Children can reconnect with nature and parents can reconnect with their children in North Carolina’s state parks during Take a Child Outside Week Sept. 24-30.

The State Parks of North Carolina  will join environmental education agencies across the state presenting special nature programs during the week. And, state parks will make available exciting  Get Outside! kits to families and small groups that prompt do-it-yourself activities to rediscover nature’s wonders.

Research has shown that engaging children in nature promotes learning, creativity and healthy lifestyles. Children who learn to play in natural settings are often more physically fit, score higher on test of concentration and often can simply enjoy life more fully.

Take a Child Outside Week originated  in 2007 with environmental educators at the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences  and was sparked by the book, Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder by Richard Louv. The book suggests that opportunities for children to explore forests, fields and wetlands are disappearing in favor of afternoons spent playing video games.

“State parks have always been safe but exciting places for people to rediscover nature, offering miles of trails, free interpretive programs by rangers and nature museums as well as opportunities just to explore independently,” said Lewis Ledford, director of state parks.

North Carolina’s state parks system is also involved in the national Children in Nature initiative developed especially for state parks and promoted by the National Association of State Park Directors.

The Web site www.takeachildoutside.com helps parents, teachers and other caregivers find places, activities and ideas for outdoor discovery. For more information about North Carolina state parks and their environmental education programs and events, go to www.ncparks.gov.

ENO RIVER STATE PARK, DURHAM

For reservations, directions and additional information, please call the park office. 919-383-1686.

OCCONEECHEE MOUNTAIN STATE NATURAL AREA, HILLSBORO

For reservations, directions and additional information, please call the park office. 919-383-1686.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27th at 10:00 AM- GEOLOGY FOR KIDS-

A hands-on geology program for children ages 6-12. Join us at the picnic area for a couple of fun activities, followed by a short 0.5 mile hike to the quarry overlook

Fort Macon State Park

September 25  - 930am - Bird Hike - Meet at the Fort Parking lot for a guided hike to observe coastal birds.

September 26 - 10:00am - Beach Hike - Meet at the Fort Parking lot for a guided hike to learn the cultural and natural history of the area.

September 27 - 10:00 am- Turtle Talk - Meet at the bathhouse to learn about the life history of the Loggerhead Turtle. 

September 27 - 11:00 am - Nature Hike - Meet at the bathhouse for a guided hike to explore the barrier island.

GOOSE CREEK STATE PARK, BATH/WASHINGTON

Call the visitor center at 252-923-2191 for more information.

Wednesday, September 24 at 5:00 PM - Leave No Trace and Stay Safe

What better way for children to be introduced to the outdoors than on a weekend camping trip?  Cooking out, hiking, fishing, and exploring a new area are all part of the fun.  What makes this an even better experience is teaching your child how to enjoy a great camping trip without having a negative impact on the natural setting.  This hour-long program will be held in the campground.  Meet at site #5.

Thursday, September 25 at 5:00 PM - Wetlands

Wetlands abound in Beaufort County, but do we really understand their importance?  During this hour-long program we’ll take a hike along the Palmetto boardwalk discovering one of several wetlands found at Goose Creek.  We’ll look for critters and learn the many roles of wetlands.  Meet at the visitor center.

Friday, September 26 at 5:00 PM - Bug Safari Bingo

Some people may view bugs as creepy crawlies, but at Goose Creek we realize insects play an important role in the natural cycle.  We’ll have a brief insect discussion and then with bingo cards in hand, go on a bug safari.  Prizes for all participants will be handed out at the end of the hike.

Saturday, September 27 at 10 a.m. - Seining

Discover the diversity of fish species that live in the brackish water of the Pamlico River. We will pull a seine net along the river and learn how to identify both saltwater and freshwater species. Be prepared to get your feet wet – and enjoy! Meet at the picnic tables on the swim beach for this program. 

Sunday, September 28 at 3 p.m. - Tree Identification

They provide shade in the summer, heat in the winter and a great place to gook s’mores, but knowing which tree is which is something a lot of people don’t know.  During this hour-long program, we’ll take a hike along the Pamlico River identifying the many trees of Goose Creek.  Meet at the second paved parking lot.

Monday, September 29 at 5:00 PM - Canoeing                     

Explore the laaazzzy waters of Goose Creek.  Majestic Bald Cypress trees line the shore and Ospreys soaring overhead are a common sight.  Canoes will be provided. Due to limited space, please call 252/923-2191 to preregister for this hour-long guided trip.  

Tuesday, September 30 at 5:00 PM – Fishing

Come fishing with a Ranger! We will learn some basic fishing skills and throw a line out in the water to test our luck. Fishing poles and bait will be provided, or you may bring your own. No experience or knowledge required! Call the park office at 923-2191 for reservations. This program is limited to 15 participants.

HAMMOCKS BEACH STATE PARK, SWANSBORO

Call the visitor center at 910-326-4881 for more information.

