Family Friendly Trips
The following are trips from all of the other catagories, including Nature/Misc, that offer special pricing for kids/families.
Tuesday November 8, 2011 Trips
Alligator River Refuge Canoe Tour (A) (Family Friendly)
Take a canoe tour through the cypress creeks of Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. This trip is filled with local history and an abundance of wildlife including Great Blue Herons, Pileated Woodpeckers, and Bald Eagles. You might even see a Black Bear. Buffalo City Road boat access. Moderate to strenuous. Cost $35; two children 12 and under may accompany paying adult for no charge.
9 a.m.-Noon, Cindy Heffley, refuge staff.
Refuge At Night (A) (Family Friendly) - Full
The refuge is a magical place at night. Discover what the critters do as the sun sets and the moon appears. This trip is a rare opportunity to visit Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge after it closes at night using spotlights to watch for deer, bear, birds and other wildlife. Hot beverages will be available to keep you warm on the tour. Transportation provided. Creef Cut parking area. Easy. Cost $20; two children 12 and under may accompany paying adult for no charge.
4:30-7:30 p.m., Cindy Heffley, refuge staff.
Wednesday November 9, 2011 Trips
Pea Island Plant Hike (NEW!) (Family Friendly)
Many native species of plants thrive on Hatteras Island. Learn how they are uniquely adapted to the local conditions and the area's wildlife, including important pollinators and migratory birds. Discover why many vines considered a nuisance are actually necessary for wildlife and other plants. From the native plant garden at the visitor center to the beautiful canopy of the maritime forest on North Pond Trail, explore the variety of plants that provide cover and food for wildlife (and humans, too!). Pea Island Refuge Visitor Center. Moderate. Cost $20; two children 12 and under may accompany paying adult for no charge.
9-11 a.m., Cindy Heffley, refuge staff.
Red Wolf Howling Safari (A) (Family Friendly)
Come learn about the majestic Red Wolf, one of the world's most endangered canids, at the only place where they exist in the wild. You will not only learn about this critically endangered and elusive species, but hopefully experience the opportunity of a lifetime to hear their harmonious howls when you caravan deep into the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge to "howl up" the wolves. Flashlights recommended. Creef Cut parking area. Easy. Cost $20; two children 12 and under may accompany a paying adult for no charge.
5-7 p.m., refuge staff.
Lost Colony Astronomy (A) (NEW!) (Family Friendly)
Come to The Lost Colony's Waterside Theater, sit back and relax in the amphitheater for a tour of the night sky with an astronomer as your guide. And remember that the stars you see are the same ones that helped guide The Lost Colony to these shores 20 years before Jamestown was settled. Discover the stories in the sky and explore the constellations and bright stars that have fascinated humankind for ages. Before you know it, new knowledge will transform the vast sea of stars overhead into a readable map of the cosmos. Lost Colony ticket booth/parking lot in Fort Raleigh. Easy. Cost $10; two children 12 and under may accompany paying adult for no charge. Dress warm.
6:30-7:30 p.m., Woodrow Grizzle, ECSU Planetarium.
Thursday November 10, 2011 Trips
Alligator River Refuge Tram Tour (Family Friendly) - Full
Enjoy the beauty of the refuge from the open-air tram! Sit back and enjoy the ride with your hands free to take fantastic photographs or gaze at wildlife through binoculars. Enjoy a lively narrative about the natural history of the refuge and hear stories of past and present uses of the land. Discover techniques used to manage the mosaic of habitats for native wildlife. This tour will include Twiford Road which is normally closed this time of year. Please be prepared for a variety of temperatures and the possibility of biting insects. Creef Cut parking area. Easy. Cost $20; two children 12 and under may accompany paying adult for no charge.
12:30-3:30 p.m., Cindy Heffley, refuge staff.
Friday November 11, 2011 Trips
Tracking Wildlife on Creef Cut Trail (Family Friendly)
Can you figure out what wildlife use this trail? Clues are everywhere but what does the evidence tell us? Discover why tracking is important to scientists as well as others. This leisurely stroll and activity is designed for the young and young at heart! Learn about the latest information scientists have uncovered about wildlife habits along Route 64. Creef Cut parking area. Easy. Cost $20; two children 12 and under may accompany paying adult for no charge.
10:30 a.m.-Noon, Cindy Heffley, refuge staff.
Earthcaching at Alligator River (NEW!) (Family Friendly)
Are you looking for a new way to discover and experience nature adventures? Join us for this fun program and learn about earthcaching. Discover a fun activity for the whole family. Learn how to use a Global Positional System Receiver (GPS) to uncover sites that are important scientifically or help us to learn more about the planet. GPS units will be provided. Easy. Creef Cut parking area. Cost $20; two children 12 and under may accompany paying adult for no charge.
