Weekend: Kayaking, Campfires, Wagon Rides + More

The weekend is almost here — what do you have on tap? The National Weather Service is calling for beautiful weather over the weekend with highs of about 80 degrees, not bad for August. Get out and have some fun. The following information is courtesy of Fairfax County:

Sunrise Kayak Tour
Enjoy breathtaking views as the summer sun rises over the Potomac River at Riverbend Park. Paddle with a naturalist from 7 to 9 a.m. and learn about the historical and natural beauty of this island-dotted section of the Potomac. One and two-person sit-on-top kayaks are available. The cost is $59 per person. Register online. Download the Kayak Waiver and bring the completed form to the tour. For information, call 703-759-9018.

Kids Korner: Summer
Preschool children enjoy summer adventures at E.C. Lawrence Park at 10 a.m. on Saturday. The cost is $5. Register online. For information, call 703-631-0013.

Live Sharks, Rays and More
From 2 to 3 p.m. at Hidden Oaks Nature Center, meet a live shark and other fish presented by Under the Sea. The cost is $7. Register online. For information, call 703-941-1065.

Hands-on Nature
Drop off your child (ages 5 to 11) at 2 p.m. for an hour of natural adventure at E.C. Lawrence Park. The cost is $5 per child. Register online. For information, call 703-631-0013.

Miller’s Breakfast Cakes at E.C. Lawrence
Make corn pancakes and learn about Cabell’s Mill. The cost is $6 per person for this 90-minute program starting at 11 a.m. Register online. For information, call 703-631-0013.

Campfire Saturdays: Stargazing
Stroll along the shore of Lake Accotink and learn about the constellations from 7:30 to 9 p.m. The cost is $6 per person. Register online. For information, call 703-569-3464.

Park Manager Walk and Talk
Join Park Manager Kevin Munroe on a free walk at Huntley Meadows Park from 4 to 6 p.m. No reservations required. For information, call 703-768-2525.

Civil War Encampment Weekend
Federal and Confederate troops at Sully Historic Site recreate Civil War daily life. Enjoy live music and a fashion show. The house tour includes artifacts rarely on exhibit. This event runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. The cost is $9 per adult, $7 per senior and child. For information, call 703-437-1794.

Sunday, August 17

Civil War Encampment Weekend
Federal and Confederate troops at Sully Historic Site recreate Civil War daily life. Enjoy live music and a fashion show. The house tour includes artifacts rarely on exhibit. This event runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. The cost is $9 per adult, $7 per senior and child. For information, call 703-437-1794.

Wood Carving Lessons
Wood Carving Lessons Create a creature from a block of wood at Colvin Run Mill Historic Site from noon to 4 p.m. The lesson is free. There is a nominal charge for wood blanks. For information, call 703-759-2771.

Grain Grinding Demonstrations
The miller will be grinding, conditions permitting, from noon to 3 p.m. at Colvin Run Mill Historic Site. Tours cost $7/adult, $6/student, and $5/child and senior. For information, call 703-759-2771.

Ice Cream Making
Crank homemade ice cream at Colvin Run Mill Historic Site from noon to 3 p.m. Ice cream is $1.50 per cup. For information, call 703-759-2771.

Intro to River Kayaking
This 30-minute introductory level course at Riverbend Park covers river hazards, water safety and paddling basics. The $28 fee includes equipment and half-day kayak rental (same day only). Classes start at 1 p.m. Register online. For information, call 703-759-9018.

Wagon Ride: Birds, Butterflies & Blossoms
Take a wagon ride scavenger hunt through the meadow at Riverbend Park from 11 a.m. to noon. The cost is $5 per person. Register online. For information, call 703-759-9018.

Sundaes in the Park
Stroll along the paths around Hidden Oaks Nature Center and stop by the campfire area for an ice cream sundae. Sundaes are $2 each. This program is offered at 3 p.m. on 8/3 and 2 p.m. on 8/17 and 8/31. Register online. For information, call 703-941-1065.

Dress Up Your Walls
From 1 to 3 p.m. at Historic Green Spring, learn to display artwork in your home. The cost is $29 per person and includes a full English tea. To make a reservation, call 703-941-7987.

Meet and Greet Cool Dogs on a Hot Day
Fairfax County Animal Shelter volunteers and adoptable dogs will be at Colvin Run Mill Historic Site from 1 to 3 p.m. Free. For more information call 703-759-2771.

Sunset Cruise
Take a cruise on Lake Accotink from 7 to 8 p.m. and enjoy sunset views. The fee is $6. Register in advance by calling 703-569-0285.

PHOTO courtesy of Fairfax County