Though local parks always offer scenic views and opportunities for you to soak in your natural surroundings, these eight upcoming events give you an added incentive to pay them a visit.
Accotink Creek Wagon Ride and Critter Catching
Sept. 30, 6-7 p.m.
Kids aged 3 and up will get to take a naturalist-led wagon ride to Lake Accotink Park on Sept. 30 from 6-7 p.m. Once there, they will be able to snatch, identify and release whatever critters they may encounter. It is advised that attendees wear shoes that they don’t mind getting a little wet. // 7500 Accotink Park Road, Springfield
Rarely Seen 19th-Century Items Exhibit at the Sully Historic Site
Now through Nov. 19
A top hat worn to Abraham Lincoln’s inauguration, Phebe Haight’s black lace shawl and a handmade shirt that Amy Haight made for her husband, Jacob, are among a number of Haight and Barlow family belongings on display at the Sully Historic Site. The Haights and the Barlows lived at Sully and Little Sully from 1842-1876. House tours cost $7 for adults, $6 for students and $5 for children and seniors. // 3650 Historic Sully Way, Chantilly
Bird Identification Walk at Potomac Overlook Regional Park
Sept. 30, 8-9:30 a.m.
Anyone aged 8 and up can be led on a walking bird identification tour by a Potomac Overlook naturalist. Those wishing to learn basic bird identification skills can participate in this free event which departs from the Potomac Overlook Regional Park’s Nature Center. // 2845 N. Marcey Road, Arlington
Pohick Bay Golf Club Championship Tournament
Sept. 30, 8 a.m.
The Pohick Bay Golf Club’s Championship Tournament will kick off Sept. 30 at 8 a.m. and continue throughout the day. The event, which costs $55 per player, will include a Championship Flight, Second Flight, Senior Flight and Women’s Flight. There is also an opportunity to prepare for the championship competition at a $30 practice round on Friday, Sept. 29. // 10301 Gunston Road, Lorton
Whiskey Tasting at the Carlyle Mansion House
Sept. 30, 7-9 p.m.
For $100, whiskey-tasting attendees at the Carlyle House can receive four whiskey samplings under local historian Rich Gillespie’s guidance, hors d’oeuvres and an evening tour of the Carlyle House. Guests must be over 21. // 121 N. Fairfax St., Alexandria
Civil War Union Encampment Reenactment at Mount Zion Historic Park
Oct. 7, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Oct. 8, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Civil War Union camp life comes alive with Company D, 1st Minnesota re-enactors dressed in uniform and giving musket demonstrations outside the church-turned-field hospital at Mount Zion Historic Park. Re-enactors will also talk about how wounds were treated at said hospital when the Union Army occupied the area in June 1863. There is no admission cost, but donations will be accepted. // 40309 John Mosby Highway, Aldie
Paddle along the Potomac from Algonkian Regional Park
Oct. 7, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
For $30, guests will get a rental kayak, equipment and a guided tour of parts of the Potomac River. The event is for people ages 8 and up, but those aged 8-15 must be accompanied by an adult. It is advised to bring a hat, sunscreen and an extra shirt in case it gets cold. // Meet in the Boat Launch parking area near Shelter 3 at Algonkian Regional Park: 47001 Fairway Drive, Sterling
Barn Dance at Aldie Mill Historic Park
Oct. 7, 6-9 p.m.
Dance along to Appalachian and bluegrass music from Jake and the Burtones of Roundhill. There will be a cash bar (though you get a complimentary drink ticket) and food catered by Great Blue Heron Catering. The event is $35 for Friends of Ball’s Bluff members and $45 for nonmembers. Proceeds benefit the Friends of Ball’s Bluff Battlefield. // Aldie Mill Historic Park: 39401 John Mosby Highway
