Tyrol Hill Park Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
Aug. 29, 7 p.m.
Celebrate the completion of Tryol Hill Park and check out its new features—picnic shelter, playground, futsal court, restroom facility (opening soon), walking path—at this ribbon-cutting ceremony. // Tyrol Hill Park: 5101 7th Road S., Arlington
History by Campfire: Bully Bully! Teddy Roosevelt at Ben Lomond
Aug. 31, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Stories are meant to be told fireside, ideally while roasting marshmallows. Experience just that while learning about former President Theodore Roosevelt and his connection to the Ben Lomond Historic Site. // Ben Lomond Historic Site: 10321 Sudley Manor Drive, Manassas
Slithering Snakes Campfire
Aug. 31, 7-8 p.m.
For $5, gather ’round the fire once again, this time to learn about and steal a peek at a snake. Assuming the slithering guest doesn’t scare off your appetite, enjoy a s’more while you’re at it. // Gulf Branch Nature Center: 3608 N. Military Road, Arlington
Friday Night Hikes: Ranger Yoga
Aug. 31, 7-8 p.m.
Fully immerse yourself in nature’s tranquility by going on a 3-mile walk by the water, then meditating with yoga instructor Stephen Redmon. With sand beneath your feet and a sunset before you, it will be hard not to leave feeling more relaxed. // Leesylvania State Park: 2001 Daniel K. Ludwig Drive, Woodbridge
Kids Fishing Tournament
Sept. 1, 9 a.m.-11 a.m.
Think your little one has some serious fishing skills? Put them to the test during this tournament, which will have equipment for guests to borrow, though participants should bring their own gear if they have it. // Leesylvania State Park: 2001 Daniel K. Ludwig Drive, Woodbridge
Seashells Extravaganza
Sept. 1, 10 a.m.-11 a.m. and 11 a.m.-noon
Not quite ready to say goodbye to summer? Search through sand to find shark teeth and seashells, the latter of which kids will drop into the creek so that they may someday return to the water. Children ages 8-12 are invited to attend from 10 a.m.-11 a.m., then 5-8-year-olds from 11 a.m.-noon. // Gulf Branch Nature Center: 3608 N. Military Road, Arlington
Fort Ethan Allen Park Walking Tour
Sept. 1, 4-4:45 p.m.
In recognition of the Second Battle of Manassas’ 156th anniversary, learn about the role that Fort Ethan Allen played during this free informative walking tour for children ages 7 and up. // Fort Ethan Allen Park: 3829 N. Stafford St., Arlington
Northern Virginia Bird Club Walk
Sept. 5, 8:30 a.m.-11 a.m.
Whether you’re a member or not, join the Northern Virginia Bird Club as they hope to spot and successfully identify migratory birds. // Long Branch Nature Center at Glencarlyn Park: 625 S. Carlin Springs Road, Arlington
Four Mile Run Valley Park Master Plan Open House
Sept. 5, 6:30-8 p.m.
Miss the Aug. 20 online feedback deadline and want to make sure that your voice is heard? Weigh in on the Four Mile Run Valley Master Plan at an open house on Sept. 5. // Parks and Natural Resources Operations Building: 2700 S. Taylor St., Arlington
Virginia Indian Festival
Sept. 8, 10 a.m.
Meet people from eight local American Indian tribes at this festival, featuring live demonstrations, crafts, pottery, jewelry, storytelling, spear throwing and opportunities to shoot a bow and arrow or make stone tools. Those interested can also help build a dugout canoe. A six-hour pass can be ordered online for $8, or purchased at the gate for $10. // Riverbend Park: 8700 Potomac Hills St., Great Falls
Music by Moonlight Concert
Sept. 8, 7-9 p.m.
The best kind of entertainment? Free entertainment. At this event, listen to live music by the Fredericksburg Big Band, then consider donating money to help send local children to the Salvation Army’s Camp Happyland. Food vendors and baked goods will be available, and guests can bring their own chairs and blankets, though tables with snacks and sparkling apple cider can be reserved. // Hurkamp Park: 500 William St., Fredericksburg
George Washington Patriot Run
Sept. 9, 8 a.m.
Register before Sept. 2 if you want to save $10—registration costs $50 through Sept. 2, then $60 between Sept. 3-9—and run in a 5K/10K race along the George Washington Memorial Parkway. Once you reach the finish line in front of the first president’s home, take in music, have a Samuel Adams and enjoy other concessions. There will be a Kids Fun Run at 9:45 a.m., too. // George Washington’s Mount Vernon, Texas Gate: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon
Dog Daze 2018
Sept. 9, 10 a.m.
Benefiting the Fairfax County Animal Shelter and the Fairfax County Park Foundation, for a $10 donation, the dogs can swim in Reston’s Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole. Pet food donations will be accepted, and a resource fair featuring vendors and other related information will take place. Rabies shots can be given to dogs for $15. // Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole: 1400 Lake Fairfax Drive, Reston
Monarch Tag and Tea
Sept. 9, 2 p.m.
For $15 per person, sip tea and nibble on sweets from Mexico’s Michoacan area, where the Monarch butterflies you tag will set out for upon their post-tea party release. // Hidden Oaks Nature Center: 7701 Royce St., Annandale