Historic Oak View County Park offers programs covering history, nature and recreational topics. Public programs are open for registration to the general public.
Register for a Public Program
Emancipation Day at Oak View
Join us on Saturday, January 24 at 1:30 p.m. at Historic Oak View for a tour focused on the history of Emancipation Day (January 1st) and how the transition from slavery to freedom was experienced by Oak View's enslaved community. Discover stories of how African American families celebrated their liberation and the steps they took to achieve freedom for themselves and their descendants. Free and open to all, recommended for ages 4th grade and up. Registration is required for all participants.
We will run the program rain or shine, so please come prepared with weather appropriate clothing. Parts of the tour will take place outdoors and in non-climate controlled historic buildings, and includes standing and walking between buildings on paved brick paths.
Join us on Saturday, January 24 at 1:30 p.m.
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.
Take a Self-Guided Mobile Tour
Check out the Oak View Mobile Tour and learn about the history of the farmland and historic structures, as well as the lives of the people who lived and worked at Oak View throughout its history.
Haga el recorrido móvil de Oak View y conozca la historia de las tierras de cultivo y las estructuras históricas, así como la vida de las personas que vivieron y trabajaron en Oak View a lo largo de su historia.
Go on a StoryWalk®
January StoryWalk®: Say Something!
From January 2-31, Oak View's brick walkways will feature the children's book "Say Something!," written and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds.
The world needs your voice. If you have a brilliant idea... say something! If you see an injustice... say something!
In this empowering picture book, beloved author Peter H. Reynolds explores the many ways that a single voice can make a difference. Each of us, each and every day, have the chance to say something: with our actions, our words, and our voices. Perfect for kid activists everywhere, this timely story reminds readers of the undeniable importance and power of their voice. There are so many ways to tell the world who you are... what you are thinking... and what you believe. And how you'll make it better. The time is now: SAY SOMETHING!
StoryWalk® Social Narrative
StoryWalk® at Oak View is free, requires no advance registration, and is open during the park's normal hours of operation. Check out our StoryWalk® Social Narrative to download and print before going to the park.
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.
More Self-Guided Activities
Historic Oak View County Park also offers several activities for small groups or families, which can be checked out at the front desk in the Farm History Center (our visitors' center). Ask any staff member about how to check out one of these fun activities!
The Oak View Scavenger Hunt is a great self-guided activity for kids. Stop by the Farm History Center to pick up a scavenger hunt and then learn all about Oak View while searching for answers to the clues.
The Adventure Backpack Series are individual backpacks full of fun, self-guided programs on different topics related to Oak View. Check one out by stopping by the Farm History Center during regular business hours. Choose from the following offerings:
Preschool:
- Goat In My Boat – Arlo the Goat goes on adventure in a boat, but what happens when he gets some big feelings and can't stop rocking the boat? This delightful story with accompanying activities teaches children practical and age-appropriate strategies to deal with big feelings.
- Barnyard Friends – A preschool-friendly adventure that teaches children about animals and life on the farm through games, play and exploration.
Elementary:
- All About Bugs – Visit the buildings and gardens around the park and complete hands-on activities that teach you about insects and their friends, and how they help out on the farm!
- Watching the Weather – Learn about weather tools and instruments, create your own weather forecast, and even play with a "pet" tornado! This backpack is a great way introduce kids to the elements that make up the weather.
- From Field to Fiber: The Story of Cotton – Learn all about the history of cotton through hands-on activities such as feeling real cotton straight from the cotton field, turning cotton sliver into thread, and learning about different figures important to the history of cotton.
- Kid Curator – Discover what makes a museum (like Oak View) a museum, and who decides what to exhibit and how. The backpack includes lots of activities to learn how to be a curator, along with a workbook that you keep at the end of your activity!
Everyone's Welcome
Historic Oak View County Park welcomes all visitors and affirms its commitment to offering programs and services that are accessible to everyone. We will make every effort to ensure that visitors of all abilities are fully included in all our programs and facilities. Check back regularly to see what new opportunities become available!
For questions about our accessibility resources or how we may best meet your needs in any of our programs, please contact Susan Horton, assistant park manager of education, at 919-212-7695 or susan.horton@wake.gov.