Huntley Meadows Park Field Trips

Program begins with a short presentation about the beaver life cycle, the physical features that help them find shelter and food and to reproduce, and why beavers are important to the habitats they create. Program includes a short presentation, hands-on experiences, and a guided walk through the wetland in search of beaver activity. 

Will cover SOLs: Science K.1a, K.2, K.4a-d, K.6, K.7a, c 

May cover in addition: Science K.5, K.7d, K.9c 

Learn what a bird is and the one feature only birds have. Explore their life cycle and feeding habits during a short presentation. Enjoy hands-on experiences and a guided walk through forest and wetland habitats in search of birds. 

Will cover SOLs: Science K.1a, K.2, K.4a-d, K.6, K.7a, c 

May cover SOLs: Science K.7d, K.9 

Learn about plant and animal needs and life cycles by observing trees, plants, and bugs. Discover how they are connected. Program includes a short presentation, a walk, and hands-on experiences and activities. The guided walk will be through forest and wetland habitats.

Will cover SOLs: Science K.1a, K.2, K.4, K.6, K.7  
May cover in addition: Science K.1d, K8, K.9b, c 

Learn what makes an insect an insect, how they differ and are similar to other animals, and why they are so important to their habitats. Program includes a short presentation, hands-on experiences, and a guided walk through forest and wetland habitats in search of insects.

Will cover SOLs: Science K.1a, K.2, K.4a-c, K.6, K.7a, c, d, K.9c 

Learn the differences and similarities between fish and tadpole physical structure, life cycles, food choices, and habitats during a short presentation indoors. On a guided walk through the wetlands, explore how tadpoles and fish interact with the other animals in the wetlands. Program also includes hands-on experiences.

Will cover SOLs: Science K.1a, K.2, K.5, K.6

May cover in addition: Science K.7, K.11c

Children compare past and present, fiction and non-fiction, through stories, artifacts and a hands-on tour of the historic buildings at Huntley. The programs takes place at HISTORIC HUNTLEY, 6918 Harrison Ln., Alexandria, VA 22306. Space is available for up to 60 students.

Social Studies SOLs: K.1a, 1b, 1c, 1e, 1g, K.2a, 2b, K.3

Explore the similarities and differences between reptile and amphibian life cycles, habitats, and physical features. Program includes a short presentation, hands-on experiences, and a guided walk through the wetland in search of snakes, turtles and frogs.

Will cover SOLs: Science K.1a, K.2, K.4a, b, c, K.7a, c, d

May cover in addition: Science K6, K.9c

Grades 1-6

Program begins with a short presentation to learn beaver facts and adaptations and why beavers are important to the local natural community. Program includes a short presentation, hands-on experiences, and a guided walk through the wetlands in search of beaver evidence like tracks, dams, lodges and chewed trees.

Will cover SOLs: Science 1.1 a, b, c, 1.5, 1.7a, 2.4a, 2.5a, b, c, 2.7a, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.8b, 4.5, 4.9a, b, 5.5 b, c, 6.7 a, d

May cover in addition: Science 3.10

Grades 1-5

Learn bird facts and adaptations along with the roles that birds play in their habitats both locally and globally through a short presentation, hands-on experiences and a guided walk through forest and wetland habitats looking and listening for birds and bird evidence.

Will cover SOLs: Science 1.5, 1.7a, 2.4a, 2.5a, b, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6a-c, 4.5a-d, 4.9b, 5.5b, c

May cover in addition: Science 2.5c, 2.7a, 3.6d, 3.8b, 3.10, 4.5e-f 

Grades 1-5

Learn what makes an insect an insect, the roles that they play in the environment, and how insects differ from spiders. Program includes a short presentation, hands-on experiences, and a guided walk through forest and wetland habitats in search of insects.

Will cover SOLs: Science 1.5, 2.4a, 2.5a, b & c, 3.4, 3.5a, c, 3.8b, 4.5, 4.9b, 5.5b, c

Grades 4-6

Can you puzzle out who lived at Huntley and when? Discover who wrote a document? Or be a building detective? Students use critical thinking skills to analyze artifacts, documents and images in Huntley’s educational collection to solve fun challenges the way historical archaeologists do (without digging). Space is available for up to 60 students.

SOLs covered: VS.1a, VS.1c, VS.1d, VS.1g, VS.1j, VS.2f

Grades 1-4

The land of Huntley Meadows Park offered a wealth of natural resources that sustained the Tauxenent people and shaped their culture. Students learn to see the forest and wetland as Tauxenent Indians once did. Students grind corn, play a game and examine artifacts.

Social Studies: 2.1a, 2.1b, 2.1d, 2.3a-c; 2.7a, 2.7b, 2.7c; VS.1a, VS1.d, VS1.g, VA2.e, VS2.

