Lake Rim Park

Educational Group Field Trips

Are you looking for an interesting field trip for your school, church, civic or scout group? A variety of ranger-guided environmental and local history programs can be taught at Lake Rim Park. Popular subjects include: animal adaptations, beaver ecology, plants, tree identification, rocks and minerals, fossils, insects, the naval stores industry, and Native American cultures or choose from the programs offered below. Nature hikes and custom programs are available and programs can be correlated to DOD and North Carolina’s Essential Standards for Science. Picnic shelters can be reserved for lunch. Programs are offered by appointment only, call to schedule.
Group size limited to 80 participants.
Free

Outreach Programs

A ranger can come to your location and lead a nature program for your class on a variety of topics. Reservation in advance required, please call for more information.
$25/program in county; fee waived for Cumberland County Public Schools, Fort Bragg Schools and affiliates; $50/program out of county within 25 miles.

Scavenger Hunt at the Playgrounds

Each month, our young visitors can spend their playtime searching for hidden images at the playground. Come by the office to pick up your scavenger sheet and return it for a prize upon completion. New themed scavenger hunts will be posted each month. 
All ages; Mar.-Dec.; Mon.-Fri.; 10 am-4 pm; Free 

Story Time

You and your child are invited to Lake Rim Park for an interactive story time with the Cumberland County Public Library. The story will be followed by themed crafts and activities. Call ahead to 910-433-1018 for more information.
6-under yrs w/adult; 1-2 pm; Free
Sep. 21: Animal Kingdom
Oct. 12: Halloween
Nov. 16: Things That Go
Dec. 14: Winter/Christmas
Jan. 11: Space
Feb. 15: Dinosaurs

Plant ID Hunt

Join Rangers at Lake Rim Park for some nature journaling! Hunt the park to find interesting plants. Draw them in your journals and see how many plants you can find. Journals and crayons will be provided. Call to register. 
All ages; Fri., Sept. 25; 3 pm-4 pm; Free

Wreath and Ornament Decoration Hike

Join us at Lake Rim Park for a short hike around the trail as we enjoy some hot cocoa and get inspired to decorate a vine wreath and ornament. Call or register online. 
All ages; Fri., Dec. 18; 4-5 pm; $5/participant 

Basic Archery

This class is designed to introduce the sport of archery to beginners. Participants will use compound bows as they learn the basics. We will teach safety, proper stance, and correct technique. You will be hitting bull's eye in no time! Adults welcome too. Call or register online, space is limited. Registration deadline 48 hours in advance. 
8+; Mon., Sept. 14; 2-4 pm; Tues., Nov. 24; 2-4 pm; $5/participant

Lake Rim Morning Kayak Tour

Looking for an affordable, fun, and easy outdoor adventure? Join us at Lake Rim and enjoy the early fall weather while the Rangers guide you on a leisurely, morning kayak tour of the lake. Kayaks, paddle, and life vests provided. Limited space available. Call or register online. 
10+; Fri., Sept. 18; 10 am-noon; $15/participant

Dinosaurs in the Dirt

After a brief introduction to dinosaurs, children will venture to the volleyball court to dig for "dinosaur bones" and play in our "giant sand box." Shovels, buckets, and, of course, dinosaurs will be provided for children to play with. Call or register. 
5-under yrs w/adult; Tues., Sept. 22; Tues., Oct. 13; 9:30-11:30 am; Free

Lake Rim Afternoon Kayak Tour

Looking for an affordable, fun, and easy outdoor adventure? Join us at Lake Rim and enjoy the early fall weather while a Ranger guides you on a leisurely, afternoon kayak tour of the lake. Kayaks, paddle, and life vest provided. Limited space available. Call or register online. 
10+; Fri., Oct. 9; 3-5 pm; $15/participant

Senior Kayak Tour

Looking for a fun and easy workout while soaking up the sun? Join us at Lake Rim and enjoy the fall weather while a Ranger guides you on a leisurely kayak tour of the lake. Kayaks, paddles, and life vests provided. Limited space available. Registration deadline is 48 hours in advance. Call for additional information. 
55+; Wed., Oct. 28; 10 am-12 pm; $5/participant

