(6-12 yrs.) Children will learn to paint as they imagine a fantastic world inspired by nature. Learn about shapes, how to create 3D buildings and how to explore maps, and how to mix colors. Supply fee payable to instructor at first class.

(4-Adult) Barred owls inhabit our stream valley parks. Learn to identify these owls from other native owls while enjoying the campfire. Toast marshmallows over the embers. Canceled in case of inclement weather. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

(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.

(4-Adult) Play traditional Eastern Woodland Indian games of skill and luck which were common during the period of first European contact. Enjoy oral storytelling and make a game to take home. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

(3-Adult) It's dinner time at the nature center and worms and insects are on the menu. Help our naturalist care for and feed the nature center's animals.

(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.

(7-Adult) Learn how to create one or two paper mache animals in week one. In week two, paint your sculptures with acrylic paints. Meet live animals and play an animal pictogram game as part of the classes. A paying adult must accompany children in the program. All materials included.

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) Join us for an evening campfire the whole family can enjoy. Explore the wonders of our natural world through nature walks, interactive activities and animal presentations. Includes s’mores. Topics vary by date. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

(3-7 yrs.) Join an octopus, ray, shark, lobster and all their friends in this undersea adventure. After the show, play a game, sing songs and make a craft. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

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.

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.

(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.

(14-Adult) Learn to crochet a beautiful scarf and discover essential self-care practices for winter. Whether you're a novice or a pro, enjoy a relaxing environment to enhance your skills and connect with others. Discuss self-care techniques and take a nature walk for inspiration. Create, connect and embrace the cozy spirit of the season.

(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.

(6-Adult) Try making holiday ornaments inspired by history. Get inspired by history and nature to create festive decorations for your home. All materials provided. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

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) In this adapted version of the popular Escape Room games, race against the clock to solve puzzles and unlock secret codes to complete the mission of saving the captured animals. This exciting, critical-thinking adventure is both fun and educational. Learn about common animals you might encounter at Riverbend Park, what threats they face, and what we can do to protect them. End the event with prizes and a meet and greet with one of our box turtles.

(3-Adult) November is National Gratitude Month. Learn why we appreciate trees, forests, streams and the wildlife they contain. Join us for a hike to enjoy the fall foliage and observe our waterways. Make a craft to take home to remember to be thankful for nature.

(6-11 yrs.) Use your critical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities to engineer a solution for our secret seasonal challenge. Attack the design problem and work within the criteria and constraints to see if you can come up with the best solution.

(8-Adult) Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a storytelling adventure rooted in nature and connection. Discover how landscapes, plants and animals have inspired folktales from different traditions. Enjoy heartwarming stories about kindness, friendship and togetherness, then collaborate to craft your own nature-inspired tale to take home. All attendees, including parents, must be registered for the program.

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) Discover the amazing secrets of flight by studying natures most skilled aviators. In this hands-on program, participants will explore how birds, bats and bugs achieve flight, while also inspiring innovations in aviation.

(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.

(Adults) Experience Green Spring Gardens with all your senses. Join Certified Forest Therapy Guide and co-founder of local nonprofit Capital Nature, Ana Ka’ahanui, for a slow, meditative walk around the gardens. Inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, this contemplative walk inspires interaction with the surrounding nature in a way that will help reduce blood pressure, boost immunity and enhance mood and creativity. Decompress and feel a deeper connection with the natural world. The experience concludes with a soothing spot of tea, offering a moment to reflect and savor the essence of nature. Bring something to sit on the ground, which may be damp, and a water bottle. Dress for the weather.

(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.