Northern Virginia is home to a number of National Parks—and this April you can celebrate their beauty during National Park Week (April 20-28). The annual event is celebrated to commemorate when President Woodrow Wilson signed the act creating the National Park Service on August 25, 1916. More than 100 years later, there are hundreds of parks across the country. On Saturday, April 20, all entrance fees are waived, but that’s just the beginning. Read on and mark your calendar for these fun events at our local national parks!
Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts
Backstage Tour of the Filene Center
April 20 and 23
If you live in NoVA, you’ve likely been to Wolf Trap, but have you ever stood on the stage? This Ranger-led tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at the professional stage. You’ll get insights on what it takes to stage a show at NoVA’s most famous theater and see where the marquis performers get ready before they take the stage. // 1551 Trap Road
Junior Ranger Day
April 20
For your little ones who love the arts, head over to Wolf Trap for a Junior Ranger Day that showcases what it’s like to be a ranger at a park that’s also a performing arts venue. Look for family-friendly activities throughout the day and earn a Junior Ranger badge. // 1551 Trap Road
Manassas National Battlefield Park
Junior Ranger Day
April 28, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Bring your littlest National Park-enthusiasts to learn more about what it takes to be a park ranger. Kids who explore the park and complete the Junior Ranger booklet along the way will receive a special handout. Plus, crafts and family-friendly activities will round out the day. // 6511 Sudley Road, Manssas
Prince William Forest Park
Find Your Park Day!
April 20 and April 27, 9 a.m.
A Park Ranger will lead a 45-minute hike on this picturesque park’s forest trail. Learn about the park’s history (it played an interesting role in the Great Depression) and culture, and explore its flora and fauna. // 18170 Park Entrance Road, Triangle
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This post was originally published in our April print issue.
