Events at McDowell Nature Center: Hikes, nature crafts, more…

McDowell Nature Center is within McDowell Nature Preserve, at 15222 South York Road, Charlotte, North Carolina, in southwestern Mecklenburg County.

The Nature Center features live native animals, a discovery hall, and a gift shop. Visitors can stop and observe nature in action at the Ozone Garden or the demonstration compost area, or enjoy a natural play area. Self-interpretive trail guides are available for miles of hiking trails.

The nature preserve includes seven miles of hiking trails, boat ramps and fishing docks. Those age 16 and older need a North Carolina fishing license in order to fish.

On the property is also McDowell Campground, which offers 56 reservable campsites, including primitive sites, RV sites with full hookups, and rent-a-tent sites. Camping is also available on the adjacent Copperhead Island.

Adult Trail Trekkers
Tuesdays in June, 2026
10 to 11:30 a.m.
Free (register at above link)
Ages 18+

Description: Get active in nature with a McDowell Naturalist during this 90-minute, adults-only hike. Discover what is happening seasonally throughout the preserve.

Pre-registration is required.

Meets on the boardwalk in front of the Nature Center unless e-mailed otherwise day of the event.

Nature Crochet and Crafts
Wednesdays from June 24 to July 22, 2026
2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Free (no registration required)
Ages 4+

Art has always been inspired by nature so we will use McDowell as our muse and explore all the wildlife at the preserve through crochet and other crafts. With each session, we will walk through a crochet pattern and have related nature crafts available to complete. Yarn will be provided. Please bring your own hooks, but some will be provided for the session if need. All levels of experience are welcomed!

This is not a drop-off program. Adult participation is required. Pre-registration is not required.

Mindfulness in Nature
Friday, June 26, 2026
9:30 to 10:45 a.m.
Free (register at above link)
Ages 13+

Take time to connect with nature and your higher self to be the best version of you. This meditative nature experience will involve a slow hike, breathwork, and meditation in nature. Your experience will be led by a certified Mindful Outdoor Guide and include a hot drink.

Animal Ambassador Meet ‘n’ Greet
Every Sunday June 21 through August 30, 2026
4 to 4:30 p.m.
Free (registration not required)
All ages

Head over to the McDowell Nature Center for a close-up encounter with one of McDowell’s live animal ambassadors! Discover fun facts about the animal’s adaptations and everyday life out in the wild!

Pre-registration is not required. This is not a drop-off program. Adult participation is required.

Nature Play Lab
Monday, June 29, 2026
12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Free (registration not required)
All ages

Step into our hands-on Nature Play Lab and explore the wonders of the natural world! Discover, create, and play at your own pace with a variety of interactive stations. Investigate animal tracks, build nests, examine feathers and rocks, try water-based experiments and get creative with a nature inspired craft! Perfect for curious kids and families! Not a drop-off program. Adult participation required.

Campground Series: Creepy Crawly Bug Hunt
Monday, July 6, 2026
1:30 to 3 p.m.
Free (registration not required)
All ages

Drop by the Campground Playground anytime between 1:30-3:30PM for an exciting bug hunt and insect meet and greet. Explore different techniques for capturing and discover fascinating facts about some of the critters that call McDowell home! Wrap up the experience with a hands-on bug inspired craft! This is not a drop-off activities. Adult participation is required.

Campground Series: Fire Safety
Thursday, July 9, 2026
7 to 8 p.m.
Free (registration not required)
All ages

Learn about fire safety with an outdoor educator. This is not a drop-off activities. Adult participation is required.

Campground Series: Coffee, Cocoa & Crafts
Sunday, July 26, 2026
9 to 10:30 a.m.
Free (registration is not required)
All ages

Start your morning off right with a quiet cup of coffee or cocoa provided to you by McDowell Nature Preserve staff. This will be offered at the picnic tables right outside the campground office. Supplies are limited and offered on a first come, first serve basis. This is not a drop-off program. Adult participation is required.

Babes in the Woods
Tuesday, July 7, 2026
10 to 11 a.m.
Free (registration is not required)
Age less than 4 years (and parent/caregiver)

Hit the (paved) trail with your little one and experience what nature has to offer. This month the event will focus on the stream that runs along Four seasons trail by taking a moment to get our hands wet and discover all the different critters that call the stream home. Stretch your legs while you chat with other parents and a McDowell Naturalist in a casual, social setting. Strollers are welcome, the group will stick to paved surfaces.

Whimsical Nature Crafts
Sunday, July 19, 2026
1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Free (registration is not required)
Ages 1+

Tap into your creative side and explore exciting ways to use natural materials to create unique and whimsical crafts that are sure to inspire you! Drop in any time between 1:30pm-3:30pm to participate. Not a drop-off program. Adult participation is required.

Nature Book and Look
Monday, July 20, 2026
10 to 11 a.m.
Free (register at above link)
Preschoolers and their families

Nature Book and Look offers preschoolers and their families an opportunity to get outside and enjoy nature.
Each time, a new fun and educational topic is presented with a nature book followed by a hands-on activity, craft, or exploratory hike. This is not a drop-off program. Adult participation is required.