(5-8 yrs.) Each Tuesday morning in this four-week nature series for homeschool, explore a new theme: winter birds, animal tracks, tree ID and pond life under ice. Hands-on activities, outdoor exploration and take-home naturalist journals. Registration covers all four sessions (Jan 12, 19, 26, and Feb 2).

(9-13 yrs.) In this four-week series for homeschool kids a field naturalist will explore a different topic each week including watershed science, wildlife tracking, forest ecology and citizen science. Students will receive field notebooks for real data collection and outdoor investigation. Registration cover materials and all four sessions (Jan 13, 20, 27 and Feb 3).

(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) Join the naturalist as she shares stories about animals that enjoy being chilly including penguins and polar bears plus others that can get through the cold. Come dressed as your favorite frozen friend. Enjoy a sit down tea with china cups, treats and snow crafts. Contact the nature center one week prior with any dietary restrictions. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult registered in this program.

(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 and make a game to take home. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

(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. All participants, including accompanying adults, must register and pay for the program.

(5-12 yrs.) Race like a fox, hibernate like a bear, hunt like an owl and store food like a squirrel in the Animal Olympics. Hands-on activity stations show kids how animals survive winter by testing their own senses and strengths against the wild. A perfect way to spend an out-of-school holiday.

(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.

(7-Adult) Challenge your superstitions on this upcoming Friday the 13th by learning more about animal-related superstitions and their impacts on wildlife. Meet live animals.

(Adults) Come get an exclusive look at our animals after hours at this adults-only event. Learn about our local species and their amazing habits and meet our animal ambassadors up close and personal.

(4-Adult) Join a naturalist to discover the secret lives of nocturnal animals like owls, bats, and foxes with a hands-on presentation. Roast marshmallows and enjoy s’mores by a campfire. Cancelled in case of inclement weather. Minimum age to attend program is 4 yrs. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

(10-Adult) Enjoy a naturalist-led hike and identify plants that are safe to eat and which ones to avoid. Participants will learn how plants were used in rope making and folk remedies with connections to Eastern Woodland Indians. Foraging in Fairfax County Parks is prohibited.

(5-12 yrs.) Stretch your creativity as you create animal masterpieces out of natural materials gathered around the park. The only limit is your imagination.

(5-Adult) Hike through the fall foliage and identify trees. Find that perfect autumn leaf and make a craft keepsake.

(1-24 months) Join us for an interactive garden adventure for babies and their caregivers. Through songs, movement, sensory exploration and playful animal games, little ones will discover how gardens provide homes for bunnies, frogs, grasshoppers and other wildlife. Together, we'll hop, explore and learn simple ways to care for the habitats that help plants and animals thrive.

(10-Adult) Learn to read bark texture, twig arrangement, leaf scars, buds and lingering berries to identify Lake Accotink's most common trees when the leaves are gone. A hands-on walk with pocket guides are provided. Perfect for aspiring naturalists and lifelong walkers.

(9-Adult) See the forest with new eyes by taking a winter walk with a naturalist. During this beginner-level course, you will examine bark, buds, form, and other clues that can help identify trees when they have no leaves.

(5-Adult) Celebrate international bat week at Riverbend Park. Learn about the fascinating lives of these flying mammals as you participate in an educational scavenger hunt through the woods. Conclude the evening with a naturally crafted bat decoration to take home.

(6-Adult) Use your eyes and ears to identify native birds as you embark on a guided walk with one of our naturalists. Both beginner birders and veterans welcome. Bring your own binoculars or use one of ours.  

(8-Adult) Celebrate Black History Month by exploring the history and contributions of Black birders, scientists and conservationists. Learn how birding connects people to nature through a short presentation, make a pinecone bird feeder to support backyard birds, and head outside for a guided bird walk to practice your observation skills.

(12-Adult) Hone your birding skills on the trail and learn to play our favorite bird themed board game: Wingspan. We will enjoy a round or more of this wonderful boardgame and take a bird walk in the park. All skill levels welcome.

(3-Adult) Beavers are some of the busiest animals in the natural world. In this family-friendly program, participants will learn how beavers build, eat and shape their habitats.

(5-Adult) Join us for an evening campfire the whole family can enjoy. Explore the wonders of our natural world through nature walks, interactive activities and animal presentations. Includes s’mores. Topics vary by date. All participants, including accompanying adults, must register and pay for the program.

(4-Adult) Enjoy a night hike to learn about nocturnal hunters. Listen to taped calls of owls and coyotes and possibly 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.

(3-Adult) Enjoy an evening in the woods and learn about the constellations, their stories and other night-sky features. Our naturalist will identify the stars and will have some telescopes to use. The program concludes with a campfire. S'mores ingredients provided. All participants, including accompanying adults, must register and pay for the program.