(VA) (NOVA Parks) Test your Pokémon knowledge in PokéJeopardy and learn how to use a real life Pokédex! Explore the park with our Roving Naturalist, identify a variety of species, complete challenges, and help collect citizen science data for iNaturalist. Ages 5+
(DC) (National Park Service) During this ½ mile excursion, young explorers learn the hiking essentials, such as trail safety, what to wear or bring to a hike, and how to Rrecreate Rresponsibly all while looking at nature and respecting nature found in our woodlands. This ranger-led hike is intended to create treasured trail experiences for families interested in planning more ...
(MD) (Montgomery Parks) First Day Hikes are part of a nationwide initiative led by America’s State Parks to encourage people to get outdoors. On New Year’s Day, hundreds of free, guided hikes are organized in all 50 states. Join us at Black Hill Regional Park for a hike starting at the Black Hill Discovery Center. This session is for families ...
(VA) (Virginia State Parks) Kick off the New Year with a refreshing, family-friendly hike that everyone can enjoy! Join park rangers on an adventure through scenic trails, where we’ll look for signs of local wildlife as we explore the Woodpecker Viewing Area, meander along streams, and cross through open meadows. Along the way, test your skills with fun nature, history, ...
(VA) (Arlington Parks) Some of the best times to identify birds is when the trees have no leaves and there aren't any obstacles in the way of your view! In this hike we will learn about our resident birds that stay with us year-round. Dress for the weather. We will provide binoculars, but you can bring your own. Families.
(DC) (National Zoo) Join us for creative, drop-in play at the Zoo as we explore one of the most important parts of nature- TREES! We'll learn how trees can be animal homes, explore different parts of trees through art, and build forest homes for animals. Little Critters Nature Play is designed for ages 0-5 and their caregivers and families. Activities ...
(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Read a story book about animals and their unique adaptations that help them survive the cold winters. Then bundle up and take a hike to look for signs of winter wildlife or play an outdoor game based on the theme of the story. Ages 4 to Adult.
(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Enjoy a night hike to learn about nocturnal hunters. Listen to taped calls of owls and coyotes and possibly catch a glimpse of them in the forest. End the evening with s'mores round the campfire. Children must be accompanied by an adult registered in the program. Ages 4 to Adult. More Fairfax County Parks events can ...
(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Hike with a naturalist to search winter waterfowl along the Upper Potomac River. Bring binoculars and spotting scopes. Take a hike through the woods with a naturalist to listen and look for the park’s winter avian residents and migrants. Find out what birds do to survive the winter weather. 4 to Adult.
(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Hike with a naturalist to search winter waterfowl along the Upper Potomac River. Bring binoculars and spotting scopes. 8 to Adult.
(DC) (National Zoo) Join us for creative, drop-in play at the Zoo as we explore one of the most important parts of nature- TREES! We'll learn how trees can be animal homes, explore different parts of trees through art, and build forest homes for animals. Little Critters Nature Play is designed for ages 0-5 and their caregivers and families. Activities ...
(VA) (Friends of Huntley Meadows) Over 200 species of birds have been identified in the forests, meadows, and wetland habitats of Huntley Meadows Park. Each season brings new feathered residents, for brief or extended stays. Grab your binoculars and join a park naturalist on your next birding adventure! All skill levels welcome. 12 to Adult.
(VA) (NOVA Parks) Enjoy Meadowlark Botanical Gardens with your favorite canine on our special Pup Days on select Wednesdays from 10am to 4pm. More NOVA Parks events can be found here.
(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) 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. 6 to Adult.
(VA) (Arlington Parks) Flying squirrels are found throughout the wooded neighborhoods of Arlington, but are seldom seen. Join us to learn about these nocturnal rodents in our classroom, then see wild flying squirrels outdoors. Dress for the weather, it can become very cold. Find more Arlington Parks nature and stewardship events here.
(DC) (National Zoo) Join us for creative, drop-in play at the Zoo as we explore one of the most important parts of nature- TREES! We'll learn how trees can be animal homes, explore different parts of trees through art, and build forest homes for animals. Little Critters Nature Play is designed for ages 0-5 and their caregivers and families. Activities ...
(VA) (Arlington Parks) The whole family is invited to join us at the Gulf Branch fire ring for lots of old-fashioned fun. This engaging program will be filled with entertaining activities that may include stories, special animal guests, games, songs and of course, S’mores! (We will provide the marshmallows, chocolate & graham crackers). Families. Find more Arlington Parks nature and ...
(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Gaze up at the autumn night sky at the Astronomy Festival at Turner Farm Park. There will be guided stargazing sessions and telescope viewing. Gather round the campfire for some ancient constellation tales, while sipping some hot chocolate. More Fairfax County Parks nature programs can be found here.
(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Take a hike through the woods with a naturalist to listen and look for the park’s winter avian residents and migrants. Find out what birds do to survive the winter weather. 4 to Adult.
(VA) (NOVA Parks) 2025 is the Year of the Snake! What better way to celebrate serpents than with a free outdoor adventure? Explore the sights, sounds, and textures of winter with our Naturalist on a short sensory hike. Then listen to a story about snakes and the Lunar New Year and enjoy a fun craft! More NOVA Parks events can ...
(DC) (National Zoo) Join us for creative, drop-in play at the Zoo as we explore one of the most important parts of nature- TREES! We'll learn how trees can be animal homes, explore different parts of trees through art, and build forest homes for animals. Little Critters Nature Play is designed for ages 0-5 and their caregivers and families. Activities ...
(VA) (NOVA Parks) Enjoy Meadowlark Botanical Gardens with your favorite canine on our special Pup Days on select Wednesdays from 10am to 4pm. More NOVA Parks events can be found here.
(DC) (National Zoo) Bring your little zoogoer for a wild time as we explore animals and nature through creative, drop-in play! Little Critters Nature Play is designed for ages 0-5 and their caregivers and families. Activities are designed with early learners in mind, but all ages are welcome. Parents and guardians must remain with their children. Find more Smithsonian cultural and nature ...
(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Escape the cold winter weather and transport yourself to the tropics. Explore our glasshouse and learn about their history as well as the plants in our collection and their warm native environments. Create your own mini glasshouse with seeds to take home. All attendees, including parents, must be registered for the program. 5 to Adult. More ...
(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Learn about the park's birds and some basic identification skills. This program for beginners starts with a bird identification discussion. Children age 12 to 16 must be accompanied by a registered adult. More Fairfax County Parks nature events can be found here.
(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) 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. Ages ...
(DC) (National Zoo) Bring your little zoogoer for a wild time as we explore animals and nature through creative, drop-in play! Little Critters Nature Play is designed for ages 0-5 and their caregivers and families. Activities are designed with early learners in mind, but all ages are welcome. Parents and guardians must remain with their children. Find more Smithsonian cultural and nature ...
(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Explore Walney Creek with a naturalist to meet some of the small creek critters (macroinvertebrates) that call it home. Learn why so many different types of macroinvertebrates are active in winter streams. The naturalist will demonstrate winter collecting and participants can help pick, sort and learn to identify these magnificent critters. Ages 8 to Adult. More ...
