(6-11 yrs.) See the best that our park has to offer with topics that fit your interests. Explore different features of the park with hands-on science and nature activities tailored to young people with disabilities. Topics vary by date. Parents must be accessible during the program but are not required to register.

(3-5 yrs.) An immersive experience in which children will discover nature through a multitude of artistic expression including exploratory art mediums, song, dance, storytelling and dramatic play. A great deal of this experience will be spent outdoors. Please dress for the weather and plan to get messy. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

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

(5-Adult) Kick off the start of 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.

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

(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 Letterboxing. 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.

Whether you’re a summer camp veteran with fond memories of days spent on the water or new to this ancient form of boating we’ve got the canoes you’re looking for! Our canoes can seat up to 3 passengers and are a great way to explore our waterfront parks. Each rental includes a boat, paddles, and a PFD. So grab some snacks, drinks, and sunscreen and then head out to explore our riparian environments! Boat rentals can only be made by individuals 18 years and older. All canoe passengers must be 3 years and older with at least one other passenger 16 years and older. Life jackets are mandatory for all passengers and must be worn at all times. *Tickets are sold per canoe, each canoe can seat up to 3 passengers *

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.

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.

(5-9 yrs.) This patch will help you understand the importance of dark skies and how you can protect this resource. You will learn about light pollution, see the effect of light pollution yourself, learn how you can make changes to reduce light pollution, and share what you have learned with others. This program was made possible by support from the Fairfax County Park Foundation. Patch included.

This program meets all the requirements to earn the badge.

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) 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. Your naturalist guide points out signs of creatures that glide, fly and tiptoe through the woods in the dark. Enjoy a campfire after the hike with s'mores provided. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

(10-Adult) Kayak or canoe along the Potomac River in search of hidden treasure! Use a GPS receiver to navigate the waters then dock at the islands to find geocaches. Some paddling experience preferred. All participants must sign a boating waiver.

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.

(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.

(12-Adult) Stroll along the riverbank in search of our fall wildflowers and learn some of the folklore associated with them.

(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.

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 title allows online group registration.

(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, Outdoor Art Explorer, Geocacher, Eco Camper and Flowers. Please bring water and pack a lunch. Badges are included in the price.

(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) 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.

(3-5 yrs) Children love making discoveries while conducting hands-on experiments. Projects encourage self-exploration of science. Additional supply fee payable to instructor at first class.

(2-5 yrs.) With the help of Mr. Bear, learn about the weather with a felt-board story, bubble play, an ice cube race and songs. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

(3-5 yrs) During this naturalist-led class, children and parents get the opportunity to explore the natural world through hikes, stories, songs, crafts and other hands-on activities. $5 cash supply fee payable at first class.

(3-6 yrs.) Be a part of the long-running naturalist program designed for preschool-age explorer. From field to stream and everything in between, children learn about many of our local animal species hands-on and in the field. Program topics vary each week.

(3-6 yrs.) Join us for bi-weekly story time at the Nature Center. Each session will feature a story read-aloud and related craft, as well as meeting one of our live animals.

(All Ages) Families are invited to join a naturalist to stroll and explore along the nature trail. We will roll logs and search the forest floor and other habitats. We’ll learn about safety while being a nature detective! An officer from the community outreach of the local district FCPD will join us in this investigation.

(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.