Georgetown by Kayak
2026-08-16 09:30 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | Key Bridge Boathouse, 3500 Water Street, NW, Washington, DC, 20007, United States
(DC) (National Park Service) Join a park ranger for a 1.5-hour relaxed kayak tour through the stories of the Georgetown Waterfront — where centuries of change flow beneath your paddle.

Explore the land’s roots as a First Peoples village

Drift by a bustling colonial port and Civil War hub

Learn about the experiences of free and enslaved people

Glide past echoes of industrial might

Witness its transformation into the vibrant park we enjoy today

Bring your curiosity, your sense of adventure, and your paddle power!

Monthly Cleanup with the Kingman Island Rangers
2026-08-16 10:00 - 12:00 | Kingman Island _RFK Lot 6, United States
(DC) (Living Classrooms) Join the Kingman Island Rangers and the Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) Trail Rangers to remove trash on and near Kingman + Heritage Islands and the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail before it makes its way into the Anacostia River.
We will provide pickers, gloves, bags and instruction. Please wear closed-toe shoes and long pants. Please also bring a reusable water bottle and a bag to keep your belongings in.

Exhibit: The Viewing Stone
2026-08-16 10:00 - 16:00 | US National Arboretum, 3501 New York Ave NE, Washington DC, 20002, United States
(DC) (US National Arboretum) Viewing stone lovers find inspiration in the traditional stones found and displayed in China and Japan. These small natural objects encourage contemplation of larger landscape scenes, objects in nature, and abstract images. Challenge your imagination by comparing the variety of stones on view in this exhibition. Members of the Potomac Viewing Stone Group, a regional organization dedicated to stone appreciation, will display viewing stones from their private collections.
On view 10 am – 4:00 pm daily through Sept. 7th.

Invasive Plant Removal at Glencarlyn
2026-08-16 14:00 - 16:00 | Glencarlyn Park, 301 S Harrison St, Arlington, 22204
(VA) (Arlington Parks) Join us at Glencarlyn Park to improve habitat, meet fellow do-gooders, get exercise, and learn about native plants and wildlife all while making a difference in the great outdoors! Adults, teens, and families ages 8 and up.

Monday Morning Birdwalk at Huntley Meadows
2026-08-17 07:00 - 09:00 | Huntley Meadows, 3701 Lockheed Blvd, Alexandria, VA, 22306, United States
(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 7 a.m. April through September. 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.

Tuesday Morning Bird Walk at Kenilworth
2026-08-18 08:30 - 10:00 | Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, 1550 Anacostia Ave, NE, Washington DC, 20019, United States
(DC) (National Park Service) We invite you to join National Park Service volunteer and expert birder Molly Hermann for an engaging bird walk at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. This event is open to all, including those new to birding. We encourage participants to bring water, sunscreen, and binoculars if available. A limited number of binoculars are available for loan with a photo ID.
The walk will be conducted at a leisurely pace, covering approximately one mile. We will gather in front of the visitor center, and the duration of the walk will typically range from 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on our observations. We look forward to sharing this delightful experience with you!

The Butterfly Experience
2026-08-18 09:00 - 15:00 | Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD, 20902, United States
(MD) (Montgomery Parks) A world of wonder takes flight as Montgomery Parks’ popular Butterfly Experience returns to Brookside Gardens. Visitors will be surrounded by hundreds of brilliant butterflies from the Americas, Africa, and Asia as they flutter among vibrant, lush tropical blooms. This intimate experience offers rare, up-close encounters while trained staff and volunteers highlight the stages of metamorphosis, the important role butterflies play in healthy ecosystems, and how to ensure these beautiful insects thrive in our own gardens.
Butterfly Experience runs through September 7th.

Anacostia River Explorers Tour
2026-08-18 18:00 - 19:00 | Kingman Island Dock, 575 Oklahoma Avenue, NE, Washington, DC, 20019, United States
(DC) (Anacostia Riverkeeper) Learn about the Anacostia River’s history, wildlife, environmental threats it faces, and solutions helping it realize its full potential.

Each participant must fill out this Waiver linked here. Waivers must be completed PRIOR to boarding the boat.

Exhibit: America's State Flowers
2026-08-19 10:00 - 17:00 | US Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington DC, 20001, United States
(DC) (US Botanic Garden) In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, the U.S. Botanic Garden will bloom with the flowers each U.S. state and territory has chosen as their official flower. Explore the display throughout the Garden that will showcase the state and territory flowers with living plants, artistic displays, botanical illustrations, and herbarium specimens.
Associated educational programs will be offered throughout the run, including workshops by botanical paper artist Emily Paluska, drop-in demonstrations, online talks, and more.

