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 story time 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!
August - Exploring Water - All About Recreation
Water helps us in so many ways! This storytime will explore ways we can connect with water through fun activities. Whether you like swimming or boating or just watching the ripples in a puddle, we will have fun getting wet!
Children must be registered and accompanied by an adult.
Schedule:
Aug 20, 2026
Thursday from 4pm to 5pm
Duration: 1 hour
Ages: 2 yrs +,
WAKE · Lake Crabtree County Park · Wake County Parks
Mark your calendars and celebrate YOU! Stay in the loop by registering to receive updates and event details straight to your email. Don’t miss the fun planned to honor our amazing seniors! (1 Class Per Session) Free Activity Code: 2454205
In this light-hearted picture book, learn how snakes can slither up trees, on land and even in the water. We will learn cool facts about North Carolina's snakes and do some fun snake crafts! For all ages (best for ages 6 and under). Registration is required, and children must have adult accompaniment. FREE.
Schedule:
Aug 21, 2026
Friday from 10am to 11am
Duration: 1 hour
Ages: Age less than 100 yrs,
WAKE · Historic Yates Mill County Park · Wake County Parks
Adventure in nature with your preschooler at the park. We'll read a nature-themed book, then take a walk on the wild side to find the nature right outside our door. Children must be accompanied by a parent, and of course, wear boots or sneakers that can get a little dirty! Parents must accompany children. Pre-registration is required. Please note this program is weather dependent.
Ages: Age at least 1 yr but less than 6 yrs,
DURHAM · West Point on the Eno Environmental Education Pavillion · Durham Parks & Rec
Disconnect from your devices and busy life, and enjoy short teachings, gently guided meditations, and breaks for silence, tea and contemplation. Our mind always has the potential to be clear, spacious and positive. Learn how to let go of distractions and access the clarity of your mind. No experience necessary, everyone welcome.
Ever wonder what those big black birds soaring up in the sky are up to? Get to know our local vultures as we search the skies for these fascinating birds and learn about the important ecological role they play with a fun game. For all ages. All participants (adults and children) must be registered. Meet at the New Hill parking area (1309 New Hill-Olive Chapel Rd.) at the lower picnic table.
Schedule:
Aug 23, 2026
Sunday from 1:30pm to 2:30pm
Duration: 1 hour
Ages: All ages,
Dates: Five sessions – Mondays, August 24, 31, September 14, 21, 28; 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Conservation Gardening 101: Landscaping with Native Plants is a five-part certificate series designed for home gardeners and emerging landscape professionals. Taught by the Garden’s expert horticulture staff, the program provides a strong foundation in conservation gardening, including landscape design, native plant selection, installation, and long-term maintenance. Participants will learn how to create beautiful, ecologically productive landscapes using native plants and conservation-based practices.
Fee: $250 ($225 Members)
REGISTER HERE
CHAPEL HILL · North Carolina Botanical Garden · NC Botanical Garden
Did you miss out on the iconic camp crafts or have fond memories of doing them as a kid? Join us this summer to learn or re-learn how to make a variety of iconic camp crafts. This Camp Craft Night we will be making those iconic animal keychains utilizing pony beads for you to hang from your bag or with your keys. This program requires no previous experience and is open to participants 14+.
Schedule:
Aug 25, 2026
Tuesday from 6:30pm to 8pm
Duration: 1 hour 30 mins
Ages: 14 yrs +,
· Beech Bluff County Park - Canopy Room · Wake County Parks
The Zentangle Method: Relaxing Art for Beginners Come experience the fun, relaxing art of the Zentangle Method! Learn the basics and simple 8-step process while creating two finished pieces using pen, pencil, and paper. Zentangle promotes creativity, calm, and focus-no artistic experience needed. If you can write your name, you can tangle! This beginner-friendly, 2-hour workshop includes all supplies to keep. (1 Class Per Session) Res $40 Non-Res $60 Activity Code: 2454212
HOLLY SPRINGS · W.E. Hunt Recreation Center · Holly Springs Parks & Rec
Join us August 26 at 10 a.m. to explore A Year of Kites: Traditions Around the World by Monisha Bajaj, illustrated by Amber Ren. We'll learn how different cultures use kites in their various celebrations throughout the year. Then we'll make our own kites and attempt to fly them. Free and recommended for ages 5 and up. Registration is required for all participating children, and all kids must have a supervising adult(s).
