In-person programs (with restrictions): For all ages. Free. Registration is required for everyone (All adults, children + siblings), and children must have adult accompaniment. No unregistered participants will be allowed into the program. We ask that you and your family please arrive 10 minutes early for check-in.

FAMILY FEATURES

Animal Senses
Sunday, April 7, 2–3 p.m.
Did you know that crickets hear with their feet or that rabbits have 17,000 taste buds on their tongues? Get ready for a fantastic journey into the world of your five senses and how they help you explore nature. Compare prickly and tickly objects, and take a nature walk to put your senses to the test in the park! Meet at Heron Shelter, at the end of the lower parking lot.

In-person programs: For all ages. Free. Registration is required for everyone (All adults, children + siblings), and children must have adult accompaniment. No unregistered participants will be allowed into the program. We ask that you and your family please arrive 10 minutes early for check-in.

Earth Day Party!
Thursday, April 4, 11 a.m.–noon
Earth Day is just around the corner, and we're throwing a green extravaganza! Join the Eco-Party and learn how we can breathe new life into everyday objects to reduce our waste. Get ready for bubble-blowing, crafting using recycled materials, and creating bird feeders. It's time to get crafty and help save our planet by reducing, reusing and recycling! Meet at Heron Shelter, at the end of the lower parking lot.

In-person programs: For all ages. Free. Registration is required for everyone (All adults, children + siblings), and children must have adult accompaniment. No unregistered participants will be allowed into the program. We ask that you and your family please arrive 10 minutes early for check-in.

Alive After Dark
Friday, April 19, 5–6 p.m.
Ever wondered what happens in the park after dark? Let's become fearless night explorers guided by the moon's glow! We'll take a leisurely stroll around the pond and search for the creatures that rule the night. Try your best to spot the elusive nocturnal animals and learn their fascinating adaptations. For all ages (recommended for ages 6 and up); FREE. Meet at Heron Shelter, at the end of the lower parking lot.

Walk in the Woods
Offered once a quarter. Join one of our naturalist staff on a nature hike around Crowder to see what we can find! Come prepared to hike a mile by wearing closed-toe shoes and bringing a full water bottle. For all ages (best for ages 6 and up). Free.

Registration is required for everyone (All adults, children + siblings), and children must have adult accompaniment. Meet at the park office, and we ask that you and your family please arrive 10 minutes early for check-in.

Stay tuned for our next offering this summer!

Offered once a quarter. Kids use their imagination to create a different themed craft each season. For all ages. Free. Registration is required for everyone (All adults, children + siblings), and children must have adult accompaniment.

Raindrops and Rainbows
Tuesday, April 30, 11–11:45 a.m.
Let kids unleash their creativity by creating unique art pieces relating to the wonderful colors of the rainbow! Create a weather craft to celebrate the new season. We will bring the materials if you bring the imagination! Meet at Heron Shelter, at the end of the lower parking lot.

We hope your tiny tots can join us for a short story time and a fun craft with park educators! For all ages (best for ages 6 and under); FREE. Registration required for all programs, and adult accompaniment is required. We are now also offering Tiny Tots in Spanish! (You do not have to speak Spanish to attend.)

April: "The Solar System with Ellen," by Patty Rodriguez: April 22, 10:15–11 a.m.

April: “El Sistema solar con Ellen,” por Patty Rodriguez: April 22, 4:30–5:15 p.m.

Crowder is excited to offer you and your families a wonderful interactive StoryWalk^® activity within the park!

Join us for this fun self-guided activity. This will be located on the Outer Loop Trail, beginning at the park's Bird Garden, which is immediately on the left as you enter the park, across from the park's office.

This wonderful program combines the joy of reading a story while also getting out and enjoying nature. This hike is around 0.8 miles.

New to StoryWalk^® concept? Laminated pages from a children's book are attached to signs, which are installed along an outdoor path. As you stroll down the trail, you're directed to the next page in the story. The StoryWalk^® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, Vermont, and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. StoryWalk^® is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson.

Want to explore the park with the knowledge of staff? Check out a discovery box from the park! Discovery boxes are self-guided lesson plans, intended for use by teachers of small classes or parents who wish to educate children without requesting a formal program through the office. All boxes come complete with hands on lesson plans, equipment, story books, guides and take-home activities!

Discovery boxes can be checked out at the park office. Stop by and sign one out today!

For larger groups, please call ahead to 919-662-2850 to reserve a box.

A complete list of activities and age recommendations can be found here.

Birds: Activities Length 15 minutes +; Recommended Age: 3 years of age +
Summary: Students will learn to identify different bird behaviors and common birds of the park.

Bugs: Activities Length: 30 minutes +; Recommended Age: 3 years of age +
Summary: Students will familiarize themselves with insect life cycles and bugs found at the park.

Crowder’s Critters: Activities Length: 30 minutes +; Recommended Age: 3 years of age +
Summary: Students will familiarize themselves with animals native to the NC Piedmont.

Pond-Go: Activities Length: 15 minutes +; Recommended Age: 3 years of age +
Summary: Students will identify the plants and animals  that live in a pond.

ABC Hike: Activities Length: 30 minutes +; Recommended Age: 3 years of age +
Summary: Students will practice their ABCs on a nature walk and learn about habitats around the world.

Wetlands: Activities Length: 30 minutes +; Recommended Age: 6 years of age +
Summary: Students will explore a wetland and learn defining characteristics.

Trees of the Park: Activities Length: 15 minutes +; Recommended Age: 3 years of age +
Summary: Students will explore the parts of a tree, life cycle and discover the trees of the park.

Do you like to explore parks and preserves? Do you like winning prizes? Our Junior Park Explorers program is for you! Learn more here.