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
In the Farm's Kitchen
Join us on Saturday, Sept. 14, at 10:30 a.m. in the plank kitchen at Historic Oak View for an introduction to the history of southern foodways and the cultural fusions that shaped the region's diverse food systems. Discover the story of Eliza Hutchings, an enslaved woman at Oak View, and how the transition from slavery to freedom affected the domestic work and skills of women in the 19th and 20th centuries. Afterward, participants can engage in some hands-on history and try making butter! This program is free, but registration is required for all participants. Recommended for upper elementary-age and older.
Join us on Saturday, Sept. 14, at 10:30 a.m.
Artifact Adventure at Oak View
Join us on Saturday, Sept. 21, at 10:30 a.m. for an adventure… an artifact adventure! This guided program challenges participants to identify artifacts around Oak View with an "I spy"-inspired game. Participants will learn about each artifact and how the artifact fits into Oak View’s history.
Join us on Saturday, Sept. 21, at 10:30 a.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®
Take a StoryWalk® at Oak View! A StoryWalk® is a children’s book that is presented, page by page, along a trail or path. It combines the pleasures of reading a children's book while enjoying nature.
¡Disfrute de un StoryWalk® en Oak View! StoryWalk® es un libro para niños presentado por páginas a lo largo de un sendero o andador. Combina los placeres de leer un libro infantil mientras se disfruta de la naturaleza.
August StoryWalk®: The King of Kindergarten
From August 1–31, Oak View's brick walkways will feature the children's book "The King of Kindergarten" written by Derrick Barnes and illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton.
Starting kindergarten is a big milestone--and the hero of this story is ready to make his mark! He's dressed himself, eaten a pile of pancakes, and can't wait to be part of a whole new kingdom of kids. The day will be jam-packed, but he's up to the challenge, taking new experiences in stride with his infectious enthusiasm! And afterward, he can't wait to tell his proud parents all about his achievements--and then wake up to start another day.
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