(Grade 3) Parks provide an experience not easily duplicated in the classroom. Our new “Field Trips for All” programs offer parents a unique opportunity to supplement their child’s science learning with real outdoor experiences and application of the concepts required in the Virginia standards of learning. Experiences vary by park resources. This program is geared by grade level to provide enrichment to all learners including homeschool. Registration is limited to allow for social distancing. Groups of more than 8 should consider booking a field trip directly with a park by visiting the park’s web site. All attendees, parents and students, must register to control group size.

(4-6 yrs.) Join Huntley Meadows Park naturalists virtually to explore the exciting lives of songbirds, rabbits, crayfish, turkeys, and other local wildlife. Discover a new animal each class and learn about their special characteristics that help them to survive during the chilly winter season. Engaging lessons with activities, movement, stories, songs, and crafts will turn us into animal detectives! Adult participation is recommended. One activity kit included for one participating child. Staff will coordinate pick-up of activity kits from Huntley Meadows Park in Alexandria, VA one week before the program starts.

(3-5 yrs.) It's back, the social event of Hidden Ponds winter season! There will be dancing, refreshments, crafts and live animals to entertain.

(4-Adult) Beaks, feathers, nests and talons are examined to explore the avian world that surrounds us. Find out about bird life cycles, migration patterns and adaptations that make these creatures fascinating. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

(3-Adult) Join us for an evening campfire the whole family can enjoy. During the program we will explore the wonders of our natural world. Our programs may include nature walks, interactive activities, animal presentations, or other opportunities to learn about nature and our place in it. Includes S’mores. Topics vary by date. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

(3-Adult) Join us for an evening campfire the whole family can enjoy. During the program we will explore the wonders of our natural world. Our programs may include nature walks, interactive activities, animal presentations, or other opportunities to learn about nature and our place in it. Includes S’mores. Topics are 1/7-Owls, 1/21-Nocturnal Animals, 2/04-Hibernation, 2/18-Winter Survival. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

(4-Adult) Enjoy a night hike to learn about nocturnal hunters. Listen to taped calls of owls and coyotes and catch a glimpse of them in the forest. End the evening with s'mores round the campfire. Children must be accompanied by an adult registered in the program.

(4-Adult) Join us for an evening campfire the whole family can enjoy. During the program we will explore the wonders of our natural world. Our programs may include nature walks, interactive activities, animal presentations, or other opportunities to learn about nature and our place in it. Includes S’mores. Topics vary by date. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

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

(All ages) Join a naturalist for a private nature program at the Woodland Wildlife Tree Sculpture about the curious and creative survival strategies of nocturnal animals. Then take a 25 minute nighttime hike to a cozy campfire in the woods where you will enjoy toasting marshmallows. Up to 9 people in your family or COVID bubble group. Bring a flashlight. Restroom available. Ideal for celebrating a family birthday. Rescheduled in event of severe weather. Contact kim.young@fairfaxcounty.gov for additional date options.

(4-Adult) Grab a net and join us for a special day with a park scientist to see, touch, and study wetland creatures up close and personal. Use magnifying lenses to study their unique characteristics. What critters live in the wetland? What can these little animals tell us about their home? This rare opportunity to dip-net in the wetland is possible through the guidance of our park naturalists.

(4-Adult) How did the Powhatan Native Americans use the plants and animals you see every day for their medicine, grocery store, clothing and fun? Immerse yourself in a way of life 400 years ago. Grind corn, make a clay pot, master corn darts and go on a guided tour to see the park from the perspective of a Virginia Indian.

(4-Adult) What does it take to attract a mate in the animal world. Turtles, frogs, insects, birds and even fish all have unique techniques for finding that special someone. Learn about these unique specialties and enjoy a short hike before sitting around a campfire to roast marshmallows. Canceled in case of inclement weather. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

(2-6 yrs.) Walk with a naturalist and your child as we investigate the critters who make this park their home. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

(3-6 yrs.) Join a naturalist to learn about the white tailed deer, our largest mammal neighbors. What do they eat and how do they live? Touch real deer fur, antlers and bones. Make a deer Valentine’s day craft for your “deer.”

(16-Adult) Learning how to look for and draw animal tracks and signs can add interest to your nature journaling. In addition to footprints, we will discuss other signs such as rubbings, nests, egg cases, feathers and more. Hike in search of animal signs, then return to the classroom to draw or paint with colored pencil or watercolor.

(16-Adult) Learning about bones, skeletons and skulls can really improve your drawings of animals. Discover how to simplify the drawing of bones by working on toned paper using a combination of thick black markers, white gel pens and colored pencils. Watercolor options will be discussed.

(Adults) Take an evening stroll through the forest to one of the park's largest meadows. Listen for the call of the male woodcock and hopefully see his amazing courtship dance and flight. Bring a flashlight. Approximately 1.5 mile walk on uneven terrain. Canceled if rain. Meets at the South Kings Highway entrance to the park.

(All Ages) Join a naturalist for a private nature hike exploring the survival skills of our park’s evening residents. Finish around a campfire toasting marshmallows.