BURLINGTON — Burlington Recreation and Parks has announced upcoming programs to help community members get outdoors.
Small-group guided hikes will take place on natural surface trails, over rolling terrain. Hikes are between two and three miles. All ages are welcome. Hikes are free unless otherwise noted.
- Saturday, March 2, at 10:30 a.m. at Guilford Mackintosh Park and Marina, 1345 N.C. 61, Whitsett.
- Saturday, March 16, at 10:30 a.m. at Eno River State Park, 6101 Cole Mill Road, Durham. Fee: $7 per person.
- Tuesday, April 2, at 6 p.m. at the Haw River Trail at Swepsonville River Park, 2472 Boy Wood Road, Graham.
- Tuesday, April 16, at 6 p.m. at Town & Country Park, 2999 Regent Park Lane, Burlington.
- Tuesday, April 30, at 6 p.m. at Cedarock Park, 4242 R. Dean Coleman Road, Burlington.
- Tuesday, May 14, at 6 p.m. at the Haw River Trail at Longmeadow Trailhead, 1120 Valley Drive, Graham.
- Tuesday, May 28, at 6 p.m. at Guilford County Farm, 3220 Amick Road, Elon.
Nature Play programs are geared to get families with kids ages 6-13 engaged in nature while learning, playing and having fun. Registration is $5 per child for individual classes or $24 per child for the whole semester (all six classes). Classes are offered on the second and fourth Thursdays from 6-7:30 p.m. from March-May, as follows:
- Sky wonders: March 14.
- “Gettin’ eggy wit it”: March 28.
- Herps (reptiles and amphibians): April 11.
- Butterflies: April 25.
- Spring flowers: May 9.
- Rocks: May 23.
Classes are initially scheduled to happen at Burlington City Park Homebuilders Building, 1435 Overbrook Road, but locations may change to other parks in the city as the weather warms up, in which case advance notice will be sent to all registered participants.
OutdoorU is for homeschool families with kids ages 6-13 and is designed to spark curiosity, foster a deep connection with nature and instill a sense of stewardship in students. Registration is $5 per child for individual classes or $24 per child for the whole semester (all six classes). Classes are offered on the second and fourth Thursdays from 1-2:30 p.m. from March-May, as follows:
- Sky wonders: March 14.
- “Gettin’ eggy wit it”: March 28.
- Herps (reptiles and amphibians): April 11.
- Butterflies: April 25.
- Spring flowers: May 9.
- Rocks: May 23.
Classes are initially set to take place at Thataways Youth Center, 1331 Overbrook Road, Burlington. As the weather warms up, some may be at other parks in the city, in which case advanced notice will be emailed to all registered students.
Sprouts is for children ages 2-5 and their caregivers to learn about nature through play, stories, crafts and songs. Sprouts hopes to foster each child’s curiosity and wonder of the natural world. Classes take place at Thataways Youth Center. The spring session is a series of six classes from March-May and costs $18 per child.
There are three different sessions to choose from:
- Sprouts 1: First and third Thursdays from 10-11 a.m.
- Sprouts 2: Second and fourth Thursdays from 10-11 a.m.
- Sprouts 3: Second and fourth Thursdays from 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Advance registration is required for all the above programs. For all kids’ programs, children must be accompanied by an adult, who attend for free. To register, visit www.BurlingtonNC.gov/Outdoors. For more information, email mhoose@burlingtonnc.gov.
Senior Outdoor Adventure Recreation (SOAR) engages adults 55 and older in activities to promote the health benefits of being active outdoors in nature. SOAR provides small-group guided hikes almost every week of the year. Spring hike locations include Cedarock Park, Guilford Mackintosh Park and Marina, the Haw River Trail and more.
To become a SOAR member, visit www.BurlingtonNC.gov/SOAR to download the required membership forms and view the schedule of events. All membership forms must be completed and turned in prior to registration for hikes.
