Children and parents are encouraged to come out to the Civitan Garden for a fun and free workshop to learn how to seed, plant, care for, and grow gardens! We will also do soil investigations, learn about good bugs and food safety with a tasty celebration! Workshop dates are July 5 and 18 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. for ages 6-12. Register online or for more information, contact Lisa Miller at ammiller@hickorync.gov.
Bring the family for a movie night in front of the big screen on Union Square in Downtown Hickory. Bring your own lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy Paddington on July 8 and The Iron Giant on July 22, both at 8:30 p.m. Concessions and games will be available beforehand. All movies are weather permitting! For more information, please contact Quamaine Coplind at qcoplind@hickorync.gov.
Doggie Olympics
Start training because we are teaming up with the Hickory Police Department to put on a program just for dogs! Come compete in competitions like Buddy Run Obstacle Course, Frisbee Toss, Sit-Stay-Dash, Longest Tail, and more! Doggie Olympics will take place on July 16 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Fairbrook Optimist Dog Park. All proceeds earned by this event will go to help Hartman’s Haven Dog Rescue. Please register online ($20) or the day of ($25). Further questions can be answered by Lori Miller at lmiller@hickorync.gov or 828-261-2674.
Calling all skaters 4 and up! Come out to Stanford Skate Park on July 16 for our 2nd annual Skate Jam Competition! The event starts at 10 a.m. with the game of SK8 followed by the Skate Jam. Come for the tricks, the food trucks, the band, the raffles, and the giveaways! Participants can register online or in person the day of the event. For further questions, contact Lance Riddile at 828-261-2254 or lriddile@hickorync.gov.
Hickory Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism Department and the Hickory Public Library have teamed up to bring you Hickory's newest hiking club! We'll hike in various city and county parks throughout the year. This club is open to hikers of all ages and experience levels. Children under the age of 13 are required to be accompanied by an adult. Participation is free, but registration is required, and space is limited. Our next hike will be on Saturday, July 23, starting at 9 a.m. at Riverbend Park. For more information, contact Austin Cheek at 828-328-3997 or acheek@hickorync.gov.
Registration is open for our 2nd session of the Sports & Fitness Camp. The camp will take place July 25-29 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Students ages 9-14 can embark on an exploration of sports like basketball, volleyball, baseball, tennis, and more! Registration for residents is $80, non-residents is $100. For more information, contact John Smith at jsmith@hickorync.gov or 828-328-4890.
Calling all teenagers! Come hang with your friends at Highland Recreation Center to enjoy food, music, and games. Every other Friday night from 5:30-8:30 p.m., we will play glow-in-the dark games, listen to music, eat pizza, and hang out! Teen Night After Hours will take place on July 1, July 15, and July 29. $5 registration required; limited spots available. Register online or for more information, contact Molly Hampton at mhampton@hickorync.gov.
Friday, July 22, 10 a.m. at Highland Recreation Center
Inclusive Play
Monday, July 25, from 6-7 p.m. at Highland Recreation Center
Friday, July 29, from 12-2 p.m. at Highland Recreation Center
Free Play Activities & Group Exercise Classes
Our recreation centers offer free play pickleball, basketball, and group exercise classes for all skill levels! Click the button to view the monthly calendar.
Let's get ready to boogie! Our 1st Lightning Bug Boogie 5K Trail Run will take place on Friday, August 19, starting at 9 p.m. on the Lake Hickory Trails at Hickory City Park. This course will consist of off-road trails that include hills, descents, tight turns, roots, rocks, and other trail features. All participants will be required to have a light in the form of a headlamp or flashlight.
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