Hidden Oaks Nature Center

CONTACT INFORMATION: Hidden Oaks Nature Center is open for walk-in visitation Monday, Wednesday-Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. We are closed Tuesdays.
703-941-1065 TTY 711
7701 Royce Street
Annandale, Virginia
Kristina Watts
Site Manager

Department Resources

Related Resources

Hidden Oaks Nature Center Field Trips

Hidden Oaks can host field trips at the park and conduct outreach programs at your school. Field trips can be fully outdoors for groups of 30 or less and partly outdoors for all groups, weather permitting. For questions, please contact Kari Schilling at 703-941-1065 or email kari.schilling@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Hidden Oaks offers an expanded number of picnic tables, renovated restrooms near the picnic shelter, and a butterfly-themed playground. Tables under the picnic shelter are available by paid reservation. Call 703-324-8732 to reserve. The tables are available on a first-come basis when there is no reservation.

Request a Reservation

Enjoy an engaging and affordable field trip in your own community with a visit to Hidden Oaks Nature Center. Naturalists connect students to the nature center's natural and cultural resources, including live animals, by making information relevant to them. In addition to addressing the Standards of Learning for elementary age students, the naturalists encourage students to become environmental stewards of their community. That's a step towards achieving the FCPS Portrait of a Graduate goal to develop global citizens.

Most programs can be tailored to a younger or older audience.

  • Submit reservation requests online at least two weeks prior to the program date. 
  • You will receive a confirmation email for your request and will be contacted by email within three business days to confirm your program.
  • For questions about programs within two weeks, call Kari Schilling on weekdays at 703-941-1065.

Field Trip Fees

  • Most programs are per student and chaperone, $6 for a 60-minute program and $8 for a 90-minute program. Some specialty programs may have higher fees.
  • No cost for teachers and aides. 
  • The non-Fairfax County school fee is an additional $1 per student and chaperone.
  • Payment is by MasterCard, VISA, Discover Card, check payable to FCPA or cash.
  • Payment is due on the day of the program.
  • For schools with multiple visits within two weeks, one payment for all the programs is allowed.
  • A receipt will be given for payment.

Capacity:

  • Minimum class size is 15 students.
  • For smaller groups, payment for 15 students is required.
  • Maximum is 75 students for a 90-minute program.

For larger groups, we recommend multiple-day visits. If all students must come in one day, special arrangements can be made to expand the program to two presentations over a two-to-three hour period. Naturalists will lead half the students at a time in a guided one-hour program. Teachers must chaperone the students not in the naturalist-led program with a scavenger hunt along the trail. The scavenger hunt and an outdoor gathering space are provided.

Time:

  • Generally programs start at 10 a.m. or 1 p.m.
  • Arrangements for a different start time may be possible.

 

School Field Trip Menu Pre-K to K

Study the life of a young Eastern Woodland Indian in the time of the first settlement of Jamestown. Compare a child's life today with a child's experience then. Through playing games, making clay pots and enjoying oral myths, naturalists lead an exploration of the indigenous culture. Walk the trails, weather permitting, with an eye to Native Americans' uses of plants and animals and their knowledge of safety in the woods. Program includes an indoor presentation, trail walk and craft. $7 per child for 60 minutes. $9 per child for 90 minutes.
  SOLs addressed for K-4: Science K.1, K.6, K.8- K.10, 1.51.8 HSS. K.1, K.2, K.6, 1.1, 1.2, 1.6, 2.2, 2.3, 3.3, 3.12.

The park's most popular spring program! Growing and changing is something each of us does every day, but complete metamorphosis is common for few creatures other than insects and certain amphibians. From bees to butterflies, the growth from egg to adult fills us with a child-like sense of wonder. The growth from seed to plant is an amazing transformation. Children will plant a seed to nurture at home or school, meet a toad (and tadpoles in season), and thrill to releasing their own ladybugs into the wildflower garden or woodland during April to June programs.  $6 per child for 60 minutes, $8 per child for 90 minutes.
SOLs addressed include Science K.1, K.6, K. 8-10, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.7,1.8, 2.4, 2.5, 2.8, 3.4, 3.5, 3.7, 3.10. 4.5.

