Riverbend Park Events Calendar

Birthdays on the Wild Side
(3-11 yrs.), Riverbend Nature Center, 703-759-9018. Celebrate your birthday by discovering the exciting world of nature. Choose to explore the world of reptiles and amphibians, uncover clues about forest animals, dig into dinosaurs or take an archaeology adventure. Each party is active and will keep your group on the move. Two hour nature center rental including a one hour naturalist program $175. Themed goodie bags available, $4/bag. Call for available dates. Fee due at time of registration. Refunds requests received two months before the birthday date can receive a refund less a $25 fee.

Daily offerings
Registration on-going. Call 703-759-9018 for reservations.

February

1 Monday - Fairfax County School Holiday
Animal Vets
(8-12 yrs.), 9:30am-3:30pm, Riverbend Nature Center. Call 703-759-9018 or visit Parktakes Online to register. Spend the day with our exhibit animals. Check their health, weight and size; clean and refresh their tanks; and enjoy some fun activities and games. Wear old clothes. Download camp forms and bring completed to first day of camp. Camp Forms $75

4 Thursday
Let it Snow
(2-5 yrs.), 10:15-11am, Great Falls Grange/Forestville Schoolhouse. Call 703-759-9018 (Riverbend Park) for information and reservations. Put on your fur coat, fluff out your feathers and head on over to learn fun facts about snow. Make your own snowflake and find out how our winter wildlife survives the winter cold. Reservations and advance payment required. $6/child

6 Saturday
Basket Making
(8 yrs. and up), 9am- noon, Riverbend Nature Center. Call 703-759-9018 or visit Parktakes Online to register. Learn to make a Native American style coiled needle basket or a traditional reed basket. Want to walk on the wild side?  Try your hand at a random weave basket. Supply fee payable to instructor at first class. Learn to make a Native American style coiled needle basket or a traditional reed basket. Want to walk on the wild side?  Try your hand at a random weave basket. Supply fee payable to instructor at first class. $35

13 Saturday
Skyline Caverns, Front Royal, VA - Motor coach trip
(13 yrs. and up), 10:30am-4pm. Call 759-9018 or visit Parktakes Online for registration, pick up stops and pricing. No matter what the weather is like outside, the caverns are always a comfortable 54 degrees. See rare Anthodite formations, stunning cave crystals that are only found a few places on Earth. The cavern tour also includes Fairyland Lake, The Capital Dome and a 37 foot Rainbow Waterfall. On the motor coach, a Riverbend Naturalist will discuss the geology of the area and stop at a few points of interest. Lunch will be on your own at a local restaurant. Transportation is by charter motor coach equipped with reclining seats. Seating is first come, first served.

19 Friday
Fireside Stories - Extremely Cool Critters
(Families), 6:30-7:30pm, Riverbend Visitor Center, 703-759-9018. Gather 'round our indoor fireplace for stories and activities and find out about animals that survive the coldest places in the world!  Reservations and advanced payment required. $4/person

23 Tuesday
Starry Nights
(2-5 yrs.), 10:15-11am, Dranesville Tavern. Call 703-759-9018 (Riverbend Park) for information and reservations. Stars twinkle in the evening sky. Where do they go during the day? Games and activities will introduce your preschooler to the stars and more. Reservations and advance payment required. $6/child

24 Wednesday
Busy Beavers
(2-5 yrs.), 10:30-11:15am, Great Falls Library. Call 703-757-8560 (Great Falls Library)  or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/events for reservations. Explore the world of the beaver and then we'll become ‘busy as a beavers' making our own dam. FREE

27 Saturday
Penguins and Polar Bears
(4 yrs.& up), 11am-noon, Reston Regional Library. Call 703-689-2700 (Reston Regional Library) or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/events for reservations.Why do penguins and polar bears never meet? How does a penguin keep its eggs warm? Fun activities help us to learn more about these creatures of the ice and about their chilly environment. FREE

