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) Early fall is a great time to look for fungi in the woodlands. Learn some categories of local fungi based on shapes and learn tips for drawing in the field. We will try some field sketching too. Your choice of pencil or watercolor. Dress for the weather.

(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.

(16-Adult) Get to know our local songbirds through field sketches and studies. Includes a presentation on natural history, drawing tips, and a short bird hike.

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.

(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.

(8-14 yrs.) Go on an adventure and learn about fishing at Riverbend Park. Girl scouts will learn about fishing equipment, techniques, regulations and spend an hour fishing on the Potomac River.

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 equipment and supplies provided.

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.

(7-14 yrs.) Adapted from our popular adult foraging class, this program teaches the basics of sustainable foraging but geared towards a younger audience. Join a naturalist on a hike to learn how to identify plants that are edible and/or medicinal and conclude the class with a delicious, foraged creation made with seasonal plants.

(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.

(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.

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.

(12-Adult) Learn about the healing power of plants. Discover the herbal remedies and wild edibles of Virginia and how to gather these plants safely and sustainably. Conclude the class with a make-and-take.

(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.

(5-Adult) Fish for smallmouth bass and sunfish from a canoe or kayak. Get started with an introduction to boating and fishing basics. Previous experience rowing or paddling not required. Boats and PFDs provided. Fishing rods and bait provided. Canceled if inclement weather or hazardous river conditions. There must be at least one participant age 16 or older in each boat. Each participant must register.

(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.

(All Ages) The Native American Festival brings together tribal members from all across Virginia. Discover history and long-standing traditions with native dancing, drumming, food and culture at Riverbend Park. Visit Virginia tribal vendors, shop for traditional crafts and learn about present events. Hands-on demonstrations including bow and arrow use, dug-out canoe, ethnobotany walk and crafts. Online presale for the event ends at 10 p.m. the night before. Day of entry fee is $15 per person.