7 activities to attend at a local park this weekend

Kick off the first weekend of summer with kayaking, garden walks, and camping trips.

By Michele Kettner • Posted June 22, 2021 at 9:02 a.m.

Courtesy Halfpoint/stock.adobe.com

It’s officially summer, and time to take your fun outside. Whether you want to get into the water or keep your kids entertained during summer break, head to your local park to try one of these activities.

Twilight in the Gardens

Thursday, 8-9 p.m.
Kick off the weekend with a trip to the garden. With it staying open late, bring along your camera to get the perfect pictures as the sun sets in NoVA. Meadowlark Botanical Gardens: 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Ct., Vienna; $3-$6

Pond Play

Saturday, 2-2:30 p.m.
Looking to add a little learning into your little one’s summer schedule? Head to the park. Tag along with the park ranger to the pond for a look at the organisms that call it home. Leesylvania State Park: 2001 Daniel K. Ludwig Dr., Woodbridge; free

Family Fun Campfire

Saturday, 7-8 p.m.
Pack up the family for a good old fashioned campfire. Bring along your favorite s’mores fixings to get in one last sweet treat before the day ends. Lake Anna State Park: 6800 Lawyers Rd., Spotsylvania; free

Moonrise Kayak Paddle

Saturday, 9:30-11:30 p.m.
Get out on the water just as the sun sets. As the moon illuminates the water, paddle around the bay to hear the calmness and catch a different perspective out on the water. Pohick Bay Regional Park: 6501 Pohick Bay Dr., Lorton; $35

Garden Tour and Ice Cream

Saturday, 10 a.m.
With summer in the air, take some time to visit the garden. Tour the colorful flowers and plants with the master gardener. After a morning in the sun, cool off with yummy ices. Green Spring Gardens: 4603 Green Spring Rd., Alexandria; $15

Great American Campout

Saturday & Sunday
Pack your bags and head into the great outdoors. Join the park rangers for a weekend full of classic camping adventures, like fishing campfires, nature hikes, and more. Sky Meadows State Park: 11012 Edmonds Ln., Delaplane; $30

Tiny Dragons

Sunday, 3-4 p.m.
The summer season is here and so are the dragonflies. Mason Neck State Park is full of them. Take a walk around the park and learn how to identify the different species that can be caught flying around the water. Mason Neck State Park: 7301 High Point Rd., Lorton; free

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Michele Kettner

Audience Engagement Editor

Michele Kettner joined Northern Virginia Magazine in 2020 after spending two semesters as an editorial intern at the magazine. The University of Maryland graduate is currently the audience engagement editor and covers everything from can’t-miss things to do and holiday events to new restaurant and store openings throughout Northern Virginia.