 March

1 Monday
Animal Adaptations
( 6-12 yrs.), 4-5pm. Great Falls Library, call 703-757-8560 (Great Falls Library) or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/events for reservations. Participate in activities while you find out how animals adapt to their environment. Become different animals and find out if you can adapt and survive or leave in search of another home. FREE

11 Thursday
Turtle Time
(2-5 yrs.), 10:15-11am, Forestville Schoolhouse at the Great Falls Grange, call 703-759-9018 (Riverbend Park) for reservations. Turtles will soon be on the move. Meet a box turtle, explore the world of reptiles and find out how you can help turtles in your neighborhood. $6/child

12 Friday
March of the Salamanders
(7 yrs. and up), 8-9pm. Assist a park naturalist with a spotted salamander survey. Learn about these secretive amphibians as they march to pools to lay their eggs. $5/person

13 Saturday
Night Sky Festival
(All ages), 6:30-8:30pm. This year's festival features Saturn. Activities include guided star gazing, looking through a telescope and listening to ancient stories about the constellations around the campfire. Join in other activities and games throughout the evening. Hot chocolate and snacks will be available for purchase. Canceled if raining or snowing. Reservations recommended for groups of 10 or more. $5/person

23 Tuesday
Fly, Hop or Run
(2-5 yrs.), 10:15-11am, Dranesville Tavern, call 703-759-9018 (Riverbend Park) for reservations. Animals are busy in springtime. Through activities and games, find out where the birds, toads and other animals have been all winter. $6/child

26 Friday
Riverside Campfire - Spring Has Sprung
(Families), 6:30-7:30pm. With games and activities we will explore why animals are now waking from hibernation and returning from migration. S'mores provided. Come early if you want to bring a picnic or hotdogs to toast. Bring toasting sticks, blanket and flashlight. $4/person

29 March - 2 April (Fairfax County School Holidays)
Zoology: The Science Behind Animal Lives
(7-10 yrs.), 9am-3pm, call 703-759-9018 or visit Parktakes Online to register (registration code 357 295 4101). Campers study the biology and habits of the birds, mammals, reptiles and insects of the Mid-Atlantic region. Participants learn more about these critters and how and where they live. Activities include hikes, observations, videos, art projects and games. $215

April

3 Saturday
Spring Wildflowers of Scotts Run
(Adults), 10-11:30am, Scotts Run Nature Preserve, call 703-759-9018 (Riverbend Park) for reservations. Walk the trails in search of spring beauty, Dutchman's breeches and other spring ephemerals in these rich woods. Meet in West parking lot. Wear sturdy hiking shoes. Canceled if rain. $5/person

7 Wednesday
Busy Beavers
(2-5 yrs.), 10:30-11:15, Oakton Library, call (703-242-4020 Oakton Library) or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/events for reservations. Explore the world of the beaver and then we'll become 'busy as a beavers' making our own dam. FREE

8 Thursday
Nesting Birds
(2-5 yrs.), 10:15-11am, Forestville Schoolhouse at the Great Falls Grange, call 703-759-9018 (Riverbend Park) for reservations. What makes the best nest? Through activities and games, we'll find out why birds build nests and just how they do it. $6/child

9 Friday
Amphibians After Dark
(7 yrs. and up), 7:30-9pm. Assist park naturalists with a calling amphibian survey. Learn how to identify frogs and toads by their calls as we explore pools and ponds. $5/person

10 Saturday
Spring Wildflowers of the Towpath
(Adults), 10-11:30am, C&O Canal, call 703-759-9018 (Riverbend Park) for reservations. Walk the towpath down to Plummer's Island to discover the spring wildflowers of the Potomac floodplain. Meet at Lock 10 (on Clara Barton Parkway, Cabin John, MD). Canceled if rain. $5/person

10 Saturday
Animals Underground
(4 yrs. and up), 11am-noon, Reston Regional Library, call 703-689-2700 (Reston Regional Library) or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/events for reservations. Dig down deep and investigate who lives in the dark, damp world under the forest floor as we learn about moles, earthworms, termites and the many other creatures of the soil. FREE

