Weekend: Bird-Watching, Wagon Ride, Archery + More

Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Peruse these weekend events taking place in Fairfax County parks, courtesy of Fairfax County.

Saturday

Bat Fest at Hidden Oaks Nature Center
Leslie Sturges, wildlife rehabilitator and licensed exhibitor, presents live local bats from 7 to 9 p.m. Go on an evening bat hike and enjoy games and crafts. The cost is $7 per person. Register online. For information, call 703-941-1065.

Kids Korner: Fall
Preschool children ages three to six with an adult explore nature or history at E.C. Lawrence Park from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on 9/11 and 10 to 11 a.m. on 9/13. An outdoor activity and craft are included in the $5 fee. Register online. For information, call 703-631-0013.

Native American Archery
Learn how to make a bow and arrows and then take aim and shoot at Hidden Pond Park from 10 to 11:30 a.m. The cost is $24. Register online. For information, call 703-451-9588.

Backyard Conservation
Join a Huntley Meadows Park naturalist from 3:30 to 5 p.m. to learn simple steps on how to improve your backyard’s impact on the environment. The cost is $6 per person. Register online. For information, call 703-768-2525.

Sketches in Nature at Huntley Meadows
Learn tips and techniques for adding sketches to your observations in the outdoor classroom. This 90-minute program is offered at 10 a.m. for kids age 15 and older and at 2 p.m. for kids age 9 to 13. The cost is $6 per child. Register online. For information, call 703-768-2525.

Evening Stroll
Learn the curious habits of fireflies, listen for owls, and watch bats hunt from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Huntley Meadows. You might even see resident beavers at work! The cost is $6. Register online. For information, call 703-768-2525.

Fall Garden Day at Green Spring Gardens
Local plant vendors satisfy your gardening needs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Live music, bake sale and a silent auction add to the festivities. Admission is free. For information, call 703-642-5173.

Creek Adventure Wagon Ride
Bring shoes that can get wet and an adventurous spirit to explore the Rocky Run at E.C. Lawrence Park from noon to 3 p.m. The cost is $5. Register online. For information, call 703-631-0013.

Four-Floor Tour
Celebrate Oliver Evans’ birthday weekend with a behind-the-scenes tour of his modern milling marvel. Explore all four floors of Colvin Run Mill and see how Evans’ patented system revolutionized the milling industry. This extended tour may last up to two hours. Tours begin at noon and 2 p.m. and the cost is $10. Register online. For information, call 703-759-2771.

Farm Animal Safari at Frying Pan
Calling all safari detectives! Use your powers of observation to locate clues left by animals from 11 a.m. to noon and 1 to 2 p.m. Activities include observation games and a guided tour through the park. The cost is $5 per person. Register online. For information, call 703-437-9101.

Sunday

Build Your Own Bat House
From 2 to 4 p.m. at Riverbend Park, build a bat house to hang in your yard. The cost is $15. Register online. For information, call 703-759-9018.

Four-Floor Tour
Celebrate Oliver Evans’ birthday weekend with a behind-the-scenes tour of his modern milling marvel. Explore all four floors of Colvin Run Mill and see how Evans’ patented system revolutionized the milling industry. This extended tour may last up to two hours. Tours begin at noon and 2 p.m. and the cost is $10. Register online. For information, call 703-759-2771.

Reptile & Amphibian Club
Children ages 6 to 15 explore the amazing world of turtles, snakes, lizards, frogs, and salamanders at E.C. Lawrence Park from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The cost is $5 per child. Register online. For information, call 703-631-0013.

Bird Watching Club
Kids ages 5 to 11 meet at E.C. Lawrence Park from 2 to 3 p.m. to develop awesome birding skills that will last a lifetime. The cost is $5. Register online. For information, call 703-631-0013.