Halloween Archery

This class is designed to introduce the sport of archery to beginners with a hint of spooky vibes. Participants will use compound bows as they learn the basics and shoot 3D models. We will teach safety, proper stance, and correct technique. You will be hitting bull's eye in no time! Adults welcome too. Call or register online. Space is limited. Registration deadline is 48 hours in advance. 
8+; Fri., Oct. 30; 2-4 pm; $5/participant

Pilot Mountain Hiking Trip

All aboard the FCPR van! Meet at Lake Rim Park at 9:00 am to jump on a ride to Pilot Mountain State Park. Park Rangers will guide us on a 45-60 minute hike to experience the beauty of nature and to explore all that makes Pilot Mountain. Bring your lunch, water and comfortable clothing with closed-toe shoes. Plan for about a two-mile hike. Limited space available. Register before Nov. 11. Call or register online. 
10+; Fri., Nov. 13; 9 am-5 pm; $10/participant

USS NC Battleship Trip

All aboard the FCPR bus! Meet at Lake Rim Park at 9 am for a ride to the USS NC Battleship in Wilmington, NC. From there we will take a tour and discover the WWII battleship. After about two-hour tour of the ship, we will head to the beach for a few hours. Bring your lunch, water, comfortable clothing, and a beach towel. Limited space available. Register before Sep. 14. 
8+; Wed., Sept. 29; 9 am-5 pm; $10/adults (12+); $5/youth (8-11 yrs)

Haw River State Park Trip

Bring your hiking shoes and join Rangers on a road trip to Haw River State Park! Together we explore what Haw River State Park has to offer. Plan for about a two-mile hike. Bring your lunch, water, and comfortable clothing with closed-toe shoes. Limited space available. Register before Oct. 14. Call or register online. 
8+; Fri., Oct. 16; 9 am-5 pm; $10/participant

Falls Lake Kayak Tour

Looking for a leisurely kayaking trip with beautiful scenery? Well look no further, join Rangers on a trip to Falls Lake to Kayak. The FCPR van will be leaving at 9 am. Please bring lunch, water, and weather-appropriate clothing. Limited space available. Register by Oct. 21. Call or register online. 
10+; Fri., Oct. 23; 9 am-5 pm; $15/participant

Haw River Kayak Tour

Join us as we paddle along the lower Haw River near Pittsboro depending on the river level. The FCPR van will be leaving at 9 am. This section of the river has class 1 and 2, which is good for beginner paddlers. This scenic section is filled with islands, rock formations, and wildlife. Bring lunch or money to eat out nearby. Space is limited. Registration deadline is 48 hours in advance. Call or register online. 
10+; Wed., Nov. 4; 9 am-5 pm; $15/participant

North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences Trip

Join Park Rangers on a trip to the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh, NC. This is a great opportunity to learn more about natural sciences, whether that's space, plant life, animal life, and even dinosaurs! Bring your lunch and some water. Limited space available. Call or register online. 
8+; Fri., Dec. 4; 9 am-5 pm; $5/participant

Winter REBUS in the Park

Nothing to do on this cold month? Try this self-guided scavenger hunt on the trails. Look for the pictures starting at Lake Rim Park Office and see how many you can guess. Can you figure out what the pictures say?
All ages; Mon.-Fri.; Jan. 4-Jan.8; 10 am-5 pm; Free

Love REBUS in the Park

Make your stroll with your loved ones a little more interesting. Try this self-guided Valentine's themed scavenger hunt on the trails. Look for the pictures starting at the Lake Rim Park Office and see how many you can guess. Can you figure out what the pictures say?
All ages; Mon.-Fri.; Feb. 8-Feb. 12; 10 am-5 pm; Free

Winter Themed Puzzle Race (LRP)

Come out to the park and put your puzzle skills to the test at speed puzzling. Get together in a group and race against the clock to complete a 500-piece puzzle (all puzzles are the same). Try to be the first team to win or if the time runs out, the individual with the most complete pieces to take the prize. Meet at the visitor center. Space is limited. Call or register online. 
All ages; Tues., Jan. 26; 4-6 pm; Free