Flashlight Storytime
Thursday, Feb. 13, 10:30-11 a.m.
Bring a flashlight and read stories in the dark with friends at Glencarlyn Park. This event is best for children ages 2 and up and will help children learn new words, as well as discover their love of nature. // Long Branch Nature Center at Glencarlyn Park: 625 S. Carlin Springs Road, Arlington; free
Courtship in the Animal World Campfire
Friday, Feb. 14, 6 p.m.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day in the wild, and learn what it takes to attract a mate in the animal world. You’ll explore the unique techniques that turtles, frogs, insects, birds and fish use to find their special someones. Plus, enjoy a short hike and campfire with marshmallows. // Ellanor C. Lawrence Park: 5040 Walney Road, Chantilly; $7
Owl Love Feeding
Saturday, Feb. 15, 1-2 p.m.
Head to Potomac Overlook Regional Park to celebrate Valentine’s Day weekend with birds of prey. A park specialist will discuss the mating habits of the birds during their breeding season. Plus, you’ll get the chance to take a photo with the park’s resident barred owl. // Potomac Overlook Regional Park: 2845 Marcey Road, Arlington; $10
Wilderness Survival Skills 1010
Saturday, Feb. 15, 2 p.m.
Learn how to build a fire, read a compass and pitch a tent at this program that’ll give you confidence for your next wilderness adventure. // Huntley Meadows Park: 3701 Lockheed Blvd., Alexandria; $9
Klondike Campfire Cookout
Saturday, Feb. 15, 3 p.m.
Cook a meal using Colonial and indigenous cooking techniques around the campfire. Bring a flashlight and warm clothes; food and drinks are provided. // Riverbend Park: 8700 Potomac Hills St., Great Falls; $15
Ooey Gooey Campfire
Saturday, Feb. 15, 6-7 p.m.
Love s’mores and campfires? Head to Glencarlyn Park to taste cookies, marshmallows and toppings for your most decadent s’mores yet. // Long Branch Nature Center at Glencarlyn Park: 625 S. Carlin Springs Road, Arlington; $5
Winter Bird Hike to the Potomac
Saturday, Feb. 22, 9-10:30 a.m.
Explore Northern Virginia trails and forests as you search for winter birds. This hike will take you to the Potomac River to find waterfowl, as well, and covers about a 1-mile round-trip hike over irregular terrain with creek crossings. // Gulf Branch Nature Center & Park: 3608 N. Military Road, Arlington; free
Defending Chain Bridge Hike
Saturday, Feb. 22, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Come explore the remnants of Fort Marcy and Fort Ethan Allen, built by the Union to defend the Chain Bridge during the Civil War. Lear stories about the forts and their defenders as you take a 3-mile hike over occasionally rocky and steep terrain. // Fort Ethan Allen Park: 3829 N. Stafford St., Arlington; free
PokémonNature Connections
Saturday, Feb. 22, 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
Are you into Pokémon Go? Want to get into the game for the first time? Potomac Overlook Regional Park’s February community day will be all about the popular game. Download the app, head to the park and meet some real animals and plants that inspired Pokémon characters. // Potomac Overlook Regional Park: 2845 Marcey Road, Arlington; free
Family Woodcock Walk
Saturday, Feb. 22, 4:30 p.m.
Enjoy a nighttime walk through the woods to one of Huntley Meadows Park’s large meadows, where you’ll listen for the call of the male woodcock and hopefully spot him in flight. // Huntley Meadows Park: 3701 Lockheed Blvd., Alexandria; $8
Night Hike and Campfire: Native Americans
Saturday, Feb. 22, 6:30-8 p.m.
A park naturalist will take participants on a hike after the sun goes down. Learn about the native tribes that called Potomac Overlook Regional Park home centuries ago, as well as how they survived the four seasons. Program concludes with a campfire and s’mores. // Potomac Overlook Regional Park: 2845 Marcey Road, Arlington; $10
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