NEWTON – Fish, hike and explore nature in Catawba County parks.  To encourage children to get outside with an adult, Catawba County parks are offering free activities Sept. 23-30.  The weeklong “Take A Child Outside” (TACO) initiative is part of a national move led by the NC Museum of Natural Sciences to overcome barriers that keep people indoors and to foster time together outdoors.

Events are open to all ages. Registration is not required. Those 16 years old or older who plan to fish are required by state law to have a fishing license.

For additional information call Riverbend Park at 828-256-9157 or Mountain Creek Park at 828-465-9645.

For a complete list of events, locations and times, click on the following link: Catawba County – Catawba County Government – Catawba County North Carolina (catawbacountync.gov)

Below is a list of events from the Catawba County press release:

Events taking place at Catawba County Parks for Take a Child Outside week are as follows:

•         MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26. 5-7PM: “BIRD WALK FOR KIDS” AT MOUNTAIN CREEK PARK
•         TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 5-7PM: “PUMP TRACK DEMO” AT MOUNTAIN CREEK PARK
•         WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 4-7PM: “NATURE BINGO HIKE” AT RIVERBEND PARK
•         WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 5-7PM: “FISHING ON THE FLATS” AT MOUNTAIN CREEK PARK
•         THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 5-7PM: “PICKLEBALL FOR KIDS” AT MOUNTAIN CREEK PARK
•         FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 5:30PM: “’WHO POOPED IN THE PARK?’ ANIMAL SCAT PROGRAM & HIKE” AT RIVERBEND PARK