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TextHappy Thanksgiving!
The Park Authority's cornucopia is overflowing with fun, family-friendly Thanksgiving-themed programs this year. Just as American Indians and Pilgrims shared their harvest bounty, we're sharing our abundance of interpretive programs and children's activities with county residents. From a turkey walk at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, to tasting American Indian flavors around a campfire at Hidden Oaks Nature Center, to hearing the Thanksgiving story told at Frying Pan Farm Park by Gleemania's Sue Cournoyer, there is much to be thankful for this fall. Feast your eyes on the list below and pile your plate high with the possibilities. Have a happy Thanksgiving!
Friday, November 2
Riverside Campfire: Terrific Turkeys
Wild turkeys roam Riverbend Park's meadows and riverbanks. Learn about these elusive and seasonal birds with games and activities from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Bring a toasting stick; s'mores provided. Come early if you'd like to bring a picnic or hotdogs to toast. The cost is $5 per person. Register online. For information, call 703-759-9018.
Monday, November 5
Garden Sprouts: Gorgeous Gourds
Discover the amazing variety of gourds and their important role in American Indian culture at Green Spring Gardens from 11 a.m. to noon. Listen to a story, make a funny craft and taste some gourd-mandises. This program is suited for children ages three to five. The cost is $5 per child. Register online. For information, call 703-642-5173.
Friday, November 9
Thanksgiving Family Campout
Join a naturalist for an evening of outdoor fun at Riverbend Park from 6 p.m. to 9 a.m. Bring a picnic or food to cook on the fire (skewer cooking only) and enjoy a culinary sampling of traditional Thanksgiving foods. Listen to American Indian stories and go on a night hike. Bring sleeping bags, tents, flashlights, and food. Light breakfast is provided. Participants must be at least age three. The cost is $18 per person. Register online. For information, call 703-759-9018.
Saturday, November 10
Harvest Creations
Hear about the African American slaves who harvested crops at Sully Historic Site from 1 to 2 p.m. or 3 to 4 p.m. Use traditional supplies and practice candle dipping, make beaten biscuits and weave wheat. Participants must be at least age five. The cost is $10 per person. Register online. For information, call 703-437-1794.
Saturday, November 17
Family Fun: Thankful, Thoughtful, Thanksgiving
With Thanksgiving soon upon us, respect your body with good nutrition. Explore creative recipes to incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables into your diet at Green Spring Gardens from 2 to 3 p.m. Try a healthy Thanksgiving treat and learn the story behind the Thanksgiving that we celebrate today. Participants must be at least age five. The cost is $6 per person. Register online. For information, call 703-642-5173.
Saturday, November 17
Thanksgiving Floral Design
Create beautiful floral designs to take home for your Thanksgiving table after floral designers Gerry Rogers and Rebecca Henry demonstrate the dazzling possibilities at Green Spring Gardens from 1 to 3 p.m. Floral material, greens and containers are provided. The cost is $35 per person. Registration and $20 supply fee are due by November 9. Register online. For information, call 703-642-5173.
Saturday, November 17
American Indian Foods Tasting & Tea
Taste the flavors enjoyed by woodland American Indians in the 1600s while sitting communally around the fire at Hidden Oaks Nature Center from 2 to 3 p.m. Listen to stories about local animals and enjoy traditional games. Make a game to take home. Participants must be at least age four. The cost is $15 per person. Register online. For information, call 703-941-1065.
Sunday, November 18
Baking Workshop
Baking in an 18th century hearth can be fun and rewarding! Work with experienced open hearth cooks and learn to make bread using historic recipes at Sully Historic Site from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Participants must be at least age 10. The cost is $25 per person. Register online. For information, call 703-437-1794.
Sunday, November 18
Turkey Walk
Discover wild turkey habits and secret ways during a walk in the cedar forest at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park from 9 to 10 a.m. Look for wild turkeys and their signs. The cost is $5 per person. Register online. For information, call 703-631-0013.
Monday, November 19
Turkeys are Terrific!
Three to five-year-olds join the fun and learn all about wild turkeys through activities, songs, nature walk, and a craft. This program meets at Hunter House in Nottoway Park from 2:30 to 3:15 p.m. The cost is $6 per person. Register online. For information, call 703-759-9018.
Friday, November 23
The Thanksgiving Story
Children must be accompanied by a paid adult. Bring the family and holiday guests to this lively and interactive telling of the Thanksgiving Story at Frying Pan Farm Park from 11 to 11:40 a.m. Gleemania's Sue Cournoyer entertains and informs. After the show, stroll the park and visit our animals, or take a ride on our carousel or wagon rides. Participants must be at least age three. The cost is $4 per person. Register online. For information, call 703-437-9101.
Friday, November 23
American Indian Stories Campfire
Enjoy a campfire at Hidden Oaks Nature Center as your hear traditional American Indian stories focusing on fall changes from 7 to 8 p.m. Toast marshmallows. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Participants must be at least age four. The cost is $6 per person. Register online. For information, call 703-941-1065.
Sunday, November 25
American Indian Stories and Games
With traditional stories and games at Hidden Oaks Nature Center from 2 to 3 p.m., four and five-year-olds explore the culture of Eastern Woodland Indians during the period of first European contact. The woodland walk highlights how American Indians used native plants and animals. The cost is $7 per child. Register online. For information, call 703-941-1065.
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