Join a park ranger for a discussion on Jones Lake’s largest mammal…the black bear.  Learn about the biology and habits of the king of the forest.  Participants should meet at the Jones Lake State Park Visitor Center at 2 pm. This program is free to the public.  If you have any questions, please call the park office (910) 588-4550.

Exploring Goose Creek Trail, looking for birds to identify and learn about. 

Learn how to safely evacuate an aircraft after an emergency water landing! FREE with admission, this ditching program is led by a former US Airways Training Specialist!

Join park staff for a fun, hands-on holiday program exploring how soil gets its color. Participants will investigate real soil samples, learn why the sands of the Carolina Bays look the way they do, and discover how minerals and organic matter create a variety of soil colors. Everyone will get the chance to make their own natural soil crayons to take home. You can then use your crayons to create a holiday card inspired by Jones Lake, perfect to give as a gift this holiday! All materials are provided. Participants should meet at the Visitor Center at 2pm for this program.  This event is free of charge and is open to the public.  Contact the park office at (910) 588-4550 with any questions.

Start the year off in the outdoors! Join a park ranger for a four-mile hike around Jones Lake! We will be hiking the Bay Trail which travels through several habitats that are found around Carolina Bays.  Discussion on the hike will include the history of Jones Lake State Park and the flora and fauna. Participants should meet at the Visitor Center at 10:00 am for this program. This event is free of charge and is open to the  public. Contact the park office at (910) 588-4550 with any questions.

Join us for a special celebration as we ring in the Noon Year with an epic balloon drop and special activities at Discovery Place Kids-Rockingham. This fun-filled event is perfect for families who are eager to celebrate and join in the fun without staying up too late!

Join us for a special celebration as we ring in the Noon Year with an epic balloon drop and special activities at Discovery Place Kids-Rockingham. This fun-filled event is perfect for families who are eager to celebrate and join in the fun without staying up too late!

This winter season, for the first time, Discovery Place Science invites visitors to step into a glowing, snow-dusted wonderland with the debut of Snow Days, a one-of-a-kind, all-ages exhibit opening Saturday, November 22 and running through the winter holidays. Snow Days is a fully immersive experience designed to inspire awe, nostalgia and wonder during the winter season.Exhibit areas will include: Aurora Borealis Experience Sock Skating Rink Nature & Animals in Winter The Inuit: Life, Culture and Survival The Snowflake: Research, Art and Folklore Hygge: Human Comfort for Survival Snow Days is an exhibit that appeals to all ages. The exhibit is included with general admission to Discovery Place Science and is free for Members.

Join Sturgeon City Sprouts, our monthly program designed for parents, caregivers, and children aged 1 to 4 years old to embark on exciting STEM adventures together!   

Discover the powerful forces of nature that shape our planet’s climate. Through hands-on experiments, we’ll learn about storms, explore atmospheric pressure, and learn how to forecast weather just like a meteorologist.