To register for one of our public programs, select one of the dropdowns to see the list of programs and click the Register Online button to be taken to the online registration website, or use the button below to search for programs by location, age, date and more.

*New in 2024!*
At 10 a.m. on the first day of the each month, program registrations will open for the following month.
This will help us ensure that new programs will continuously be open for registration!

Having trouble registering for a program online? Contact Susan Jones at 919-460-2723 or email susan.jones@wake.gov for assistance.

*Pre-registration is required for all programs, unless otherwise noted. All participants must be registered. All in-person family programs require an adult to register and attend with children under 18. Age restrictions may apply. Age limits are established for safety and program content. 

Pets, except service animals, are not permitted at programs.

The Homeschool/Track-Out Series typically runs monthly from February to November. These programs are open to students 6–13 years old. Parents/guardians are welcome to stay for the program or drop-off. Preregistration is required.

Homeschool/Track-Out: Playing Outside

Wednesday, Sept. 25
1–3 p.m.

Join us for an fun program where we will talk about and engage in some fun outdoor recreation like geocaching and some classic outdoor lawn games! As part of Take a Child Outside (TACO) week, we want to share some fun outdoor activities you all can get involved in. Open to ages 6–13. Parents/guardians are welcome to stay for the program or drop-off.

Homeschool/Track-Out: Dem Bones!

Wednesday, Oct. 16
1–3 p.m.

Join us for an fun environmental education program where we will learn about skeletons, do several fun activities, including a fossil dig! Open to ages 6–13. Parents/guardians are welcome to stay for the program or drop-off.

Homeschool/Track-Out: Tree Treasures

Wednesday, Nov. 13
1–3 p.m.

Join us for an fun environmental education program where we will learn about trees, go on a nice nature walk, and make a craft to take home! Open to ages 6–13. Parents/guardians are welcome to stay for the program or drop-off.

Storytime for Tots typically occurs on a Wednesday each month from 10–11 a.m. Each program includes a story followed by nature exploration and a craft or activity. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Come prepared to participate actively with your child. Preregistration is required. Ages 18 months–6 years old.

Storytime for Tots: Owl Babies

Wednesday, Oct. 2
10–11 a.m.

Owls are one of several creatures who haunt the growing nights during the autumn time in search of food--for themselves and their families. This month's story, Owl Babies, focuses on the thoughts, and fears, of three young owlets while they await their owl mother's return. Join us as we read about how to think through our worries, and learn about some beautiful nocturnal creatures!

Storytime for Tots: Raccoons and Ripe Corn

Wednesday, Nov. 13
10–11 a.m.

As the days get shorter and the weather colder, food becomes harder for wildlife to find. Some industrious creatures, like the adorable raccoons in our story, adapt by scavenging the food left in farmer's fields and near our homes. Join us this month as we read Raccoons and Ripe Corn by Jim Arnosky, and notice the signs of the changing seasons.

Storytime for Tots: Sleep Tight Farm

Wednesday, Dec. 4
10–11 a.m.

Winter is right around the corner, and it's time to prepare for colder days and longer nights. The farmers who work hard to grow our food have a lot of work packing away the plants and animals they care for before the season starts. Join us as we learn about everything that goes into winter preparation on a farm as we read Sleep Tight Farm by Eugenie Doyle.

Nature Nerds: Moth Night

Thursday, Sept. 19
7:30–9:30 p.m.

Expand your knowledge of our local flora and fauna by exploring a different area of the park each month. Join park staff as they "nerd out" over a different group of animals, plants, fungi or other living things. Help collect data for our Biodiversity Project on iNaturalist while increasing your own identification skills.

This month we will be in the park after hours to see some moths and other insects! We will be setting up light traps and moth bait to attract some of our nocturnal friends.

Open to ages 6 and up. Pre-registration is required.

Nature Nerds: Tickseed Sunflower Investigation

Friday, Sept. 20
1–2 p.m.

Expand your knowledge of our local flora and fauna by exploring a different area of the park each month. Join park staff as they "nerd out" over a different group of animals, plants, fungi or other living things each month. Help collect data for our Biodiversity Project on iNaturalist while increasing your own identification skills.

