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.
Sneaky Snakes
Saturday, Sept. 19, 2–3 p.m.
Did you know 29 different snake species call North Carolina’s Piedmont home? Learn about their neat adaptations and examine scales and snake skins. Then meet Popcorn, our park's educational ambassador Corn Snake! For ages 5 and up. Registration is required for everyone (adults and children), and all children must have adult accompaniment. Meet at the Robin Shelter, the first shelter on your right as you enter the lower parking lot. FREE. Register here.
Nature Scavenger Hunt
Sunday, Sept. 27, 2–3 p.m.
Scavenger hunts are a great way to explore the park! Bring the whole family and enjoy searching for clues focused on nature and animals found at Crowder! For all ages. Registration is required for everyone (adults and children), and all children must have adult accompaniment. Meet at the Robin Shelter, the first shelter on your right as you enter the lower parking lot. FREE. Register here.
Forest Folklore
Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2–3 p.m.
All over the world, there are people who tell stories about the forests and the plants and animals that live there. Gather around at Crowder to listen to some stories about the forest from cultures near and far, and to come up with some folklore for our very own forest! Best for ages 5–10. Registration is required for everyone, and all children must have adult accompaniment. Meet at the Robin Shelter, the first shelter on your right as you enter the lower parking lot. FREE. Register here.
Trees in the Fall
Sunday, Oct. 11, 2–3 p.m.
Why do the leaves on some trees change color, and how do we identify trees when their leaves have all fallen? Take a hike with a park naturalist and learn all about North Carolina’s native trees. For ages 7 & up. Registration is required for all participants, and children must have adult accompaniment. Meet at the Park Office, the first building on your left as you enter the park. FREE. Register here.
Tiny Tots: Bat Loves the Night
Monday, Oct. 19, 10:15–11 a.m.
We hope your tiny tots can join us for a fun story time with a craft activity after! This month we are reading Bat Loves the Night, by Nicola Davies. For ages 6 & under; registration is required, and adult accompaniment is required for all children. Participants can meet at the Cardinal Shelter, the first right after entering the park. FREE. Register here.
Nocturnal Animals
Thursday, Oct. 29, 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Have you ever been curious as to what comes alive after dark? Join us as we learn all about what our local critters do when the sun goes down, and help us discover some out in the park. For all ages. Registration is required for all participants, and children must have adult accompaniment. Meet at the Upper Pavilion, to the left of the upper playground. FREE. 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 toward the Robin Shelter, for a distance of about 0.4 miles.
New to the 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®
Sept. 3–30: Fireflies, Fireflies, Light My Way, by Jonathan London
Oct. 3-31: Possum's Harvest Moon, by Anne Hunter
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, storybooks, 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.
Exploring Birds: Recommended age: 6 and up
Summary: Students will learn to identify different bird behaviors and common birds of the park.
Backyard Bugs: Recommended age: 3 and up
Summary: Students will familiarize themselves with insect life cycles and bugs found at the park.
Wetland Wonders: Recommended age: 6 and up
Summary: Students will explore a wetland and learn defining characteristics.
Branching Out: Recommended age: 3 and up
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.