(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-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

(4-Adult) Play traditional Eastern Woodland Indian games of skill and luck which were common during the period of first European contact. Enjoy oral storytelling. Make a game to take home. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

(3-8 yrs.) What if your animal cracker cookies came alive? What if you could become a squirrel or a bird, which would you choose? Learn about animal adaptations while you munch on cookies and lemonade. Enjoy a story, craft and trail activity along a short hike.

(4-6yrs) Join Huntley Meadows Park naturalists virtually to explore the lives of bears, eagles, raccoons, and other wildlife. Discover what makes each animal special with hands-on activities, songs, games, and movement. Each class discusses a different animal. Have fun and build new friendships! 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.

(3-7 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.

(Adult) Welcome the first night of fall with a pleasant evening tour of the park at sunset. Learn about common wildlife in the marsh and where to find them.

(16-Adult) Hike through the fall foliage, identify trees. Find that perfect autumn leaf and make a craft keepsake. Registration is for a Family of up to four people.

(4-Adult) Join a naturalist for a night hike to search for bats with a sonar detector and learn about bat adaptations. Bat crafts for the children while adults learn more about white nose syndrome updates and local bat species. End the night with a campfire, s'mores and the legend of how bats came to be. Children must be accompanied by an adult who is also registered in this program. Not appropriate for children under the age of 4 yrs.

(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.

(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) 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.

(8-Adult) Take a walk to explore the plants of Ellanor C. Lawrence Park. Each week will emphasize a different topic: Wild flowers; trees; ferns; mosses; grasses, sedges, and rushes; plants at the pond; plants in the meadow.

(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) 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) 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) 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.

(3-9 yrs.) Bring your teddy bear or other plush friend to learn how bears became many children's first best friend. Have your bear or buddy join you on a teddy bear picnic in Nature Playce and make a bear craft. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

(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.

(7-Adult) Fall foliage is a sight to behold, but why do leaves turn colors? Get into the science of it. Hike through the park with a naturalist to find out what else is falling from the trees.

(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) Satisfy your curiosity and your sweet tooth with one howling campfire. Listen to coyote calls, take a short hike, and make s'mores as you learn about this wily canine. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

(2-Adult) Explore Rocky Run Stream Valley by wagon and by stepping into learn about the creatures that live in the stream.

(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.

(3-8 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.