Science: 2.4 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.9

Grades 1-5

Investigate why the unique adaptations of five vertebrate classes (fish, reptiles, mammals, amphibians and birds) help each group thrive in their communities. Explore the differences and similarities among each class during a short presentation, hands-on experiences, and a guided walk through forest and wetland habitats in search of each vertebrate class.

Will cover SOLs: Science 1.1a-c, 1.5a-c, 2.1d, 2.4a, 3.1a, 3.4, 3.8b, 4.5a, e, f, 4.9b, 5.5b, c

May cover in addition: Science 2.1a-c, 2.5a-c, 3.1b, j, k

Grades 1-6

Learn what makes a wetland different from other habitats, and explore why wetlands are important to local animal and plant communities, the global natural environment, and to humans. Program includes a short presentation, hands-on experiences, and a guided wetland walk through the wetlands.

Will cover SOLs: Science 1.1a, f, g, h, 1.8, 2.4b, 2.5a, b, 2.8, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.10a, b, d, 4.4d, 4.5a, b, c, f, 4.9a, b, 5.5b, c, 5.7f, g, 6.5c, f, 6.7a, b, c, d, e, f, 6.9

May cover in addition: Science 1.1b, c, 2.4a, 2.5c, 2.7, 3.8, 3.9, 3.10c, 4.5d, e

Grades 4-6

This program is presented at Historic Huntley, 6918 Harrison Ln., Alexandria, VA 22306

Young Thomas Humphreys and his family lived at Huntley. Learn about Thomas’ life and the experience of slavery through hands-on activities focusing on daily life, the influence of African culture and food ways, and a reflection on perspectives and freedom. Space is available for up to 60 students.

SOLs Covered: VS.3e, VS.4a, 4b, VS.6c

What animals come out at night? Learn what animals are active in nature while we sleep. Program includes a lesson using specimens, an activity, and a craft or game.

Science SOLs: K.1a, K.2, K.4b, c, K.6, K.7a, c, d

Program begins with an introduction to learn about beaver life cycle and adaptations. That's followed by an activity and craft or game.

Science SOLs: K.2, K.4a-c, K.5, K.6, K.7, K.9c

Learn what a bird is and why they differ from other animals. Program includes a lesson using specimens, an activity, and a craft or game.

Science SOLs: K.1A, K.4a-c, K.6, K.7a, c, d

Learn what makes an insect an insect. Program includes a lesson using specimens, an activity, and a craft or game.

Science SOLs: K.1a, K.4a-c, K.6, K.7a, c, d, K.9c

Learn about owl adaptations, identification, behaviors, and environmental importance. Program includes a lesson using specimens, an activity, and a craft or game.

Science SOLs: K.1A, K.4a, b, c, K.6, K.7a, c, d

Program begins with an introduction to learn about reptile and amphibian life cycles, habitats, and adaptations using specimens. That's followed by an activity and craft or game.

Science SOLs: K.1a, K.2, K.4a, b, c, K6, K.7a, c, d, K.9c

Learn about trees and how a squirrel's interaction is important to their life cycle. Program includes a lesson using specimens, an activity, and a craft or game.

Science SOLs: K.1a, d, K.2, K.4a, b, c, K.6, K.7, K.8a, K.9b, c

Learn what animals live in the water or call water home and what adaptations they and plants have made to allow them to live there. Program includes a lesson using specimens, an activity, and a craft or game.

Science SOLs: K.5, K.6, K.7, K.11c

Grades 1-6

Program includes a lesson, using specimens, about beaver life cycle, adaptations, and their importance in an environment, followed by an activity.

Science SOLs covered: 1.1a, b, c, 1.5, 1.7a, 2.4a, 2.5a, b, c, 2.7a, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.8b, 3.10, 4.5, 4.9a, b, 5.5b, c, 6.7a, d

Grades 1-5

Learn about bird adaptations, identification, behavior, and migration. Program includes a lesson using specimens and an activity.

Science SOLs covered:1.5, 1.7a, 2.4a, 2.5a, b, c, 2.7a, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.8b, 3.10, 4.5, 4.9b, 5.5b, c

Grades 1-5

When we go for a walk, we don't always see animals, but we can learn a lot from the clues they leave behind. Program includes a lesson using specimens and an activity.

Science SOLs covered: 1.1, 1.5, 2.1a-d, j, k, 2.4a, 2.5a, b, c, 3.1a, b, j, k, 3.4, 3.5, 3.10a, 4.1a, b, e, 4.5, 4.9b, 5.1a&I, 5.5b, c

Grades 1-4

The agricultural and rural past of Fairfax County is obscured by modern subdivisions and strip malls. By using maps, images, documents, and artifacts, students learn to peel back the present and investigate Huntley Meadows Park to discover its farming past.

