Open 361 Days a Year: Admissions 10:00am – 3:30pm; park closes at 4:30pm

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WNC Nature Center Logo
WNC Nature Center Logo

The WNC Nature Center offers a variety of programs, events, and experiences all year round! Reserve spaces and learn more about our offerings below.
Click here to view our events calendar.

Programs & Events
Parties & Rentals
Signature Fundraisers

Programs & Events

Custom Experiences

Enjoy a customized education experience with an educator, as well as a guided private tour around the Nature Center to discuss the ecology of our native wildlife species and the unique stories of how they came to the Nature Center.
Request a Private Tour
Buy a Private Tour Gift

Wild Walks & Junior Wild Walks

Monthly events for children and adults to go behind the scenes to see the Nature Center like never before! Learn how our keepers feed and care for the animals, see an animal enrichment session, and ask our staff your questions!
See Event Calendar

Wolf Howl

Learn about the red and gray wolves of North America, then visit their habitats after dark!

Programs for both adults and children occur in the fall. Tickets go on sale in September.
See Event Calendar

Night at the
Nature Center

Learn about nocturnal species that live in the region, then visit them after the sun sets!

Programs for children and families occur in the spring. Tickets go on sale in January.
See Event Calendar

Painting with the Animals

Our animals paint for enrichment, and now you can too! Sign the whole family up for a step-by-step instruction painting of one of our animals!

Events occur in early spring and in the fall.
See Event Calendar

Holiday Critter Check Up

Your child can bring their favorite stuffed animal to the Nature Center for a check up with our volunteer veterinarian and vet assistants!

Event occurs in December. Tickets go on sale in November.
See Event Calendar

Parties & Rentals

Birthday Parties

Have your child's next birthday party at the Nature Center!

Your reservation includes a two-hour room rental and admission to the Nature Center for up to 20 invitees.

Reserve Your Space Now

Classroom Rentals

The Education Center at the WNC Nature Center has two classrooms that can accommodate small groups.

Rentals include a smart TV, podium, chairs, tables, lobby space, and can include access to the wildlife park for an additional fee.

Request More Information

Private Events

Host your next corporate event or family gathering at the WNC Nature Center!

The WNC Nature Center can accommodate a private after-hours event or a reserved space inside the wildlife park during regular open hours.


Request More Information

Signature Fundraisers

Running of the Goats
5K & Nature Walk

Running of the Goats is on a hay-iatus until at least 2027 due to Tropical Storm Helene's impact on the race course.
Run WILD while supporting the animals you love! Goats Roddy, Bryan, Swiss and Alpine, and Ted can’t wait to cheer you on as you race to be the Greatest Of All Time!

Event occurs in April. Registration opens in January.
Learn More

Brews & Bears
After-hours Summer Event Series

Enjoy the WNC Nature Center in the evening with a beer, cider, or wine in hand! There are also food vendors and educational programming, along with popsicle enrichment for our black bears, Uno and Ursa!

Events occur the second Friday of May, June, July, and August. Tickets go on sale in April.
Learn More

Interested in partnering with the WNC Nature Center as a vendor or corporate sponsor of an event?
Email Cindy at [email protected] for more information!