Summer Family-fun Programs in Reston
Get Your Myrtle at Reston Festival
Kids. Bring your parents to the Reston Association booth and pick up your “Flat Myrtle the Turtle” an official mascot of the Walker Nature Education Center. Over the summer, you can have your family take photos of you and your Flat Myrtle at as many Reston locations as possible. Make sure to visit the Nature Center where you can see a real box turtle or hike the trail to Lake Audubon and see aquatics turtles. With your parents’ permission, your parents can post your photos to Reston Association’s Facebook. (www.facebook.com/restonassociation) or e-mail them to connect@reston.org. Please note: a limited number of Flat Myrtle the Turtles are available from Noon to 6 p.m. at the RA Booth and they’re free.
August Calendar of Events at the Walker Nature Education Center
Call 703-476-9689 ext. 6540 or e-mail naturalist@reston.org for reservations and information. Advanced reservations are required for all fee-based programs. Programs may be canceled in the event of severe weather, severe weather warnings or low enrollment. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. All programs will be held at the Walker Nature Education Center, 11450 Glade Drive, unless otherwise noted.
Summer Bugs
Monday, August 2 · 10 – 11 a.m.
$5/child RA members
$8/child non-members
Ages 18 to 35 months
Summer is the time when bees buzz, butterflies flutter and grasshoppers hop. Explore the nature center gardens and meadow in search of these wonderful insects. Plant a flower and make a bumblebee craft. Reservations required by July 29.
Let’s Go Fishing
Thursday, August 5 · 10 – 11 a.m.
$5/child RA members
$8/child non-members
Location: Lake Audubon Boat Ramp – 2070 Twin Branches Drive, next to Lake Audubon Pool
Ages 3 to 5
It’s a whole different world under the water. Find out where fish live and what they like to eat. Make a fishy craft, toss a fishing line into Lake Audubon and look for other critters that call the lake their home. Reservations required by August 2.
Night Hike
Wednesday, August 11 · 8 – 9 p.m.
$4/person RA members
$6/person non-members
All ages
Test your night vision and explore the forest at night. Which animals are finding a place to sleep and which are just waking up? Listen to the sounds of the night chorus and tune your senses into a new kind of nightlife! Reservations required by August 6.
Tree-rific!
Saturday, August 21 · 11 a.m. – Noon
$5/person RA members
$8/person non-members
All ages
Trees provide shade in the summer as well as homes and food for animals. Use a key to identify some of Reston’s most common trees. Do leaf and bark rubbings and learn to identify trees from many angles. Taste some tree treats, make a tree craft and get a list of recommended Reston trees. Reservations required by August 18.
Campfire Fun
Friday, August 27 · 7 – 8:30 p.m.
$5/person RA members
$8/person non-members
Location: WNEC Campfire Ring – On Soapstone Drive, between Glade Drive and Lawyers Road
All ages
Join a naturalist around the campfire while we enjoy summer’s evening splendors as the season slips away. Songs, games, riddles and tasty s’mores treats await you around a crackling fire. Reservations required by August 24.
Dog Days of Summer
Sunday, August 29 · 2 – 3 p.m.
$4/child RA members
$6/child non-members
Ages 5 to 12
From Reston’s red foxes to our neighborhood mutts, the world of dogs is fascinating! Through artifacts and games, learn about the natural history of Northern Virginia’s wild dogs, including foxes, coyotes, and our former resident, the wolf. Reservations required by August 25.