Wake County Parks, Recreation, and Open Space is participating in national Take A Child Outside (TACO) Week beginning Saturday, September 24, through Friday, September 30, 2011, by offering outdoor programs aimed at getting kids active.

TACO Week was developed by the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences to get children outdoors to discover the natural world around them. The goal of TACO Week is to help children to understand and appreciate their environment and to have fun exploring nature. Parents and caregivers are asked to visit the TACO website and pledge to take a child outside.

Scheduled events at Wake County parks:

Saturday, September 24, 10–11 a.m. – Nature Stories: Creepy Crawlies

Children ages 3 to 5, and their caregivers, are invited to creep and crawl with staff at Blue Jay Point to learn about insects and other invertebrates. Make a "buggy" craft to take home. For information, call 919-870-4330. Blue Jay Point County Park is located at 3200 Pleasant Union Church Road, Raleigh.

Sunday, September 25, 1–5 p.m. – Nature Discovery

People of all ages can take part in scavenger hunts, bird watching and fishing at Lake Crabtree County Park. Families can bring their own equipment or borrow equipment from park staff. Participants ages 16 and older must have a valid fishing license to borrow fishing gear. Meet at the Dogwood Shelter. For information, call 919-460-3390. Lake Crabtree County Park is located at 1400 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville.

Wednesday, September 28, 6–8 p.m. – Learn to Fish

Come to Lake Crabtree County Park for an informal catch-and-release fishing experience for the whole family. All fishing equipment, bait and basic instruction are provided. A North Carolina fishing license is required for participants ages 16 years and older. The program is subject to weather conditions. For information, call 919-460-3390. Lake Crabtree County Park is located at 1400 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville.

Friday, September 30, 7:30–8:30 p.m. – Evening Splendor

Join park staff at the American Tobacco Trail and take a stroll through the woods to look and listen for animals that are active at night. For information, call 919-387-2117. The American Tobacco Trail is located at 2112 County Park Drive, Apex.

All program fees for TACO Week activities have been waived. Preregistration may be required for some events. For a complete list of TACO Week events at Wake County parks, visit www.wakegov.com/parks.