1-2:30 p.m., Cindy Heffley, refuge staff.
Hummingbird Banding (A) (Family Friendly)
A licensed bander will demonstrate techniques for capturing and banding hummingbirds. The program also will provide useful tips on attracting hummingbirds. The group will visit a Manteo residence that hosts numerous hummingbirds throughout the year. If possible, bring a folding chair. NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island parking lot. Easy. Cost $20; two children 12 and under may accompany paying adult for no charge.
2-4 p.m., Susan Campbell.
Red Wolf Howling Safari (B) (Family Friendly)
Come learn about the majestic Red Wolf, one of the world's most endangered canids, at the only place where they exist in the wild. You will not only learn about this critically endangered and elusive species, but hopefully experience the opportunity of a lifetime to hear their harmonious howls when you caravan deep into the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge to "howl up" the wolves. Flashlights recommended. Creef Cut parking area. Easy. Cost $20; two children 12 and under may accompany a paying adult for no charge.
5-7 p.m., refuge Staff.
Lost Colony Astronomy (B) (NEW!) (Family Friendly)
Come to The Lost Colony's Waterside Theater, sit back and relax in the amphitheater for a tour of the night sky with an astronomer as your guide. And remember that the stars you see are the same ones that helped guide The Lost Colony to these shores 20 years before Jamestown was settled. Discover the stories in the sky and explore the constellations and bright stars that have fascinated humankind for ages. Before you know it, new knowledge will transform the vast sea of stars overhead into a readable map of the cosmos. Lost Colony ticket booth/parking lot in Fort Raleigh. Easy. Cost $10; two children 12 and under may accompany paying adult for no charge. Dress warm.
6:30-7:30 p.m., Woodrow Grizzle, ECSU Planetarium.
Saturday November 12, 2011 Trips
Earthcaching at Pea Island (NEW!) (Family Friendly)
Looking for a new way to discover and experience nature adventures? Join us for this fun program and learn about earthcaching. Discover a fun activity for the whole family. Learn how to use a Global Positional System Receiver (GPS) to uncover sites that are important scientifically or help us to learn more about the planet. GPS units will be provided. Pea Island Refuge Visitor Center. Easy. Cost $20; two children 12 and under may accompany paying adult for no charge.
9-10:30 a.m., Cindy Heffley, refuge staff.
Wild Times at Cape Hatteras Secondary School (Family Friendly)
Join students and faculty for this free event especially for children. Learn about the programs the students are doing in partnership with the Coastal Wildlife Refuge Society and other local organizations. See what's inside an owl pellet, build a bird nesting box, and participate in other fun activities! Cape Hatteras Secondary School. Easy. Free. No registration required.
Noon-5:30 p.m., Linda Austin.
Hummingbird Banding (B) (Family Friendly)
A licensed bander will demonstrate techniques for capturing and banding hummingbirds. The program also will provide useful tips on attracting hummingbirds. The group will visit a Manteo residence that hosts numerous hummingbirds throughout the year. If possible, bring a folding chair. NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island parking lot. Easy. Cost $20; two children 12 and under may accompany paying adult for no charge.
2-4 p.m., Susan Campbell.
The Island Farm on Roanoke Island (Family Friendly)
The Island Farm was established in 1783 by Jesse Etheridge, and his grandson built the restored two-story house around 1850 using hewn and pit-sawn timbers and bricks believed to be from ship's ballast. Come stroll the grounds - view grazing sheep and preserved outbuildings and stop at stations that recreate the vibrant life of the 1850's from hearth cooking where you can try your hand at making a cornmeal Johnny cake, to children's toys and games where you can give the games the Etheridge children played a try, like Hunt the Slipper, England and France, plus many others. Take a special tour around the facility with the man who rebuilt the farm and learn about how he restored this historic site. Island Farm. Easy Stroll on Grass / Dirt. Cost $10; two children 12 and under may accompany paying adult for no charge.
2 p.m.-4 p.m., Island Farm Site managers.
Visit http://www.currituckbeachlight.com/islandfarm/ for more information on the farm.
Sunday November 13, 2011 Trips
Possible traffic delays related to the running of the obx marathon.
Alligator River Refuge Canoe Tour (B) (Family Friendly) - Full
Take a canoe tour through the cypress creeks of Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. This trip is filled with local history and an abundance of wildlife including Great Blue Herons, Pileated Woodpeckers, and Bald Eagles. You might even see a Black Bear. Buffalo City Road boat access. Moderate to strenuous. Cost $35; two children 12 and under may accompany paying adult for no charge.
9 a.m.-Noon, Abbey Reibel, refuge staff.
