What's New at Crowder
October 2026
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Did you know that pumpkins can be a tasty treat for wildlife? Try leaving your carved pumpkins in the backyard this fall and see what wildlife you can attract!
Be careful to only place out unpainted pumpkins or jack-o-lanterns with no artificial decor, as this can be harmful to our local flora and fauna. Then our animal friends can enjoy this tasty treat!
Pictured above is a male White-tailed Deer, called a buck, enjoying a pumpkin placed off of our trails by park staff last autumn.
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Park Hours
The park opens at 8 a.m.
The park's current closing time is 7:30 p.m.
Starting on October 19, the park will begin closing at 7:00 p.m.
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Share Your Feedback!
Think about your last visit to Crowder County Park. What did you do? Did something stand out? Could something have been improved? We want to know!
Your feedback will help us make Crowder County Park and all of Wake County’s parks and preserves better. Fill out our short survey today: www.wake.gov/parksurvey.
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We’re celebrating 50 years of Wake County Parks, Recreation and Open Space with a Create Your Parks Adventure Challenge! Pick up a tracker at any park or preserve, explore new spaces or attend programs, and earn 10 points per visit. Hit 50 points and you’ll receive a special anniversary prize!
Learn more, or download a copy of the tracker, at
wake.gov/parks50/challenge.
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Public Programs: October
Registration is required for everyone.
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Forest Folklore
Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2-3 p.m.
All over the world, there are people who tell stories about the forests and the plants and animals that live there. Gather around at Crowder to listen to some stories about the forest from cultures near and far, and to come up with some folklore for our very own forest!
Best for ages 5-10. Registration is required for all children, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at the Robin Shelter, the first shelter on your right in the lower parking lot. FREE. Register here.
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Trees in the Fall
Sunday, Oct. 11, 2-3 p.m.
Why do the leaves on some trees change color, and how do we identify trees when their leaves have all fallen? Take a hike with a park naturalist and learn all about North Carolina’s native trees.
For ages 7 & up. Registration is required for all participants, and children must have adult accompaniment. Meet at the Park Office, the first building on your left as you enter the park. FREE. Register here.
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Tiny Tots: Bat Loves the Night
Monday, Oct. 19, 10:15-11 a.m.
We hope your tiny tots can join us for a fun story time with a craft activity! This month we are reading Bat Loves the Night, by Nicola Davies.
For ages 6 and under. Registration is required for all participants, and children must have adult accompaniment. Meet at the Cardinal Shelter.
the first shelter on your right as you enter the lower parking lot. FREE. Register here.
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Nocturnal Animals
Thursday, Oct. 29, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Have you ever been curious as to what comes alive after dark? Join us to learn all about what our local critters do when the sun goes down, and help us discover some out in the park.
For all ages. Registration is required for all participants, and children must have adult accompaniment. Meet at the Upper Pavilion, the building next to the large playground in the upper parking lot. FREE. Register here.
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Volunteer Workday: Removing Invasive Plants
Friday, Oct. 30, noon-1 p.m.
Help keep your local ecosystem healthy by joining us to remove invasive species and clear space for new native plants! Volunteers will use loppers, hand clippers and other tools to remove invasive plants and clear space for native trees to be planted.
Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and come prepared to walk off-trail with closed-toe shoes, long pants, and sun protection. Bringing a full water bottle is recommended. Tools and gloves are provided.
All participants must complete a Volunteer Waiver Form prior to the event or in person on the day of the event.
Registration is required. FREE. Meet at the Park Office.
Register here.
| | Please note that programs may fill up, but a waitlist is still available. Click the button above to register for our public programs. | |
StoryWalk®
at Crowder
Crowder is excited to offer you and your families a wonderful interactive StoryWalk® activity within the park!
Join us for this fun, self-guided activity, which will start at the large playground and lead you to the Robin Shelter.
This wonderful program combines the joy of reading a story while also getting out and enjoying nature. The StoryWalk® from start to finish is around 0.4 miles.
October StoryWalk®
Possum's Harvest Moon
By: Anne Hunter
October 3-31
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| New to the StoryWalk® concept? Laminated pages from a children's book are attached to signs, which are installed along an outdoor path. As you stroll down the trail, you're directed to the next page in the story. The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, Vermont, and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. StoryWalk® is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson. | |
Discovery Backpacks
Check out one of our FREE Discovery Backpacks at your convenience! Stop by our office and sign out a backpack today. Discovery backpacks are packaged lesson plans intended for use by teachers or parents who wish to educate a small group of students or children without requesting a program through the office. Discovery backpacks are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Backpacks can be used only at Crowder County Park.
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Activity Packs: Autumn
Stop by any of our park kiosks and pick up an autumn activity pack! Crowder activity packs are fun, interactive booklets with coloring pages related to the current season or recent park programs.
Activity packs are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and are found at each of our park bulletin board kiosks, as well as in front of the park office.
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When you’re out at our parks or preserves and take a fantastic photo, share it on Instagram and tag @WakeGovParks for your chance to win a custom water bottle! We’ll pick a new winner each month. In addition to the prize, we’ll also feature your photo on our socials.
Good luck, and happy snapping!
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JOIN OUR JUNIOR PARK EXPLORERS!
Do you like to explore parks and preserves? Do you like winning prizes? Our Junior Park Explorers program is for you!
Learn more here.
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