With September right around the corner and kids about to start a new school year, now is the perfect time to enjoy some end-of-summer activities at your local parks. From self-guided hikes to an end of summer 5K, here are seven events with social-distancing guidelines being held at local parks through the end of August.
Adventures in Homeschooling
Tuesday, Aug. 25, 10 a.m.-noon
With school starting right around the corner, get in a fun field trip at Widewater State Park. These sessions welcome students to learn about local history and figures from the past. Only 15 spots are available for each monthly session. // Widewater State Park: 101 Widewater State Park Road, Stafford; $3
Self-Guided Hikes
Wednesday, Aug. 26, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Skip your usual neighborhood walk and hit the trails. These self-guided hikes allow you to explore on your own while keeping your distance from other hikers. Self-guided pamphlets for each trail, which can be found at the Trailhead Kiosks, include facts about the path and different wildlife and plants you may see along the way. // Mason Neck State Park: 7301 High Point Road, Lorton; free
Rock the Park
Wednesday, Aug. 26, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
If your child loves crafts or geology, Rock the Park is the perfect event. This program will allow your little ones to take a hike down to the stream to learn about local rocks and minerals, then create their own fun rock design. There will be three program sessions with a 10-participant limit. // Potomac Overlook Regional Park: 2845 N. Marcey Road, Arlington; $7
Beyond Paper & Stone
Thursday, Aug. 27, 6-8 p.m.
Get an in-depth look of the Carlyle House and its collections with a special tour. The four stations within the house will feature various objects to show the maintenance and preservation that occurs behind the scenes. Tours run every half hour with COVID-19 safety procedures in place. // Carlyle House Historic Park: 121 N. Fairfax St., Alexandria; $15
Shoreline Cleanups-self guided
Friday, Aug. 28 & Monday, Aug. 31, 10 a.m.-noon
Start your morning off with some community service. Grab a trash bag and help clean up trash around the trails and shore of Leesylvania State Park. Participants are asked to bring their own gloves, trash pickers and masks. // Leesylvania State Park: 2001 Daniel K. Ludwig Drive, Woodbridge; free
S’more Fun 5k 2020
Saturday, Aug. 29, 6-8 p.m.
Lace up your shoes and get the family ready for the second annual S’more Fun 5k. After making it through the paved and gravel course, enjoy a delicious, gooey s’more. To ensure social distancing, runners will have increased space around the start line and mini tabletop fire pits will be placed at each picnic table. // Bull Run Regional Park: 7700 Bull Run Drive, Centreville; $20-$35
Birding 101
Sunday, Aug. 30, 11 a.m.-noon
Get outside and spend the day with local wildlife at Mason Neck Park. Make your way to the park’s bird feeders to get an up-close look and learn the basics of bird-watching at home. This event is limited to 10 participants at a time. // Mason Neck State Park: 7301 High Point Road, Lorton; free
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