Dinosaurs once ruled the land but not the sea! Learn about water-loving Spinosaurus and what makes a dinosaur a dinosaur. Preschoolers often thrill to details about T-Rex,  stegosaurus and other dinosaurs with complicated, meaningful names. Naturalists share dinosaur characteristics, display real fossils for children to explore, and compare dinosaurs' sizes outdoors. $6 per child for 60 minutes.

Students enjoy an entertaining look at the life of insects with a special focus on ants and, in season, butterflies. Compare and contrast will include insect orders, habitats, feeding styles and social versus solitary living. Through the use of live insects, specimens, and catch and release, students will explore the diversity of insects in an urban woodland and the importance of insects to other animals and to plants. We will discuss life cycles, adaptations and habitat needs. Live insects will be used when available. The trail walk will be an insect safari. $6 per child for 60 minutes.
SOLs addressed include Science K.1, K.6, K.8, K.9, 1.5, 1.7, 1.8, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6,  2.7, 3.4, 3.5, 3.10.

Children often ask, "Where are all the animals?," when they walk along the Old Oak Trail. Most forest life is at or under our feet. Explore the floor and underground habitat of an urban woodland and search for insects, slugs and other creatures that depend on this habitat for their food, shelter and water. During the classroom portion, students will enjoy a puppet show that provides insights into a worm's life and into the animals that share that world day and night. Students meet vertebrate wildlife (reptiles and amphibians) of Fairfax County that depend on worms as part of their diet and peek into a rotting log to see the marvels of decomposition.  From worms to millipedes, they'll discover animals with no legs and those with hundreds! Using discussion, investigation, puppet show, song, and live and preserved animals, your students will learn of amazing biodiversity as they join a naturalist in an invertebrate safari. $6 per child for 60 minutes.
SOLs addressed: Science K.1, K.6, K.8, K.9, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.7, 1.8, 2.4, 2.6, 2.5, 2.7, 3.4-7, 3.10, 4.5.

Plant and animal species cope with the challenge of seasonal changes in varying ways. Discover why leaves change color and why animals such as squirrels and cardinals are busy while others migrate (hawks), hibernate (chipmunks) or go into torpor (raccoons). Learn the effects of changing seasons through live animal presentations, a puppet show, discussions, exhibit viewing and, weather permitting, a trail walk. Trail discussions include the changes in sunlight, shadows, seasons, deciduous versus coniferous trees, and looking for evidence of changes in animal behavior, such as squirrel dreys. Naturalists stress safety when encountering animals and plants in the woods as well as in students' own backyards. $6 per child for 60 minutes.
SOLs addressed: K.1, K.6, K.8, K.9,K.10, 1.4, 1.5, 1.7, 1.8, 2.4, 2.5, 2.7, 2.7, 2.8, 3.1, 3.4, 3.5, and 3.10.

Spring is a season for growing. Learn about nature's changes as plants and animals emerge from winter's slumber. Many birds are migrating back to our woods to start families. Spring babies abound. Learn the effects of the changing seasons through live animal presentations, a puppet show, discussions, exhibit viewing and, weather permitting, a trail walk. Trail discussions include the changes in sunlight, shadows, seasons, deciduous versus coniferous trees and looking for evidence of changes in animal behavior, such as birds' nesting, squirrel dreys and amphibian larva in the pond.  Naturalists will stress safety when encountering animals and plants in the woods as well as in students' own backyards. $6 per child for 60 minutes.
SOLs addressed for K-3: K.1, K.6, K.8, K.9,K.10 1.4, 1.5, 1.7, 1.8, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6,  2.7, 2.8, 3.1, 3.4, 3.5, and 3.10.,

