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.

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

(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.

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.

(6-10 yrs.) Join us for this all-day Brownie Girl Scout badge workshop. Hike along our trails, make crafts, play games, meet our resident animals and earn up to 5 different badges in one day. Badges covered are Hiker, Senses, Outdoor Adventurer, Outdoor Art Creator and Eco Friend. Please bring water and pack a lunch. Badges are included in the price.

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.

Satisfies most of the requirements to earn the badge. See site’s website for details.

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.

Satisfies most of the requirements to earn the badge. See site’s website for details.

(16-Adult) Learn about owl adaptations as you draw owl feathers, skulls and taxidermy mounts. Go on a hike to learn about owl habitats, then dissect your own owl pellet to figure out what owls eat and draw some of the bones. Your choice of watercolor, colored pencil or ink pens.

(16-Adult) Beetles and bugs are everywhere from logs, to forests, gardens and even in the water. Learn some natural history, anatomy and tips for drawing the Coleoptera and Hemiptera families. We will draw from the center’s preserved insect collection as well as from photos and field guides. Your choice of watercolors or colored pencil.

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.

(All Ages) Come stay and play at our Nature Center on select Fridays of every month. Spend time together as a family reading books, making crafts, playing games, exploring natural objects with a microscope, doing puzzles, digging in the sandbox and many more play opportunities. Enjoy a short presentation or read-aloud story by a naturalist every hour. Each month the space will transform into a different theme and activities will be refreshed so there will always be something new to discover. A staff member will be in the building if you have any questions or need assistance, but this event is designed as self-guided play time accompanied by a parent or guardian. You are not required to stay for the entire length of time. Once you receive a wristband you may come and go as you please.

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.

(6-Adult) Enjoy nature's tranquil beauty and the night sky under a full moon. Take a hike through the woods to listen and look for signs of nocturnal animals that may be flying overhead or stirring beneath our feet. Enjoy a campfire after the hike with s'mores provided. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

(7-12 yrs.) Experience STEM in the outdoors at your local park! Explore different habitats and learn about the wildlife that call Riverbend park its home. Learn how everything is connected and how to be stewards of the natural world. Earn up to six charms that will attach to a fun patch for the back of your vest. Charms and patch included in the price. Please bring a water bottle and pack a lunch.

(4-Adult) Join us for a spooktacular evening to celebrate the wildlife most commonly associated with Halloween. Take a guided hike down the Follow the Hollows trail in search of bats, toads, salamanders, spiders and owls and learn about how these animals became a symbol of spooky season. End the evening by the warm cozy fire, accompanied by s’mores.

(6-12 yrs.) Join us for this all-day Junior Girl Scout badge workshop. Hike along our trails, make crafts, play games, meet our resident animals and earn up to 5 different badges in one day. Badges covered in program are Animal Habitats, Design with Nature, Shapes in Nature, Eco Camper and Flowers. Please bring water and pack a lunch. Badges are included in the price.

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.

(13-Adult) Join a naturalist for a hike focused on observing the shapes and colors found in nature and learn sketching techniques to enhance your observation skills.

(4-Adult) Learn about the prehistoric sharks, fish, reptiles, and invertebrates that roamed Riverbend Park millions of years ago. Walk in the footsteps of the dinosaurs on a short hike, search for fossilized shark teeth in an archeological dig, and complete a dino-themed craft to celebrate our park’s rich history.

(16-Adult) Take a short paddling trip up the Potomac River and take in the beautiful scenery. Stop at an island to paint the scenery then float back to shore. Art supplies provided. Some paddling experience preferred. All participants must sign a boating waiver.

(6-Adult) Learn ancient techniques of how to start a fire, go on a short hike and brush up on basic plant ID, and try your hand at archery with a primitive bow and arrow.

(6-Adult) Fish from the river bank and learn about the fish's world. S'mores provided. Borrow our fishing rods or bring your own, tackle and bait provided. Meet at the Visitor Center. Children must be accompanied by an adult registered in the program.