It's the season of lights in the Washington DC metro area. Many parks and botanical gardens are hosting beautiful light displays through the new year: Brookside Garden of Lights - Montgomery County MD hosts its annual display at Brookside Gardens through January 5th. Walk among the outdoor twinkling lights and glimmering displays that dot the paths and flowerbeds in 50 acres ...
(DC) (National Gallery of Art) Enjoy a winter skate at the NGA's iconic ice rink surrounded by sculptures and the National Mall. Purchase skating passes in person. Fees cover two back-to-back, 45-minute skating sessions that each begin on the hour. Enjoy a hot cocoa and food at the adjoining Pavilion Cafe. The skating rink will be open through March 2nd ...
(DC) (United States Botanic Garden) The annual holiday display “Season’s Greenings” features model trains in the gated outdoor gardens, festive lights throughout the Garden, and the poinsettias, holiday decor, and D.C. landmarks made from plants inside the Conservatory. On the lawn in the gated outdoor gardens, G-gauge model trains circulate from 10:00-5:00 daily through displays of pollinators made from plant ...
(MD) (VA) (DC) Each year from December 14 through January 5, tens of thousands of volunteers brave snow, wind, or rain, and take part Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count (CBC) Each count takes place in an established 15-mile diameter circle, and is organized by a count compiler. Count volunteers follow specified routes through a designated 15-mile (24-km) diameter circle, counting every bird ...
(VA) (Friends of Dyke Marsh) Join FODM for a bird walk every Sunday at 8 a.m. The Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve is a freshwater, tidal marsh on the Virginia side of the Potomac River in Fairfax County. It is a unit of the George Washington Memorial Parkway, U.S. National Park Service.
(DC) (Rock Creek Park) Join Rock Creek Conservancy, the National Park Service and Rock Creek Weed Warrior Leader Kathy Sykes for this invasive plant removal restoration event in Rock Creek Park. Invasive plants are a major threat to our fragile forests, and stopping their spread helps allow native plants to thrive in the understory. Event location, directions, and information will be ...
(VA) (NOVA Parks) Santa’s animal friends are lost in our park and need rescuing! Go on a scavenger hunt to locate the critters so they can help Santa deliver candy and treats for the holidays! Appropriate for families and children of all ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Event takes place on December 14th and 15th, 21st through ...
(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 ...
(VA) (Friends of Huntley Meadows) The Monday Morning Bird Walk is sponsored by the Friends of Huntley Meadows Park and takes place every Monday at 8 a.m. Following the walk, members of the group gather at the nearby Denny’s for breakfast and to compile the morning’s bird list. All are welcome.
(DC) (Smithsonian Natural History Museum) What do brighter nights mean for people and wildlife? Through over 100 photographs, nearly 250 objects, interactive experiences, tactile models, and a theater program, discover why dark nights matter, rekindle your connection with the night sky, and consider how much light at night is enough—for whom, for what purpose, and who gets to decide? Open ...
(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Come out to the Discovery Center and spend some time outdoors! We will explore the trails, play games in the fields and forests, and make the most of what Black Hill has to offer.
