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 or 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!
Please note that none of the events we’re listing are drop-off activities for children. You must stay with your child.
Birding at Stevens Creek
Thursdays, September 3 and 17, 2026
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 the nature center.
Notes: Pre-registration taken online up to 3 days in advance; less than 3 days, call 980-314-2526 to register. This hike qualifies for the 100 Mile Hike Club; expect to travel up to 2 miles on natural surface trails with easy/moderate terrain. Dress for the weather and bring a water bottle; instructor will email additional information prior to the program.
National Wildlife Day (drop-in)
Friday, September 4, 2026
9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Stevens Creek
Free (no registration required)
All ages
Celebrate National Wildlife Day at Stevens Creek. Get up close and personal with a variety of specimens, meet our ambassador animals (and maybe feed them a snack), make a wildlife-themed craft, and try interactive activities about our native flora and fauna.
ASL Hike and Sign
Saturday, September 12, 2026
12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Free (register at above link)
All ages
Discover a refreshing way to practice ASL – on a nature trail. This outdoor ASL program welcomes everyone who wants to enjoy the outdoors and practice signing in a friendly, inclusive environment. Bring your own picnic and meet new friends as we travel on the Heelsplitter and Sawmill Trails (approximately 2 miles) while exploring upcoming outdoor adventure opportunities. *A certified ASL interpreter will be present along with staff who will communicate in both spoken English and basic ASL.
Animal Care Behind-the-Scenes
Wednesday, October 14, 2026
3 to 4:15 p.m.
Free (register at above link)
Ages 4 and up
Fall in love with the resident animal ambassadors at Stevens Creek Nature Center and discover all of the effort that goes behind keeping them healthy. Come along with staff as they perform animal care on our snakes, turtles, fish, and toads including routine upkeep, feedings, and a meet & greet! This popular program fills up fast so secure your spot today.
Adult/Senior Bingo (drop-in)
September 15, 2026
October 20, 2026
November 17, 2026
2 to 4 p.m.
Free (no registration required)
Ages 18+
Bring a friend or make new ones at Stevens Creek’s new monthly drop-in bingo. Standard and themed bingo will be called each month, with prizes provided. BYO snacks and beverages as desired.
Busy Beetles Bug Hunt
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
Tuesday, September 22, 2026
Monday, October 5, 2026
10 to 11 a.m.
Free (register at above link, or drop in if space is available)
Best for Ages 5 and up, but open to all
The bugs are coming out of hiding! Explore the busy world of bugs by searching for crawling, flying and jumping creatures. All ages are welcome to sweep net and log roll their way into new arthropod adventures, with staff provided guidance and tools. Check all 3 dates this fall (9/16, 9/22, 10/5) and register for as many as you like! Best for ages 5+ but open to all.
Autumn Arbors Family Hike
Thursday, September 24, 2026
10 to 11:15 a.m.
Free (register at above link)
Ages 5+
Take in the beauty of fall foliage and cooler temperatures on the Stevens Creek trails. Explore the “why” behind color changing leaves, pick up a couple tree ID skills and create a tree craft to take home.
Pre-registration required. Not a drop off program; children must be accompanied by a participating adult. This hike qualifies for the 100 Mile Hike Club; expect to travel 1 mile on natural surface trails with easy/moderate terrain. For babies/toddlers, off-road-type strollers are ok or use a body carrier.
Double-Check Before You Head Out!
We make every effort to make sure that everything on Charlotte on the Cheap is 100% accurate.
However, sometimes things change without notice, and we are not always notified. It’s also possible that we can make a mistake.
Please verify all deals and events with the venue or organizer before you go.
You might also be interested in:
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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