FAMILY
Big Sweep
Volunteer to help keep Garner clean and green by removing litter from our streams, parks, and roadways. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring drinking water and sun protection. Clean equipment will be provided. Report to the Holly Shelter at White Deer Park to receive equipment. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged. Same-day registration begins at 8:45 AM.
LOCATION: White Deer Park AGE: 5 + DATE: Saturday, 9 / 12 / 2026 and 4 / 3 / 2027 TIME: 9:00-11:00 AM COST: Free
Family Candy Cane Hunt
In this festive photo scavenger hunt, families will receive a poster-sized candy cane to decorate, along with clues to tracking down secret locations around town. Teams will return to the Garner Recreation Center with photo evidence to claim their Holiday Family Craft Kit. Prizes will also be awarded for the most festively dressed team and the best decorated candy cane! Registration is per family.
LOCATION: Garner Recreation Center AGE: All Ages DATE: Saturday, 12 / 12 / 2026 TIME: 1:00-4:00 PM COST: Resident $ 10, Non-Resident $ 14
Family Moth Night
Celebrate Parks for Pollinators Month and enjoy an evening at White Deer Park learning all about moths! Gather around the black lights to make moth observations and earn a cool patch or sticker. Participants will use identification guides and iNaturalist to identify their discoveries.
LOCATION: White Deer Park Classroom AGE: 8 + DATE: Friday, 9 / 18 / 2026 TIME: 7:30-10:00 PM COST: Free
Bunny Hop
Peter Cottontail is coming to Garner! Join in the fun with a pancake dinner, crafts, an egg hunt, and pictures with the Bunny!
LOCATION: Garner Recreation Center AGE: 2-10 DATE: Friday, 3 / 19 / 2027 TIME: 6:00-7:00 PM COST: Resident $ 10, Non-Resident $ 14
Cookies and Cocoa with Santa
Enjoy cookies and cocoa with Santa! Participants will get to meet and take pictures with Santa, make crafts, and enjoy a holiday treat.
LOCATION: Garner Recreation Center AGE: 2 – 12 DATE: Friday, 12 / 11 / 2026 TIME: 6:00-7:00 PM COST: Resident $ 10, Non-Resident $ 14
Fishing Frenzy
Join the fun fishing at the Lake Benson Boathouse! Beginners and families with children( ages 8 +) can sign up for one-hour fishing sessions at 1, 2, or 3 PM. Loaner gear will be provided upon request. Want to enjoy some added competition? The angler who catches the biggest fish each hour will receive a prize! A valid NC fishing license is required for participants 16 + years of age. Minors without a licensed adult may be covered by licensed staff.
LOCATION: Lake Benson Boathouse AGE: 8 + DATE: Saturday, 5 / 1 / 2027 TIME: 1:00-3:00 PM COST: Free
Sweetheart Dance
A special night of dancing, crafts and fun! Light refreshments will be provided. Each registration includes admittance for one youth and one adult. Additional tickets can be purchased for other youth.
LOCATION: Garner Recreation Center AGE: 3-12 DATE: Friday, 2 / 5 / 2027 TIME: 6:00-8:00 PM COST: Resident $ 20, Non-Resident $ 28
6 Garner Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources | PROGRAM GUIDE