(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.

(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. Register now.

(4-6 yrs.) Explore the woods, creeks and ponds as we look for all sorts of critters. Learn about frogs, toads, birds, mammals, snakes, turtles, fish and insects through hikes, projects and games. No camp July 4. Camp the week of June 9 and August 18 for non-FCPS participants. Once registered, download camp forms from website.

(5-8 yrs.) Explore the woods, creeks and ponds as we look for all sorts of critters. Learn about the animal life science of frogs, toads, birds, mammals, snakes, turtles, fish and insects through hikes, projects and games. Camps the week of June 2 for non-FCPS participants. Once registered, download camp forms from website.

(5-8yrs) Investigate the properties of water and air, make bubbling concoctions, learn about electricity, and the science of bubbles. Older campers will also learn about bacteria and DNA. Camps the week of June 2 for non-FCPS participants. Once registered, download camp forms from website.

(8-12yrs) Investigate the properties of water and air, make bubbling concoctions, learn about electricity, and the science of bubbles. Older campers will also learn about bacteria and DNA. Once registered, download camp forms from website.

(11-14 yrs.) Girls will learn what it truly means to be happy. They will practice gratitude and empathy, explore how nature and rhythm can help regulate us and improve our mental health, how community plays a role in our search for belonging and acceptance, and how we can spread positivity and be a role model to help others find happiness within themselves.

This program satisfies most of the requirements to earn the badge. Scouts must complete all prework before the start of class. Pre-work and program details available at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/scouts. Scouts unable to complete all requirements may receive partial credit from their merit badge counselor.

This program satisfies most of the requirements to earn the badge. Scouts must complete all prework before the start of class. Pre-work and program details available at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/scouts. Scouts unable to complete all requirements may receive partial credit from their merit badge counselor.

This program satisfies most of the requirements to earn the badge. Scouts must complete all prework before the start of class. Pre-work and program details available at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/scouts. Scouts unable to complete all requirements may receive partial credit from their merit badge counselor.

This program satisfies most of the requirements to earn the badge. Scouts must complete all prework before the start of class. Pre-work and program details available at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/scouts. Scouts unable to complete all requirements may receive partial credit from their merit badge counselor.

This program satisfies most of the requirements to earn the badge. Scouts must complete all prework before the start of class. Pre-work and program details available at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/scouts. Scouts unable to complete all requirements may receive partial credit from their merit badge counselor. Register now.

(Adults) Enjoy a peaceful adults only visit to the nature center for Valentine’s Day. Meet animals and learn about their dating and mating habits.  A fun activity and a special treat complete your nature-themed holiday celebration. Each attendee must register individually.

(4-8 yrs.) Dinosaurs once roamed all the Earth in places far and near. Enjoy a puppet show and crafts along with fun fossil facts. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

(4-6 yrs.) Campers will become junior paleontologists as naturalists lead discovery of the latest in dinosaur knowledge through crafts, games and fossils. Campers in the 4-hr. camps should bring a lunch. Camps the week of June 9 for non-FCPS participants. Once registered, download camp forms from website.

(5-9yrs) Campers will become junior paleontologists as naturalists lead discovery of the latest in dinosaur knowledge through crafts, games and fossils. Once registered, download camp forms from website.

(16-Adult) Learning about bones, skeletons and skulls can really improve your drawings of animals. Discover how to simplify the drawing of bones by working on toned paper using a combination of thin black markers, white gel pens and colored pencils. Watercolor options will be discussed.

(4-Adult) Come celebrate National Feed the Birds Day! Explore various bird species, bird calls, learn what they eat and do during the winter. Create a feeder to bring home.

(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. Children must attend with an adult and all attendees must register. Register now.

(7-12) Experience all aspects of STEAM as we explore a different topic each day with engaging and hands-on fun. Topics include science, technology, engineering, art and math. Once registered, download camp forms from website.

