While summer travel is just around the corner, take an early trip to a local park for some pre-summer fun. Whether you want to learn about the night sky, take a historic house tour, or dance in the park, these are the local parks-and-recreation events you should join this week.
Night Sky Tour Webinar
Wednesday, 7:30 p.m.
Ever gaze into space and wonder what’s out there? Well, now’s your chance to take a tour of NoVA’s night sky. This virtual program gives you an up-close look at the planets, constellations, nebulas, and galaxies. After the class, you’ll be able to look up at the sky from your own backyard and point out all of the interesting objects in the sky. // $8
Line Dance in the Park
Friday, 10-11 a.m.
Pull on your boots for an outdoor dance session. No experience is needed, just line up, watch, and start boot-scootin’ along as the instructor leads a group dance. // Virginia Highlands Park: 1600 S. Hayes St., Arlington; 55-plus membership required
Guided Battlefield Tour of Mt. Defiance
Saturday & Sunday, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Transport yourself back to the Battle of Middleburg with an exclusive tour. The Civil War battlefield tour will include different site features, strategic military aspects of the battle, and engaging human-interest stories. // Mt. Defiance Historic Park: 35945 John Mosby Hwy., Middleburg; free
National Kids to Parks Day
Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Pack the kids in the car and get them to the park. Mason Neck will be hosting a variety of events geared towards children, including, geocaching, seine net fishing, animal tracking and more. // Mason Neck State Park: 7301 High Point Rd., Lorton; free
Kids Fishing Clinic
Sunday, 9-11 a.m.
Fishing season is upon us, so it’s the perfect time to teach your kids the ropes. The all ages clinic will teach anglers how to tie a knot, bait a hook, and cast your rod. Fingers crossed your little ones reel in a big one on their first day. // Widewater State Park: 101 Widewater State Park Rd., Stafford; free
Mount Bleak House Tours
Sunday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
If you’re curious about how people lived before the Civil War, you need to join this house tour. Walk through the historic 19th-century home to learn about its owners, how it shaped the park, and stories through the years as you view each room. // Sky Meadows State Park: 11012 Edmonds Ln., Delaplane; free
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