Dance Night at the Barn!
2026-08-19 18:00 - 20:00 | Agricultural History Farm Park, 18400 Muncaster Rd, Derwood, MD, 20855, United States
(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Kick up your boots and get ready to move with Dance Nights in the Barn! Join us for an upbeat, high-energy evening where dancers of all skill levels can learn classic and modern dances in a welcoming, rustic setting. Our instructor will guide you step-by-step, making it easy to jump in – whether you’re a seasoned dancer or trying it for the first time. Bring your friends, enjoy great music, and soak up the fun atmosphere as you dance the night away. No partner or experience needed—just comfortable shoes and a willingness to have a good time!

Junior Naturalist Hike in Rock Creek Park
2026-08-20 09:00 - 10:00 | Rock Creek Nature Center, 5200 Glover Rd NW, Washington, 20015, United States
(DC) (National Park Service) Do you want to connect with nature but you’re not sure how to get started? Do you want to be more present outside and escape the distractions of the modern era? Take a junior naturalist hike with a ranger and learn how to observe and study the natural world around you as you hike between ½ – 1 ½ miles through the Rock Creek Valley. Recommended ages 8+.

Beginner Birding at Bluemont
2026-08-20 10:00 - 11:00 | Bluemont Park, 601 N. Manchester Street, Arlington, VA, 22203, United States
(VA) (Arlington Parks) Seek the sounds and sights of the summer songbirds. Bring binoculars or use one of ours. No experience needed. Teens 12+ welcome to attend with a registered adult.

Summer Evening Hours at USBG
2026-08-20 17:00 - 20:00 | US Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington DC, 20001, United States
(DC) (US Botanic Garden) Join us for extended evening hours on the third Thursday of each month. The Conservatory will stay open until 8 p.m. for visitors to explore the USBG plant collection while enjoying live music and refreshments at our four extended evening hour events.
Tonight, enjoy live music by Breonna Sharde’ as you explore the Conservatory. Breonna blends soul, jazz, and bossa nova with a vibrant hint of disco, bringing a high-energy performance. In partnership with the Friends of the U.S. Botanic Garden, local vendors Vintage Views will have lemonade, botanical non-alcoholic mocktails, and snacks available for purchase. Additionally, local frozen treat vendor Here’s The Scoop will have gourmet ice cream and non-dairy sorbet available for purchase.

Anacostia River Discovery Boat Tour
2026-08-20 18:00 - 19:00 | Diamond Teague Pier, 1520 First St. SE, Washington, DC, 20003, United States
(MD) (Anacostia Watershed Society) Join the Anacostia Watershed Society for a 1-hour Anacostia River boat tour to explore the ecological and historical changes that have occurred in the river and in the communities around the river. We will have the opportunity to witness some of the restoration of river habitats and how it has caused the rebound of the wildlife.

Shady Hike at Brookside
2026-08-20 18:00 - 19:30 | Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD, 20902, United States
(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Hike through the shady woods to escape the heat. Learn about the forest habitat and its residents. Bring a friend, niece, or grandparent. Hike will be on natural surface trails for approximately 2 miles. All attendees must register.

FrogWatch on Kingman Island
2026-08-20 20:00 - 22:00
(DC) (Living Classrooms) Join DOEE, Living Classrooms, and your neighbors for FrogWatch, a community science program. Through FrogWatch volunteers collect and submit data on calling frogs and toads in ponds and wetlands around Kingman + Heritage Islands throughout the spring and summer. FrogWatch events take place 30 min after sunset and will last for two hours.Watch the recorded orientation video here. To learn more about FrogWatch, click here.‍ ‍

Sprinklers, Bubbles & Rainbows!
2026-08-21 11:00 - 13:00 | Black Hill Discovery Center, 20926 Lake Ridge Drive, Boyds, MD, 20841, United States
(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Come play in our backyard! Dance and run through sprinklers. Make bubbles with giant bubble wands. Splash in water play stations designed for the littlest of revelers. This is what summer is all about! Bring sunscreen, a towel and a change of clothes

Nature Fun Facts Campfire
2026-08-21 18:00 - 19:00 | Gulf Branch Nature Center & Park, 3608 Military Rd, Arlington, VA, 22207, United States
(VA) (Arlington Parks) The whole family is invited to join us at the Long Branch or 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).

Fungi Foray
2026-08-22 09:00 - 10:00 | Long Branch Nature Center & Park, 625 S Carlin Springs Rd, Arlington, VA, 22204, United States
(VA) (Arlington Parks) Come join us for a light walk through the woods to explore the diversity of the fungus kingdom, from the littlest mushrooms to giant shelf fungi, to bizarre lichens. We’ll discuss the secret lives of our fungal friends, including their ecology and identification. Teens ages 12 and up welcome to attend with a registered adult.

Forest Bathing at the Arboretum
2026-08-22 09:00 - 11:00 | US National Arboretum, 3501 New York Ave NE, Washington DC, 20002, United States
(DC) (Friends of the Arboretum) Join our nature and forest therapy guide for a forest bathing session at the National Arboretum. Forest bathing, or shinrin yoku, is the simple practice of taking in the woods through the senses. The benefits are immense: boosted immunity, lowered blood pressure, and improved attention and mood.
Our forest bathing walks are around two hours long and consist of three ‘invitations’. Each time the guide will prompt you to reflect on a particular aspect of the natural world around you, give you time to wander and meditate throughout the garden collection, then reconvene the group to share reflections.

