Take A Child Outside (TACO) Week is September 24-30, 2019. We have TONS of events listed on our calendar so be sure to check it out! We’ve highlighted some of our favorites below!
*Most of these events require pre-registration through Raleigh Reclink!
Magical Monarchs
Ages 3-6 yrs. Meet the Monarchs, our most famous butterflies, as they journey south for the winter. We’ll learn about the Monarchs’ long migration and what they like to eat, make a craft fit for the king of butterflies, and search for flying visitors in our Monarch Garden. Preregistration is required. Children must be accompanied by adults.
- Durant Nature Preserve
- #245805 Sep 24 Tu 10:00 AM-11:00 AM
- Horseshoe Farm Nature Preserve
- #245806 Sep 26 Th 10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Junior Kids Fishing
Ages 4-6 yrs. This program is for younger children who have never fished before but would like to try. We will practice with some casting games and then spend some time fishing in the lake. Your child will leave with stickers and fishing themed coloring pages. We will teach them that fishing is fun, join us today. Adult(s) must accompany child(ren), adult(s) attend free and do not need to register. Advance registration is required for this program.
- Lake Johnson Park
- #244412 Sep 24 Tu 10:00 AM-11:30 AM
Way Up High in an Apple Tree!
Ages 2-6 yrs. With this engaging program, little ones will delight in the wonders of apple trees as they grow from tiny seeds to tall, fruit-filled trees! Budding botanists will enjoy songs, hands-on activities and great fun. Preregistration is required. Children must be accompanied by adults. This program is offered at no charge in celebration of Take a Child Outside Week. For more information, contact Nature Programs at 919-996-6856.
- Laurel Hills Community Center
- #243481 Sep 24 Tu 10:30 AM-11:30 AM
- #243482 Sep 24 Tu 12:30 PM-1:30 PM
- Carolina Pines Community Center
- #243483 Sep 25 W 10:30 AM-11:30 AM
- Sertoma Arts Center
- #243484 Sep 26 Th 10:30 AM-11:30 AM
Nature Art – Sun Prints
Ages 4 yrs and up. Team up with the warm, summer sun to make art from light and shadows. With the right supplies, we’ll make art prints from natural items and sunshine. Collect natural materials, explore textures and shapes, and set your prints in the sun to preserve the bright, sunny day in your creation. Make patterns, try some art science, and explore! Preregistration is required for children and adults. Children must be accompanied by adults.
- Horseshoe Farm Nature Preserve
- #245811 Sep 25 W 4:00PM-5:00PM
Guided Nature Walks
Ages 3 yrs and up. Get outside and explore the trails at Forest Ridge Park. Join one of our experienced naturalists to gain information on flora and fauna, or just enjoy walking as part of a group. These walks are designed for the whole family, and routes and topics will be tailored to accommodate the group. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. Pre-registration is recommended although not required.
- Forest Ridge Park
- Afternoon Walk
- #244398 Sep 25 W 4:00PM-5:30PM
- Morning Walk
- #244399 Sep 27 F 10:00AM-11:30AM
- Afternoon Walk
Family Fishing
All Ages. Enjoy ‘Take A Child Outside’ Week by participating in Lake Johnson’s Family Fishing activities. Participants will learn how to cast and set up a rod and then go fishing in the lake. This is a great way to spend an afternoon with the whole family! Equipment is provided, including rod, reel, and bait. Adult(s) must accompany child(ren) and Adult(s) and child(ren) must both register. Advance registration is required for this program.
- Lake Johnson Park
- #244414 Sep 26 Th 5:00 PM-7:00 PM
Nature Play Days
All Ages. Join us anytime between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. to enjoy our latest ideas for playing in nature. Children of all ages, as well as the young at heart, are welcome to join us for imaginative play in a natural setting. Dig for gemstones, make a fort out of natural materials, fly a kite, make mud pies, and more. We’ll provide the materials and guidance to get you started on a playful adventure free of charge! Please wear clothes you can get dirty. Note: Adults must accompany their children. No large groups please!
- Annie Louise Wilkerson Nature Preserve
- #244780 Sep 27 F 11:00 AM-3:00 PM
Beaver Pond
Ages 3-5 yrs. Discover how beavers live, eat and play in their watery world. Weather permitting, we will search for beaver signs in and around the farm pond at the preserve. Story and craft are included and advance registration is required for this program. Adults must accompany their children; adults attend free. This program may take place on trails that are not accessible by strollers.
- Annie Louise Wilkerson Nature Preserve
- #244774 Sep 28 Sa 10:30 AM-12:00 PM
Scutes & Scales
Ages 3 yrs and up. Explore the remarkable world of reptiles at the Preserve. Meet Scout, our Eastern box turtle, and visit with our friendly snakes. Find out what it takes to make it in the wild as a turtle, a snake, or a lizard, and take on a turtle scavenger hunt at the lake. Learn about how you can protect the turtles of Raleigh and help rescue them in times of need. It’s an afternoon full of scales, scutes, and surprises! Preregistration is required for children and adults. Children must be accompanied by adults.
- Durant Nature Preserve
- #245814 Sep 29 Su 3:00 PM-4:00 PM
Nature Art – Wild Sculpture
Ages 5 yrs and up. Learn about the natural world art of Andy Goldsworthy and work with new friends to sculpt an Andy-inspired art installation at the Preserve. Discover wild works of art based on the colors, lines, and potential of natural materials. You’ll never look at leaves and pebbles the same way again! Preregistration is required for children and adults. Children must be accompanied by adults.
- Durant Nature Preserve
- #245815 Sep 30 M 4:00 PM-5:00 PM
Can’t join a group program?
Explore nature sites across the city on your own at any time. Check out Self-Guided Explorer Kits at these locations to borrow all the gear you need for nature study and play.
- Walnut Creek Wetland Park – Birds, Amphibians, Trees, Bugs
- Durant Nature Preserve – Aquatics, Insects, Birds, Nature Art, Wildlife Tracking, Trees
- Forest Ridge Park – Nature Explorer Backpacks
- Annie Louise Wilkerson Nature Preserve – Nature Explorer Backpacks, Gardens Kit, Sandbox Kit, Costume Kit, Fort Building Kit, Fairy Houses Backpack