All Day

Christmas Bird Count

Meadowside Nature Center 5100 Meadowside Lane

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) 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. Join Meadowside Nature Center in its’ effort to collect data in this long-running wildlife census to assess the health of bird populations, and to help guide conservation action. Meeting location and details ...

Free
Ongoing

DMV Parks and Gardens Holiday Lights

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 ...

Skating at NGA Sculpture Garden

National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden 7th Street & Constitution Ave. NW, Washington

(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 ...

$10 – $18

“Season’s Greenings” at US Botanic Garden

U.S. Botanic Garden 100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington DC

(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 ...

Sunday Morning Bird Walk at Dyke Marsh

Dyke Marsh Alexandria

(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.

Free

Presidents in America’s Backyard Hike

Rock Creek Nature Center 5200 Glover Rd NW, Washington

(DC) (National Park Service) If the National Mall is America’s Front Yard, then Rock Creek Park is America’s Back Yard. From before the park was founded, presidents have spent time on Rock Creek Park land. Come join a ranger for a 2 ¾ mile hike and learn the ways that presidential history flows through Rock Creek.

Free

Search for Santa’s Critters

Potomac Overlook Regional Park 2845 N. Marcey Road, Arlington

(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 ...

$5

Winter Wonderland at Burke Lake

Burke Lake Park 7315 Ox Rd, Fairfax Station

(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) All aboard for a train ride on the Holiday Express. Take a spin on the Carolers Carousel, play Gingerbread Man Golf or warm yourself by the fire and cook s'mores as you usher in your holidays. Families will enjoy a visit with Santa, hot chocolate and candy canes. Passes can be picked up at ice cream parlor ...

$15 – $20

Hike to the Potomac

Gulf Branch Nature Center & Park 3608 Military Rd, Arlington

(VA) (Arlington Parks) Join us for a hike along an uneven trail with a creek crossing and climbing over large rocks all the way to the Potomac River. Dress for the weather and wear good sneakers or hiking boots. Registration Required. Families.

$9

Hike with a Ranger at Rock Creek Park

Rock Creek Nature Center 5200 Glover Rd NW, Washington

(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 ...

Free
Capital Nature