Discover the fascinating adaptations of several local reptiles and amphibians in the park's woodland habitat. Through live animals and specimens, children get an up close look at common, but rarely seen, creatures. Explore animals' life processes and niches in the environment to separate fact from fiction. For example, most animals do not provide parental care, but the common red back salamander defies that amphibian rule and others. The program includes an indoor presentation with a tour of the live animal exhibits. Weather and time permitting, an outdoor trail walk will be included. $6 per child for 60 minutes. SOLs addressed include Science K.1, K.4, K.6, K.8, K.9, 1.4, 1.5, 1.7, 1.8, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6,, 2.7, 3.4-6, 4.5

How do you know that wildlife, from squirrels to insects to reptiles, lives in your backyard, in parks and in streams if you rarely see animals? They leave evidence. Many animals stay out of sight through camouflaged coloration or by the time of day they are active.  This place-based learning opportunity connects students to the natural community they share with urban wildlife. Students discover the wild ways of furry, feathered and scaled neighbors through a puppet show, song and nature hike where they look for evidence of animals, weather permitting.  During the trail walk, students learn of the life needs of native animals with a focus on squirrels, turtles, butterflies, cardinals and other birds, according to the season. Naturalists extend the learning with live and preserved native animals. $6 per child for 60 minutes. SOLs addressed include Science. K.1,K.4, K.6, K.8, K.9, 1.4, 1.5, 1.7, 1.8, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.10, 4.5, 4.8.

Squirrels are adept in their use of every level of the forest. Focusing on the squirrels' physical and behavioral adaptations and defenses, children learn how such a small creature can crack through nuts, communicate with their tail and are the natural foresters of the woodland. Children become 'small scientists' as they compare and contrast native grey squirrels with native flying squirrels. Naturalists lead discovery through a puppet show, demonstrations and song. On the trail walk, students look for dreys and other evidence of the life of grey and flying squirrels from babies through adult. $6 per child for 60 minutes. SOLs addressed include K.1,K.6, K.7,K.9 1.1,1.5,1.7,1.8,2.1,2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 3.4, 3.5, 4.5

Who needs it?  How does it change? Where does it flow? Which items float or sink in water? When is water a problem? Why do we care? Water is critical for life. Water makes headlines across the country, from shortages in California to floods in Texas to runoff issues in the Chesapeake Bay. Depending on the grade level, this program highlights the water focus of the interrelationship of Earth and Space SOL from evaporation in kindergarten, to runoff in first grade, to water cycle in second grade, etc.  With prior arrangement, science experiments on surface tension may be included. $6 per child for 60 minutes. (K.5, K.6, K.7, K.11, 1.3 1.8, 2.6, 2.7, 3.6, 3.9, 3.10)

School Field Trip Menu Grades 1-4

Study the life of a young Eastern Woodland Indian in the time of the first settlement of Jamestown. Compare a child's life of today with a child's experience then, and discuss how the Jamestown settlement changed the Powhatan's life forever. Through playing games, making clay pots and enjoying oral myths, naturalists lead an exploration of the indigenous culture. Walk the trails, weather permitting, with an eye to Native Americans' uses of plants and animals and their knowledge of safety in the woods. Program includes an indoor presentation, trail walk and craft. $7 per child for 60 minutes, $9 per child for 90 minutes. 
SOLs addressed for K-4: Science K.1, K.6, K.8- K.10, 1.51.8 HSS. K.1, K.2, K.6, 1.1, 1.2, 1.6, 2.2, 2.3, 3.3, 3.12.

The park's most popular spring program! Each of us grows and changes every day, but complete metamorphosis is common for few creatures other than insects and certain amphibians. From bees to butterflies, the growth from egg to adult fills us with a child-like sense of wonder. The growth from seed to plant is an amazing transformation. Children will plant a seed to nurture at home or school, meet a toad (and tadpoles in season), and thrill to releasing their own ladybugs into the wildflower garden or woodland during programs April-June. $8 per child for 90 minutes.
SOLs addressed include Science K.1, K.6, K. 8-10, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.7,1.8, 2.4, 2.5, 2.8, 3.4, 3.5, 3.7, 3.10. 4.5.

