This program satisfies all of the requirements to earn the Archery Merit Badge. There is no prework for this program.

(3-Adult) Explore the trails with a naturalist to learn about the different characteristics that can be used to identify birds. Keep an eye on your surroundings as you fill out a bingo sheet to better connect to our friends in the sky.

(4-Adult) Enjoy a hot cup of coffee while you hike with a naturalist and look for birds. The program will begin with a short discussion of the concept of bird-friendly coffee. To reduce waste, please bring your own mug to fill. Tea and hot cocoa options will also be available. 

(3-Adult) Enjoy a stroll along the lake shores and learn about the constellations, their stories and other night-sky features. Our astronomical naturalist will identify the stars and will have some telescopes to use. The program concludes with a campfire. S'mores ingredients provided. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

(5-Adult) Join a naturalist to learn the basics of fishing while enjoying the beauty of the lakefront. Gain a better understanding of not only how to fish, but also how we can better connect with the natural world while participating in recreational activities, such as fishing. Rod and bait will be provided. Participants 16 and older must have a valid Virginia fishing license.

(5-Adult) Enjoy the beauty of the lakefront at sunset while learning the basics of fishing with a naturalist. Many fish like to come up to eat when the water cools after a hot day, making it a great time to fish with family members and enjoy each other’s company. Rod and bait will be provided. Participants 16 and older must have a valid Virginia fishing license.

(4-adult) Take a hike with a naturalist in the early morning to view the stunning first sunrise of the year as it crests over the lake. Rejuvenate as you walk along the park trails and signal in the new year. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

(4-Adult) Take a hike with a naturalist in the evening to view the stunning first sunset of the year as it sets over the lake. Rejuvenate as you walk along the park trails and signal in the new year. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

(9-Adult) With every season there are different blooms, leaves, roots, seeds and mushrooms that you can identify and eat. Learn how to eat from the forest safely and ethically as you join a Naturalist on a walk by the Lake. Please be aware that foraging is prohibited in Fairfax County parks. This class will focus on how to safely identify various edible plants, as well as their uses. No plants will be picked during the course of the class.

(3-8 yrs.) These wild members of the dog family are a common sight in our neighborhoods. Learn about their lives through activities and practice yipping like a fox. Children must be accompanied by an adult.  

(8-Adult) Join us for a tour of caches throughout Fairfax County. Hunt for hidden treasures throughout our park system using a GPS. Join one class or sign up for them all. Equipment provided.

(4-Adult) Explore the park with a naturalist after dark using UV flashlights to see what glows. Learn about why certain animals see UV light and what other creatures come out after dark. Children must be accompanied by an adult registered in the program.

(8-Adult) Identify some of Fairfax County's common invasive plant species. Explore ways to lessen these plants around your home.

(8-Adult) Birds are sometimes called living dinosaurs. Join a naturalist to learn how our feathered friends have evolved from dinosaurs and what characteristics they share with them.

(6-14 yrs.) Help feed your feathered friends this winter by making and taking home your very own pinecone bird feeder. Find out what those familiar bird calls are as we discuss common birds you may see visit your feeder.

(9-Adult) Join a naturalist to learn how to preserve nature by creating resin pendants encapsulating small natural specimens. Discover how to responsibly select natural materials, while also learning how to use resin to make your own natural charm. No living wildlife will be affected in the making of the charms. All materials will be provided.

(4-Adult) Join a naturalist to learn about various nature topics that relate to the lake depending on the season. Then go on a scavenger hunt adventure to find different related objects around the lake and collect a small themed prize.

(13-Adult) Walk with a naturalist by the lakeside and learn techniques and tips for drawing the natural world. Gain a better understanding of how to utilize different sketching and observational skills. Bring the medium of your choice to the class.

(4-Adult) Take a hike through the woods with a naturalist to listen and look for the park’s winter avian residents and migrants. Find out what birds do to survive the winter weather. Feel free to bring your own guides, binoculars and spotting scopes. Site will have a limited number of supplies for participants to borrow for the duration of the program.

All aboard the Holiday Express! Climb on for a train ride, spin around the Carolers Carousel, play a round of Gingerbread Man Golf or cozy up by the fire to make s’mores. Celebrate the season with family fun, a visit with Santa, hot chocolate and candy canes. Passes for the event are available for $20 if purchased online by the Thursday before the event. Day-of passes will be sold for $25. Passes can be picked up at the ice cream parlor on the day of the event. Refunds are only offered if the event is canceled. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult on the train. Kids younger than 2 can ride the train for free with a paying adult but must purchase tickets for other activities, including drinks, s’mores and crafts. Children shorter than 42 inches must purchase a ticket to ride the carousel and must be accompanied by an adult. Adults riding with small children on the carousel do not need a ticket. A limited number of activity tickets will be available for purchase at the park on the day of the event. Online registration closes the Thursday before the event.

(4-Adult) Hike through the winter woods to learn some useful tips for identifying winter trees. Afterwards, appreciate season's beauty with a fun winter-themed craft.