Creepy Crabtree 2025:

Phantoms of the Forest

Join us at Lake Crabtree County Park for a day of spooky surprises and natural wonders! As we listen for strange sounds and search for shadowy shapes, we’ll uncover the secrets of the park’s most mysterious creatures. This event is designed to give kids and families a thrilling yet educational adventure in the great outdoors. Creepy Crabtree is a family-friendly event suitable for kids of all ages. It’s a unique opportunity to combine Halloween thrills with hands-on learning about the natural world. Costumes are encouraged! Registration is encouraged, but walk-ups are welcome! Register HERE!

If you are interested in volunteering for Creepy Crabtree, please visit Lake Crabtree Volunteer Opportunities.

Shorter daylight hours mean earlier sunset views, but also abbreviated open hours at Lake Crabtree County Park. Beginning Monday, October 13th, the park will close at 7 pm. Please be off the water by 6:30 pm.

Final Paddle Programming

Capitalize on these last of the warm weather, and get a stunning view of autumn colors with our final sessions of our new series called Open Paddles! These programs, much like our summer boat rental, allows patrons to register to borrow boats from our fleet for 2 hour time blocks. Adults can register themselves or household members (age 3+; other age restrictions apply). Registration is required. No walk-ups allowed. This system guarantees you have a boat of choice for the allotted time! Details can be found on our public programming website!

Lake Crabtree Public Programs

October Park Programs

Storytime for Tots: Miss Spider's Tea Party

Wednesday, October 1st

from 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!

Birding with Vernon

Saturday, October 4th

from 8:30-10 a.m.

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! Ages 8 and up.

Open Paddle

Saturday, October 4th and 18th

9:30 - 11:30 am OR 1 - 3 pm

Extend your paddling season! Join us for an Open Paddle session using the Lake Crabtree boat rental fleet. Canoes, kayaks (tandem and solo), and Stand Up Paddleboards (SUP's) available to reserve for several two-hour sessions.

Homeschool/Track-out: Spiders

Wednesday, October 8th,

from 1-3 p.m.

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.

Families in Natures: Stories Celebrating Diversity

Thursday, October 16th from 4-5 p.m.

Join us for a captivating nature storytime celebrating diversity in the great outdoors! 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!

Nature Nerds: Fish

Friday, October 17th,

from 1 - 2 p.m.

Join park staff as they "nerd out" over a different group of animals, plants, fungi or other living things each month. 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.

Did You Know?

Bat Appreciation Month

October is Bat Appreciation Month, a time to recognize the important roles bats play in worldwide ecosystems. Bats are the only mammals in the world capable of sustained flight. They are important pollinators and help with insect and pest control. Unfortunately, bats are in trouble! Their numbers are in decline globally, and they face difficult stressors like habitat destruction, hunting, and harmful myths. You can help by advocating for environmental conservation. Or, better yet, consider putting a bat box on your property!

The Month Ahead

Crabtree Nature Crafts

Visit the manager's office for a free craft! This month, create a crawling orb weaver spider and her beautiful web! thread beads, fold paper, and even practice your scissor skills in this month's craft. Look for the table at the pad by the manager's office on weekdays (Monday through Thursday) from 10am - Noon.

Come experience our Storywalk®!

Come join us at the park to stroll the paved paths and enjoy this StoryWalk® adventure together, How Beautiful by Antonella Capetti! A little caterpillar sets out to discover what “beautiful” means after hearing the word for the first time. Along the way, each animal he meets shares a different idea, showing that beauty can be found everywhere.

Picture This!

Do you remember last month's picture this? Check out the last newsletter or the Lake Crabtree County Park Facebook for a reminder. The strange tree branch found on our 286 property was carved by a pileated woodpecker!🌱 This month, some park residents are making themselves at home on the forest floor! In the autumn, it is common to see more spider webs popping up between branches, especially from orb-weaver spiders, but what type of web is this one?🔎 Comment on the Lake Crabtree County Park Facebook page if you think you know the specific name for this type of spider web. We will be revealing the answer in next month's newsletter!

Lake Crabtree County Park

1400 Aviation Parkway

Morrisville, NC 27560

919-460-3390

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