A.L. Wilkerson Nature Preserve, at 5229 Awls Haven Drive, Raleigh, offers many planned activities for adults and kids to explore nature, get exercise and learn about the world.
Some of these activities have a cost and some are free. Follow the links to register.
To find more planned events at A.L. Wilkerson Nature Preserve, go to Raleigh Parks’ activity search page, put A.L. Wilkerson Nature Preserve in the location field and search.
Looking for stuff for your kids to do? Check out Triangle on the Cheap’s big list of upcoming free and cheap kid-friendly events in the Triangle!
Eager Explorers: Preschool Nature Classes
Eager Explorers: Preschool Nature Classes feature stories, crafts, and nature walks on various themes. These programs are designed for adults to attend with their preschoolers ages 3-7. There is no charge for the adults. Pre-registration is required.
The events take place from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the following dates in 2025. The cost is $4 per child.
- Jan. 9 – Wildlife in Winter
- Jan. 14 – Squirrelly Squirrels
- Jan. 23 – Calling for Owls
- Jan. 31 – Fun with Shadows
- Feb. 6 – Fur, Feathers & Scales
- Feb. 11 – Bird Buddies
- Feb. 20 – Textures in Nature
- Feb. 25 – Animal Tails
- March 4 – Beaver Pond
- March 13 – Diggin’ the Dirt
- March 18 – Froggy Fun
- March 25 – Signs of Spring
- April 4 – Turtle Time
- April 22 – Bouncing Bunnies
- April 29 – Life of a Seed
More Activities
Please follow the link for each event to register.
Seasonal Nature Walk: Winter
January 11, 2025
10:30 am. to 12 p.m.
$3 (register above)
Join a park naturalist on a general nature walk to see what is happening at the park this season. Come prepared for trail walking because we’ll visit various parts of the park to discover the peak season highlights! This program is for ages 12 – adult. Pre-registration is required.
Twilight Walk
February 22, 2025
5:30 to 7 p.m.
$3 (register above)
Many animals are active around sunset or shortly after. Take a walk with a park naturalist to explore the woods and fields at this special time. Look for deer, coyotes, and owls. This program is designed for families with young children ages 5+. Adults must register and accompany children. Pre-registration is required.
Leprechaun Village
March 14, 2025
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Free (registration at above link is appreciated but not required)
Leprechauns have been sighted in Wilkerson’s Woodland Village, but they need a place to stay! Can you help us build leprechaun houses for them? Using natural materials such as sticks and rocks, the leprechauns will feel very lucky to be among the fairies and trolls in Wilkerson’s Woodland Village! All materials will be provided. Drop in any time between 10am and noon to help out! Parents must accompany their children. Pre-registration is appreciated but not required. This program is free for all ages.
Reptiles and Amphibians
March 14, 2025
4 to 5:30 p.m.
$4 (register above)
Learn about the differences between reptiles & amphibians and meet some reptiles up close! Then, go on a hike to explore various reptile & amphibian habitats in the preserve. This program is for ages 7-14. Pre-registration is required.
Full Moon Walk
March 14, 2025
7:30 to 9 p.m.
$3 (register above)
Leave the kids at home and enjoy an evening walk with a park naturalist. We’ll learn about the nocturnal animals that are roaming the park after dark as we look and listen along our walk. This program is for ages 18+. Pre-registration is required.
Twilight Walk
March 22, 2025
7:30 to 9 p.m.
$3 (register above)
Free
Learn about the differences between reptiles & amphibians and meet some reptiles up close! Then, go on a hike to explore various reptile & amphibian habitats in the preserve. This program is for ages 7-14. Pre-registration is required.
Seasonal Nature Walk: Spring
March 29, 2025
10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
$3 (register above)
Join a park naturalist on a general nature walk to see what is happening at the park this season. Come prepared for trail walking because we’ll visit various parts of the park to discover the peak season highlights! This program is for ages 12 – adult. Pre-registration is required.
Animal Tracks & Signs
April 3, 2025
4 to 5:30 p.m.
$5 (register above)
Learn how to identify the tracks and signs of common animals that live in or near the preserve, then go on a guided hike to test your skills. Make a plaster cast of an animal track to take home. This program is for ages 7-14. Pre-registration is required.
Full Moon Walk
April 12, 2025
7:30 to 9 p.m.
$3 (register above)
Leave the kids at home and enjoy an evening walk with a park naturalist. We’ll learn about the nocturnal animals that are roaming the park after dark as we look and listen along our walk. This program is for ages 18+. Pre-registration is required.
Snakes 101
April 12, 2025
2 to 3 p.m.
$3 (register above)
Does seeing a snake make you nervous? Would you like to be more confident about identifying venomous snakes in our area? Do you want to know more about how to discourage (or encourage!) snakes in your yard? This is the class for you! We’ll discuss the most commonly seen snakes in Raleigh, learn about their typical behaviors and what to do if you see one. This program is for ages 12 – adult. Pre-registration is required.
Double-Check Before You Head Out!
We make every effort to make sure that everything on Triangle on the Cheap is 100% accurate.
However, sometimes things change without notice, and it’s also possible that we can make a mistake.
Please verify all deals and events with the venue or organizer before you go.
More Kids’ Events in the Triangle
Please check out our big list of free and cheap kids’ events in the Triangle or look at a quick list here:
Annie Louise Wilkerson Nature Preserve, Raleigh
5229 Awls Haven Drive
Raleigh, NC
