The Great Pup Meet Up

Experience the joy of literature and the great outdoors this May with the Wake County Parks StoryWalk series. We invite families and nature enthusiasts to explore multiple park locations while enjoying engaging children books displayed along scenic pathways. This unique initiative combines physical activity with literacy, providing a wonderful opportunity for children to develop a love for reading while exploring the natural beauty of our local park system. Throughout the month, various parks including Beech Bluff, Crowder, Harris Lake, Oak View, Yates Mill, and Sandy Pines will host featured stories that celebrate nature, kindness, and artistic expression. Each location offers a fresh perspective and a new story to discover, making it an ideal activity for weekend outings or afternoon strolls. Whether you are walking through the woods or along historic paths, these stories are sure to inspire readers of all ages. We encourage you to visit our parks during operating hours to experience these immersive reading adventures firsthand. Plan your visit today, grab your walking shoes, and join us for a delightful exploration of stories set against the backdrop of our beautiful local parks.

Experience the botanical wonder of the Juniper Level Botanic Garden and Plant Delights Nursery during our exclusive Spring Open Nursery and Garden Days. Located in Raleigh, this sprawling twenty-eight acre landscape serves as a premier destination for gardening enthusiasts, researchers, and families alike. Visitors are invited to explore a world-class collection featuring over thirty thousand plant varieties, ranging from rare exotic species sourced from international expeditions to unique native perennials rarely found elsewhere. This event offers a rare opportunity to wander through meticulously curated display gardens that provide endless inspiration for your own outdoor projects. Beyond the scenic beauty, guests are welcome to visit our extensive greenhouses to shop for exceptional plants propagated right here on the property. Whether you are a dedicated horticulturalist or simply seeking a vibrant day in nature, our grounds offer something truly special for every visitor. Admission and parking are entirely free throughout these select weekends, rain or shine. We invite you to join us from nine in the morning until five in the evening to celebrate the arrival of spring and discover your next favorite plant.

Experience the charm of the Wake Forest HerbFest, a celebrated annual tradition and the longest running herb festival in the United States. This vibrant event invites garden enthusiasts and local community members to explore a sprawling marketplace filled with organic, non-GMO, and heritage herbs, along with a wide variety of vegetables and local perennials. Whether you are a master gardener or simply looking to add some green to your living space, you will find the perfect additions to your home collection among the high-quality offerings from our dedicated local vendors. Beyond the exceptional plant selection, attendees can enjoy a festive atmosphere complete with live music, local art displays, and additional craft vendors. This event is entirely free to attend, making it the perfect weekend outing for friends and families looking to celebrate the arrival of spring. Join us at 530 South White Street in Wake Forest over the weekends of April 24 to 26 and May 1 to 3, 2026. Make plans to visit us soon to secure your favorite plants and enjoy a wonderful day outdoors.

Experience the joy of literature and the great outdoors this May with the Wake County Parks StoryWalk series. We invite families and nature enthusiasts to explore multiple park locations while enjoying engaging children books displayed along scenic pathways. This unique initiative combines physical activity with literacy, providing a wonderful opportunity for children to develop a love for reading while exploring the natural beauty of our local park system. Throughout the month, various parks including Beech Bluff, Crowder, Harris Lake, Oak View, Yates Mill, and Sandy Pines will host featured stories that celebrate nature, kindness, and artistic expression. Each location offers a fresh perspective and a new story to discover, making it an ideal activity for weekend outings or afternoon strolls. Whether you are walking through the woods or along historic paths, these stories are sure to inspire readers of all ages. We encourage you to visit our parks during operating hours to experience these immersive reading adventures firsthand. Plan your visit today, grab your walking shoes, and join us for a delightful exploration of stories set against the backdrop of our beautiful local parks.

Experience the magic of literature and nature combined at the JC Raulston Arboretum Garden Story Walk. We invite families and nature lovers to wander through our lush botanical grounds while engaging with a featured story displayed page by page along our walking paths. This unique, self-guided adventure encourages visitors to immerse themselves in a great narrative while exploring the seasonal beauty of our gardens at their own pace. This event is designed for all ages to enjoy a peaceful and educational outing. You can begin your literary journey at your convenience by checking in at the Visitor Center for guidance to the first page. Whether you are looking for a relaxing morning stroll or an engaging afternoon activity for your children, this experience offers a perfect blend of outdoor exercise and creative storytelling. Most visitors complete the trail in under an hour, leaving plenty of time to explore other areas of our expansive grounds. We encourage you to plan your visit between May 2 and May 10 and join us for this wonderful seasonal tradition.

Experience the botanical wonder of the Juniper Level Botanic Garden and Plant Delights Nursery during our exclusive Spring Open Nursery and Garden Days. Located in Raleigh, this sprawling twenty-eight acre landscape serves as a premier destination for gardening enthusiasts, researchers, and families alike. Visitors are invited to explore a world-class collection featuring over thirty thousand plant varieties, ranging from rare exotic species sourced from international expeditions to unique native perennials rarely found elsewhere. This event offers a rare opportunity to wander through meticulously curated display gardens that provide endless inspiration for your own outdoor projects. Beyond the scenic beauty, guests are welcome to visit our extensive greenhouses to shop for exceptional plants propagated right here on the property. Whether you are a dedicated horticulturalist or simply seeking a vibrant day in nature, our grounds offer something truly special for every visitor. Admission and parking are entirely free throughout these select weekends, rain or shine. We invite you to join us from nine in the morning until five in the evening to celebrate the arrival of spring and discover your next favorite plant.