SOLs covered: Social Studies: 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.7, 2.9, VS.1a-g, VS.1i, VS.3b, VS.3e, VS.3f, VS.3g, VS.4a, VS.4d, VS.6c, USI.1a-d, USI.1f, USI.1i, USI.5c, USI.8c, USII.1a-d, USII.1f, USII.1i, USII.2b, USII.2c, USII.4b, USII.8e, Science: 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.9

Grades 1-5

Learn what makes an insect an insect and why they are so important to the environment during a lesson using specimens followed by an activity.

Science SOLs covered: 1.5, 2.4a, 2.5a, b, c, 3.4, 3.5a, c, 3.8b, 4.5, 4.9b, 5.5b, c

Grades 1-5

Learn what happens outside after dark. While many creatures are getting ready to rest, the animals on the night shift are just getting started. Program includes a lesson using specimens and an activity.

Science SOLs covered: 1.5, 1.7a, b, 2.4a, 2.5a-c, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.8a & b, 3.10a, 4.5, 4.9b, 5.5b,c

Grades 1-4

Fall, Winter, and Spring

The Taux (Dogue) made the Hybla Valley home, and the land that is Huntley Meadows offered a wealth of resources. Students learn how the Dogue and other Powhatans used the land, plants, and animals to survive.

SOLs covered: VS.2d,e&f, Science: 2.4a, 2.5a, b, c, 2.6, 2.7a, Social Studies: 2.2, 2.4c & d

SOLs covered: Social Studies: 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, VS.1a-g, VS.1i, VS.2b-d, VS.2e, VS.2f, USI.1a-d, USI.1f, USI.1i, USI.3a, USI.3c, Science: 2.4 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.9

Grades 1-5

Investigate vertebrate classification and adaptations. Program includes a lesson using specimens and an activity.

Science SOLs covered: 1.5b, c, 2.4a, 3.4, 3.8b, 4.5a, e, f, 4.9b, 5.5b, c

Grades 1-6

Explore the importance of wetlands to wildlife and you. Program includes a lesson using specimens and an activity.

Science SOLs covered:1.1a, b, c, f, g, h, 1.8, 2.4, 2.5a, b, c, 2.7, 2.8, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.8, 3.9, 3.10, 4.4d, 4.5, 4.9a, b, 5.5c, 5.7f, g, 6.5c,e, f, 6.7a, b, c, d, e, f, 6.9

• Maximum daily capacity: 125 students
• Minimum: 15 students ($120/$135 In/out-of-county) per field trip
• Larger groups can schedule visits over multiple days.
• Programs run Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
• Program Length: 1 ½ hours
• Time slots: 9:30 am to Noon. Afternoon slots may be available please call for information
• Fee: $8 per Fairfax County student / $9 per out-of-county student

• Advance reservations are required. The schedule fills quickly.
• Please register at least a week in advance.

Huntley Meadows also hosts high school field trips and middle school field trips.

Don’t see what you need? Park staff may be able to create a custom program for you.

Call 703-768-2525 for details. 

• We can do outreach any time or day of the week! Please call for availability.
• Programs last 45 minutes to one hour.
• Programs can be scheduled beginning at 9:30 a.m. through after-school program hours.
• There is a maximum of 30 children per program and a maximum of 40 people including adults.

FEES

Fairfax County:

• $175 for the first class
• $100 for each additional class
• $200 per class with live animals.

• $200 for the first class
• $150 for each additional class
• $200 per class with live animals.

• Please call in advance of your trip to register your group and ensure there is space on the trails, in the Visitor Center, and in the parking lot.
• Group Admission Fee: $30 for groups of 12-60 people. For more than 60, add $1 for each additional person. A group is any organized gathering or activity. Prepayment can be made by calling the visitor center. Groups will be issued a pass. Keep the pass during the visit; staff may check for fee compliance. Facilities and areas have maximum limits, so scheduling your visit with the visitor center is advised.
• If you bring your group into the Norma Hoffman Visitor Center, let the staff know you have arrived before you bring the children indoors. If your group is large, you may need to break into smaller groups to prevent crowding in the exhibit room. Please limit groups to 30 people. We highly recommend you do not plan to spend more than 1½ to 2 hours at the park.
• The Norma Hoffman Visitor Center is closed to the public on Tuesdays, therefore there are no indoor bathroom facilities available on those days.

There are no picnic facilities in the park, however there is a rentable shelter. If you plan a snack or lunch, please bring trash bags and clean up following your meal. There is a dumpster on the service road behind the Norma Hoffman Visitor Center.