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Huntley Meadows Park

Fairfax County, Virginia

CONTACT INFORMATION: Visitor Center Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on weekdays (closed Tuesdays) Noon-5 p.m. on weekends

703-768-2525
TTY 711

Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov

3701 Lockheed Blvd.
Alexandria, Virginia

Karen Sheffield,
Manager

Department Resources

Related Resources

Huntley Meadows Park Field Trips

Step by Step Instructions to Request a Field Trip Date: Read all instructions before beginning your booking process

  1. Go to: https://fairfax.usedirect.com/FairfaxFCPAWeb/ or click the “Request a Reservation”  link on any Field Trip page.
  2. Log in with a ParkTakes account, or create a new one.  You can create an account with a work or personal email.
  3. After logging in, choose your desired location. Enter the park name into the search box and select it from the drop-down menu or click the site’s icon on the interactive map. 
    • Hint: You may need to maximize your screen.
  4. Select the Green or Red “Reserve” button to see the site’s rentable options.
  5. Select the “Reserve” or “Check Availability” button associated with the School Field Trip option. A calendar with available dates will appear.
  6. Available days are represented with a green box.  Use the date selector or arrows to see future dates. When you have found your desired date, click on the green box.
    • Hint: Although there is a drop-down menu for the number of nights, the reservations are for day use. You can continue with your reservation.
    • Hint: Confused about which unit to reserve?  Visit the site’s webpage for definitions. 
  7. Click 'Reserve Unit' in the pop-up window.
  8. On the Booking Details screen, complete all applicable boxes in the “Extra Information” section.  All fields with an asterisk (*) are required.
    • Hint: If you receive an error before the Booking Details screen, you have likely chosen a reservation date that is within two weeks of the current date.  Please select a new date, or call the site directly to book a field trip that is within two weeks of the current date.
    • Hint: There is a 20-character limit in the email field. Your email address may not fit.  This information was captured when you logged in. 
    • Hint: When selecting the number of students, you will notice a drop-down menu.  Please enter the maximum number of students for your trip.  If you have more students than available in the drop-down, you may need to book an additional date. Sites limit the total number of students per day. Larger groups may be accommodated over multiple days.
  9. After completing all information, check the box indicating that you agree with the terms and conditions, then select “Book Site”.  You will then be taken to your shopping cart. 
    • Hint: To make another reservation, select “Reservations” at the top of the Shopping Cart page.
  10. When you have completed making your reservations, review your cart and select “Go to Checkout”.
  11. After you select “Go to Checkout”, a window will open verifying receipt of your request. You will also receive an email. There are no fees charged for a reservation request. Payment is due on the day of the program. Staff will be in touch to finalize your reservation.

If you are requesting a date less than two weeks in advance, please call the park for availability.

Please note that sites limit the total number of students per day. Larger groups may be accommodated over multiple days.

Download Detailed Instructions

We are happy to help you with your field trip reservation over the phone. Please call (703) 768-2525 and we can assist you.

Request a Reservation

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.
Prepare for your visit with a slideshow.

FIELD TRIPS

Preschool/Kindergarten Programs

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-c, K.7a, c, d
May cover in addition: Science K.6

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-c, K.6, K.7a, c, d

Learn about life cycles, food, shelter, and safety by observing trees and squirrels and how they are connected. Program includes a short presentation, a walk, and hands-on experiences and activities. The walk will take place in the woods around the visitor center and will not enter the wetlands. Will cover SOLs: Science K.1a, d, K.2, K.4a, b, c, K.6, K.7, K.8a, May cover in addition: Science 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, b, K.6, K.7a, c, d
May cover in addition: Science K.4c, 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

Elementary Programs

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, 3.8b, 4.5a-d, 4.9b, 5.5b, c
May cover in addition: Science 2.5c, 2.7a, 3.6d, 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

 

OUTREACH PROGRAMS

Preschool/Kindergarten Programs

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

Elementary Programs

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

Programs Led by a Naturalist or Historian

  • 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
If the ratio of chaperone to children exceeds 1:5, additional chaperones will be charged the same fee as their students.
  • 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. 

Outreach Programs

Too cold outside? Can't get a bus? Want more nature or history educational opportunities? Not a school? We also do outreach programs to libraries, community clubs, and more!
The staff at Huntley Meadows Park and Historic Huntley can come to you any time of the year. To reserve an outreach program, please call 703-768-2525. You will receive a confirmation email if we are able to schedule your visit.  
  • 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.
Other Areas:
  • $200 for the first class
  • $150 for each additional class
  • $200 per class with live animals.
Huntley Meadows and Historic Huntley can cover most SOL learning objectives. If you do not see an SOL listed, please contact the park.

Self-Guided Visits

  • 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.

Picnicking

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.

Phone
703-768-2525

Click to view in Google Maps

Click to view in Google Maps

3701 Lockheed Blvd.
Alexandria, VA,

Map of Huntley Meadows Park

Finding the Park

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. 

 

Programs / Activities

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