(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.

(6-Adult) Learn about invasive species, their effects on the environment, how to identify them and how to remove them. Please dress accordingly as this program takes place outdoors.

(4-Adult) Barred owls inhabit our stream valley parks. Learn to identify these owls from other native owls while enjoying the campfire. Toast marshmallows over the embers. Canceled in case of inclement weather. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult

(7-Adult) Assist park naturalists with a calling amphibian survey. Learn how to identify frogs and toads by their calls as we explore pools and ponds. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

(4-Adults) Many animals have unusual physical and behavioral adaptations that enable them to get a meal or to keep from being a meal. Compare and contrast the adaptations of deer, owls, squirrels and turtles in this variation on a popular school field trip. Registration required for children and adults. Program is outdoors.

(4-6 yrs.) Join Huntley Meadows Park naturalists virtually to explore the exciting lives of otters, hawks, butterflies, squirrels, and other wildlife. Discover a new animal each class and learn how they use their amazing abilities to thrive during the warm spring 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 activity kit pick-up one week prior to the start of the program at Huntley Meadows Park in Alexandria, VA.

(3-Adult) Meet at the woodland wildlife tree sculpture to join a guided hike to find where animals really live in the woodland. Meet live animals and find out how the forest is a habitat for many creatures. Registration required for children and adults.

(4-Adult) Spring is the time for many animals to give birth and raise young. Meet some young animals and discover how wild creatures grow and develop in our woodlands. Some of the wild ways will surprise and some may disgust but they work for our wild neighbors. Program is outdoors. Registration required for children and adults.

(3-7 yrs.) Put on your pajamas and come to the nature center to hear bedtime stories, meet animals and wish goodnight to the center's live animals. Bring your favorite stuffed animal with you. One adult only per registered child.

(3-6 yrs.) Do frogs really say "ribbit" and birds call "tweet"? Learn the real sounds of local species and see how good you are at recognizing animal calls. Why is wildlife so noisy in the spring? Outdoor program. Only one adult per registered child may attend.

(Adults) Do you know your sweet gum from your hickory? Celebrate Arbor Day by learning tree identification basics and go for a hike to practice new skills.

(10-Adult) Enjoy a naturalist-led hike and identify plants that are safe to eat and which ones to avoid. Other helpful plants are identified for uses such as rope making and folk remedies with connections to Eastern Woodland Indians. Wear sturdy shoes for walking, meets at the pond.

(4-Adult) Enjoy a campfire and learn what ancient cultures saw in the stars. Toast marshmallows over the embers after hearing tales of the constellations. Cancelled in case of inclement weather. Minimum age to attend program is 4 yrs. Children must attend with an adult and all attendees must register.

(6-Adult) Join a naturalist to discover the facts, fiction and folklore about nature’s only true flying mammal, bats! We will set the record straight about these incredible but often-misunderstood group of animals. The program will start with a presentation followed by a night walk where we will use a special acoustic device to listen for and identify bat calls not heard with the human ear.

(7-Adult) Walk the meadows and forest edges to see bats feeding on insects. Use a bat detector to hear echolocation. Learn about our native bats and their habits. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

(4-Adult) Have you seen a bear in Fairfax County? Identify bear habitat, life cycles, sights and sounds and learn to be a good bear neighbor. This program concludes with a s'mores campfire.

(4-Adult) Borrow sanitized child or adult binoculars for a view of outdoor bird feeding stations. Learn identification tips by sight and sound. Learn how to make your yard more attractive to preferred species. Registration required for children and adults.

(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.

(5-Adult) Do you want to attract beautiful butterflies to your lawn? Tour ECLP's butterfly garden and learn how the plants selected nourish and feed butterflies. Then, plant seeds that you can take home and transplant into your own butterfly garden.

(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.

(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.

(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.

(6-Adult) Take a walk with a naturalist to look and listen for Eastern Chipmunks (Tamias striatus striatus). Learn about the lives of these cute critters.

(12-Adult) What's that noise? It's millions of Brood X cicadas partying in the trees at the world's biggest insect disco! Join local artist and naturalist Margaret Wohler to learn about their life cycle and anatomy through drawing. Meet in the Outdoor Classroom for basic biology and drawing instruction and then hike to see the cicadas and sketch. Includes a complimentary field sketch book and art supplies. Children must be accompanied by registered adult.

(Grade 5) 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.

(8-Adult) Assist a naturalist with a reptile survey. We search for, capture, identify and release snakes. Learn habits and preferred habitats of our native snakes. Children must be accompanied by an adult registered in the program.

(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.

(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.

(All Ages) From Bugs to Fungi, Nature has many ways to remove dead wood, leaves, and other organic material. This walk will look for the different decomposers at work with a conclusion at some rotting logs to see up close insects and other small animals breaking down the wood.

(4-6 yrs.) Join us as Nature Playce turns prehistoric! Become a junior paleontologist as we explore fun facts about the largest animals to ever roam the Earth. A new story, activity and craft each week. Class will be postponed in inclement weather. One adult only per registered child.

(3-9 yrs.) Learn and explore in dinoland! Compare your height and length to that of dinosaurs. Search for hidden dinosaurs and tracks. Make a fossil impression to take home. Canceled if rain. Child must be accompanied by an adult.

(3-8 yrs.) Stomp over to Hidden Oaks Nature Center to enjoy a dinosaur-themed program and outdoor egg hunt while visiting Dinoland in Nature Playce. Cancelled in case of inclement weather. One adult only per registered child due to social distancing requirements.