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Fairfax, Virginia 22035
Jai Cole
Executive Director

Department Resources

Wonder Wagon

Connecting communities to nature where they live

Join the Wonder Wagon in a free exploration of nature at a park near you! To see where we are rolling to next, check out our calendar of events on this page below. For additional information, please contact our team at FCPAWonderWagon@fairfaxcounty.gov.

wonder wagon

Wonder Wagon Summer Park Activation Schedule

Wonder Wagon Summer Park Activation Schedule

Accelerate your summer experience in Fairfax County Parks and visit the Wonder Wagon at one of its upcoming pit stops on the summer lineup schedule:

  • Friday, July 5, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
    Bruin Park-415 Van Buren St., Herndon
  • Wednesday, July 17, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
    Mt. Vernon Woods Park, 4014 Fielding St., Alexandria
  • Tuesday, August 6, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
    Centre Ridge North Park, Centreville
  • Thursday, August 8, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
    Tyler Park, 7216 Rice St., Falls Church
  • Wednesday, August 14, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
    South Lakes Drive Park, 11851 South Lakes Dr., Reston
  • Monday, August 19, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
    Clemyjontri Park, 6317 Georgetown Pike, McLean
  • Wednesday, August 21, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
    Historic Centreville Park, 5634 Mount Gilead Rd., Centreville
  • Thursday, August 29, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
    Ossian Hall, 7900 Heritage Dr., Annandale
  • Sunday, September 1, 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.
    Baileys Park, 3414 Glen Carlyn Dr., Falls Church
  • Thursday, September 5, 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.
    Loisdale Park, 7419 Loisdale Rd., Springfield

What is the Wonder Wagon?

Welcome to the Wonder Wagon, the Fairfax County Park Authority’s mobile nature center designed to promote environmental and nature-based educational programs to underserved areas of Fairfax County.  Fairfax County Park Authority is committed to raising the profile of nature exploration as an activity with all residents, with the outcome of creating more resilient communities and landscapes.

What does the Wonder Wagon Do?

What does the Wonder Wagon Do

The Wonder Wagon brings nature, stewardship and education directly to residents though engagement and guided activities. These activities include catching bugs and observing birds and exploring the world of plants and animals. Activities are designed to help people find nature even in urban environments. Additionally, activities like the watershed model will help residents understand their connection to nature by showing how simple actions affect the water they drink and the Chesapeake watershed. 

The Wonder Wagon will create memorable experiences with nature in resident communities and will lead members of the county to seek out these experiences in the future and advocate for parks and programs where they live. 

Look for our bright, friendly branded van cruising around Fairfax in the near future. The Wonder Wagon is made possible by The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia support, the National Park Service and donations from organizations and individuals to the Fairfax County Park Foundation.


The Wonder Wagon Goals

  • Offer 150 programs per year with the Wonder Wagon.
  • Serve over 3,500 community members a year.
  • Offer environmental education that leads to positive civic outcomes.
  • Supplement Virginia science Standards of Learning content.
  • Promote county-wide messaging and initiatives.

Wonder Wagon Event Request Form

Thank you for your interest in the Wonder Wagon Mobile Nature Center. Please fill out this form to request a Wonder Wagon visit at your next event or gathering. The Wonder Wagon is available for public events, outreach and public schools at this time.  Currently, we are not accepting private school applications.

The Wonder Wagon is no longer accepting applications for summer, 2024. The Wonder Wagon is accepting applications for the fall of 2024.
Request A Wonder Wagon

Where is the Wonder Wagon Now?

Where is the Wonder Wagon Now

The Wonder Wagon is coming soon to a neighborhood near you. Stay tuned and check this page for updates. 

Events that are labeled with an asterisk * are closed to the public. We hope to see you there!

Upcoming Wonder Wagon


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