Check out these upcoming events at the WNC Nature Center

young girl with stuff animal owl

Does your child’s favorite plush critter seem to have a cold? Have you ever wondered what happens at the WNC Nature Center at night? Or behind the scenes? Check out these events coming soon at the WNC Nature Center!

Critter Check Up – Saturday, February 19 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

young girl with vet checking stuffed animalTicket Cost – $10 to $15, includes admission to the park

Critter Check Up has been a favorite family activity for years at the WNC Nature Center! Your child can bring their favorite stuffed animal to the Nature Center for a check up with a volunteer veterinarian. Our veterinarians and vet assistants will be on hand to give your child’s plush animal an annual exam with your child’s assistance.

Tickets must be purchased online in advance. Ticket sales end at midnight on Thursday, February 17. To register, please visit www.wildwnc.org/events and pick your time slot.

Wild Walks – select weekends each month from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

bobcat with cardboard boxCost – $35, includes admission to the park

See the WNC Nature Center like never before – behind the scenes! The tour includes learning about how the Nature Center feeds and cares for the animals (including the predators, such as the mountain lion), an animal enrichment session, and exclusive interactions with the keepers who care for the animals. 

The tour is geared toward adults and for ages 14 and up. Tickets must be purchased online in advance. For dates and to register, please visit www.wildwnc.org/events.

Adult Night at the Nature Center – Saturday, February 26, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Cost – $35, recommended for ages 16+

See the WNC Nature Center like never before – at night! In this brand new program, you’ll explore the ecology of our flagship southern Appalachia nocturnal species. Once the sun sets, you’ll head outdoors to explore the Nature Center and visit with our nocturnal residents.

Tickets must be purchased online in advance. To register, please visit www.wildwnc.org/events.

Kids Night at the Nature Center – Saturdays, March 5 and March 12, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Cost – $20 for kids, $25 for adults, recommended for ages 12 and under; must be accompanied by an adult

See the WNC Nature Center like never before – at night! This brand new program includes fun and educational crafts, games, and an opportunity to meet a live animal! After learning about night time critters in the classroom, you’ll head outdoors to explore the Nature Center and visit with the Nature Center’s nocturnal residents.

Tickets must be purchased online in advance. To register, please visit www.wildwnc.org/events.


Asheville’s 42-acre WNC Nature Center, 75 Gashes Creek Road, is home to more than 60 species of animals, including river otters, black bears, red and gray wolves and a cougar. Its mission is to connect people with the animals and plants native to the Southern Appalachian Mountain region by inspiring appreciation, nurturing understanding, and advancing conservation of the region’s rich biodiversity.  The Nature Center is proud to be accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.  For more information about the WNC Nature Center or for tickets, visit wildwnc.org. or call 828-259-8080.

X