Events: School’s Out Nature Days Dec. 28-30 at Steele Creek park
Dec. 28
School’s Out Nature Days
For ages 5-7, Dec. 28-30. Each program features themes plus hikes, games, live animals and crafts. Registration required. Children will need to bring a lunch and snacks. Cost: $45, three days. McDowell Nature Preserve, Steele Creek. 704-588-5224. parkandrec.com.
9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Jan. 3
Builders of the Forest
Learn how beavers’ adaptations allow them to swim, chew, build and change the landscape of the forest. Take a short hike (1.5 mile round-trip) to view the lodge and dams up close. Meets at the Large Pavilion. For ages 6 and older. Free but registration required. McDowell Nature Preserve, Steele Creek. 704-588-5224. parkandrec.com.
3-4 p.m.
Jan. 4
Matter of Balance Program
An award-winning program designed to manage falls and increase activity levels. Every Monday and Thursday Jan. 4-Feb. 1. Free but registration required. Lucile Tatum Center, Gastonia. 704-865-3291. pam.bryson@gastongov.com.
9:30-11:30 a.m.
Jan. 8
Nature Coloring n’ Cocoa
Stop by after school and enjoy winter-themed coloring sheets with crayons, colored pencils and pens provided. Free hot chocolate. For ages 5 and older. Registration required. McDowell Nature Preserve, Steele Creek. 704-588-5224. parkandrec.com.
3-5 p.m.
Jan. 12
Artsy Adult’s Club
Create nature-themed or upcycled projects with samples of two to three completed projects. Adults only ages 18 and older. Registration required. Cost: $3. McDowell Nature Center, Steele Creek. 704-588-5224. parkandrec.com.
10 a.m.-noon
Jan. 14
Family Campfire
Join McDowell Nature Preserve staff by a roaring campfire enjoying s’mores and conversation under the stars. For all ages. Free but registration required. McDowell Nature Preserve, Steele Creek. 704-588-5224. parkandrec.com.
6-7:30 p.m.
Jan. 22
Fireside Fairytales
An evening of fun around the campfire includes s’mores, hot cocoa and a fairytale-themed shadow puppet show. For ages 3 and older; guardian must attend. Cost: $3 per person. Registration required. McDowell Nature Preserve, Steele Creek. 704-588-5224. parkandrec.com.
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Jan. 28
Family Campfire
Join McDowell Nature Preserve staff by a roaring campfire enjoying s’mores and conversation under the stars. For all ages. Free but registration required. McDowell Nature Preserve, Steele Creek. 704-588-5224. parkandrec.com.
6-7:30 p.m.
Jan. 30
Woodland Wildlife
Join a naturalist to learn about the wildlife that lives around Mecklenburg County. Investigate skulls, scat and furs, and meet a few native animals. For ages 5 and older. Free but registration required. McDowell Nature Preserve, Steele Creek. 704-588-5224. parkandrec.com.
10-11 a.m.
This story was originally published December 18, 2015 at 1:14 PM with the headline "Events: School’s Out Nature Days Dec. 28-30 at Steele Creek park."