Dream and Discover

Wide World Mondays

Special activities offered each Monday. Fun is the order of the day . . . .

August 4, 10 a.m. – Big Dunk II
What is most needed in the dog days of a Carolina summer? I'd say a proper pool party, thanks to the hostess with the mostess, Jennifer D. All head to the Hope Valley Farms Swim Club for a wet dip (and a big old water slide!). Free. 4818 S. Roxboro St, Durham 27713.
Hope Valley Farms Swim Club

August 11, 10:30 a.m. – Hot Art
Torches! Fire! Fine art! We gather in a glassblowing studio nestled in a 1000-acre forest: Locally Grown Art in Pittsboro. Our host is Jonathan Davis, studio founder and artistic glassblower. We'll get a tour of the studio and the equipment used by glassblowers, plus glassblowing demonstrations. Many glass creations are on display, from marbles to goblets to jewelry. Jonathan warns not to use MapQuest or Google for directions, so I'll send directions the week before our visit.
Locally Grown Art

*Thursday, August 14, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. – Cloud observations/NASA project at Prairie Ridge.*
Prairie Ridge Ecostation

August 18, 11 a.m. – Books on Ice
The height of summer calls for cooling down, or perhaps retiring to the shade with a good book. So we start the day with the coolest of cool projects: a series of ice adventures. We'll get goosebumps from cool jewels (frozen necklaces), excavate treasures from blocks of ice, and make our own slushies in bags. Then it's time to dry off and get ready for a 1 p.m. visit from the one, the only . . . the Bookmobile!!! A little library on wheels. A reader's dream come to life. Show up at the cabin for the festivities.
Bookmobile
Cool Jewels; Ice Treasures; Slushie in a Bag

August 25 – Not-Back-to-School Party
It's the first day back to school for students in Wake County. So let's . . . go swimming! Meet at Ridge Road Pool to enjoy the wading pool, modest sprayground, and big pool. The pool areas are full sun, but a row of shady picnic tables are available for cooling off and eating lunch. Wake County residents: children 1-8, 75 cents; adults, $1.50. Non-residents: children, $2.75; adults, $5.50. 1709 Ridge Road in Raleigh 27607. (Notice at the link below that Ridge Road Pool will be open weekdays until the end of October, if you'd like an autumnal swim.)
Ridge Road Pool

*Thursday, August 28, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. – Cloud observations/NASA project at Prairie Ridge.*
Prairie Ridge Ecostation

September 1 – No activity due to Labor Day.

September 8, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – Natural Connection
We find ourselves in the capable hands of Sarah and Gumby, the duo who comprise Red Mountain Nature Programs. We'll partake in some sling shot action, plus storytelling, games, and nature interpretation. Expect a wonderful, dirty day fully immersed in the outdoors. $15/family. Details to come on meeting location; will be near the Durham/Chapel Hill border close to Highway 54.
Red Mountain Nature Programs

September 15 , 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. – Eno Exploration
What better spot to bid summer farewell than the Eno River? Park Rangers Amy and Jason will guide us in exploring and enjoying the water -- and discovering critters from mollusks to crustaceans to fish. Close-toed shoes required. Picnic lunch following, on the river bank or grassy lawn of the Piper Cox House. Meet promptly at the Piper Cox House (adjacent the parking lot). 6101 Cole Mill Road, Durham 27705; go through the park gate, take second right into the parking area.
Eno River State Park

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