Fall/Winter Programs
Programs offered at Harris Lake require
preregistration at least two days prior to program date.
Please call 919-387-4342 to register.
Tuesdays are for Tots
Programs for preschoolers ages 2-5
It‘s fun to observe and learn about nature with your child! Our Tuesdays are for Tots programs are designed for preschoolers to explore the natural world through easy-paced hikes, fun hands-on activities and show and tells. All programs are $3/child with parent or $5/family.
These programs meet at the Cypress Shelter.
Sensory Sensations
December 1, 10–11 a.m.
Nature is full of all sorts of textures, colors, sounds, shapes and smells! We’ll help your child use their different senses to discover the world around them on our short nature hike through the woods.
Let it Snow!
January 5, 11 a.m.–noon
Don’t be left out in the cold! Join us as we celebrate winter and all the fun things that can be done with snow! Whether there’s real snow on the ground or not, we’ll play with “snow balls”, sing some snowman songs, go “sledding”, make a special craft, and dress up like a snowman!
Groundhog Day!
February 2, 10–11 a.m.
Will we have six more weeks of winter or an early spring? Our friendly groundhog puppet will help us learn about the legend of the groundhog as we read a story fit for the occasion. We’ll make a fun, pop-up groundhog craft and play some groundhog games!
Busy Beavers
March 2, 10–11 a.m.
We’ll dress up like a beaver to help your child learn how beavers are able to chomp down trees, swim in the water, and make their lodges. Then we’ll make a beaver lodge using modeling clay and enjoy a walk in the park in search of signs of beavers!
Wild Wednesdays
Family Programs geared for ages 5-12
Get interactive as you explore the “wild” side of the woods during these Wednesday programs. Nature hikes and creative activities will aid your nature discovery while you have fun at the same time. All programs are $3/person or $5/family, unless otherwise stated.
Call of the Wild
November 18, 2–3 p.m.
Did you know that we have coyotes in North Carolina? Learn where we can find these very adaptable canine hunters, what they look like, and how they have expanded their range over the years. We’ll explore some interesting coyote folklore and make a coyote track to take home. Meet at the Amphitheater.
For Evergreen
December 16, 10–11 a.m.
Most of our trees have lost their leaves, but some of them are still green! How can they survive the winter? Learn the answer to this question and many more as we discover the world of evergreens. We’ll take a hike to identify different evergreens that can be found in the park, and then make a holiday craft using parts of these beautiful trees. Meet at the Cypress Shelter.
Squirreled Away for the Winter
January 13, 2–3 p.m.
What do squirrels do during the winter? Venture into the world of squirrels as we learn how they survive the winter months. We’ll play some “squirrely” games and take a walk in search of these acrobatic and amusing animals. Meet at the Cypress Shelter.
Wonderful Waterfowl
February 10, 10–11 a.m.
Harris Lake is the winter home to many different species of waterfowl. Join park staff as we guide you to some of the best viewing areas to see these amazing avians. We’ll play a game that will help us learn more about the struggles these birds face and how they are able to survive. Meet at the playground.
St. Patrick’s Day
March 17, 2–3 p.m.
In celebration of St. Patrick’s Day and all things green, we’ll walk in the woods to find the color green! From the buds on the trees to the green frogs in the pond, we’ll leave no stone unturned in our search! Who knows, maybe we’ll even find a four-leaf clover! A seasonal craft will make our program complete. Meet at the Amphitheater.
Family Programs
Family Disc Golf
Sunday, December 13, 2–4 p.m.
Sunday, December 20, 2–4 p.m.
$3/person or $5/family
Want to enjoy the outdoors and learn a fun, new sport with your family? Disc golf is fast becoming one of the most popular sports around. Get in on the action by joining a professional disc golfer on Harris Lake’s 18-hole disc golf course to learn proper throwing techniques, rules of the game and much more. Loaner discs will be available. Meet at the disc golf parking lot.
Fall Leaf Art
Saturday, November 21, 2–3 p.m.
$3/person or $5/family
Brilliant reds, oranges and purples are just some of the colors leaves turn in the fall. Learn why leaves turn different colors, how we can preserve them by pressing them, and how we can turn pressed leaves into beautiful, animal-themed artwork. We’ll show you how to make and assemble your very own leaf press to take home! Meet at the Cypress Shelter.
Shelter Yourself
Sunday, December 6, 2–4 p.m.
$4/person or $7/family
Meet at the Disc Golf Parking Lot
If you were lost in the woods would you know what to do? Learn important safety tips, how to build your very own debris shelter, plus how to start a fire! We’ll enjoy roasting a marshmallow and singing a camp song or two in this fun, informative program! Meet at the Disc Golf Parking Lot.