11 Sunday
Applachian Hikes: Bird Knob
(Adults), pick up places and times below, call 703-222-4664 for reservations. The strenuous eight mile hike to the summit of Bird Knob offers stunning views of the Shenandoah Valley. Bring your own bag lunch. We'll be walking in rough, uneven terrain, and there are no bathrooms on hike route. Cost includes motor coach and naturalist. Bus.pick-up/return schedule: George Mason Library- depart 6am, return .3pm; Fairfax County Government Center- depart 6:30am, return 4:30pm. Visit Parktakes Online for cost.

17 Saturday
Bluebells and Bloodroot - Spring Wildflowers of the Floodplain
(Adults), 10-11:30am. Identify Riverbend's beautiful spring ephemerals and learn their associated folklore as we walk along the banks of the Potomac River. Canceled if rain. $5/person

19 Monday
Earthquakes, Geysers and Volcanoes
( 6-12 yrs.), 4-5pm, Great Falls Library, call 703-757-8560 (Great Falls Library) or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/events for reservations. Make a volcano, watch a geyser in action, and conduct earthquake experiments as we explore our Earth. FREE

20 Tuesday
Animal Babies
(2-5 yrs.), 10:15-11am, Dranesville Tavern, call 703-759-9018 (Riverbend Park) for reservations. Does, kits, and other animal babies are exploring and learning about their world. Find out what to do if you find an animal baby this spring. $6/child

23 Friday
Riverside Campfire - Tadpoles, Toads and Frogs
(All Ages) 6:30-7:30pm. It's spring and toads and frogs are calling. Learn their calls and enjoy games, activities and stories. S'mores provided. Come early if you want to bring a picnic or hotdogs to toast. Bring toasting sticks, flashlight and blanket. $4/person

30 Friday
Birds on the Move
(Adults), 8am-4:30pm. Spring migration is in full swing and birds are on the move. We will visit a variety of important stopover spots throughout Montgomery County, MD. Bring a snack, bag lunch and water. There will be a quick stop for lunch. Dress for the weather. Register by 4/21. $42

May

1 Saturday
Riverbend Bird Stroll - Warblers
(Adults), 7-10am. Hike with a naturalist during peak warbler migration. Discover why Riverbend is an important stopover and nesting area that attracts so many species. Beginners welcome. Bring binoculars. $7/person

8 Saturday
Riverbend Bird Stroll- Warblers
(Adults), 7-10am. Hike with a naturalist during peak warbler migration. Discover why Riverbend is an important stopover and nesting area that attracts so many species. Beginners welcome. Bring binoculars. $7/person

8 Saturday
Stone Technology Workshop: Transforming Stone into Tools
(Adults), 10am-4pm. Ever wonder how early cultures created tools like arrowheads, spear points, and knives out of stone? Learn the art of flintknapping by creating your very own stone tool. Workshop is taught by primitive tool expert Scott Silsby. Bring safety glasses and tight fitting leather work gloves. Stone and flintknapping tools are provided. $35

14 Friday - 15 Saturday
Riverside Camping
(Families), 6pm Friday to 9am Saturday. Enjoy a family night in the park with a campfire and night hike. Bring your camping gear, toasting sticks, and a dinner to cook on toasting sticks over the campfire. We provide the campfire and s'mores and a light breakfast in the morning. Canceled if rain. Register by 5/6. $45/family

15 Saturday
Monacan Powwow, Elon, VA
See dancers, drummers and storytellers in full regalia from tribes in the U.S. and Canada. The finest American Indian crafters and artists display and sell their work, including painters, carvers and baskets. Includes motor coach, and admission. Lunch on your own. Food vendors available or bring a picnic lunch. Bring a folding chair or blanket to sit on. Bus pick-up/return: GeorgeWashington RECenter- depart 7am, return 8pm; George Mason Library- depart 7:30am, return 7:30pm; Fairfax County Government Center- depart 8am, return 7pm. Visit Parktakes Online for cost and registration.

