5 minute read

Outdoor Recreation

Next Article
Ice Skating

Ice Skating

Burke Lake Park

7315 Ox Road

Fairfax Station , Va. 22039

703-323-6600 www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/burkelake

Burke Lake’s expansive park offers a wide range of activities for all ages.

• Boating

• Fishing (Va. fishing license required)

• Camping

• Trails

• Mini golf

• Volleyball

• Miniature train

Lake Fairfax Park

1400 Lake Fairfax Drive Reston, Va. 20190 703-471-5415 www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/lakefairfax

Home of the Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole, Lake Fairfax is for outdoor lovers of all ages!

• Carousel

• Ice cream parlor

• Picnic areas with grills

• Playgrounds

• Disc golf course

Sailboats, gasoline motors, kayaks (unless used for fishing) and swimming are prohibited. Park grounds and restrooms are open daily, closed only on Dec. 25. Rowboat rentals available. For hours and fees, visit the website or call the park.

• Boating

• Fishing (Va. fishing license required)

• Camping

• Trails

• Picnic areas with grills

• Athletic fields

• Skate park

• Pump track

• Carousel

• Boat rentals

• Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole

Pavilion shelters and picnic areas with grills may be reserved by calling 703-324-8732. Sailboats, gasoline motors, electric-powered boats and swimming in the lake are prohibited. For hours and fees, visit the website or call the park.

Birding Programs

Birding for Beginners

(12-Adult) Learn about the park’s birds and some basic identification skills. This program for beginners starts with a bird identification discussion. Children ages 12 to 16 must be accompanied by a registered adult.

1--1 hour 30 minute program

Birding by Kayak-Single

Riverbend Park

Lake Accotink Park

7500 Accotink Park Road Springfield, Va. 22150

703-569-0285 www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/accotink

Nestled in Springfield, Lake Accotink is a hidden gem bursting with fun for the whole family!

• Boating

• Fishing (Va. fishing license required)

• Trails

• Picnic areas with grills

• Bike rentals

• Kayak and pedal boat rentals

• Playground

• Mini Golf

• Carousel

Pavilion shelters and picnic areas with grills may be reserved by calling 703-324-8732. Sailboats, gasoline motors, swimming, paddleboarding and windsurfing are prohibited. Park grounds are open year-round. For facility hours and fees, visit the website or call the park.

8700 Potomac Hills Street Great Falls, Va. 22066 703-759-9018 www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/riverbend/

A park steeped in Native American history, Riverbend Park is a tranquil setting on the Potomac River that offers outdoor recreation and wildlife.

• Boating

• Fishing (Va. or Md. fishing license required)

• Trails

• Forest

• Meadows

• Kayak and canoe rentals

• Boat launch

• Riverside picnic areas with grills

• River view observation deck

• Visitor center

Fishing bait and tackle, rod rentals and snacks are available at the visitor center. Grounds open from 7 a.m. to dusk. A boat launch is provided for kayaks, canoes and jon boats ($5 per boat or $40 for annual launch pass).

(13-Adult) Enjoy a naturalist-led birding trip by kayak. Park Authority lakes are home to more than 100 species of birds and holds many unique habitats. See how these small vessels can provide a closer look into the world of birds. Travel in a one-person kayak.

1--2 hour lesson

Camping Programs

Family Campout

(5-Adult) Burke Lake Park is the perfect setting for a family campout and we’re making it even better. Join us for planned events such as a campground orientation, guided nature programs and hike, DIY campfire and s’more supplies, and fishing. All the programs above and one campsite with one bundle of wood is included with each registration. Program starts at 2 p.m. on Saturday and ends at 11 a.m. on Sunday. One registration per family.

1--family reservation

All programs and activities will follow current health safety protocols.

Campfire Skills

(5-Adult) Learn all about building a campfire. Practice starting a fire without matches, and stay for a demonstration.

