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

Fascinating Fossils
Sunday, Nov. 24, 2-3 p.m.
Fossils tell scientists how animals and plants lived a long time ago. Join us as we become Junior Paleontologists! Discover in which rocks fossils form, learn about and experiment with the four types of fossils, then excavate pretend reptiles from eggs! For all ages; FREE. Registration is required, and children must have adult accompaniment. Meet at the 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.

White Tails in Winter
Wednesday, Dec. 18, 11 a.m.-noon
Discover how animals like deer and rabbits adapt to snowy landscapes, learn about their winter behaviors, and uncover their secrets for surviving the cold. Make sure to dress in layers!  FREE. Registration required. Meet at the Cardinal Shelter, first right after entering the park.

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.

Barks and Buds
Friday, Dec. 6, 4-5 p.m.
Discover the art of identifying trees solely by their distinctive bark patterns and unique buds. Through guided activities and nature walks, learn how to decode the secrets hidden within trees, even when they're leafless. FREE. Meet at the Cardinal Shelter, first right after entering the park. 

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.

Walk in the Woods
Saturday, Dec. 21, 10-11:30 a.m.
Nature walks are like snowflakes--each one is unique in its own way. Toss on your winter gear and tag along with a park naturalist as you explore the serenity that is nature in the wintertime. FREE. Registration is required for all family members, and children must have adult accompaniment. No unregistered participants will be allowed into the program. Meet at the park office 10 minutes before the program to check-in.

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.

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.)

December: "The Invisible String," by Patrice Karst. Dec. 16, 10:15-11 a.m. (English)

Diciembre: "El Hilo Invisible," por Patrice Karst. Dec. 16, 4-4:45 p.m. (Spanish)

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.