This month is the best time to see the beautiful, yellow, tickseed sunflowers that grow around the edge of the floodplain and by the lake trail. We will spend some time looking closely at all the buzzing bugs and other animals that take advantage of these blooms!

Open to ages 6 and up. Pre-registration is required.

Nature Nerds: Migration Magic

Friday, Oct. 11
1–2 p.m.

Expand your knowledge of our local flora and fauna by exploring a different area of the park each month. Join park staff as they "nerd out" over a different group of animals, plants, fungi or other living things each month. Help collect data for our Biodiversity Project on iNaturalist while increasing your own identification skills.

This month we will learn more about migration, discuss how changing seasons signal animals when it's time to migrate and prepare for winter, and do some bird and insect observations.

Open to ages 6 and up. Pre-registration is required.

Nature Nerds: Fall Foliage

Friday, Nov. 8
1–2 p.m.

Expand your knowledge of our local flora and fauna by exploring a different area of the park each month. Join park staff as they "nerd out" over a different group of animals, plants, fungi or other living things each month. Help collect data for our Biodiversity Project on iNaturalist while increasing your own identification skills.

This month we will explore the changing colors of the leaves, identify different tree species, and enjoy a walk in the woods!

Open to ages 6 and up. Pre-registration is required.

Nature Nerds: Winter Walk in the Woods

Friday, Dec. 13
1–2 p.m.

Expand your knowledge of our local flora and fauna by exploring a different area of the park each month. Join park staff as they "nerd out" over a different group of animals, plants, fungi or other living things each month. Help collect data for our Biodiversity Project on iNaturalist while increasing your own identification skills.

This month we will take time to learn about what life is like for wildlife in the the winter and searching for signs of winter activity on a walk in the woods.

Open to ages 6 and up. Pre-registration is required.

Join us for a captivating nature storytime celebrating diversity in the great outdoors! Our storytime features a book that highlights the beauty of nature and the richness of different cultures and backgrounds. Our storytime will support an appreciation for nature and embrace the beauty of our diverse world. Through engaging stories and interactive activities, we'll discover how nature connects us all and learn about the importance of unity and respect for one another. Come explore many wonders and celebrate the joy of storytelling with us in this special, nature-inspired gathering for all ages!

Registration open to ages 2–8, with accompanying household members and chaperones. Pre-registration is required.

September's Theme: Camping Adventures

Thursday, Sept. 19
4–5 p.m. 

Get ready to embark on a fun-filled camping adventure with our special nature storytime all about the great outdoors! We will read a story all about camping and then plan our own adventure. Learn how to pitch a tent and determine what you would need for your camping experience. Registration link above. 

October's Theme: Autumn Adventures

Thursday, Oct. 17
4–5 p.m. 

Welcome to Autumn Adventures, a special children's story time where we celebrate the magic and beauty of fall! This cozy event is perfect for little ones who love the crisp air, colorful leaves, and all the wonders that come with the autumn season. We will explore signs of fall! Registration link above. 

Birding with Vernon

First Saturday of the Month
8:30–10 a.m.

Upcoming Dates: 

• October 5
• November 9 (<--2nd Saturday)
• December 7
   

(Registration opens the 1st of the previous month)

Join our bird enthusiast, Vernon, for an easy walk while looking and listening for our feathered friends. Discover different types of birds and their habitats. Bring your own binoculars and field guides if you have them. Beginners and experienced birdwatchers are welcome! Minors must attend with a registered adult, and all participants must pre-register. Open to ages 8 and up.

Introduction to Canoeing

Saturday, Sept. 21
2 sessions, 10 a.m.–noon and 1–3 p.m.

Experience the thrill of canoeing – an exciting water sport where you and a partner sit in a canoe and paddle your way through the water. Join our instructors as they introduce you to canoeing terminology, teach paddle techniques, and give you hands-on practice. Be prepared to get wet and have a blast! Each pair of participants should wear water shoes and quick-drying clothes. This program involves a moderate amount of strenuous activity and is designed for ages 14 and up.

A canoe requires 2 participants per boat. Each registration is for one canoe, and you must sign up with a partner. Register one participant and list the name of the second participant during the registration process.

Questions about the program or registration process? Contact 919-460-2723.

Introduction to Kayaking

Sunday, Oct. 6
2 sessions, 10 a.m.–noon OR 1–3 p.m.

