, February 15, 6–8 p.m.
Meet at the Loblolly Shelter
Join us as we hike along the park roads to listen and count our birds of the night for the GBBC. Wear good hiking shoes.
 
Morning Bird Walk
Sunday, February 16, 9–11 a.m.
Meet at the Loblolly Shelter
We will hike along the shore and the woods to identify a variety of birds for the GBBC. Use our binoculars and bird ID guide or bring your own.
 
Wonders of Woodpeckers
Monday, February 17, 11 a.m.–noon
Meet at the Cypress Shelter
From their familiar drumming sounds to their excited chatter, we have probably all heard a woodpecker. These unique birds have an impressive number of adaptations to suit their busy lifestyles. After an introduction to these handsome, feathered wonders, which includes an up-close look at some real woodpeckers, we'll go on a short hike to look for signs of them in the park.
 
Build Your Own Bluebird House
Monday, February 17, 2–3:30 p.m.
Meet at the Longleaf Shelter
Build a bluebird box to put up in your yard to attract these beautiful insect eaters. Learn how to install and maintain your box.
Materials fee: $8/Box.  Registration is required!
 

More Family Programs...

Cabin Fever Campfire
Friday, February 21, 5:30–7 p.m.
Meet at the Cypress Shelter
Are you ready for spring? Enjoy an evening outside roasting marshmallows, listening to Native American tales, and singing campfire songs that will surely have you yearning for winter to end.
 
Hypertufa Container Gardening Workshop
Saturday, March 8, 1–3 p.m.
Meet at the Cypress Shelter
Fee: $13/individual; for ages 16 and up
Design one of these lightweight custom pots for your garden! These concrete creations are decorative and weather well outside. We'll also talk about what you plant in these unique planters. Space is limited, so preregister today!
Salamander Search
Saturday, March 22
Meet at the Cypress Shelter
Choose your time: 10–11:30 a.m. OR 1:30–3 p.m.
Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (PARC) has designated 2014 as the "Year of the Salamander."  Join Wake County Parks as we honor this cold weather-loving amphibian. Did you know that one of our State Amphibians is a salamander? We'll learn about these important animals and then head out to search the many temporary wetlands of the park for eggs and larvae. Space is limited to minimize impacts on the habitat.
 
 

Free Programs for All Ages!

Winter Waterfowl Hike
Saturday, January 18, 9–11 a.m.
Meet at the Longleaf Shelter
Calling all bird enthusiasts! Join us for a morning walk with John Gerwin, North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences Curator of Birds and Wake Audubon member, to see and hear the different kinds of waterfowl that call Harris Lake home. Several young naturalists will be lending their skills and knowledge, as well. Expect to see some of our year-round and winter residents. Use our binoculars and bird ID guide or bring your own.  All ages and abilities welcome! Dress for the weather.
 
Spring Big Sweep
Sunday, March 9, 1–4 p.m.
VOLUNTEERS WELCOME!
Meet at 1 p.m. at the Loblolly Shelter.
Clean up Harris Lake County Park! Staff will lead volunteers along the shore of the lake, along our roads and on land in the park. Please wear sturdy shoes or boots. All should bring a water bottle. Gloves, trash bags and data cards will be provided. Volunteers will work until 4 p.m.
 
Minors and students must be accompanied by an adult. Groups with minors must complete waivers prior to the event. Please register in advance by calling the park office at 919-387-4342.

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Programs for Kids

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!

 

Eco-Tracks

Calling all kids! Want to spend a day at the park? Staff will lead exciting adventures and activities at the lake, in the fields, and through the woods. Explore the ecology and history of North Carolina's Piedmont region. More information will come with registration.
 
Wandering Through the Woods
Tuesday, January 21, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Fee: $28/child; for ages 8–14
Meet at the Park Office
Ever wanted to just wander through the woods? We'll spend the day outside, sharpening our observation skills and experiencing life in the winter woods. Create your own nature journal, search for geocaches and letterboxes, and just have fun!
 
Preregistration is required one week in advance. Space is limited to 10 participants! Drop off children at the park office and pick up children at the Disc Golf Parking Lot. Dress for the weather! More information will be provided upon registration.
 
Lessons in Flight
Friday, March 28, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Fee: $28/child; for ages 8–14
Meet at the Cypress Shelter
Come to the park for a fun day learning how to build and fly kites, bottle rockets and more as you get ready for National Kite Month in April. We will talk about how these objects fly, as compared to our birds in flight. Discover life in the skies at Harris Lake County Park!

  

Nature Labs

Spend a few hours at the park! This half-day, drop-off program gives kids a chance to explore and learn outdoors through hikes, hands-on activities, games, crafts and more. Nature Labs will be a blast! Great for homeschoolers, track-out days, early release or teacher workdays!
 
Christmas Games & Crafts
Monday, December 23, noon–4 p.m.
Meet at the Park Office
Fee: $16/child; for ages 7–12
Celebrate winter by creating gifts from recycled and reusable items. Hot cocoa and snack included.
 
Nature Lab: Amazing Aquatic Adaptations
Friday, March 7, 1:30–4:30 p.m.
Meet at the Cypress Shelter
Fee: $8/child, for ages 6–10
Wildlife have a variety of adaptations that help them to live and thrive in a particular habitat.  Through games, a hike and craft, we'll explore the unique survival strategies that animals (and plants!) in an aquatic ecosystem have adapted to keep themselves alive in this special environment.
 

Adult Programs and Workshops

Natural Reads Book Club –"NEW Series"
Fee: FREE!
1–3 p.m.; Meet at the Park Office
Join Harris Lake County Park staff in our newest adult series – a nature book club! Each month we'll discuss a book that deals with nature and our environment. Topics will range from nature journals, environmental issues, poetry and fiction to current events and outdoor adventure stories.
 
Dates and topics below:
 
Sunday, January 26
A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail, by Bill Bryson.
 
Sunday, February 23
We will talk about Ismael, by Daniel Quinn, and look at the basis of our civilization. What can a talking gorilla teach us about being human and how we interact with the world?
 
Sunday, March 16
This month, we go back to where it all started for most of us, with Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax. Who is the real villain of the story? And what lessons did we learn as children that we still use as adults? Take a step back to your childhood with this classic!
 
 
 
Try-It Discovery Program for Brownie Troops
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.