(13-Adult) Enjoy a naturalist-led birding trip by kayak. Park Authority lakes are home to more than 100 species of birds and hold many unique habitats. See how these small vessels can provide a closer look into the world of birds. Travel in a one-person kayak.

(12-Adult) Learn about the park's birds and some basic identification skills. This program for beginners starts with a bird identification discussion. Children age 12 to 16 must be accompanied by a registered adult.

(12-Adult) Enjoy a hot cup of coffee while you hike with a naturalist and look for birds. The program will begin with a short discussion of the concept of bird-friendly coffee. To reduce waste, please bring your own mug to fill. Tea and hot cocoa options will also be available. 

(5-Adult) Learn about the different methods that can be used to cook over a campfire, as well as what types of food are best prepared using each cooking style. Then, practice building your own cooking fire. Stay for a demonstration and a snack around the campfire.

(5-Adult) Learn all about building a campfire. Practice starting a fire without matches and stay for a demonstration.

(5-Adult) Join Burke Lake Park naturalists to help alleviate some of the stress of camping, whether it’s your first time camping or you’re a camping expert. Participate in a range of planned activities such as a campground orientation, a guided nature hike, a demonstration on how to set up a campfire and end the evening with s’mores and games in the field. The next morning, join the naturalists to fish at the park’s marina. One registration is required per family, and includes a campsite, all of the programs listed above and a bundle of firewood. Check-in starts at 2 p.m. on Saturday and check-out is at 11 a.m. on Sunday.

(5-Adult) Join a naturalist to learn the basics of fishing while enjoying the beauty of the lakefront. Gain a better understanding of not only how to fish, but also how we can better connect with the natural world while participating in recreational activities, such as fishing. Rod and bait will be provided. Participants 16 and older must have a valid Virginia fishing license.

(5-Adult) Learn how to fish alongside your parent or child as you enjoy the scenery around the lake. Gain a better understanding on how to rig and use a fishing rod, how to safely fish, and how we can be environmentally conscious while we fish. Rod and bait will be provided. Participants 16 and older must have a valid Virginia fishing license.

(8-Adult) Join us for a tour of caches throughout Fairfax County. Hunt for hidden treasures throughout our park system using a GPS. Join one class or sign up for them all. Equipment provided.

(12-Adult) This introductory-level class is perfect for beginners or for those who want to learn how to paddle more efficiently. Learn about different kayaks, paddles, personal flotation devices and safety gear. On the water learn to move the boat in every direction using different strokes and maneuvers. All kayaks, paddles and necessary safety equipment is included.

(14-Adult) Get prepped for paddling on our stretch of the Potomac. This introductory level course covers river features and hazards, water safety and paddling basics within the ACA curriculum. Canceled if inclement weather or hazardous river conditions. Single kayaks and PFDs are provided.

(14-Adult) Experience the Potomac River in a new light as we paddle under the moon. Discover the peace and wildlife of the evening river as a guide leads you on a tour through the calmest section of the river during each full moon this summer. No paddling experience necessary. Canceled if inclement weather or hazardous river conditions. Single & tandem kayaks and PFDs are provided. Each individual must register.

(14-Adult) Soak up the longest day of sunlight in 2023 on the water. This tour will lead you to elegant sunset views over the Riverbend Park shoreline from the Potomac River. Canceled if inclement water or hazardous river conditions. Single & tandem kayaks are available. Each individual must register.

(14-Adult) Watch for deer foraging on the islands, and osprey and bald eagles searching for fish as we paddle through this wildlife-rich section of the Potomac River. This is not a whitewater tour. No previous experience required. Kayaks provided, one person per kayak. Download waiver and bring completed to tour: https://go.usa.gov/xnJUB. Canceled in case of inclement weather or hazardous river conditions.

(14-Adult) Experience day's end with an upper Potomac River tour. Start with the basics and in a short time maneuver through the water. This is not a whitewater tour. No previous experience required. Kayaks provided, one and two person kayaks available. Download waiver from https://go.usa.gov/xnJUB and bring to tour. Tour canceled in case of inclement weather or hazardous river conditions.

(12-Adult) Paddle with a naturalist to learn about the flora and fauna that call the lake their home. Find out what’s growing along the lake’s edge, who likes to wade in the water and what might be swimming underneath you. Single kayaks and all equipment provided.

(14-Adult) Paddle a beautiful section of the Potomac River from a kneeling or standing position. This beginner class has a low student/instructor ratio to allow for plenty of personal instruction. Boards, paddles, PFDs and helmets provided. Maximum participant weight is 225 pounds.

(12-Adult) Watch the sunset on the lake as the wildlife settles in for the night, then return to the dock by the light of the moon. Single kayaks and all equipment provided.