(5-12 yrs.) No peeking, it’s a surprise. Children are accompanied by a secret shopper to assist them with purchasing holiday gifts at the Colvin Run Mill General Store. Assistants help wrap and tag gifts. Cost of gifts not included. Adults may tour the site and visit the Miller’s House exhibit while waiting.

(8-12yrs) Creatively experience history through simple recipes, crafts, and games. Hand crank home-made ice cream, churn your own delicious butter and cook over a fire. Learn how to make candles and play historical games.

(16-Adult) Learn how to needle felt wool and other fibers to create a cute snowman with personality. Supplies for the project are included in the class fee. Class meets two Thursday nights.

(14-Adult) African Americans' labor, experience, and knowledge were crucial to 19th-century grist milling. Explore a historic mill as you discuss the contributions of African American millers in Fairfax County. This program links to the VA250 and Fairfax 250 commemoration.

Tour beautiful Colvin Run by candlelight. Discover how different a 200-year old mill looks at night and visit the miller’s house decorated for the holidays. Learn how families of the mill spent the winter months and enjoy some holiday treats. Space is limited.

(4-Adult) The sap is rising and the maple trees are tapped. Bundle up to brave the weather and watch and learn as sap is boiled down into delicious, sweet syrup over an open fire. Sample the delicious combination of maple syrup over cornbread, made from Colvin Run cornmeal. While supplies last. This is an outdoor event, please dress appropriately.

(2-5 yrs.) Explore Colvin Run Mill with your toddler or preschooler through STEAM activities, hands-on history, crafts, stories, and games. Programs include indoor and outdoor activities. Adults must participate with children. A different program each week: 9/29: Discover Waterwheels; 10/13: Making and Drinking Apple Cider; 10/27: Fall Colors; and 11/10: Giving Thanks.

(3-Adult) Bring your child to the mill and celebrate Valentine’s Day with this heart-themed tea party. We’ll have tea, savory and sweet treats and play 19th century parlor games. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

(14-Adult) Come learn about Metilda, an enslaved 14-year old girl who came to live at Colvin Run Mill. Discuss her life at the mill and the house. Examine what history tells us about the lives of enslaved children, their work, and their families. 

(3-Adult) Experience old-fashioned holiday fun at Colvin Run Mill. Visit Santa in the Mill, tour the Miller's House decorated for the holidays, roast a marshmallow and enjoy cocoa. Festive music and children's crafts complete the experience. Most families spend about an hour at this event.

(6-10 yrs.) Discover how flight developed from birds and insects to balloons and kites, then to planes and rockets. Conduct hands-on experiments to see how lift, drag, weight and thrust make flying possible.

(3-Adult) At this sensory-friendly event, children with disabilities and their families can experience old-fashioned holiday fun at Colvin Run Mill in a quiet and calm environment. Families will have 15 minutes to visit Santa in the mill, and we will offer holiday crafts. Families may also visit the historic house and general store. The cost is for a whole family or friend group of up to 5 people.