1--1 hour program

Fishing Programs

Fishing for Parent and Child

(5-Adult) In this introductory course parents and children will learn how to fish together. The class begins with the basics including how to rig and use a fishing rod, safety, environmental awareness and fishing. Rod and bait will be provided. Each person must register. Participants 16 and older must have valid Virginia fishing license.

1--1 hour 30 minute program

Family Fishing

(5-Adult) Come out and enjoy some guided fishing with a park naturalist at Burke Lake Park. Program meeting location will be emailed to registered participates a day before the program date. Equipment and bait provided.

1--1 hour 30 minute program

Family Fishing at Sunset

(4-Adult) Fish like to come up to eat when the water cools after a hot day. Join us for a beginning fishing lesson that might end up as a Fish Dinner! Fishing License required.

1--1 hour 30 minute program

Kayaking Programs

Intro to Kayaking

(12-Adult) This introductory-level class is perfect for beginners or for those who want to learn how to paddle more efficiently. Learn about different kayaks, paddles, personal flotation devices and safety gear. On the water learn to move the boat in every direction using forward and reverse strokes, a turning stroke, a slice stroke and stopping maneuvers.

1--2 hour lesson

Location Day Time Code Date $ LkFairfaxPk Sa 2pm 16A.998Q 9/2 $43 LkFairfaxPk Su 2pm 16A.FYOS 10/1 $43

Fall Foliage Kayak Expedition

(13-Adult) Enjoy a new perspective of fall colors at Lake Accotink this season aboard one of our kayaks. Our expedition takes us to the northern part of the lake to see glorious natural tunnels of orange, yellow and red leaves. Previous kayak experience is necessary. Don’t miss this Falltastic program!

1--2 hour lesson Location Day Time Code Date $

All programs and activities will follow current health safety protocols.

Kayaking Basics

(12-Adult) Learn the fundamentals of kayaking in a relaxed and comfortable setting. Discover proper strokes and paddling techniques. Understand the basics of water safety and how to plan a pleasant paddling experience. All kayaks, paddles and necessary safety equipment is included.

2--1 hour, 30 minute lessons

Kayaking Skills

(12-Adult) This course is designed to complement the Kayaking Basics Class and for students that have some experience and wish to practice skills in open water conditions. All kayaks, paddles and necessary safety equipment is included.

2--1 hour, 30 minute lessons

Nature Kayaking

(12-Adult) Paddle with a naturalist to learn about the flora and fauna that call the lake it’s home. Find out what’s growing along the lake’s edge, who likes to wade in the water, and what might be swimming underneath you right now. Single kayaks and all equipment provided

1--2 hour lesson

Sunrise by Kayak

(12-Adult) Watch the sunrise on the lake as the wildlife wakes up and welcomes the new day. Listen to the birds tweeting, the insects chirping, and the frogs calling as you paddle around the lake. Single kayaks and all equipment provided

1--2 hour lesson

Twilight by Kayak

(12-Adult) Watch the sunset on the lake as the wildlife settles in for the night, then return to the dock by the light of the moon. Single kayaks and all equipment provided.

1--2 hour lesson

BurkeLakePk F 6:30pm CA1.3TXF 9/29 $43

BurkeLakePk F 6:30pm CA1.40BS 10/20 $43

Twilight by Kayak -

Draconids Meteor Shower

(12-Adult) You can see so many stars from the lake! Catch a glimpse of the Draconids Meteor Shower as it begins at dusk. A Naturalist will guide you as you paddle across the lake.

1--2 hour lesson

Other Programs

Geocaching Workshop

(8-Adult) Students learn to use hand-held Global Positioning System (GPS) units to locate hidden treasure caches within the park. After learning how to enter latitude and longitude coordinates into a GPS, students follow the coordinates to find a hidden object, container or unique geological feature. Bring your own GPS; a limited number are available to borrow from instructor at class.

1--2

Geocaching Adventures

(8-Adult) Join us for a tour of caches throughout Fairfax County. Hunt for hidden treasures throughout our park system using a GPS. Join one class or sign up for them all! Equipment provided. 1--2

$

This article is from: