Historic Yates Mill Public Programs

In-Park Public Programs

Park Tales

For all ages (best for ages 6 and under); FREE. Registration is required for all family members, and children must have adult accompaniment. Please arrive five minutes early for program check-in.

Park Tales: Snakes Have No Legs!
Friday, Aug. 21, 10–10:45 a.m.
In this lighthearted picture book, learn how snakes can slither up trees, on land and even in the water. We will learn cool facts about North Carolina's snakes and do some fun snake crafts! For all ages (best for ages 6 and under). Registration is required, and children must have adult accompaniment. FREE. Register here.

Park Tales: Norman, the Slug with the Silly Shell
Friday, Sept. 25, 10–10:45 a.m.
Join park staff for a silly story about the adventures of Norman the slug, who is seeking a perfect shell! Discover the difference between slugs and snails, and make a fun craft to take home! Best for ages 6 and under. Registration is required for all family members, and children must have adult accompaniment. FREE. Register here.

Drop-in Science/Drop-in Art

Drop-in Science programs are offered quarterly, while Drop-in Art programs are offered occasionally. For all ages; FREE. Registration is not required, as this is a drop-in program.

Drop-in Art: Origami
Sunday, Aug. 9, 2–4 p.m.
Join park staff for this fun, drop-in program to make nature-inspired origami! Origami is the art of paper folding, using a square piece of paper to create three-dimensional shapes. Staff will be on hand to help you create birds and other animals as well as other shapes inspired by nature! No prior experience required. This program will meet in the visitor center. Best for ages 8 and up. Registration is not required, as this is a drop-in program. FREE.

Hike with a Naturalist

For all ages (recommended for ages 8 and up); FREE. Registration is required for all participants, and children must have adult accompaniment.

Hike with a Naturalist
Friday, Aug. 28, and Friday, Sept. 4, 9:30–11 a.m.
Join one of our naturalist staff members on a guided hike around the park to discover the plants and animals that live here! Come prepared to hike at least a mile on natural surfaces by wearing closed-toe shoes and bringing a full water bottle. For ages 8 and up; FREE. Registration is required for all family members, and children must have adult accompaniment.

To register for the Aug. 28 hike, click here.

To register for the Sept. 4 hike, click here.

History Hike

For all ages (recommended for ages 7 and up); FREE. Registration is required for all family members, and children must have adult accompaniment. Please arrive five minutes early for program check-in. Offered in December, January and February.

Recreational Adventures: Guided Canoe Paddle

For ages 10 and up; FREE. Registration is required for all family members, and children must have adult accompaniment. Currently on hold, with hopes to offer this program again later this fall.

Take a Child Outside Walk

Take a Child Outside Walk
Saturday, Sept. 26, 10–11 a.m.
Sept. 24–30 is Take a Child Outside Week! Join us for a guided nature walk where children and their adults can explore together, practice getting curious, and learn about the natural world. Arrive at the park office ready for the outdoors by bringing a water bottle and wearing walking shoes. Best for ages 5–10. Registration is required for everyone, and children must have adult accompaniment. FREE. Register here.

Hooray for Hummingbirds!

Hooray for Hummingbirds!
Thursday, Sept. 17, 9–10 a.m.
Join park staff on a short hike to the Wetlands Boardwalk, where we can watch ruby-throated hummingbirds visiting the blooms of jewelweed, one of the birds’ favorite plants. For the last few years in September, we have often seen dozens of hummingbirds flying from flower to flower, gathering nectar to fuel them on their long migration to Mexico and Central America. Learn more about these magnificent birds, and see how many we can find! For all ages. Registration is required, and adult accompaniment is required for all children. FREE. Please arrive at the park office five minutes early for program check-in. To register, click here.

Volunteer Day

Volunteer Day: Removing Invasive Species
Sunday, Sept. 20, 9–11 a.m.
Learn about invasive plant species around the park and help keep your local ecosystem healthy by joining us to remove invasive species! Volunteers will use loppers, hand clippers and other tools to remove Chinese privet and tree of heaven. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and come prepared to walk off-trail with closed-toe shoes, long pants and sun protection. Bringing a full water bottle is recommended. Tools and gloves are provided. All participants must complete a Volunteer Waiver Form prior to the event or in person on the day of the event. To register, click here.

Mill Tours

Public tours of the historic gristmill are offered at scheduled times on weekends from March through November. For information about mill tours, click here.

Virtual Programs: ecoEXPLORE

Registration through the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. This online program is geared toward children in grades K–8 and their families, but all are welcome! You will learn about the ecoEXPLORE project during the program. FREE.

Virtual ecoEXPLORE: Entomology Season Roundup
Monday, Aug. 31, 3:30–4:30 p.m.
Come share your favorite entomological observations and see the standout finds for the season! This virtual program is geared toward children in grades K–8 and their families. Registration is handled through the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. FREE. Register here.