(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 special lives of our wildlife neighbors including fox, owls, beavers, coyotes and more. 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 per. Guardians will coordinate pick-up of activity kits from Huntley Meadows Park in Alexandria, VA the week prior to the start of the program.

(6-Adult) What is out there rotating around our sun? Learn about the planets, moons and their effect on us and the rest of the solar system. Learn how your family can enjoy investigating the universe together. Children must be accompanied by an adult registered in the program.

(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.

(Adults) Learn how geology, human land use and wildlife created the park's central wetland. A naturalist-led walk to the wetlands follows the talk. Binoculars recommended.

(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) Families learn how to safely build and enjoy a campfire plus make s'mores. Not appropriate for children under 4 yrs. Children must be accompanied by an adult who is also registered in the program.

(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 12 in your family or COVID bubble group. Masks required. 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.

(12-Adult) Learn the latest scoop on dinosaurs so you can keep up with the kids! Did Dracorex hogwartsii really exist? Understand what makes dinosaurs so fascinating to your children and how learning about them builds academic skills. Six foot distancing and masks required for everyone’s safety.

(4-8 yrs.) Naturalists share the tales of “Yertle the Turtle”, “Gertrude McFuzz” and more and demonstrate that real woodland creatures share some of the same talents. Meet a live animal and make a craft. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

(Grade 4) 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.

(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.

(13-Adult) Join us for a zoom meeting with park experts to explore a basic overview of groupings of animals with a compare, contrast and fun fact approach plus learn techniques for sharing the joys of nature with preschoolers through fun facts and direct engagement opportunities, all with safety in mind. Ideal for parents, teachers, caretakers and babysitters. Program date topics are: 12/6 & 12/15 Backyard Birds, 1/9 Native Reptiles & 2/20 Native Plants & Animals.

(All Ages) Join a naturalist for a guided walking tour of the forested trails and wetland boardwalk at Huntley Meadows Park for up to nine members of any age in your family group. Get outdoors with us and look for wildlife and where to find them, investigate critters and plants, ask questions, and chat about your nature interests.

Get your family into the great outdoors with a personalized naturalist or historian led program. This choose your own exploration can investigate topics like, Stream Life, Pond Life, Historic Ice Cream, and much more! Once you register, we will reach out to you to plan your family exploration.