January is right around the corner, and after such a busy holiday schedule, you might be in search of a few local activities to fill the holes in your calendar.
To get some more fresh air and stay active with the kids, check out these nine local events coming to Potomac Overlook Regional park in January. // Potomac Overlook Regional Park: 2845 Marcey Road, Arlington
New Year’s Resolution Hike
Wednesday, Jan. 1, 9-10 a.m.
If your New Year’s resolution involves exercise or simply getting more fresh air, this hike is the perfect way to get you off on the right foot. Head to the nature center at Potomac Overlook Regional Park to join park members and other local residents to expore the outdoors in honor of 2020. // free
Nature Hike: Changing Seasons
Sunday, Jan. 5, 1-2 p.m.
Native animals in Northern Virginia can be tough to identify, but not with an expert by your side. Join the crew, including a NOVA Parks naturalist, at Potomac Overlook Regional Park for a hike of examining plants, animals and the environment, especially as the coldest temperatures of winter start to arrive in the area. // $10 per person
Wednesday Wonders
Every Wednesday of the month, 10:15-11 a.m.
Your little ones need a chance to explore too! Head to this weekly workshop for kids where they can learn a new natural topic through hands-on activities, fun presentations and more. These events are designed for 2- to 5-year-olds, and hope to help even the littlest participants start to love science. // $40 for series, $12 drop-in per child
Birds in Winter
Saturday, Jan. 11, 8-9:30 a.m.
Our flying friends are up to their normal winter antics this year, and it’s time for you to catch a glimpse. Whether you’re a birding expert or a casual “look up in the sky,” kind of person, you can learn a lot about our area’s native species through this short and sweet workshop. Appropriate for ages 5 and up. // $5 per person
Tree ID Hike
Saturday, Jan. 11, 9-10 a.m.
Sure, during the holiday season we bring trees inside, decorate them with lights and ornaments, and eagerly announce, “It’s a fraser fir!” or, “This one’s a blue spruce,” but do we really know what trees are native to our area? Head to this outdoor class that will have you identifying Northern Virginia trees in no time. // $10 per person
Night Hike and Campfire – Nocturnal Animals
Saturday, Jan. 18, 6-7:30 p.m.
When the sun goes down, lace up your boots. Join a NOVA Parks naturalist for a night hike learning all about nocturnal wildlife in Northern Virginia. Attendees will learn what makes these species adapted to nightlife and, if you’re lucky, meet some of them up close. Appropriate for families with children ages 6 and up. // $10 per participant
Animal Feeding: Frogs and Toads
Saturday, Jan. 25, 1-2 p.m.
Our local amphibian friends need to be cared for too. Hop at the chance to meet Northern Virginia’s resident croakers at this short workshop and feeding of local species of frogs and toads. This event is appropriate for families with children ages 4 and up. // $5 per participant
Agents of Discovery
Sunday, Jan. 26, 2-4 p.m.
Agents of Discovery is a fun and educational mobile app that takes users across the park as they compete in virtual and physical challenges while learning about animals, native species and more. Attendees can meet at the nature center to learn how to use the app and set off to complete as many cool challenges as you can. All children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. // free
Junior Naturalist Day Camp
Friday, Jan. 31, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Make your kiddos happy campers by enrolling them in a day camp about what naturalists do in the Northern Virginia parks in the winter. All attendees will learn the daily duties and tasks of local naturalists while exploring through the nature of the park grounds. Campers must be 7 to 9 years old. // $95 per camper
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