This program will take place indoors in a climate-controlled space, with a trip outside to fly our new kites. Kite-flying may involve walking/running on grass and uneven surfaces and is weather dependent.
Schedule:
Aug 26, 2026
Wednesday from 10am to 11am
Duration: 1 hour
Ages: All ages,
Staying Connected Digitally GOLD helps older adults stay connected, confident, and independent. Hands-on workshops teach essential digital skills, from managing health with MyChart to recognizing scams and understanding AI. Each class provides practical skills, judgment-free guidance, and the confidence to embrace technology with ease. Stay connected with the people who matter most, no matter the distance. This class teaches seniors how to use FaceTime and Zoom, navigate Facebook and basic social media, and share photos with family and friends. Whether reconnecting with loved ones or sharing memories, we’ll guide you step by step. Bring your device and leave feeling confident and connected. FREE Activity Code: 2454213
HOLLY SPRINGS · Holly Springs Cultural Center · Holly Springs Parks & Rec
August 30 is National Grief Awareness Day, a time to recognize that everyone experiences loss differently and to learn ways to support ourselves and others through grief. This day offers an opportunity to honor all forms of loss and the many ways people navigate the grieving process.
In recognition of National Grief Awareness Day, Durham Parks and Recreation, in collaboration with the Office of Survivor Care, invites you to a special gathering at Spruce Pine Lodge. This outdoor event offers a gentle opportunity to explore the emotions surrounding grief through connection, reflection, and time in nature.
Together, we will engage in grounding activities, a creative crafting experience, and short nature walks designed to support a simple ritual of remembrance and reflection. These experiences are intended to create space for honoring personal stories of loss while fostering connection and healing.
This program is open to anyone who has lost a loved one or is navigating a significant life change accompanied by grief. There is no expectation to share or to "move on" from loss, only an invitation to be present and find support alongside others.
Light refreshments and drinks will be provided on-site.
Ages: Age less than 200 yrs,
We will learn the Tai Chi Yang Short Form to promote a calm, focused mind and improve mind-body coordination. See why this is also called meditation in motion. All skill levels welcome.
Ages: Age at least 50 yrs but less than 200 yrs,
DURHAM · Edison Johnson Rec Ctr · Durham Parks & Rec
This virtual program is hosted by the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. Click here to register.
Come share your favorite entomological observations and see the stand-out finds for the season!
This virtual program is geared toward children in grades K-8 and their families. You will learn about the ecoEXPLORE project during the program.
GUARDIANS If you are under age 13 and you wish to participate in certain events or exhibits at, conducted by, or sponsored by the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, your parent or guardian must register you and provide their consent as well as your information. Please see our privacy policy.
Schedule:
Aug 31, 2026
Monday from 3:30pm to 4:30pm
Duration: 1 hour
Ages: All ages,
Come experience a smooth and challenging workout class that incorporates a mix of cardio, strength training, and agility exercises that includes a series of exercises performed in a circuit format, targeting different muscle groups and increasing cardiovascular endurance.
Ages: Age at least 19 yrs but less than 200 yrs,
DURHAM · Walltown Park Rec Ctr · Durham Parks & Rec
Designed especially for young adventurers, this engaging program combines a gentle hike with hands-on learning experiences in the great outdoors. Each session takes place during the lunch hour, where children can bring a healthy lunch while exploring nature.
Ages: Age less than 5 yrs,
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 be searching for box turtles and any other herpetological species we can find in the forest. Learn how to identify some of our common species and see what else we can find.
This program takes place outdoors. Please dress for the weather, including sturdy, closed-toed shoes. Participants may request program modifications during the registration process.
Schedule:
Aug 21, 2026
Friday from 11am to Noon
Duration: 1 hour
Ages: 10 yrs +,
WAKE · Lake Crabtree County Park, White Oak Shelter · Wake County Parks
This class offers a total workout while protecting joints from the pounding of a traditional land aerobics class. The program is designed to utilize the natural resistance of water allowing for muscle toning, cardiovascular endurance, and increased flexibility. Participants do not need to know how to swim to join. A multi-visit pass is available for purchase on a Play More Card at a discounted rate per class.
Ages: 13 yrs +,