Crowder County Park offers programs covering history, nature and recreational topics. Public programs are open for registration to the general public.
In-person programs are back! Find them below to register!
Public Programs
Register for Programs
You may register for several of Crowder’s upcoming programs or camps online.
Virtual Programs
For all ages; FREE. Registration required for all virtual programs. A zoom link will be sent out to all registered participants a day before the program start date.
Check back for updates!
Family Features
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
Sun Fun
Sunday, May 14
2–3 p.m.
As our one and only star, the Sun is the only natural source of light in the entire solar system. Learn the importance of the Sun in our ecosystem and how to protect yourself in the heat, then play some fun, sun-related games. Best for ages 4 and up.
Beautiful Butterflies
Sunday, June 11
2–3 p.m.
Explore the types of butterflies that call the park home and the different stages of their life cycle. Identify the special adaptations that butterflies have and learn how you can create your own butterfly habitat! Best for ages 4 and up.
Nature Families
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.
Nature Families: Flower Power
Wednesday, May 10
11 a.m.–noon
Flowers are very important to the animals in the park. Learn the life cycle of a plant and which animals depend on flowers. Discover how flowers drink water and learn all the different parts of a flower. Best for ages 4 and up.
Nature Families: Sneaky Snakes
Wednesday, June 21
11 a.m.–noon
Did you know there are more than 3,000 species of snakes? Sort through facts about these reptiles in a fun trivia game. Learn about their neat adaptations and observe scales and snake skins. Join us for a snake story time and then meet "Popcorn," our park's corn snake! Best for ages 4 and up.
Crowder by Night
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.
The Magic of Soil
Friday, May 5
5–6 p.m.
Healthy soils are teeming with life, from microscopic bacteria and fungi to large mammals like moles and voles. In this program, participants will explore the many organisms that call soil home and learn the differences between soil and dirt. Best for ages 4 and up.
Firefly Frenzy
Friday, June 2
5–6 p.m.
Have you ever wondered why fireflies light up the summer sky? Well, join us to learn about the firefly's life cycle and discover what makes a lightning bug glow. Discover more through hands-on activities and games related to their glow! Best for ages 4 and up.
Discover the Park
Walk in the Woods
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 close-toed 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.
Walk in the Woods
Saturday, June 24
10-11 a.m.
Join a park naturalist on a general nature hike to see what is happening at Crowder County Park this summer. Participants will immerse themselves in nature and learn about the interesting things they find along the way! All experience levels are welcome. We can learn together. Bring closed-toed shoes, a water bottle, and your excitement for nature!
StoryWalk®
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.
STORYWALKS®
May: "Otters Underwater," by Jim Arnosky
June: "The Little Raindrop," written by Joanna Gray and illustrated by Dubravka Kolanovic
Tiny Tots Story Times
We hope your tiny tots can join us for a short story time and a fun craft with park educators! For all ages; FREE. Registration required for all programs. Adult accompaniment is required. Best for ages 6 and under.
May: "Little Turtle and the Changing Sea" by Becky Davies: May 22, 10:15–11 a.m.
June: "Over in the Meadow" by Olive Wadsworth: June 5, 10:15–11 a.m.
Discovery Boxes
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.
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.