Fall is here and the cooler weather is perfect for outdoor adventures. Not only do the great outdoors provide hours of fun, but studies show that kids who play outside are smarter, happier, more attentive, and less anxious than kids who spend more time indoors.
To help you take advantage of the cooler temperatures this fall, Dorthea Dix Park has an event for your family. From art to nature to environmental volunteering, there’s a way for everyone to use nature to nurture this season. Read on for a round-up of the park’s upcoming special events:
Saturday, October 14, 9 a.m.: Invasive Species Removal – Volunteer at Dix Park (multiple dates available)
Join us for an invasive plant removal volunteer activity. Invasive plants threaten our natural
habitats for wildlife and create hazardous conditions along our greenway trails. Removing these plants allows native species to flourish and helps provide healthy homes for wildlife. What a great way to teach kids to care for the environment and the value of teamwork!
Wednesday, October 18, 11 a.m.: Trolley Tour of Dorothea Dix Park
Do you want to tour the park and share local history with your family, but walking the 3.5 miles isn’t your speed? Jump aboard the Raleigh Trolley for a guided tour of the park and delve into the history of the land, the current use of the property and the future plans for the park! Seats are limited, so be sure to register using the link below.
Saturday, October 21 at 6 p.m.: Movie By Moonlight Halloween Double Feature
For a fun, family-focused Halloween relationship-building activity, dress up and join us on Saturday, October 21st for a Halloween double-feature showing “Hocus Pocus” at 7 p.m. and “Shaun of the Dead” at 9 p.m. Special contests, props and surprises are all part of the evening’s entertainment! There will be a kids' costume contest prior to the start of "Hocus Pocus" as well as an adults' costume contest. A themed pre-show video will be airing prior to the start of each movie so plan to arrive early. Food from Daddy Bob's BBQ and Captain Cookie and the Milkman food trucks will be available.
Saturday, October 28, 7:30-10:30 p.m.: Skywatching
Did you know that stargazing can teach kids about math, astronomy, the environment and mythology? Join staff and volunteers from the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, Chapel Hill Astronomical and Observational Society (CHAOS), and Raleigh Astronomy Club (RAC) for a free skywatching program. Use provided telescopes to view stars and the moon, and look up at the night sky as educators guide you through fun observations of stars, planets, moons, nebulae, and other celestial objects.
Advanced registration for all events is required via eventbrite.com, keyword search “Dix Park.” For more information, contact Kathryn Hertel at 919-996-6688.