Wisteria Wreaths
Saturday, December 12, 2–3 p.m.
$3/person or $5/family
Help us turn our invasive wisteria into a beautiful holiday wreath. Come prepared to enjoy an afternoon of fun and creativity as we sip hot chocolate and create a long lasting wreath to make your holidays just a little brighter. All materials will be provided. Meet at the Cypress Shelter.
Think Snow!
Saturday, January 16, 2–3 p.m.
$3/person or $5/family
Snow or no snow, this program is all about the fluffy white stuff that makes this time of the year special! Learn how real snow is made before we make our own homemade snow that we will use to decorate a winter woodland scene using natural materials. We’ll also make an edible snowman using marshmallows, toss some “snow balls” and play other winter-related games! Meet at the Cypress Shelter.
Winter Rhapsody
Saturday, January 30, 6–7 p.m.
$3 person or $5/family
Bundle up and bring the whole family out for a luminary-lit hay wagon ride through the woods! We’ll provide the hot chocolate and some musical entertainment—the serenity of the woods at night will provide the ambience! Meet at the Playground.
The Family that Plays Together Stays Together!
Sunday, January 31, 1:30–3:30 p.m.
Looking for something fun to do with the family? Look no more! Come on out to Harris Lake where we will provide an afternoon of adventure for your family. We’ll play disc golf, have a good, old-fashioned nature scavenger hunt, and enjoy some s’mores around a campfire! Meet at the Disc Golf Course Parking Lot.
Valentines for Bluebirds
Saturday, February 13, 2–4 p.m.
$10 per family
It’s no wonder songs and stories have been written about bluebirds over the years—they are a sight to behold! Valentine’s Day is a perfect day to show our love for bluebirds by providing them with what they need! Find out how to make your backyard a haven for bluebirds. We’ll get you started by helping you put together a bluebird box to take home. Learn how to garden, monitor and care for bluebirds by seeing how the staff at Harris Lake take care of their bluebirds! One bluebird box per family. Preregistration is required seven days before program. Meet at the Cypress Shelter.
Great Backyard Bird Count
Sunday, February 14, 2–3:30 p.m.
Free
Help us count our birds for the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC). The GBBC is an annual, four-day event where families and individuals make an important contribution to conservation simply by counting birds. Data submitted from this count gives useful information to scientists, which enables them to better evaluate fluctuations in bird populations. Join the staff at Harris Lake by participating in a bird count here in the park. No birding experience is necessary. Since it’s also Valentine’s Day, we’ll show our birds some love by making a homemade bird treat to give to the birds at Harris Lake or to take home to your own backyard birds! Binoculars will be provided. Meet at the Loblolly Shelter.
Salamander Sleuths
Sunday, February 28, 2–3:30 p.m.
$3/person or $5/family
Become a salamander sleuth as we look under rocks, logs, leaf litter and inside vernal pools to “sniff” out the places salamanders and their eggs can be found. Learn about the lifecycle of the salamander, the types of salamanders that can be found in the park, and do a cool ‘egg’speriment! Meet at the Cypress Shelter.
Orienteering
Saturday, March 6, 2–4 p.m.
$3/person or $5/family
Get your bearings by navigating our orienteering course. Basic map and compass instruction will be given before we set you free on our beginner’s course. Maps and compasses provided. Meet at the
Longleaf Shelter.
Any Fish You Wish
Saturday, March 27, 2–3:30 p.m.
$3/person or $5/family
See if the fish are biting by joining us at our fishing pond for an afternoon of fishing! Learn about the fish that can be found in our pond and play a fun casting game before wetting a line of your own. We’ll provide the bait, the rod and, hopefully, the fish! Meet at the Fishing Pond Parking Lot.
Adult Programs
Birding and Coffee Saturday, March 13, 8–10 a.m.$3/person or $5/family
See what birds can be found in and around Harris Lake during the winter as we enjoy a cup of shade-grown coffee and an easy-paced stroll around the park searching for our feathered friends. Bring your binoculars or borrow one of ours. Meet in front of the playground.
Longleaf Pine Exploration Sunday, February 7, 2–4 p.m.
$3/person or $5/family
The Longleaf Pine’s influence on North Carolina’s history is astounding. This magnificent tree once dominated the Southeast, providing Native Americans and a growing nation with goods that sustained their livelihood. Learn more about this remarkable tree as park staff leads you on a guided walking tour to our Longleaf Pine Restoration Area, where we will talk about the importance of fire to the Longleaf Pine’s survival, its growing stages, benefits to wildlife and much more! Meet in front of the playground.
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.