Daily Programs
August 2020
Animal Enrichment Day
Enrichment is an integral part of how the mountain cares for its habitat animals every day. Visitors will enjoy watching enrichment demonstrations, talk directly with keepers and participate in family-oriented games and crafts.
Find out more »Grandfather Mountain Camera Clinic 2020
NOTE: Due to safety concerns surrounding the spread of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus), Grandfather Mountain has canceled the 2020 Camera Clinic Weekend, previously scheduled for August 15-16. Top photographers gather at Grandfather Mountain to present on the nuts and bolts of making good photographs. This event is free to working members of the press, with an additional cost for non-press professionals and amateurs. Online registration begins July 15 at www.grandfather.com. Plan to join us Aug. 15-16, 2020! Registration opens 9…
Find out more »September 2020
The Artist’s Workshop: Late Summer Sketching
The naturalist’s sketchbook is full of sketches of natural objects that bring moments in nature to life! The way you arrange these drawings on a page can boost the storytelling quality of your sketches. In this course led by artist Preston Montague, participants will learn how to tell a story through the arrangement of objects in a sketchbook, as well as basic observation and drawing techniques with pen, pencil, and colored pencils. Though designed for beginners, students with more intermediate…
Find out more »Junior Ranger Day
This is a day of curiosity and fun! Programs throughout the day will be provided specifically for kids, ages 5-12, to explore their environment and experience all that Grandfather Mountain has to offer.
Find out more »The Changing Climate & Grandfather Mountain
NOTE: Due to safety concerns surrounding the spread of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus), Grandfather Mountain has canceled The Changing Climate & Grandfather Mountain, previously scheduled for September 19. Climate change is coming to Grandfather Mountain, whether we want it to or not. How will this affect the plants and animals who live on this mountain, some of whom grow nowhere else in the world? As it gets warmer, will plants migrate uphill, where its cooler? What about the plants who…
Find out more »50th Annual Girl Scout Day
Girl Scouts are invited to join the park’s naturalists for a fun-filled learning adventure on Grandfather Mountain. All Girl Scouts and troop leaders are admitted free with proof of membership.
Find out more »October 2020
The Fall Color Ramble
Join Grandfather Mountain's naturalists for a guided walk through the park's most colorful spots, showcasing the splendor of fall color.
Find out more »Grandfather’s Starry Skies
NOTE: Due to safety concerns surrounding the spread of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus), Grandfather Mountain has canceled Grandfather's Starry Skies, previously scheduled for October 24. October is one of the best times of year to be stargazing at Grandfather Mountain. The air is cool and clear, and the summer constellations are still very prominent, with some early winter sights making their appearance later in the evening. This course is also during the time of the Orionid meteor shower, so hopefully…
Find out more »Beary Scary Halloween
Visit Grandfather Mountain for a day of nature programs about animals considered creepy and crawly! This fun-filled celebration includes an opportunity to create special Halloween enrichments for the animals and then trick-or-treat through the animal habitats area. Plus, children in costume are admitted at half-price.
Find out more »November 2020
All About Elk Educator Workshop
This workshop will focus on elk in North Carolina. A majority of the workshop will be spent learning about the life history and current research on elk, as well as activities that can be incorporated into educational programs. Information on how to coexist with elk will be provided. Participants will also tour the wildlife habitats at Grandfather Mountain with Grandfather Mountain staff to observe elk up close. The workshop provides six hours of Criteria II or III credit toward the…
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