With those hot summer temps out of here, it is the perfect time to get outdoors. This week, have your outdoor adventure at a local park. From a kayaking adventure to an architecture tour, here are six events to attend this week.
Schoolyard Explorers Series – Water Part 1
Thursday, 3:30-5 p.m.
Grab your fourth and fifth graders for a special afternoon field trip. This part-one class will teach participants all about water, from the water cycle to where you can find water in the park. // Potomac Overlook Regional Park: 2845 N. Marcey Road, Arlington; $7
Astronomy: The Solar System – Exploring the Planets
Thursday, 6:30-7:15 p.m.
Enjoy the night sky in this “Field Trips for All” series. Spend the night with your child as they take their classroom lessons to real outdoor experiences. All attendees must register to control group size. // Hidden Pond Nature Center: 8511 Greeley Blvd., Springfield; $6
Mother and Son Dance
Friday, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Grab your son, nephew, grandson or brother for a special outing. Dance the night away with your special someone and make sure to visit the professional photographer, so you can get a special memento of your night out. // Dixon Park Hockey Rink: 1300 Dixon St., Fredericksburg; $6-$8
Twilight Paddling Adventures
Friday, 6:30-9 p.m.
Enjoy a beautiful view of the moon while out on the water. Take a nighttime kayak ride along the Belmont Bay and into Kane’s creek, while you take in the scenery and look for native wildlife. This event is for participants 18 and older. // Mason Neck State Park: 7301 High Point Road, Lorton; $20
Alexandria Architecture Walking Tour
Saturday, 10-11:30 a.m.
Spend your Saturday morning on a guided tour of Alexandria. Admire the architecture of the city as you see how the 18th-century town grew into the 21st-century city we know today. // Carlyle House Historic Park: 121 N. Fairfax St., Alexandria; $15
Workshop – Casting Concrete Leaves
Saturday, 10:30 a.m.-noon
Celebrate the first week of fall with a special seasonal craft. Spend the morning creating ornamental leaves with concrete for your home or garden. // Green Spring Gardens: 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria; $43 per person, plus $25 supply fee
For more parks news, subscribe to our Parks & Recreation newsletter.