Chimney Rock to take part in Take A Child Outside Week activities

Take a Child Outside (TaCO) Week, Sept. 24-30, is a national program created to encourage adults and children to spend time together in the great outdoors. Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park is offering one free youth admission with the purchase of one regular-price adult admission during TaCO to promote active outdoor adventures for families. The Park is offering special activities on Friday, Sept. 25 and Saturday, Sept. 26, including Writers on the Rock for Kids, family-friendly hikes and a Family Campout, where families will have the rare opportunity to camp out at Chimney Rock.

"We want kids everywhere to grow up loving the outdoors," says Emily Walker, education manager at Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park. "Take a Child Outside Week provides the perfect opportunity for families to make memories together that will last a lifetime. We're excited to be able to share the beauty of our Park and to provide fun, family-friendly learning activities. We're especially excited about our Family Campout; this is a rare opportunity to enjoy the night life of Chimney Rock!"

All daytime TaCO activities are included with Park admission. Guided hikes will take place at11 a.m. Friday and at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday. From 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, families can participate in interactive programs led by local authors at Writers on the Rock for Kids. Janie DeVos, author of How High Can You Fly, Barthello's Wing: the Tale of a Very Brave Bug and other nature-themed children's books, will lead kids in an exploration of what makes them special. Afterward, kids will get the chance to track and assess a stuffed bear and her cub with Marci Spencer, who has written several books for adults about Pisgah National Forest and recently wrote the children's book Potluck, Message Delivered: The Great Smoky Mountains are Saved! The authors will be available for autographs and one-on-one chats with young fans. Fountainhead Bookstore from Hendersonville will offer a variety of children's books with outdoor themes for sale.

The day will conclude with the rare opportunity to camp under the stars of Chimney Rock at a Family Campout in the Meadows. Park rangers and naturalists will lead nocturnal animal programs and night walks. Kids can enjoy special crafts, and everyone will have fun during campfire storytelling. Families should bring their own tents; fire rings and wood will be provided at designated areas. The campout requires pre-registration and is $8 per camper, plus admission. There is no camping charge for annual passholders. Kids under five years of age are free. For a complete schedule and more information on TaCO events, visitchimneyrockpark.com.