(4-7 yrs.) Join our pirate crew in search for natural treasures in the park. We’ll make treasure chests, look for messages in bottles, find hidden treasure, blast balloon cannon balls and view a puppet show. Meet live animals and learn about habitats, such as fresh water, oceans and rain forests. Camp the week of June 9 and August 18 is for non-FCPS students Once registered, download camp forms from website.

(5-9 yrs.) Join our pirate crew in search for natural treasures in the park. We’ll make treasure chests, look for messages in bottles, find hidden treasure, blast balloon cannon balls and view a puppet show. Meet live animals and learn about habitats, such as fresh water, oceans and rain forests. Once registered, download camp forms from website.

(5-9 yrs.) Come on a safari and explore bugs and insects that inhabit our gardens, woods and wetlands. Collect, examine and identify little creatures using magnifiers and microscopes. Learn about their important jobs as pollinators and decomposers through projects and scientific investigations. Once registered, download camp forms from website.

(2-5 yrs.) Youngsters and their accompanying adult begin sharing nature’s wonders in this interactive class. Experiences include: meeting animals, stories, games and outdoor exploration. Dress for the weather. Quiet infants welcome. Topics covered are: 12/2 Mammals, 12/9 Evergreens, 12/16 Twinkle Little Star, 1/6 Polar Animals, 1/13 Snow, 1/27 Nature in Winter, 2/3 Groundhogs, 2/10 Animal Sweethearts, 2/24 Desert Discovery. Register now.

(7-12 yrs.) In this camp, science/engineering, art, and innovation come together. Each day campers will be given a question or challenge for inspiration, and they will design, experiment, build, and test their original creations using materials found in nature or recycled household items. Ingenuity, resourcefulness, and flexibility are encouraged in this playful camp where there are no wrong answers – just learning and fun! No camp June 19-20. Once registered, download camp forms from website.

(7-Adult) Chase away Winter boredom by going on an interactive space adventure that includes an activity, puzzles, and a craft.

(5-9 yrs.) Discover what daily life was like for the Eastern Woodland American Indians. From animal tracking to shelter building, children learn survival skills through outdoor activities, games and more. Camp focuses on the culture and lives of the Powhatan. Some sites include tool making and a cookout on the last day. Once registered, download camp forms from website.

(2-5 yrs.) Preschoolers and their grown-ups explore the fun-filled world of sea and river otters, through stories, crafts and activities. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

(4-Adult) Enjoy a late afternoon walk to learn why winter is the best time to go owl-ing. During a story reading, learn to identify local owl calls, discover why owls are nicknamed flying tigers of the night and enjoy a woodland stroll. Children must be accompanied by an adult who is also registered in the class.

(5-9 yrs.) Learn about the cool characteristics of creatures such as snakes, turtles, frogs and other cold-blooded animals. Activities include hikes to the wetland, arts and crafts, games, animal encounters and hands-on activities. Once registered, download camp forms from website.

(3-9 yrs.) Create fun crafts and activities. Build and race penguins and create a snowmen. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

(4-Adult) Enjoy a brief presentation and demonstration by our animal caretaker staff. At least one snake, two turtles and a toad will be fed. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

(5-Adult) Does Valentine’s Day make you think of electricity, chemistry, magnetism, candy? This year share the love with your family while we explore those topics and more with hands-on Valentine’s day science.

(7-10 yrs.) Get outside and explore the wild side of plants and animals through art projects, games, nature hikes and critter encounters. Projects and media vary by site, and will include printmaking, painting, and sculpting. Once registered, download camp forms from website.

(5-9 yrs.) Join our naturalist on outdoor adventures and field studies in nature. This is for serious nature lovers who don't mind getting dirty. Campers learn outdoor survival skills such as using maps, making fires and building shelter. Experiments, games, activities and observation skills help us explore the many habitats in our parks. Bring a lunch, snack and a drink. Once registered, download camp forms from website.