Students enjoy an entertaining look at the life of insects with a special focus on ants and, in season, butterflies. Compare-and-contrast includes insect orders, habitats, feeding styles and social versus solitary living. Through the use of live insects, specimens and catch-and-release, students explore the diversity of insects in urban woodland and the importance of insects to other animals as well as plants. Note: We will include butterflies, monarchs when available, in 2nd grade programs and ladybugs, in season, for 3rd grade programs. We will discuss their life cycle, adaptations and habitat needs. Live insects will be used when available. The trail walk is an insect safari. $6 per child for 60 minutes, $8 per child for 90 minutes. 
SOLs addressed include Science K.1, K.6, K.8, K.9, 1.5, 1.7, 1.8, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6,  2.7, 3.4, 3.5, 3.10.

Get into the woods and discover how local wildlife gets a meal or avoids being a meal through adaptations in this interactive field trip. Animals compete for food, shelter, territory, and mates with members of their own and other species. Naturalists lead stations featuring adaptations of deer, reptiles, squirrels and owls with specimens and activities. Learn whether the featured animal is a carnivore, herbivore or omnivore. The program usually is conducted along the trail, but in inclement weather it is held inside the classroom. $8 per child for 90 minutes.
SOLs addressed include Science. K.1, K.2, K.4, K.6, K.8, K.9, 1.5, 1.7, 1.8, 2.4, 2.6, 2.5, 2.7, 3.4, 3.5,  3.10, 4.5, 4.8.

SOLs - VS.2a-c, VS.4e, VS.6b&c, USI.2d, Math 4.12a,b 

Children often ask, "Where are all the animals?" when they walk along the Old Oak Trail. Most forest life is at or under your feet. Explore the floor and underground habitat of an urban woodland. Search for insects, slugs and other creatures that depend on this habitat for their food, shelter and water. During the classroom portion of the program, students enjoy a puppet show that provides insights into a worm's life and the animals that share that world day and night. Students meet vertebrate wildlife (reptiles and amphibians) of Fairfax County that depend on worms as part of their diet. They peek into a rotting log to see the marvels of decomposition.  From worms to millipedes, students discover animals with no legs to those with hundreds! Using discussion, investigation, puppet show, song and live and preserved animals, students learn about amazing biodiversity as they join a naturalist in an invertebrate safari. $6 per child for 60 minutes, $8 per child for 90 minutes.
SOLs addressed: Science K.1, K.6, K.8, K.9, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.7, 1.8, 2.4, 2.6, 2.5, 2.7, 3.4-7, 3.10, 4.5.

Plant and animal species cope with the challenge of seasonal changes in varying ways. Discover why leaves change color and why some animals are busy (squirrels and cardinals) while others migrate (hawks), hibernate (chipmunks) or go into torpor (raccoons). Learn the effects of the changing seasons through live animal presentations, a puppet show, discussions, exhibit viewing and, weather permitting, a trail walk. Trail discussions include the changes in sunlight, shadows, seasons, deciduous versus coniferous trees, and a search for evidence of changes in animal behavior, such as squirrel dreys. Naturalists stress safety when encountering animals and plants in the woods as well as in students' own backyards. $6 per child for 60 minutes, $8 per child for 90 minutes.
SOLs addressed: K.1, K.6, K.8, K.9,K.10, 1.4, 1.5, 1.7, 1.8, 2.4, 2.5, 2.7, 2.7, 2.8, 3.1, 3.4, 3.5, and 3.10.

Spring is a season for growing. Learn about nature's changes as plants and animals emerge from winter's slumber. Many birds are migrating back to local woods to start families. Spring babies abound. Learn the effects of the changing seasons through live animal presentations, a puppet show, discussions, exhibits and, weather permitting, a trail walk. Trail discussions include the changes in sunlight, shadows, seasons, deciduous versus coniferous trees, and evidence of changes in animal behavior, such as birds' nesting, squirrel dreys and amphibian larva in the pond.  Naturalists stress safety when encountering animals and plants in the woods as well as in students' own backyards. $6 per child for 60 minutes, $8 per child for 90 minutes.
SOLs addressed for K-3: K.1, K.6, K.8, K.9,K.10 1.4, 1.5, 1.7, 1.8, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6,  2.7, 2.8, 3.1, 3.4, 3.5, and 3.10.,

