# Lake Benson Park & White Deer Park Winter Nature Center Exploration > Place to go for families in the Raleigh–Cary area (NC). Times are Eastern Time. - When: Open on its own schedule - Where: White Deer Park Nature Center & Lake Benson Park, 2400 Aversboro Rd, Garner, NC 27529 - Ages: All ages (accessible inclusive playground at White Deer Park; flat paved loops; live animal center) - Price: Free admission to nature center, inclusive playgrounds, nature trails, and lakefront parks - Organizer: Town of Garner Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources - Official page: https://www.garnernc.gov/ - Last checked: Thu, Nov 5 Source: Grassy Knees is a directory of real family events, places and programs for kids across major U.S. metro areas, where every listing is researched from the organizer’s own page and shows the date we last checked it. https://grassyknees.com covers 42 metro areas as of Nov 10, 2026, with more added regularly. About: https://grassyknees.com/about Freshness: listings are re-checked on a daily research run (latest check 2026-11-10), and new events are added as organizers post them. Sell-outs, weather cancellations and time changes show up on the live page first: https://grassyknees.com/raleigh/activities/lake-benson-park-and-white-deer-park-winter-nature-center-exploration--listing-22a69cfc6b5e765b1357c679 ## About Connected by a scenic greenway corridor in Garner just south of Raleigh, Lake Benson Park and White Deer Park together offer over 160 acres of premier family recreation. At White Deer Park, families can step inside the 2,500-square-foot LEED Gold certified Nature Center, where kids can observe live native snakes, turtles, and frogs, examine taxidermy animals, and enjoy hands-on nature discovery bins. Outside, the park boasts a massive inclusive playground with rubberized surfacing, adaptive swings, climbing structures, and sensory play elements. Families can take the paved 1.25-mile trail connection over to Lake Benson Park, a 64-acre open expanse featuring sweeping lake views, 1.75 miles of walking loops, picnic pavilions, and prime winter birdwatching across the water. Family Experience & Accessibility: • Stroller Accessibility: Fully accessible with smooth paved trails connecting both parks, rubber safety playground surfacing, and zero-threshold building entries. • Nursing & Rest Spots: White Deer Nature Center offers climate-controlled seating, clean family restrooms with changing stations, and covered porch rocking chairs. • Age Suitability: Perfect for infants in strollers, toddlers exploring the nature center, and kids up to age 12 enjoying the expansive playground. • Sensory Tips: Inclusive playground offers sensory-friendly play panels; indoor nature center is calm and welcoming; lakefront park provides quiet open space. ## Similar picks in Raleigh - [Historic Yates Mill County Park Winter Historic Gristmill Tours & Millpond Boardwalk](https://grassyknees.com/raleigh/activities/historic-yates-mill-county-park-winter-historic-gristmill-tours-and-mi--listing-91854ba312393fa34eedb3cc) — Open on its own schedule · Historic Yates Mill County Park · All ages · Free · checked Nov 5. 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