11 minute read
Outdoor Recreation
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 • 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.
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!
• 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.
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.
Riverbend 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).
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 age 12 to 16 must be accompanied by a registered adult.
4BCA 1--1 hour 30 minute program--$12
FEE G 1--1 hour lesson--$8
FEE H 1--3 hour program--$19 Location Day Time Code Begin $
BurkeLakePk Su 8am A4F.JDDH 3/12 4BCA BurkeLakePk Sa 9am A4F.7EKY 4/15 4BCA CubRunREC Sa 9am A4F.AGNT 3/4 FEE G CubRunREC Sa 9am A4F.8IZD 3/18 FEE G CubRunREC Sa 9am A4F.YE03 4/1 FEE G CubRunREC Sa 9am A4F.UYE6 4/15 FEE G HuntMdws Su 8am A4F.5XCS 3/12 FEE H HuntMdws Su 8am A4F.4QYU 5/14 FEE H LkFairfaxPk Su 9:30am A4F.EFF8 4/16 4BCA
Basics of Birding
(10-Adult) Watching birds is a great way to connect with the natural world around us. Tour the park on foot developing your birding skills with the help of a printed guide and learn about other birding resources in the classroom. Binoculars recommended; a few pairs will be available for use. Children ages 10-16 must be accompanied by registered adult. The class will meet at the Roll-Top Observatory at Turner Farm Park.
4BN 1--2 hour lesson--$16 Location Day Time Code Begin $
TurnerFarmPk Sa 8:30am FTN.BUAK 5/13 4BN
Birding at Huntley
(12-Adult) Over 200 species of birds have been identified in the forests, meadows, and wetland habitats of Huntley Meadows Park. Each season brings new feathered residents, for brief or extended stays. Grab your binoculars and join a park naturalist on your next birding adventure! All skill levels welcome.
FEE H 1--3 hour program--$19 Location Day Time Code Begin $
HuntMdws W 8am S5Y.3HFP 5/3 FEE H
Birding by Kayak-Single
(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.
3BE 1--2 hour lesson--$43 Location Day Time Code Begin $
LkAccontkPk Su 8am 218.27AW 4/23 3BE LkAccontkPk Su 8am 218.8U32 5/7 3BE LkAccontkPk Su 8am 218.ET7R 5/14 3BE LkAccontkPk Su 8am 218.S2LE 5/21 3BE
Boating 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.
3BE 1--2 hour lesson--$43 4NV3 1--2 hour program--$58 Location Day Time Code Begin $
LkFairfaxPk Su 2pm 16A.7794 3/12 3BE LkFairfaxPk Sa 2pm 16A.Z64F 4/15 3BE Huntsman Lk Su 11am 5GV.MHDB 4/23 4NV3 Lk Mercer Pk Su 2:30pm 5GV.ETFK 4/9 4NV3 Lk Mercer Pk Su 2:30pm 5GV.HUT7 4/9 4NV3 Lk Mercer Pk Su 11am 5GV.CIPO 5/21 4NV3 RoyalLakePk Su 11am 5GV.QSI5 3/26 4NV3 RoyalLakePk Su 1:30pm 5GV.4AY0 5/7 4NV3
Kayaking Basics
(12-Adults) 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.
4NK 2--1 hour 25 minute lessons--$31 Location Day Time Code Begin $
LkAccontkPk Sa 9am MVW.JUE1 4/8 4NK LkAccontkPk Sa 9am MVW.ROL7 4/29 4NK LkAccontkPk Sa 9am MVW.0OKC 5/13 4NK
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.
4NK 2--1 hour 25 minute lessons--$31 Location Day Time Code Begin $
LkAccontkPk Sa 11am X7T.LM54 4/8 4NK LkAccontkPk Sa 11am X7T.WO16 4/29 4NK LkAccontkPk Sa 11am X7T.TQ33 5/13 4NK
Nature Kayaking
(12-Adult) Paddle with a naturalist to learn about the flora and fauna at the lake. 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
3BE 1--2 hour lesson--$43 Location Day Time Code Begin $
BurkeLakePk Su 10am YCJ.GCC8 4/30 3BE BurkeLakePk Su 10am YCJ.R98P 5/7 3BE LkFairfaxPk Sa 2pm YCJ.Y792 3/25 3BE LkFairfaxPk Su 2pm YCJ.EFL1 5/21 3BE
Sunrise 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
3BE 1--2 hour lesson--$43 Location Day Time Code Begin $
BurkeLakePk Su 6am TVH.C6BS 5/21 3BE
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 moonlight. Single kayaks and all equipment provided.
3BE 1--2 hour lesson--$43
DBAA 1--2 hour program--$32 Location Day Time Code Begin $
BurkeLakePk F 6:30pm CA1.2RT9 5/5 3BE BurkeLakePk F 6:30pm CA1.SCQ5 5/12 3BE LkAccontkPk Th 7pm CA1.3TWW 4/13 3BE LkAccontkPk Th 7pm CA1.US72 4/27 3BE LkAccontkPk Th 7pm CA1.1E8W 5/11 3BE LkAccontkPk Th 7:30pm CA1.7H2T 5/25 3BE Lk Mercer Pk Su 5pm 6L4.DTHQ 4/9 DBAA RoyalLakePk Su 4pm 6L4.3ABF 5/7 DBAA
Camping Programs Introduction to Camping
(Adults) Camping is a wonderful way to get outdoors and explore nature. This class will inform you of safe practices in the wild, what gear to bring for short and long trips, and how to make sure that you are prepared for anything when you go camping.