Woodland Nature Therapy: Calm & Connection Under the Canopy
2026-08-22 09:00 - 11:00 | Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, 9750 Meadowlark Gardens, Vienna, VA, 22182, United States
(VA) (Kindred Nature) (NOVA Parks) Step into calm on a gentle wander of wonder through the woodlands of Meadowlark Botanical Gardens. During this rejuvenating morning of nature therapy, we’ll slow down with sensory invitations to reconnect with ourselves and the forest, and share in warm-hearted moments under the forest canopy. Guided by certified nature therapy guide Ilana Rubin of Kindred Nature, this experience includes mindful slow walking, quiet reflection, facilitated sharing, and a closing tea. All adults are welcome. Registration is required.

Volunteer Day at Kenilworth
2026-08-22 09:00 - 11:00 | Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, 1550 Anacostia Ave, NE, Washington DC, 20019, United States
(DC) (National Park Service) Join us for a morning of stewardship volunteering at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens! Participate in a variety of park stewardship activities including invasive plant removal, litter collection, flower bed weeding, trail maintenance and more. All necessary tools and supplies will be provided.

Invasive Species Removal at Langdon Park
2026-08-22 09:00 - 12:00 | Langdon Park Recreation Center, 2901 20th St NE, Washington DC, 20018, United States
(DC) (Casey Trees) Join CCAN, The Langdon Park Forest Stewards, and Casey Trees to get outside and remove invasive plants! Take part in the exciting Assisted Natural Regeneration efforts happening to restore the forest at Langdon Park in NE DC. We will meet at the parking lot of the Langdon Park Rec Cente.
We will start with a brief training on non-native invasive species and best practices for removal, and spend about 2 hours removing invasives. We will focus on non-native invasive plants like Bush (Amur) Honeysuckle, English Ivy, and Porcelain Berry.

Invasive Plant Removal at Normanstone
2026-08-22 10:00 - 12:00 | Normanstone Trail, 2841 Normanstone Drive NW, Washington DC, 20008, United States
(DC) (Rock Creek Conservancy) Join Rock Creek Conservancy and the National Park Service 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.

Evening Campfire: Crickets and Katydids
2026-08-22 19:30 - 21:00 | Brookside Nature Center, 1400 Glenallan Ave, Silver Spring, MD, 20902, United States
(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Meet your neighbors around the campfire! Learn a bit about living with local wildlife, roast a marshmallow, play some games, and take a guided evening hike (optional). Marshmallows and roasting sticks provided, bring other treats if you’d like!

Potomac Ecology by Kayak
2026-08-23 09:30 - 11:00 | Key Bridge Boathouse, 3500 Water Street, NW, Washington, DC, 20007, United States
(DC) (National Park Service) Join a Park Ranger for a relaxed 1.5-hour relaxed kayak tour just north of the Georgetown Waterfront

Discover hidden stories of the Potomac River

Explore the river’s unique ecology

Keep an eye out for turtles, herons, and maybe even a bald eagle

Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or just in it for the views, this is your chance to see the city from a new perspective.

Ecology Walk on Kingman Island
2026-08-23 10:00 - 11:30 | Kingman Island _RFK Lot 6, United States
(DC) (DC Master Naturalists) Enjoy a walking tour and learn about forest and wetland ecology and other aspects of Kingman and Heritage Islands with DC Master Naturalists and the Kingman Rangers.

Wildflower Walk at Locust Grove
2026-08-23 10:00 - 11:30 | Locust Grove Nature Center, 7777 Democracy Blvd, Bethesda, MD, 20817, United States
(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Fall is a rainbow of wildflowers, from goldenrods to asters in every shade of purple. Take a leisurely stroll through the park with our Master Naturalists who will interpret this last spectacular show of color before the changing of the seasons. Now a three part series, you may join us for one class or sign up for all three to watch the season unfold before your eyes. Participants should be able to walk on natural surface trails, which may have some steep inclines. Ages 16 +

Invasive Plant Removal at 630 East
2026-08-23 10:00 - 12:00 | Reservation 630 East, 2801 Quebec Street Northwest, Washington, 20008
(DC) (Rock Creek Conservancy) Join Rock Creek Conservancy and Weed Warrior leader Rena Subotnik or 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 sent from the event leader 48 hours prior to the event.

Junior Ranger Day
2026-08-23 11:00 - 12:00 | Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, 1550 Anacostia Ave, NE, Washington DC, 20019, United States
(DC) (National Parks Service) Join the National Park Service at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens for Junior Ranger Day! The event will be filled with fun activities and hands on Junior Ranger activities that explore the garden in honor of National Park Week and Junior Ranger Day.