Discover the fascinating adaptations of several local reptiles and amphibians in woodland habitat. Through live animals and specimens, naturalists enable the children to get a close look at these common, but rarely seen, creatures. Students explore these animals' life processes and niches in the environment to separate fact from fiction. For example, most animals do not provide parental care, but the common red back salamander defies that amphibian rule and others. The program includes an indoor presentation with a tour of the live animal exhibits. Note: The second-grade program focuses on habitats. The third- and fourth-grade programs focus on the interdependence of animals, the food web, and the differences among carnivore, omnivore and herbivore and adaptations.  Weather and time permitting, an outdoor trail walk will be included. $6 per child for 60 minutes, $8 per child for 90 minutes. SOLs addressed include Science K.1, K.4, K.6, K.8, K.9, 1.4, 1.5, 1.7, 1.8, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6,, 2.7, 3.4-6, 4.5

How do you know that wildlife, from squirrels to insects to reptiles, lives in backyards, parks and streams when you rarely see them?  They leave evidence.   Many animals stay out of sight through camouflaged coloration or by the time of day they are active.  This place-based learning opportunity connects students to the natural community they share with urban wildlife. Students discover the wild ways of furry, feathered and scaled neighbors through a puppet show, song and nature hike to look for evidence of animals, weather permitting.  During the trail walk, students learn of the life needs of native animals with a focus on squirrels, turtles, butterflies, cardinals and other birds, according to the season. Naturalists extend the learning with live and preserved native animals. $6 per child for 60 minutes, $8 per child for 90 minutes. SOLs addressed include Science. K.1,K.4, K.6, K.8, K.9, 1.4, 1.5, 1.7, 1.8, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.10, 4.5, 4.8.

Squirrels are adept in their use of every level of the forest. Focusing on the squirrels' physical and behavioral adaptations and defenses, children learn how such a small creature can crack through nuts, communicate with their tails, and are the natural foresters of the woodland. Children become 'small scientists' as they compare and contrast native grey squirrels with native flying squirrels. Naturalists lead discovery through presentation of a puppet show, demonstrations and song. On the trail walk, students look for dreys and other evidence of grey and flying squirrels from babies through adult. $6 per child for 60 minutes, $8 per child for 90 minutes. SOLs addressed include K.1,K.6, K.7,K.9 1.1,1.5,1.7,1.8,2.1,2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 3.4, 3.5, 4.5.

Who needs it?  How does it change? Where does it flow? Which items float or sink in water? When is water a problem? Why do we care? Water is critical for life. Water makes headlines across the country, from shortages in California to floods in Texas, to runoff issues in the Chesapeake Bay. Depending on the grade level, this program highlights the water focus of the interrelationship of Earth and Space SOL, from evaporation in kindergarten, to runoff in first grade, to water cycle in second grade, etc.  With prior arrangement, science experiments on surface tension may be included. $6 per child for 60 minutes, $8 per child for 90 minutes. SOLs addressed include K.5, K.6, K.7, K.11, 1.3 1.8, 2.6, 2.7, 3.6, 3.9, 3.10.

Eastern Woodland Indians of the 1600s depended on local, natural resources for their survival. Students learn how the animal, plant, mineral and water resources impacted the indigenous people and how, in turn, they impacted their ecosystem. Through observation and inferences, students learn how a healthy watershed was critical then and compare that to our use of, and impact on, our watershed today. Program includes a guided trail walk. $8 per child for 90 minutes. SOLS addressed : VS.2, Sci. 4.9

We All Live Downstream: Through interactive activities and trail walks that highlight both concepts and vocabulary, unfold the mysteries of what is a watershed, how the way we live in Virginia affects the Chesapeake Bay and beyond, and why students and their families should care. Students learn how to determine their watershed address and meet live native reptiles and amphibians that depend on a healthy watershed to survive. Naturalists strive to make the program relevant and include a walk to astream to observe the effects of erosion and weathering. $8 per child for 90 minutes. SOL/Program: 4.1 (a), 4.8 (a)

OUTREACH: Naturalist-led Programs at Your Location

In-County:
$175 per class of 30 students
$6 per student over 30 students
$275 for two programs scheduled back-to-back in one location for both sessions.
 
