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) (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.
(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.
(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Join Weed Warrior Supervisor Ed and Weed Warrior Kris for a non-native, invasive plant removal workday in Wheaton Regional Park. Plan to meet the group in front of the miniature train station at 2000 Shorefield Road, Wheaton. There is ample parking available. (The inclement weather backup date is Monday, January 13). We will focus on non-native, invasive ...
(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) (Arlington Parks) Join us for a special presentation by the Wildlife Rescue League as we read the book “Lost in the Woods” and learn about the woodland animals checking in on a baby deer. Is this baby deer lost? His wildlife friends want to know. Together we'll all learn how to be safe. Ages 0 to 5.