Experience the thrill of kayaking – where you can effortlessly glide across the water's surface. Kayaking is an exciting water sport where you sit in a kayak and paddle your way through the water. Join our instructors as they introduce you to kayaking terminology, teach paddle techniques and give you hands-on practice. Be prepared to get wet and have a blast! This program involves a moderate amount of strenuous activity and is designed for ages 14 and up.

Full Moon Paddle

Friday, Oct. 18
6–8:30 p.m.

Enjoy views of the full moon from the lake and this unique opportunity to be in the park after hours! Bring your own boat or reserve one of ours. Adults only. Pre-registration is required.

Lawn Games and Leisure Sports: Bocce

Thursday, Sept. 12
6–7:30 p.m.

Lawn games and leisure sports are a wonderful way to appreciate the longer days and warm weather. They are approachable for many age ranges and skill levels and are a fun addition to any picnic or family game night! Expand your repertoire of outdoor activities as we explore, strategize, and play leisure sports together. Join us each session to learn the rules, history, and etiquette of a new lawn game.

This week we will be learning the game of Bocce. Originating in Italy, this game is adaptable to yards, parks, and barbeques. In recent years, many parks and gathering spaces have begun to build official bocce pits. Come see what makes this bowling-style game so popular!

All minors must be accompanied by a registered adult.

Lawn Games and Leisure Sports: Cornhole

Thursday, Oct. 4
5:30–7 p.m.

Lawn games and leisure sports are a wonderful way to appreciate the longer days and warm weather. They are approachable for many age ranges and skill levels and are a fun addition to any picnic or family game night! Expand your repertoire of outdoor activities as we explore, strategize and play leisure sports together. Join us each session to learn the rules, history and etiquette of a new lawn game.

This session we will be learning the game of Cornhole. This iconic and ubiquitous game of beanbag toss is a favorite at tailgates and picnics nationwide. Our instruction will be appropriate for first time players and long-time cornhole enjoyers alike. Let's play!

Fly Fishing 101

Sunday, Oct. 13
1–4 p.m.

This three-hour-long program will introduce you to basic fly rod casting techniques, fly selection, fly characteristics and the different fishing water characteristics encountered in freshwater environments in NC as well the game fish found within them. The program will begin at Dogwood Shelter for the classroom portion before we adjourn to the open play field for casting lessons, after which we will be wading and fishing in the lake!
Ages 14+

Lake Crabtree County Park will occasionally offer programs and workshops intended for adults. These are great opportunities to learn new skills. If you have a special request for a nature-themed adult workshop that you would like to see offered, you may contact our Environmental Education staff directly, and they can work with you to make that happen:

• Assistant Park Manager of Environmental Education, Susan Jones
  • susan.jones@wake.gov or 919-460-2723
• Park Technician of Environmental Education, Charlie McClay
  • charles.mcclay@wake.gov or 919-460-3355
    
     

Visit Lake Crabtree's Adventure Backpack Bin, on the garden side of the manager's office, for some educational fun! You can participate in a citizen science project, go on a scavenger hunt or do some birdwatching! All of the information and tools you need are provided. Just show up anytime during park hours, sign out a backpack at the bin and begin your adventure! Please be sure to take our short survey when you have completed your activity.

Geocaches at Lake Crabtree County Park

• As The Crow Flies
• Take a Child Outside
• JKL Go Duke's Birthday
• I'm NOT Crabby
• Don't Eat the Fish
• Firefly 1
• Gray Ghost 3
• Take a Hike 2
• Crabtree South
• Hike and Bike: A Lake Crabtree Adventure
• Mushrooms
• Phone a Friend
• The Far Side
• Take a Hike 3
• Seven
• Daisy
• Stick It
• Crabtree Lake Hut
• Crabtree Lake Overlook
• "Look UP" Number One
• "Look UP" Number Two
• Old Fallen Cedar Tree Hide
• Lake Crabtree Multi-Cache
  
   

Geocaches at Lake Crabtree County Park

• Orienteering Course Map 1–14
• Orienteering Course Directions 1–14
  
   

Take a mobile tour and see the park through a new lens!

Lake Crabtree County Park has two interactive cell phone tours that you can access from home or while you're at the park. You can access each tour from the hyperlinked title below.