Check out these activities at area parks for kids who like to enjoy nature.
Saturday, July 6, 8:30-9:30 a.m. – Natural Explorations: Summer Sightings Hike
Head on a wild expedition into the wet and wooded lands surrounding Yates Mill Pond. Explore the park using binoculars and other field guides, and search for summer-time wildlife with a naturalist. The fee is $5 per family, and registration is required. To register, call 919-856-6675. Historic Yates Mill County Park is located at 4620 Lake Wheeler Road, Raleigh.
Saturday, July 6, 10 a.m.- noon – Butterflies Through Binoculars
Take a close look at wild butterflies and see Lake Crabtree’s most colorful denizens alive in their natural habitat. Staff will guide participants through the gardens and teach some basic butterfly identification techniques. This program is for adults only. The fee is $3 per person, and reservations are required. To register, call 919-460-2723. Lake Crabtree is located at 1400 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville.
Saturday, July 6, 2-3:30 p.m. – What Lies Beneath!
Look for millipedes and search beneath logs and leaf litter in this ground level forest exploration at Blue Jay Point County Park. The program fee is $5 per family, and registration is required. For information, call 919-870-4330. Blue Jay Point County Park is located at 3200 Pleasant Union Church Road, Raleigh.
Sunday, July 14, 3-4 p.m. – Delightful Decomposers
Roll some logs to learn why decomposers are so important in the ecosystem at American Tobacco Trail and meet some live examples of nature’s clean-up crew. The fee is $3 per person or $5 per family. Meet at the New Hill Parking area. For information, call 919-387-4349. American Tobacco Trail is located at 1309 New Hill-Olive Chapel Road, New Hill.
Sunday, July 21, 2-3 p.m. – Family Feature: Sun Power
Harness the power of the sun at Crowder District Park. Cook a snack using a solar cooker, use the rays in an art project and learn the importance of the sun in our ecosystem. The fee is $5 per family, and registration is required. To register, call 919-662-2850. Crowder District Park is located at 4709 Ten-Ten Road, Apex.
Friday, July 26, 7:30-9 p.m. – Fireflies and Campfires!
Unwind after a long week by enjoying the warm summer night at Harris Lake County Park. Participants will catch fireflies and roast marshmallows around the fire. Bring your favorite instrument and start a campfire sing-a-long. The fee is $3 per person or $5 per family. Meet at the Cypress Shelter. For information, call 919-387-4342. Harris Lake County Park is located at 2112 County Park Drive, New Hill.