21 Friday
Kayak Rental Qualification Classes
(14 yrs. and up), Fridays at 4pm and first Saturday of the month at 11:30am, during boating season. This is not a tour, but does qualify participants to rent kayaks from Riverbend. This is a short course that covers the basics of river kayaking. Upon successful completion of the class, the instructor will issue Riverbend kayak rental certification cards to the participants. The cost of the course includes all equipment and half day kayak rental (same day only). Reservations necessary to guarantee a spot, walk-ups welcome space permitting. Canceled if inclement weather or hazardous river conditions. $25

21 Friday
Riverside Campfire - Meet the Animals
(Families), 6:30-7:30pm. Meet Riverbend's exhibit animals: snakes, turtles and more. Find out how you can help us take care of them. S'mores provided. Come early if you want to bring a picnic or hotdogs to toast. Bring toasting sticks, blanket and flashlight. $4/person

23 Sunday
Applachian Hikes: Big Schloss
Hike five miles in George Washington National Forest to the drop off at Wolf Gap Campground. Take in spectacular views of the valley and mountains. Wear sturdy, close-toed shoes. Bring your own bag lunch. Walking in rough uneven terrain. Primitive bathrooms available at the start and end of the hiking trail. Includes motor coach, admission and naturalist. Bus pick-up/return: George Mason Library- depart 6am, return 3pm; Fairfax County Government Center-depart 6:30am, return 2:30pm. Visit Parktakes Online for cost and registration.

24 Monday
Snakes - 4 yrs. and up
(4 yrs. and up), 3-4pm, Reston Regional Library, call 703-689-2700 (Reston Regional Library) or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/events for reservations. Meet a snake, explore the world of reptiles, and find out which snakes can be dangerous to you. FREE

28 Friday
Kayak Rental Qualification Classes
(14 yrs. and up), Fridays at 4pm and first Saturday of the month at 11:30am, during boating season. This is not a tour, but does qualify participants to rent kayaks from Riverbend. This is a short course that covers the basics of river kayaking. Upon successful completion of the class, the instructor will issue Riverbend kayak rental certification cards to the participants. The cost of the course includes all equipment and half day kayak rental (same day only). Reservations necessary to guarantee a spot, walk-ups welcome space permitting. Canceled if inclement weather or hazardous river conditions. $25

June

4 Friday or 5 Saturday
Kayak Rental Qualification Classes
(14 yrs. and up), Fridays at 4pm and first Saturday of the month at 11:30am, during boating season. This is not a tour, but does qualify participants to rent kayaks from Riverbend. This is a short course that covers the basics of river kayaking. Upon successful completion of the class, the instructor will issue Riverbend kayak rental certification cards to the participants. The cost of the course includes all equipment and half day kayak rental (same day only). Reservations necessary to guarantee a spot, walk-ups welcome space permitting. Canceled if inclement weather or hazardous river conditions. $25

3 Thursday- 4 Friday
Birds of Western Maryland - Excursion
(Adults), 9am Thursday to 7pm Friday, meet at Riverbend Visitor Center. As the spring migration winds down in our area, venture to the Allegheny Plateau where birds are "buzzin." Warblers are on territory, Henslow's sparrows and bobolinks are in the fields and flycatchers are singing in the swamp. Suggestions for accommodations will be offered. Register by 5/21. $100

10 Thursday
Parent and Child Fishing by Boat
(All ages, children must be at least 30lbs), 6-7:30pm. Enjoy fishing with your child from a jon boat. Follow the naturalist to favorite fishing spots on the river. This scenic section of the Potomac contains bass, sunfish, and the occasional catfish. Previous experience rowing not required. We provide the boats and PFD's. Fishing rods can be rented at the park. Canceled if inclement weather or hazardous river conditions. Maximum 3/boat, one must be 16 yrs. or older. $20/boat

