Snowflakes Campfire at Gulf Branch

Gulf Branch Nature Center & Park 3608 Military Rd, Arlington, VA, United States

(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 ...

$6

Astronomy Festival at Turner Farm

The Turner Farm 925 Springvale Road, Great Falls, VA, United States

(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.

$10

Winter Bird Walk at Lake Accotink

Lake Accotink Park 7500 Accotink Park Road, Springfield, VA, United States

(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.

$8

Year of the Snake at Winkler

Winkler Botanical Preserve 5400 Roanoke Ave., Alexandria, VA, United States

(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 ...

Little Critters Nature Play: Animal Diets

Smithsonian's National Zoo 3001 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, United States

(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 ...

Free

Pup Day at Meadowlark

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens 9750 Meadowlark Gardens, Vienna, VA, United States

(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.

$14

Little Critters Nature Play

Smithsonian's National Zoo 3001 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, United States

(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 ...

Free

Explore the Glasshouse at Green Spring

Green Spring Gardens 4603 Green Spring Rd, United States

(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 ...

$10

Birding for Beginners

Huntley Meadows 3701 Lockheed Blvd, Alexandria, VA, United States

(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.

$19

Owl Walk and Talk at Lake Fairfax

Lake Fairfax Park 1400 Lake Fairfax Drive, Reston, VA, United States

(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 ...

$8

Little Critters Nature Play

Smithsonian's National Zoo 3001 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, United States

(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 ...

Free

Winter Stream Life at EC Lawrence Park

Ellanor C. Lawrence Park 5040 Walney Rd, Chantilly, VA, United States

(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 ...

$8
Capital Nature