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, take an archaeology adventure, or go on an insect safari. 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 for cancellation made within two weeks of program require written notice.

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

May

3 Saturday

Riverbend Bird Stroll - Warblers

(Adults), 8-10am, Riverbend Visitor Center, 703-759-9018. Hike with a naturalist during peak warbler migration. Discover why Riverbend is an important stopover and nesting area that attracts so many bird species. Beginners welcome. Bring binoculars. Reservations required. FREE

9 Friday

Riverside Campfire - Dinosaurs

(Families), 6:30-7:30pm, Riverbend Visitor Center, 703-759-9018. Gather 'round the campfire and discover dinosaurs. Draw life-size dinosaurs, enjoy games and hear campfire stories as you learn more about the lives of these "terrible lizards." S'mores provided. Come early if you want to bring a picnic or toast hotdogs. Bring toasting sticks, a flashlight, and a blanket. Reservations and advance payment required. $3/person

10 Saturday

Bird Watching 101

(12 yrs. and up), 8-10am, Riverbend Visitor Center, 703-759-9018. An introductory class geared for those interested in the natural world but not sure how to tell our feathered friends apart. Learn about equipment and field guides then take a walk to search for birds. Bring binoculars if you have them. Reservations required. FREE

14 Wednesday

Animal Feeding Time - Turtles

(3-5 yrs.), 1:45-2:30pm, Riverbend Park Nature Center, 703-759-9018. Meet an animal, do animal games and activities, and watch some animals being fed. Reservations and advance payment required. $6

21 Wednesday

Critters and Cookies

(2-4 yrs.), 1:45-2:30pm, Riverbend Park Nature Center, 703-759-9018. Explore the outdoors with a naturalist, then visit the nature center, relax, enjoy cookies and coffee, and meet other parents and children through free play. Each month highlights different exploration. Reservations and advance payment required. $8

23 Friday

Catfishin' Under the Stars

(7 yrs. and up), 7-10pm, Riverbend Visitor Center, 703-759-9018. At nightfall catfish get active. Come to Riverbend Park for an evening of catfishing from the bank. Learn about these fascinating fish and fishing basics with a park naturalist. Rod rentals and bait available for an extra charge. Reservations and advanced payment required. $8/person

28 Wednesday

Nature's Crafts

(3-5 yrs.), 1:45-2:30pm, Riverbend Park Nature Center, 703-759-9018. Children create crafts through the inspiration of nature by exploring the natural world around them. Afternoon includes nature hikes, meeting and observing live animals, songs, and themed crafts. Wear sturdy shoes and clothes that can get dirty. Reservations and advance payment required. $7

31 Saturday

Riverbend River Festival

(All ages), 10am-3pm, Riverbend Visitor Center, 703-759-9018. Enjoy a fun-filled day by the riverfront with children's activities, fishing contests, kayaking and water safety demos, and more! Riverbend's second annual river festival celebrates the Potomac's natural beauty and abundant recreational opportunities. This is the perfect event to get dad exactly what he wants for Father's Day. Bring him to the park to buy fishing gear, rent a boat, or book a trip. Outfitters, guides, and river conservation groups will help you learn more about your watershed or book an adventure. Win rentals, gear, and other exciting raffle prizes throughout the day. $5/person, 3yrs. and under FREE.

June

5 Thursday-Friday 6

Birds of Western Maryland, (Adult) Thursday 6/5, 9am- Friday, 6/6, 7pm.

Visit unique swamp and mountain habitats in the Allegheny Plateau. Accommodation suggestions offered. $85

6 Friday

Catfishin' Under the Stars

(7 yrs. and up), 7-10pm, Riverbend Visitor Center, 703-759-9018. At nightfall catfish get active. Come to Riverbend Park for an evening of catfishing from the bank. Learn about these fascinating fish and fishing basics with a park naturalist. Rod rentals and bait available for an extra charge. Reservations and advanced payment required. $8/person

12 Thursday

Parent and Child Fishing by Boat

(All ages, one person in the boat must be 16 yrs. or older), 6-7:30pm, Riverbend Visitor Center, 703-759-9018. 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. Boats and PFD's provided. Rod rentals available at an extra charge. Reservations and advanced payment required. Canceled if inclement weather or hazardous river conditions. Maximum 3 people/boat. $20/boat

13 Friday - 14 Saturday

Riverside Camping

(Families), 6pm Friday to 9am Saturday, Riverbend Visitor Center, 703-759-9018. Shake the dust out of your camping gear and head over to Riverbend Park. Bring the kids, toasting sticks, and a dinner to cook over the campfire. Take a night hike and enjoy s'mores around the campfire. Light breakfast provided. Canceled if rain. Reservations and advance payment required. $45/family

15 Sunday

Father's Day Picnic in a Boat

(All ages, one person in the boat must be 16 yrs. or older), 9:30-11am, Riverbend Visitor Center, 703-759-9018. Bring along a picnic for dad have Father's Day brunch in a boat. A naturalist will be in a separate boat to lead the group to appropriate anchoring spots and to answer questions about the river's history and abundant wildlife. Previous experience rowing not required. Boats and PDF's provided. Reservations and advanced payment required.

20 Friday

Riverside Campfire - Fishing Fun

(Families), 7:30-8:30pm, Riverbend Visitor Center, 703-759-9018. Fish from the banks of the river, learn about the fish's world through activities and games, and enjoy s'mores. Come early if you want to picnic or toast hotdogs. Bring a toasting stick, blanket and flashlight. Bring your own fishing rod and tackle, we provide the bait. Extra fishing rods available for rent (limited availability). Reservations and advanced payment required. $3/person

Water Critters

(All ages, one person in the boat must be 16 yrs. or older), 9-10:30am, Riverbend Visitor Center, 703-759-9018. Learn about the fascinating creatures living in the river. Row out to shady spots to look for everything from dragonflies to painted turtles. Previous experience rowing not required. Boats and PFD's provided. Reservations and advanced payment required. Canceled if inclement weather or hazardous river conditions. Maximum 3 people/boat. $20/boat

27 Friday

Rowing by River Animals

(All ages, one person in the boat must be 16 yrs. or older), 9-10:30am, Riverbend Visitor Center, 703-759-9018. Search for deer, eagles, and other wildlife as we row along this wildlife rich section of the Potomac. Previous experience rowing not required. Boats and PFD's provided. Reservations and advanced payment required. Canceled if inclement weather or hazardous river conditions. Maximum 3 people/boat. $20/boat