11 Friday
Kayak Rental Qualification Classes
(14 yrs. and up), Fridays at 4pm and first Saturday of the month at 11:30am, during boating season. This is not a tour, but does qualify participants to rent kayaks from Riverbend. This is a short course that covers the basics of river kayaking. Upon successful completion of the class, the instructor will issue Riverbend kayak rental certification cards to the participants. The cost of the course includes all equipment and half day kayak rental (same day only). Reservations necessary to guarantee a spot, walk-ups welcome space permitting. Canceled if inclement weather or hazardous river conditions. $25

12 Saturday
Children's Fishing Fun Derby
(5 yrs. and up), 10am-1pm. Riverbend is the place for fishing fun. Fishing activities, including casting, rigging your own fishing pole and games, will be going on throughout the event. Mini bank fishing tournaments for kids will be held at 10am and noon. This program meets the requirements for Wolf Scout fishing. $7/child. Each tournament is an additional $5. Prizes awarded.

18 Friday
Kayak Rental Qualification Classes
(14 yrs. and up), Fridays at 4pm and first Saturday of the month at 11:30am, during boating season. This is not a tour, but does qualify participants to rent kayaks from Riverbend. This is a short course that covers the basics of river kayaking. Upon successful completion of the class, the instructor will issue Riverbend kayak rental certification cards to the participants. The cost of the course includes all equipment and half day kayak rental (same day only). Reservations necessary to guarantee a spot, walk-ups welcome space permitting. Canceled if inclement weather or hazardous river conditions. $25

18 Friday
Riverside Campfire - Fishing Fun
(Families), 7-8pm. Fish from the banks of the river and learn about the fish's world through activities and games. S'mores provided. Come early if you want to bring a picnic or hotdogs to toast. Bring a toasting stick, blanket and flashlight. Bring fishing rods and tackle; bait provided. Extra fishing rods available for rent (limited availability). $5/person

19 Saturday
Breeding Bird Survey
(13 yrs. and up), 7-9am. Hike with a naturalist and assist with a breeding bird survey in the park. Learn about the different species that nest in the park as we explore a variety of habitats. $7/person

20 Sunday
Fathers Day Picnic in a Boat
(All ages, children must be at least 30lbs), 9:30-11am. Bring along a picnic for dad and have fathers day brunch in a boat. A naturalist will be in a separate boat to lead the group to peaceful anchoring spots, and answer questions about the river's history and abundant wildlife. Previous experience rowing not required. Boats and PDF's provided. Canceled if inclement weather or hazardous river conditions. Maximum 3 people per boat, one must be 16 yrs. or older. $20/boat

24 Thursday
Animal Vets
(8-12 yrs.), 9:30am-3:30pm, call 703-759-9018 or visit Parktakes Online to register (registration code 357 221 2201) .Spend the day with our exhibit animals. Check their health, weight and size; clean and refresh their tanks; and enjoy some fun activities and games. $75

24 Thursday
Parent and Child Fishing by Boat
(All ages, children must be at least 30lbs), 6-7:30pm. Enjoy fishing with your child from a jon boat. Follow the naturalist to favorite fishing spots on the river. This scenic section of the Potomac contains bass, sunfish, and the occasional catfish. Previous experience rowing not required. We provide the boats and PFD's. Fishing rods can be rented at the park. Canceled if inclement weather or hazardous river conditions. Maximum 3/boat, one must be 16 yrs. or older. $20/boat

25 Friday
Kayak Rental Qualification Classes
(14 yrs. and up), Fridays at 4pm and first Saturday of the month at 11:30am, during boating season. This is not a tour, but does qualify participants to rent kayaks from Riverbend. This is a short course that covers the basics of river kayaking. Upon successful completion of the class, the instructor will issue Riverbend kayak rental certification cards to the participants. The cost of the course includes all equipment and half day kayak rental (same day only). Reservations necessary to guarantee a spot, walk-ups welcome space permitting. Canceled if inclement weather or hazardous river conditions. $25