Wednesday September 24: Marsh Cruise: 3:45pm

Ahoy maties! Hop aboard one of the park’s ferry vessels for an exciting cruise through the waters around Hammocks Beach and learn about the animals that call this area home. We’ll take a 45 minute cruise looking for birds and dolphins, telling jokes and having fun! This program is geared for children, so we ask that all adults are accompanied by a child and all children are accompanied by an adult.  Pre-registration is required, 910-326-4881.

Thursday September 25: Sea Turtles: 3:45pm

Join a ranger and learn about the mysteries of sea turtles, how they nest the threats they face. Find out what you can do to help these amazing creatures. We will also play a game about sea turtles.  Pre-registration is required, 910-326-4881.

Friday September 26: The Night Shift: 7:00pm

Have you ever wondered what happens outside when the sun goes down? If so, come explore the park after dark! In this program we will prowl for owls and other creatures, look at the stars and learn some Native American legends about the night. This outdoor experience is great for children ages 6-12, but all ages are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult.  Pre-registration is required, 910-326-4881.

Saturday September 27: Marsh Cruise 9:30am

Join a park ranger and cruise through the marsh on one of the parks small ferry boats.  This program will take a 45 minute tour of areas around Bear Island, Huggins Island and the nearby marsh in search of area wildlife. This program is geared for children, so we ask that all adults are accompanied by a child and all children are accompanied by an adult.  Space is limited to 11 passengers!  Please register early!  Pre-registration is required, 910-326-4881.

Monday September 29: Hatchling Hikers: 10:00am

Bring your tots to the park and help them discover the wonders of being outside. This program will consist of a nature-themed story, an exploration outside and a craft for your child to take home. This program is geared for ages 5 and younger. Preschool groups are welcome. Pre-registration is required.

Tuesday September 30: Mysteries of the Marsh: 3:45pm

Join park staff on a trek through the marsh and find out why wetlands are so important. We will pull a seine net through the water and discover some creatures that call the sound home. Wear clothes and shoes that can get wet and muddy. Pre-registration is required.   

JOCKEY’S RIDGE STATE PARK, NAGS HEAD

JORDAN LAKE STATE RECREATION AREA

Call the visitor center at 919-362-0586 for more information.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27th at 9:00 AM – CANOE PADDLE

Join a Ranger exploring the unique features of the Parker’s Creek area.  Paddle will last up to an hour and a half with discussions on basic canoeing skills and wildlife habitat. Perfectly suited for all skill levels.  Canoes, paddles and PFDs will be provided.  All you will need to bring is an open mind and a willingness to try canoeing.  Sign up at Visitor Center’s Office or email steve.mcmurray@ncmail.net. Space is limited to 12 participants including adults, ages 10 plus and must be accompanied by an adult.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27th at 2:00 PM - AQUATIC ADVENTURES

Have you ever seen a water scorpion or a dragon fly nymph?  Join a Ranger at one of the local ponds looking in the mud, chasing frogs and looking for other interesting creatures in the pond. You will be amazed of what you will find!  Ages 6+. Meeting at Parker’s Creek Area Shelter #3.  Sign up at Visitor Center’s Office, email steve.mcmurray@ncmail.net.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28th at 2:00 PM - TREKS AND TREASURES HIKE

Many animals are difficult to observe in nature and they are best studied through their tracks and signs.  Learn how to spot the track and signs left by animals during this hands-on program and hike.  Meet at The Old Oak Trailhead in picnic area A at Ebenezer Recreation Area.  Sign up at Visitor Center’s Office, email steve.mcmurray@ncmail.net.

ANYTIME, PARKWIDE- GRAND TREES OF JORDAN LAKE-

Self Guided Hike to see the grand and wonderful trees of Jordan Lake. You can do this hike anytime, any day you like. Contact the office or stop by the new Visitor Center for a list of the biggest trees in the park. Included are directions to visit each tree on the list. Driving is involved between the trees. Some trees are off the beaten path, and some are close to roads. Enjoy seeing the largest, oldest, creepiest, and most beautiful trees around.

MOUNT MITCHELL STATE PARK, BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY

Call the visitor center of William B. Umstead State park at 571-4170 to sign up for one of these programs or to ask questions.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26th at 6:30 PM- NOCTURNAL ANIMALS

Join a Park Ranger at the Crabtree picnic area parking lot. We will take a short hike (3/4 mile round trip) down to the big lake shoreline and we will talk about some of the animals in the park that are active at night.   We start in a picnic area, so come early, bring food and have a picnic dinner

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27th at 7:00 PM- JUMPING JUPITER PARTY

See the largest planet in our solar system and celebrate Take a Child Outside Week.  We'll build our own models of the Earth and Jupiter.  We may even get to see the Jupiter and its moons through telescopes!  Come out to the Reedy Creek side of William B. Umstead State park.  We’ll begin at sunset, 7:00 PM, and end at 8:00 PM. 

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28th at 2:00 PM- ANIMAL SONG SING-A-LONG