(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) Several bat species flit in the Virginia sky. Look for them as we head to our campfire where you learn fun bat facts and lore plus enjoy an American Indian story of how bats got their wings. Toast marshmallows over the embers. 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.

(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

(4-6yrs) Join Huntley Meadows Park naturalists virtually to explore bird calls, turtle shells, spider webs, deer antlers and much more. Discover a new animal each class and learn what makes them special through engaging lessons with activities, movement, stories, songs and crafts. Adult participation is required. Activity kits are $10 and are required for each participating child which can be purchased as an extra through the registration process. Activity kits mailed or picked up one week before virtual club begins.

(3-Adult) It's dinner time at the nature center and worms and insects are on the menu. Help our naturalist care for and feed the nature center's animals.

(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.

(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.

(Grade 6) 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.

(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.

(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.

(6-12 yrs.) Using logs, branches, leaves, rocks, and other materials-help our naturalists restore a former heavily impacted natural area through setting up the materials which might provide homes for local critters, in addition, plant seedlings or seeds of wildlife food producing plants/trees in the same locale.

(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 yr. 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.

(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.

(4-6 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.

(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.

(4-Adult) Join us for a rare opportunity to explore the boardwalk under a bright full moon on this fall evening. We will look and listen for wildlife as we explore the forest and marsh trails.

(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.

(6-Adult) Discover the secret world of owls. Learn what makes these raptors excellent night predators with a presentation followed by a trail hike to hopefully hear or spot one of Huntley's resident owls. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

(4-13 yrs.) Join a naturalist and youth volunteers as we demonstrate how we feed our site display animals. Make a birdfeeder to take home and use. Search for worms and insects and assist in serving dinner. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

(4-Adult) Enjoy an evening around the campfire, toasting marshmallows over the embers and learn about flying squirrels that live in our area. 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.

(4-Adult) Join a naturalist calling in these amazing night gliders and look for flying squirrels at roosting boxes near the nature center. Learn how you can encourage flying squirrels to visit your yard. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

(6-Adult) Did you know that November’s full moon is called a Beaver Moon? What better way to explore the habitat of Huntley’s beaver residents than by joining a park naturalist to explore the boardwalk under a bright full moon. Examine beaver biofacts like a skull, fur and tail to learn about their adaptations and explore the park after dark to see if we can hear or get a glimpse of these nocturnal animals.

(4-Adult) Get down and dirty with a naturalist and see how another kingdom lives! Investigate how one of our most common decomposers survives and thrives in our own woods.