4B5 1--2 hour lesson--$12 each Location Day Time Code Begin $
BurkeLakePk Su 11am 514.LUU3 3/5 4B5
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.
DNAA1--family reservation--$102 Location Day Time Code Begin $
BurkeLakePk Sa/Su 2pm 9C3.4R3Q 4/15 DNAA BurkeLakePk Sa/Su 2pm 9C3.HRCV 5/13 DNAA
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.
4BCA 1--1 hour 30 minute program--$12 4BK 1--1 hour 25 minute lesson--$23 Location Day Time Code Begin $
LkAccontkPk Su 12:30pm BC9.RQYM 4/23 4BCA LkAccontkPk Su 12:30pm BC9.VI52 5/7 4BCA LkAccontkPk Su 12:30pm BC9.KIDI 5/14 4BCA LkAccontkPk Su 12:30pm BC9.KNBQ 5/21 4BCA LkFairfaxPk Sa 10am BC9.41NK 3/11 4BCA LkFairfaxPk Su 2pm BC9.BLJ0 4/9 4BCA LkFairfaxPk Su 2pm BC9.LQCP 5/28 4BCA Huntsman Lk Su 9am LVF.VQMI 4/23 4BK Lk Mercer Pk Su 9am LVF.0EV2 5/21 4BK RoyalLakePk Su 9am LVF.CCT6 3/26 4BK
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.
4BCA 1--1 hour 30 minute program--$12 Location Day Time Code Begin $
BurkeLakePk F 6:30pm 2E6.B20Y 3/24 4BCA BurkeLakePk F 6:30pm 2E6.FNPI 4/28 4BCA BurkeLakePk F 6:30pm 2E6.TLJL 5/19 4BCA
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Kayak Fishing
(12-Adult) Instructors from Fish and Explore will cover fishing and kayaking basics, including use of spinning gear, tackle selection, kayak strokes and water safety. Kayaks and fishing gear will be provided. Participants 16 and older must have a valid Virginia fishing license.
4NV1 1--4 hour lesson--$118 Location Day Time Code Begin $
Huntsman Lk Su 1:30pm 60C.56YH 4/23 4NV1 Huntsman Lk Su 1:30pm 60C.RSOD 4/23 4NV1 Lk Mercer Pk Su 10am 60C.SKLT 4/9 4NV1 Lk Mercer Pk Su 1:30pm 60C.E2HU 5/21 4NV1 RoyalLakePk Su 1:30pm 60C.RRAI 3/26 4NV1 RoyalLakePk Su 9am 60C.29QT 5/7 4NV1
Hiking Programs Get Ready to Hike
(8-Adult) Get ready for your hiking trips this year. Join an instructor for a hike around Lake Fairfax, stopping at picturesque areas for selfies or memorable photos and practicing basic exercises you can do at home to get ready for those steep climbs and long treks across mountain ridges. You will leave empowered with additional information for how to prepare for your upcoming hikes. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.
4B2 1--1 hour 30 minute program--$11 Location Day Time Code Begin $
LkFairfaxPk Sa 11am VM6.8R8T 3/4 4B2 LkFairfaxPk Su 10:30am VM6.SAA2 4/2 4B2
Night Sky Hike
(4-Adult) Take a walk along the park trails under the moonlight and gaze up at the stars. Discuss cosmic events that will be visible this season, as well as how to view them. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.
4BCB 1--1 hour 30 minute program--$10 Location Day Time Code Begin $
BurkeLakePk Sa 6:30pm I4Z.1X9Z 3/4 4BCB BurkeLakePk F 7pm I4Z.ARXG 3/17 4BCB
Other Programs Games After Dark
(5-Adult) Playing games outside is a blast but it’s double the fun when the sun goes down! Bring the whole family to celebrate national backyard games week as we run around with flashlights, test our memories, compete in a scavenger hunt, decrypt a secret code, and challenge our 5 senses. Prizes will be won and the evening will conclude with a campfire and smores!
RDCP 1--2 hour program each--$15 Location Day Time Code Begin $
Riverbend Pk F 7pm 8F2.ZMTN 5/19 RDCP
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.
4NJ 1--2 hour lesson--$23 Location Day Time Code Begin $
BurkeLakePk Sa 11am K98.50BZ 3/18 4NJ
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 at class.
4NJ 1--2 hour lesson--$23 Location Day Time Code Begin $
LkFairfaxPk Sa 1pm 197.H5Q3 5/20 4NJ
Intro to Mountain Biking
(6-12 yrs.) Learn mountain-biking fundamentals, improve your fitness level and learn to safely navigate your way to fun. Bike care is also covered. Helmets required. Bring your own mountain bike and water and dress for the weather.
4SK 4--1 hour 15 minute lessons--$74 Location Day Time Code Begin $
LkAccontkPk Sa 9:30am 86A.5NXC 4/8 4SK
Kite Fun Day
(2-10 yrs.) Celebrate National Kite Month by making your own kite and watching it soar. Each registered participant receives a kite making kit and decorations.
4B4 1--1 hour program--$10 Location Day Time Code Begin $
LkFairfaxPk Sa 1pm ICH.NTMT 4/1 4B4 LkFairfaxPk Sa 3pm ICH.QHMA 4/1 4B4 LkFairfaxPk Sa 11am ICH.KR3I 4/1 4B4