Out-of-County:
$200 per class of 30 students
$6 per student over 30 students
$375 for two programs scheduled back-to-back in one location for both sessions.
 
Programs are tailored for each age group.
Those ideal for preschoolers noted by an asterisk (*).

OUTREACH PROGRAMS

Reptiles and Amphibian
Live indigenous reptiles and amphibians, including a snake, turtle and toad are brought into the classroom to help separate fact from fiction. Compare similarities and contrast differences to mammals and how to stay safe around these often-misunderstood creatures.
SOLs addressed include Science K.1, K.4, K.6, K.8, K.9, 1.4, 1.5, 1.7, 1.8, 2.4, 2.7, 3.4-6.

Owls: Flying Tigers of the Night *
Flying tigers of the night, owls still surprise us with their silent flight and keen senses. See owl specimens, owl pellets whole and dissected, and enjoy a demonstration of the secret of virtually silent flight. Using skulls, bones and feathers, we explore the amazing adaptations of owls.
SOLs addressed include K.1, K.7, 1.1, 1.5, 1.7, 1.8, 2.1, 2.4, 2.7, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6.

Eastern Woodland Indians of the Early 1600s : A Child's Life* 
Similar to our on-site program, children will compare their role and those of their family members in their community then and now. Students view artifacts of tools and replicas of clothing, jewelry, and foodstuffs. The program includes traditional American Indian games and oral storytelling.
SOLs addressed for K-4: Science K.1, K.6, K.8-K.10, 1.8 HSS. K.1, K.2, K.3, K.6, 1.1, 1.2, 1.1, 2.2, 2.3, 3.2, 3.3, 3.13, 4.1

Senses: That Makes Sense! *
Through interactive games, we'll explore our senses and compare them to those of wildlife.  Prepare to be surprised at how your nose stacks up compared to that of a fox, and an owl's keen eyesight comes with some trade-offs. We'll explore our senses with popping corn and animal sound bingo. Meet live animals and learn about the senses they rely on to get a meal or to keep from being another animal's meal!
SOLs addressed include Science K.1, K.2.

Squirrels: Clever Critters or Neighborhood Nuisance? *
Squirrels are adept in their use of every level of the forest. Focusing on squirrels' adaptations, children learn how such a small creature can crack through nuts, communicate with a tail, and be the natural forester of the woodland. Naturalists lead discovery through presenting a puppet show with a free-standing puppet stage, demonstrations and song.
SOLs addressed include K.1,K.7, 1.1,1.5,,1.7,1.8,2.1,2.4, 2.7,3.4, 3.5,3.6.

Insects: Beetles, Butterflies and Beyond *
Focusing on the insects of the area, children explore live and preserved insects and other invertebrates. Discover what makes an insect an insect through song, story and activity.
SOLs addressed include Science K.1, K.6, K.8, K.9, 1.5, 1.7, 1.8, 2.4, 2.5, 2.7, 3.4, 3.5, 3.8, 3.10.

Getting Ready for Winter: Plants and Animals *
Coping with the challenge of seasonal changes is handled in varying ways by different plant and animal species. Discover why leaves change color and why some animals are busy while others migrate, hibernate or go into torpor. Learn the effects of the changing seasons with live animals and a puppet show.
SOLs addressed for K-3: K.1, K.6, K.8, K.9, 1.4, 1.5, 1.7, 1.8, 2.5, 2.7, 2.8, 3.1, 3.4, 3.5, 3.8, and 3.10.

Spring Changes: Plants and Animals *
Learn about nature's changes as plants and animals emerge from winter's slumber. Many birds are migrating back to our woods to start families. Spring babies abound. Learn the effects of the changing seasons through live animals and a puppet show.
SOLs addressed for K-3: K.1, K.6, K.8, K.9, 1.4, 1.5, 1.7, 1.8, 2.5, 2.7, 2.8, 3.1, 3.4, 3.5, 3.8, and 3.10.

