Daily Programs

During your visit, attend one of our Daily Programs in April-October (The schedule has been slightly expanded for 2026 … see below.) presented by our animal habitat curators and park educators. These fascinating interpretive programs throughout the park are included in your admission ticket. For an extra special “behind the scenes” tour, see our Experiences that are offered on weekends.

2026 Daily Programs at Grandfather: March 21 – November 8

Keeper Talks
Learn more about the animals and see an animal enrichment. An enrichment is anything that breaks up an animal’s day — maybe a special scent or toy newly introduced into their habitat. It’s a great opportunity to see each animal active and close to the overlook of the habitat.
Daily Every half hour 11:30 AM – 4 PM at Wildlife Habitats
Schedule: Otter: 11:30 AM, 3:30 PM. Bears: 12 PM, 3 PM. Eagle: 12:30 PM. Cougar: 1 PM, 4 PM. Elk: 1:30 PM.
Outdoors / 10-15 minutes / All ages

Community Science Weather
Participate in one of Grandfather Mountain’s citizen science projects. Learn and record weather data with an educator! The data you help record is passed on to NOAA for continued research.
Daily 11 AM at the Weather Station at Yonni’s Clubhouse (located behind the Wilson Center)
Outdoors / 10 minutes / all ages

Junior Naturalist
Grandfather Mountain educators help individuals use scientific tools to make observations about natural phenomena. The activities are hands-on, exploratory and certain to inspire curiosity. Read more about our Junior Naturalist Program!
11:30 AM and 3 PM on weekends (March 21 to May 24)
11:30 AM and 3 PM daily (May 25 to Sept. 7)
11:30 AM and 3 PM on weekends (Sept. 12 to Nov. 8)
Meet at the Jr. Naturalist Table at Yonni’s Clubhouse
Outdoors / 30 Minutes / Geared toward 5-10 year olds, but welcomes younger and older students

Peaks and Profiles
Join Grandfather’s educators by the Mile High Swinging Bridge to learn more about the mountain’s unique weather, climate, flora and fauna.
Daily 1 & 3 PM by Swinging Bridge
Outdoors / 15-20 minutes / Families and adults

Animal Encounters
Come face-to-face with some of the mountain’s educational animal ambassadors.
2 PM at the habitat path above the otter habitat (or at the Wilson Center on inclement weather days)
2 PM weekends (March 21 to May 24)
2 PM daily (May 25 to Sept. 7)
2 PM weekends (Sept. 12 to Nov. 8)
Outdoors / 30 minutes / all ages

Random Acts of Science
Join an educator for an activity in the Wilson Center.  The activities can include, but are not limited to, learning about native plants and animals, using weather instruments to record data, investigating minerals, skulls, or even tiny organisms under a microscope.
Monday-Friday 12 PM / Saturday & Sunday 12 PM, 1 PM., 2:30 PM at Wilson Center
Indoors / 30-45 minutes / Elementary, middle and high school students and families

May Wildlife Rehab Center Animal Talks
Meet some of the ambassador animals from Lees-McRae College’s May Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. Learn about these birds, animal rehabilitation and how we can all help protect wildlife.
Saturday 11 AM – 1 PM at the Williams Outdoor Learning Space (beside the Wilson Center)
Outdoors / all ages / Every Saturday May 30 – July 25

Ramble with a Naturalist
Take a short stroll with a naturalist for seasonal topics. These only take place during our special event rambles … see 2026 dates below.
Rhododendron Ramble: May 23 -31
Fall Color Ramble: Oct 3 – 11
1 PM outside the main entrance of the Wilson Center
Outdoors / 20-40 minutes / Families & adults

Discover more: Special Events Calendar | Plan Your Visit | Tickets & Reservations