All Day

Great Backyard Bird Count

(DMV) Spend time in your favorite places watching birds–then share your sightings! In as little as 15 minutes notice the birds around you. Identify them, count them, and submit them to help scientists better understand and protect birds around the world.

Free

Exhibit: Recovering Our Night Sky

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History 1000 Madison Drive NW, Washington

(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 ...

Free

Blossom to Beverage: The Story of Chocolate

National Museum of the American Indian Fourth Street & Independence Ave. SW, Washington

(DC) (Smithsonian) The story of chocolate begins with a small cacao tree rooted deep in the history of Mesoamerican culture. Learn the symbolism and history of this beloved and storied ingredient through art making and other hands-on activities. All day: Create your own cacao-inspired codex book with Evelyn Orantes (Maya) Visitors are invited to make a pre-Columbian-style codex book to ...

Free

The Cub Club!

Potomac Overlook Regional Park3 2845 N. Marcey Road, Arlington

(VA) (NOVA Parks) Looking for an offering where you can explore nature with your preschooler? Our Cub Club program is just what you’re after! Join us as we learn about the sights, sounds, and textures around us in winter and find out what animals do during this cold time of year. We’ll read a story together and even make our ...

$7

USBG Orchid Exhibit

Smithsonian American Art Museum 8th and G Streets, NW, Washington

(DC) (US Botanic Garden) Smithsonian Gardens and the United States Botanic Garden present “The Future of Orchids: Conservation and Collaboration” in the Kogod Courtyard of the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery. Enjoy over 350 orchids on display along with works by multimedia artist, Phaan Howng. Centered around the themes of the future of orchids and orchid conservation, ...

Free

“From the Ground Up” Art Show Reception

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens 9750 Meadowlark Gardens, Vienna

(VA) (NOVA Parks) Join us for a reception for the “From the Ground Up" art show featuring the works of Miriam Cutelis.  Immerse yourself in the world of dreamy landscapes, where every stroke tells a story.  Miriam skillfully crafts her paintings using reclaimed materials, adding a unique touch to the beauty of nature.  Enjoy refreshments, meet Miriam, and experience her ...

Free

Home Made Bird Feeders

Ellanor C. Lawrence Park 5040 Walney Rd, Chantilly

(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) 2-Adult) Bring a clean, empty, plastic bottle to make a bird feeder. We discuss tips for feeding birds and learn to identify common birds that visit home bird feeders. Dress for the weather and bring binoculars. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

$8

Remove Invasive Plants at Long Branch

Long Branch Nature Center & Park 625 S Carlin Springs Rd, Arlington

(VA) (Arlington Parks) Want to restore habitat and increase native species diversity right here in Arlington? Work parties are held every month and are making a difference with the return of ferns, wildflowers and the animals that depend on them to areas once covered in destructive invasive plants. Help make it happen! Adults, teens and families ages 8 and up.

Free

Owl Walk and Talk

Lake Fairfax Park 1400 Lake Fairfax Drive, Reston

(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) (4-Adult) Enjoy a late afternoon walk to learn why winter is the best time to go owl-ing. Enjoy a story, 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.

$8

Flying Squirrel Campfire

Hidden Oaks Nature Center 7701 Royce St, Annandale

(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) (4-Adult) Enjoy an evening around the campfire, toasting marshmallows over the embers and learn about flying squirrels that live in our area. Cancelled in case of inclement weather. Children must attend with an adult and all attendees must register.

$8
Capital Nature