Adaptations: Physical and Behavioral Survival Strategies
Animals compete for food, shelter, territory, mates and more with members of their own and other species. Focusing on owls, deer, squirrels and reptiles, children explore different animal adaptations and discover some of their own. Learn whether the featured animal is a carnivore, herbivore or omnivore.
SOLs addressed include Science. K.1, K.2, K.4, K.6, K.8, K.9, 1.5, 1.7, 1.8, 2.4, 2.5, 2.7, 3.4, 3.5, 3.8, 3.10, 4.5, 4.8.

Metamorphosing Marvels: Choose either Monarch Butterflies, Ladybugs or Amphibians *
We investigate metamorphosis from tadpole to frog, or larvae to adult for monarch butterflies, or ladybugs, featuring live insects and tadpoles, depending on availability. We'll explore these creatures' life cycles, habitats and roles in the environment. Naturalists lead children in discovering the wonders of both incomplete and complete metamorphosis. All programs feature live native animals.
SOLs addressed include Science K.1, K.6, K.8, K.9, 1.5, 1.7, 1.8, 2.4, 2.5, 2.7, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.8, 3.10, 4.5.

We All Live Downstream
Unfold the mysteries of a watershed, how the way we live in Virginia affects the Chesapeake Bay and beyond, and why students and their families should care. Activities include hands-on demonstrations with a watershed model and a student activity titled "Who Polluted the Potomac?" Students learn to determine their watershed address and meet live native reptiles and amphibians that depend upon a healthy watershed to survive.
Science SOL/Program: 4.1 (a), 4.8 (a).

For information on 7th grade Meaningful Watershed Education Experiences (MWEEs) at Hidden Oaks, contact kristina.watts@fairfaxcounty.gov

Field Trip Tips

Please keep the following in mind to help make your trip a success.

  • Payment is due on the day of your visit with cash, check payable to "Fairfax County Park Authority," or with Visa or MasterCard.
  • Dress for the weather. All field trips include a hike outside unless the weather is inclement.
  • Hidden Oaks Nature Center within Annandale Community Park is managed as a preserve to maintain a diverse stream valley/Eastern woodland habitat. Please remind students, chaperones and staff to respect plants, animals and parkland, and not to remove anything, living or otherwise, from the park.
  • Stay on marked trails.
  • We emphasize safety around wildlife and nature. We identify poison ivy as well as potentially hazardous animals, including Northern Virginia's only venomous snake, the northern copperhead, which is on display. Naturalists lead visitors in exploring ways to be good neighbors to wildlife by making informed decisions in wild places or when seeing wild creatures.
  • Please make your students and chaperones aware that live animals, typically reptiles and amphibians, will be used in programs and are displayed in the exhibit.
  • Please be on time. Late arrival may mean programs are shortened or canceled because of other park programming and operational needs.

Lunch Facilities

Enjoy lunch before or after the program. Hidden Oaks Nature Center has picnic areas available near the playground that is located within Annandale Community Park. In the case of rain, there may be space available at our picnic shelter. Unless reserved, the shelter is first come, first served. To reserve the picnic shelter, go to Reservable Picnic Shelter or call 703-324-8732.

The fee for four tables under the shelter is $60.

Click to view in Google Maps

Hidden Oaks Nature Center Location

7701 Royce Street
Annandale, VA, 22003
Link to Google Maps

The main parking lot is in Annandale Community Park at the Packard Center, 4022 Hummer Rd. Upon entering the park from Hummer Road, take the right fork of the driveway and park in the back of the lot adjacent to the Packard Center. Look for the arch into the woods and follow the Storybook Trail to Hidden Oaks. This walk is on an ADA- certified paved trail and is about 75 yards. Follow the adventures of woodland creatures as you weave through the woodland. The path leading in front of the Packard Center has steps with railings. Alternatively, you can bear left at the fork of the driveway into the park to the parking lot next to the shelter, playground and ball fields. Follow the marked paths behind the ball field or from the playground behind the shelter. Path is paved.

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