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Huntley Meadows Park

Fairfax County, Virginia

CONTACT INFORMATION: Visitor Center: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. weekdays. Noon – 5 p.m. weekends. (Closed Tuesdays)

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

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 lesson about beaver life cycle and adaptations. Then take a guided walk through the wetland in search of beaver activity.
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 short lesson before a guided walk through the woods and wetland in search of birds.
Science SOLs: K.1A, K.4a-c, K.6, K.7a, c, d

Learn what makes an insect an insect. Program includes a short lesson before a guided walk through the woods and wetland in search of insects.
Science SOLs: K.1a, K.4a-c, K.6, K.7a, c, d, K.9c

Program begins with a short lesson to learn about reptile and amphibian life cycles, habitats, and adaptations. Then take a guided walk through the woods and wetlands in search of snakes, turtles, and frogs.
Science SOLs: K.1a, K.2, K.4a, b, c, K6, K.7a, c, d, K.9c

Learn about trees and their life cycle and how a squirrel uses a tree for food, shelter, and safety. Program includes a short lesson and a guided walk through the woods and wetlands in search of trees, acorns, squirrels, and dreys.
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 short lesson and a guided walk through the wetlands.
Science SOLs: K.5, K.6, K.7, K.11c

Program begins with a historical story or folktale read to the children in a historic house. Next is a related craft and/or activity and a walk around the historic site. This program is  presented at Historic Huntley. 
6918 Harrison Ln., Alexandria, VA 22306
Social Studies SOLs: K.1, K.4, K.5

Elementary Programs

Grades 1-6
September to June
Program begins with a short lesson to learn about beaver life cycle, adaptations, and their importance in an environment. Then take a guided walk to the wetland in search of beaver activity.
Science SOLs covered: 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, 3.10, 4.5, 4.9a, b, 5.5 b, c, 6.7 a, d

Grades 1-5
September to June
Learn about bird adaptations, identification, behavior and migration. Program includes a short lesson and a guided walk through the woods and wetland in search of birds.
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 1-4
September, October, November, March, April, May, June
The agricultural and rural past of Fairfax County is obscured by modern subdivisions and strip malls. Students will 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
September, October, April, May, June
Learn what makes an insect an insect and why they are important to the environment. Then take a guided walk in search of insects.
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 1-4
September, October, November, March, April, May, June
The Taux (Dogue) made the Hybla Valley home, and the land that is Huntley Meadows offered a wealth of resources. While hiking through the park, students see 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
September, April, May, June
Investigate vertebrate classification and adaptations. Program includes a short lesson and a guided walk through the woods and wetland in search of vertebrates.
Science SOLs covered: 1.5b, c, 2.4a, 3.4, 3.8b, 4.5a, e, f, 4.9b, 5.5b, c

Grades 1-6
September to June
Explore the importance of wetlands to wildlife and you. Program includes a short lesson and a guided wetland walk.
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

Grades 4-6
September, October, April, May, June

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

Perched high on a hill, Historic Huntley made the ideal summer retreat for Thomson Francis Mason and his family. Students tour the main house and surrounding buildings to learn about the life of an elite Northern Virginia family. Explore the house and outbuildings to see what mid-19th century life was like.

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

Grades 4-6
September, October, April, May, June

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

Not only was Huntley a summer villa, but it also was a working farm tended by 20 enslaved black Virginians, including a young man named Thomas. Students explore the life of Thomas and his fellow slaves by touring the historic property while investigating replica artifacts, historic documents, and images.

SOLs - VS.4a, VS.4e

 

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

Birdwatching

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