Stevens Creek Nature Center, at 15700 Thompson Road, Mint Hill, North Carolina, is within Stevens Creek Nature Preserve.
The nature center features live native animals, two classrooms (including one rentable space), gift shop, and an exhibit hall with interactive exhibits. The exhibits focus on protecting water quality and include an augmented reality sand table, living stream with fish and turtles, and 5-foot tall model of the federally endangered Carolina Heelsplitter mussel.
Environmental education and outdoor recreation staff offer public and private programming for all ages. Visitors can borrow loaner backpacks to take activities out on the trails or busy bags for smaller children to play with inside.
Events at Stevens Creek Nature Center and Preserve
Visit Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation’s activity search website for even more events. Some have fees. Keep in mind that for most of the events you need to call in advance and register online. Also check out the intended age range.
To register, find the event in Park and Recreation’s activity search website or call the phone number for the nature center. We provide links to register and for more information for each event, when available.
Here are just a very few of the upcoming events!
Birding at Stevens Creek
1st and 3rd Thursday of every month, through December 18, 2025, plus October 30
9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Stevens Creek
Free (register at above link)
Ages 18+
Step out onto the trails as we explore the preserve and search the skies for our beloved winged friends. From the radiant Northern Cardinals to the majestic Red-shouldered Hawks, the list of potential sightings is endless. Along the way, we’ll work on identification techniques to help everyone become better birders. Open to all levels of bird watching; BYO binoculars or borrow a pair from us.
Family Bug Hunt
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Stevens Creek
Free (register at above link)
All ages
Early fall is a GREAT time to catch crawling, jumping, and flying critters in the field and forest. All ages are welcome to sweep net and log roll their way into new arthropod adventures, with staff provided guidance and tools. Best for ages 4+ but open to all.
Shakedown Hike
Saturday, September 20, 2025
2 to 4 p.m.
Stevens Creek
Free (register at above link)
Ages 16+
Prepare for your next backpacking trip, or your very first, with a guided shakedown hike. We’ll cover backpacking fundamentals and share tips and tricks from our own experiences. Break in your boots with a hike around the Preserve (approx. 2 miles). Set up your tent or hammock and make sure everything is safe and functional in your home away from home. This will be a space for trekkers of all skills levels to test their gear before they head off into the greater outdoors. Led by a staff member that through-hiked the Appalachian Trail (so you know he’s got stories to share!)
Fall Storytime and Craft
Sundays, September 21, October 19, and November 16, 2025
12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Stevens Creek
Free (register at above link)
Best for ages 4-8
Fall into a good book with our new monthly Fall Storytime and Craft series. Drop by Stevens Creek Nature Center the 3rd Sundays this fall for a different book and related craft. Best for ages 4-8 (with adult) but open to all.
Reptile Awareness Day
Friday, October 17, 2025
3 to 4 p.m.
Stevens Creek
Free (register at above link)
All ages
From half-inch chameleons to 23-foot long crocodiles, the world of reptiles is highly diverse and full of surprises. Stevens Creek Nature Center is home to a few species of snakes and turtles, which we will interact with today. Please note that there will be an optional snake feeding during the program (non-living mouse).
Growing Bird Seed Craft
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Stevens Creek
Free (register at above link)
All ages
Happy World Planting Day! Stop by our Nature Center any time between 10am-1pm to make your own birdseed grow kit using recycled materials.
Friday Fire and S’mores
Most Fridays from November 7, 2025, to February 27, 2026 (not November 28 or December 26)
10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Stevens Creek
Free (no registration needed)
All ages
Feel the marshmallow magic and ask for s’more! No registration needed, just drop by the fire pit most* Fridays this winter to whip up your favorite gooey, toasty fireside delight and soak in the cozy campfire vibes.
Fantasy Adventure Role-Play
Saturday, November 15, 2025
1 to 3 p.m.
Stevens Creek
Free (register at link above)
Ages 7+
This Saturday’s side-quest? Gather your party, roll your dice, and embark on a LARPing campaign through the woods at Stevens Creek. Dress in your favorite fantastical costume (optional but encouraged) and set forth on a guided quest filled with games, mystery, a few monsters, and lots of loot!
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Upcoming Events in the Charlotte area
Check out our full events calendar, where you can enter any date, or look at the events for the next few days here:Stevens Creek Nature Preserve and Center
15700 Thompson Road
Mint Hill, NC
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