NOTICE: Huntley Meadows Park is no longer taking requests for field trip groups until further notice.
Alert:
Book your outdoor field trip with Huntley Meadows Park this school year. Open to schools, teachers, homeschool groups, and parent groups. Our 1.5-hour naturalist- and historian-guided programs cover Virginia Standards of Learning in a beautiful, outdoor park setting.
Pricing information is under the Programs Led by a Naturalist or Historian section below. Please sign up by clicking on the blue REQUEST A RESERVATION button below. A fillable form will open. Please note any questions and special considerations. Huntley Meadows Park also offers outreach programs. Topic and scheduling information is below. If you have any questions or need help booking your field trip or outreach event, please call us at (703) 768-2525.
Huntley Meadows is a 1,554-acre park of meadow, woodland and wetland. The Fairfax County Park Authority park is managed as a wildlife sanctuary for enjoyment, education, and discovery. You may not always see wildlife, but look for their signs along trails and the boardwalk.
Title I schools may qualify for the Norma Hoffman Financial Assistance Program. Click here to learn more.
Download Printable tips for trail etiquette and a successful trip.
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.1 a, d, K.4, K.6, K.7
May cover SOLs: Science K.5, K.7, K.9
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.1 a, d, K.4, K.6, K.7
May cover SOLs: Science K.7, 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.1 a, K.4 a, b, K.5, K.6, K.7, K.10 b, c
May cover SOLs: Science K.1 d, K.8, K.9 b, 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.1 a, d, K.4, K.6, K.7, K.9 c
Learn the differences and similarities between fish and tadpole physical structure, life cycles, 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.1 a, d, K.6, K.7 a, c, K.9 b, K.10 c, d
May cover SOLs: Science K. 3, K.4, K.5, K.8, K.9 a, c. K.10 a, b
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.1 a, K.4 a, K.5, K.6, K.7 a, c, K.10
May cover SOLs: Science K.4 b-d, K.9 c
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-d, 1.5, 1.7, 2.4 a, 2.5, 2.7 a, 3.1 a, d, 3.4 b, 3.5, 3.8 b, 4.1 a, d, 4.3, 4.8 b, 5.1 a, d, 6.1 a, d, 6.9 a-d
May cover SOLs: Science 3.4 a, 3.8 a, 4.4 c, 4.8 a, d, 6.6 d, e, 6.8
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 1.1 a-d, 1.5, 1.7 a, 2.4 a, 2.5 a, b, 3.1 a, d, 3.4 b, 3.5, 4.1 a, d, 4.3, 4.8 b, 5.1 a, d, 6.1 a, d, 6.9 a-d
May cover SOLs: Science 2.5 c, 2.7 a, 3.8 b, 3.10, 4.4 c, 4.8 a, d
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, 2.4 a, 2.5 a, b, 3.1 a, d, 3.4 b, 3.5 c, 3.8 b, 4.1 a, d, 4.3, 4.8 b, 5.1 a, d, 6.1 a, d, 6.9 a-d
May cover SOLs: Science 1.1 d, 4.4 c, 4.8 a, d
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 1.1 a-c, 1.5, 2.1 a-d, 2.4 a, 3.1 a, b, 3.4 b, 4.1 a, d, 4.3, 4.8 b, 5.1 a, d, 6.1 a, d, 6.9 a-d
May cover SOLs: Science 2.5 a-c, 4.4 c, 4.8 a, d
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 1.1 a-d, 1.8, 2.4 b, 2.5 a, b 2.8, 3.1 a, d, 3.4 b, 3.5, 3.6, 4.1 a, d, 4.8 a, b, d, 5.1 a, d, 6.1 a, d, 6.3 a, 6.4 a, 6.6 b, d, 6.8, 6.9 a-d
May cover SOLs: Science 2.4 a, 2.5 c, 2.7, 3.8, 4.2 b, 4.3, 4.4 c, 5.2 b, 5.8 d, 6.3 b-e, 6.6 e, f
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 the differences and similarities between fish and tadpole physical structure, life cycles, and habitats. Students explore how tadpoles and fish interact with the other animals in the wetlands they live in through games and hands-on experiences.
Will cover SOLs: Science K.1 a, d, K.5, K.6, K.7 a, c, K.9 b, K.10 c, d
May cover SOLs: Science K. 3, K.4, K.8, K.9 a, c. K.10 a, b
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 1-5
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
Fairfax County:
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.
Due to known issues with GPS units, please use the street address if you are following GPS to the park.
Huntley Meadows has three entrances. The main entrance is at 3701 Lockheed Blvd, Alexandria VA 22306. There is a parking lot, and during Visitor Center open hours there is access to restrooms, an exhibit area, and staff naturalists. There is a small parking area at 6901 South Kings Highway, Alexandria, Va., that leads to a paved, one-mile woodland hike-bike trail. Historic Huntley is at 6918 Harrison Lane, Alexandria Va.