Crowder County Park offers programs covering history, nature and recreational topics. Public programs are open for registration to the general public.
Public Programs
Register for Programs
You may register for several of Crowder’s upcoming programs online.
Songs of Spring
Wednesday, May 27, 11 a.m.–noon
Discover the enchanting sounds of the forest, from the croaking toads to the melodic birds, and make some spring music of your own. Best for ages 5 to 10. Registration is required for all attendees (adults and children), and children must have an accompanying adult. Meet at the Heron Shelter, at the end of the lower parking lot. FREE. Register here.
OUT Hiking at Crowder (Pride Program)
Saturday, June 6, 9:30–11 a.m.
Join us in our park while we learn about the wide diversity of wildlife in our area. Trails are paved, with an option to go off-trail if the group is comfortable. Bring comfortable hiking shoes and a full water bottle. For ages 10 and up (with an accompanying adult); FREE. Registration required. Meet at the park office, the first left after you enter the park. Everyone is welcome! Register here.
Turtle Talk
Friday, June 12, 2–3 p.m.
Did you know that more than 5 species of turtle call Crowder Park home? Join park staff as we talk turtles! Together, we will discuss identification, behavior and the fascinating phenomenon of scutes. For ages 5 and up. Registration is required for all attendees (adults and children), and children must have an accompanying adult. Meet at the Robin Shelter, the first shelter on your right as you enter the lower parking lot. FREE. Register here.
Tiny Tots: Corduroy
Monday, June 15, 10:15–11 a.m.
We hope your tiny tots can join us for a fun story time with a craft activity after! Enjoy a reading of the classic storybook Corduroy by Don Freeman, about a stuffed teddy bear in a department store that longs for—and finds—a home. Then make a craft to take home! Registration required. Participants can meet at the Cardinal Shelter, the first right after entering the park. Adult accompaniment is required. For ages 6 and under. Register here.
Spanish Tiny Tots: Corduroy
Monday, Jun 15, 4–4:45 p.m.
¡Esperamos que sus pequeños puedan unirse a nosotros para disfrutar de un divertido cuento seguido de una actividad artesanal! La historia destacada es Corduroy, por Don Freeman. Esta actividad está diseñada para familias con niños de seis años o menos. Este programa es gratuito. Regístrate aquí.
Nature Journaling: Summer
Saturday, June 27, 10–11 a.m.
Join this guided nature journaling practice to welcome summer by learning about historical perspectives on nature and the basics of nature journaling. Bring your creativity, a notebook (optional), walking shoes, and an appreciation for the natural world. Recommended for ages 8 and up (adult accompaniment required for all children); registration is required. FREE. Meet at the Upper Pavilion. Register here.
StoryWalk®
Crowder is excited to offer you and your families a wonderful, interactive StoryWalk® activity within the park! This program combines the joy of reading a story while also getting out and enjoying nature.
Join us for this fun self-guided activity, which will start at the large playground and lead you towards the Robin Shelter, for a distance of about 0.4 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.
STORYWALKS®
May 3–31: Finding Wild, by Megan Wagner Lloyd
June 3–30: Otters Under Water, by Jim Arnosky
Discovery Backpacks
Want to explore the park with the knowledge of staff? Check out a discovery backpack from the park! Discovery backpacks 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 backpacks come complete with hands-on lesson plans, equipment, story books, guides and take-home activities!
Discovery backpacks 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 and a tree's life cycle and discover the trees of the park.
Become a Junior Park Explorer!
Do you like to explore parks and preserves? Do you like winning prizes? Our Junior Park Explorers program is for you! Learn more here.