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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.

Program Registrations Open the 1st of the Month!
At 10 a.m. on the first day of the 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.

Full Moon Paddle

Borrow one of our boats or bring your own and enjoy the magic of paddling under the full moon. Take in stunning moonlit views and experience the park after hours in this special adults-only program.

Participants may get wet while paddling, so please leave valuables in your car and bring a change of clothes. Paddling requires basic mobility and balance to safely enter, exit, and maneuver the boats. ADA-accessible launch facilities are available.

Open Paddle

Extend your paddling season! Join us for a Fall Open Paddle session using the Lake Crabtree boat rental fleet. Register to reserve a solo kayak, canoe, tandem kayak or stand-up paddleboard (SUP) to explore Lake Crabtree on your own or with a group during an Open Paddle session. Lake Crabtree County Park will supply each registered participant with a boat, paddle and life jacket.

General Rules & Restrictions for Open Paddle:

• Registration is required. No walk-ups allowed.
• Adults (18+) may register themselves or household members (age 3+) for a boat. You’ll provide the names and ages during registration.
• Each boat must have at least one person over the age of 16, and the optional third person on a canoe must be under the age of 12.
• Minor paddlers (ages 3-18) must be accompanied on the water by an adult in the same or a separate boat.
• All boats must be returned at the end of the time slot. Late arrivals still return boats at the scheduled end time.
• Life vests are required at all times.
• No swimming or alcohol.
• Expect to get wet; leave valuables in your car and bring a change of clothes.
   

Paddling requires basic mobility and balance to safely enter, exit and maneuver boats. ADA-accessible launch facilities are available.

Introduction to Kayaking

Multiple Sessions:

• Thursday, Sept. 11, from 5–7 p.m.
• Wednesday, Sept. 17, from 10 a.m.–noon
• Wednesday, Sept. 24, from 5–7 p.m.
• Tuesday, Sept. 30, from 5–7 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 get wet and have a blast!

Participants should wear water shoes and quick-drying clothes. Don't forget your sunscreen and water bottle!

This program involves a moderate amount of strenuous activity and is designed for ages 14 and up. ADA-accessible launch facilities are available.

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

Homeschool/Track-Out: Spiders!

Wednesday, Oct. 8
1–3 p.m.

Spiders play a vital role in keeping ecosystems healthy, and North Carolina is home to an incredible diversity of species. Join us to discover what makes spiders so fascinating, learn how to identify some of the most common local varieties, and separate fact from fiction in a fun spider myths-and-facts challenge. We’ll finish by exploring the park in search of real-life spiders and their intricate webs. Parents are welcome to stay for the program or drop-off.

Homeschool/Track-Out: Trees are Terrific!

Wednesday, Nov. 12
1–3 p.m.

Trees are tremendously important for humans and wildlife! But what do you really know about trees and can you tell one tree from the next? We will spend time learning about the parts of trees, their many uses for wildlife and people, and do some tree identification! Parents are welcome to stay for the program or drop-off.

Storytime for Tots typically occurs on the first or second Wednesday each month from 10 to 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. Pre-registration is required. Ages 18 months to 6 years old.

Storytime for Tots: Miss Spider's Tea Party

Wednesday, Oct. 1
10–11 a.m.

Lonely Miss Spider longs for guests at her tea party. Unfortunately, all the insects she invites are frightened away! Count along with us through this whimsical adventure to find some friends for Miss Spider. We'll also explore the park to look for spider webs and create a craft to bring home! Children must be registered and accompanied by an adult.

Storytime for Tots: From Little Acorns

Wednesday, Nov. 12
10–11 a.m.

Join two curious squirrels as they learn about the amazing life cycle of an oak tree, starting with little acorns. We'll journey through the seasons with one little seed, watch it take root, and grow from seedling to sapling to adult tree with flowers, acorns, and habitats for visitors. We'll also explore the park to find tree seeds and create a craft to bring home! Children must be registered and accompanied by an adult.

Storytime for Tots: The Beaver Pond

Wednesday, Dec. 3
10–11 a.m.

Beavers famously build their homes in ponds, but, if no pond is available, they'll build a dam in a stream to shape their habitat. This new habitat is home to the beavers, but also to other animals drawn to the water. Learn about one beaver-built pond, and about a native semi-aquatic mammal in this month's storytime! Children must be registered and accompanied by an adult.

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. Pre-registration is required. All children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Ages 10 and up.

Nature Nerds: Fish

Friday, Oct. 17
1–2 p.m.

This month we will be focusing on fish! We will use seine nets and have fishing rods for those who want to give them a try. Feel free to bring waders, rubber boots, or other shoes and clothes you don't mind getting wet if you want to help use the net. All minors must be accompanied by a registered adult.

Nature Nerds: Lichen and Moss

Friday, Nov. 21
1–2 p.m.

This month we will be focusing on lichen and moss! We’ll explore the park to see how many different kinds we can find and take a closer look at their unique textures and colors. Feel free to bring a magnifying glass if you’d like to join in the search! All minors must be accompanied by a registered adult.

Nature Nerds: Winter Walk at 286

Friday, Dec. 12
1–2 p.m.

This month we will be focusing on the winter woodland creatures! Join us for a walk in the woods at our 286 property as we look for signs of wildlife, evergreen plants, and the quiet beauty of the season. We will meet at the entrance to the 286 trails near the Old Reedy Creek Trailhead (where restroom facilities will be available). Be sure to dress warmly and wear sturdy shoes for walking on natural trails. All minors must be accompanied by a registered adult.

Birding with Vernon

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

Upcoming Dates:

• October 4
• November 1
• December 6

(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.

Beginner Birding Class

Sunday, Sept. 14
9 a.m.–noon

What is the difference between birdwatching and birding? Birding with Vernon walk leader, Vernon Janke, will talk about the art of birding, and the tools and techniques you need to improve your birding skills. Discover why birding is one of the most popular outdoor activities, and use your new knowledge on a bird walk around the park. The park will have binoculars and field guides for loan if you do not have your own. Open to adults.

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+, including accompanying household members and chaperones. Pre-registration is required.

All Families in Nature programs are from 4–5 p.m. on the third Thursday of the month.

Registration opens the 1st of the previous month. Upcoming Dates:

September – Camping Adventures

Thursday, Sept. 25
4–5 p.m.

September 24–30 is Take A Child Outside (TACO) week in North Carolina! 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.

October – Autumn Adventures

Thursday, Oct. 16
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!

November – Camping Adventures Part 2

Thursday, Nov. 20
4–5 p.m.

Get ready to continue 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.

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.

End-of-Summer Celebration!

While our summer series has come to a close, we’re excited to share that yard games will be back one more time at the 25th Anniversary of the Lake Crabtree Demonstration Garden on September 27, from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Click the link below for details and to register!

Stay tuned for more fishing programs to hit the calendar soon!

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

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

Orienteering Course at Lake Crabtree County Park

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.