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Explore, learn, and connect with nature right here in Arlington!
Join us for family-friendly programs ranging from $0–$12 - the perfect way to get outside, meet new people, and discover something new.
Tiny Tots & Pre-K
Join our naturalists for hands-on adventures designed just for little ones.
Long Branch Nature Center
- Tiny Tot: Spiders - Fri., Sep. 11, 10-10:45 a.m. $8 (612910-B)
- Tiny Tot: Spiders - Sat., Sep. 12, 10-10:45 a.m. $8 (612910-C)
- Pre-K: Solar System - Fri., Sep. 11, 11-12 p.m. $8 (612910-M)
- Pre-K: Solar System - Sat., Sep. 12, 11-12 p.m. $8 (612910-N)
- Pre-K: Solar System - Thur., Sep. 24, 1-2 p.m. $8 (612910-O)
Gulf Branch Nature Center
- Tiny Tot: Bats - Thur., Sep. 10, 10-10:45 a.m. $8 (612810-B)
- Tiny Tot: Bats - Sat., Sep. 26, 10-10:45 a.m. $8 (612810-C)
- Pre-K: Extinct Species - Thur., Sep 10, 11-12 p.m. $8 (612810-L)
- Pre-K: Extinct Species - Fri., Sep 25, 1-2 p.m. $8 (612810-M)
- Pre-K: Extinct Species - Sat., Sep 26, 11-12 p.m. $8 (612810-N)
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Family Programs
Long Branch
Nature Scavenger Hunt
We'll walk on the trails to complete our nature scavenger hunt list. Together we'll search for acorns, rocks, leaves, bugs, other animals and more! We will meet in Glen Carlyn park to embark on the scavenger hunt. Canceled if raining.
Saturday, September 12, 2-3 p.m. $8 (612950-D)
Saturday, September 19, 2-3 p.m. $8 (612950-E)
The Textures of Nature
Nature is full of different textures: smooth, rough, bumpy, grainy, slippery. We'll make clay prints using natural materials, make art while exploring tree bark, and go on a nature walk to see what textures we can find.
Saturday, September 26, 5-6 p.m. $8 (612950-J)
Moth Baiting: Exploration & Campfire
Before the summer is gone and the temperatures drop, come hear stories and search out some of our forest fliers. Search for moths using food and other baits, see who is drawn to some special lights and find out about their relationship to bats. We will end our evening at the campfire to roast s'mores.
Saturday, September 19, 7-8:30 p.m. $10 (612950-H)
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Teen Programs
Reptile Care for Teens
Are you a teen interested in owning a reptile or already own one? Come and learn some helpful care tips ranging from diet and tank setups to enrichment ideas and meet some of our ambassador reptiles as well.
Friday, September 25, 5-6 p.m. Free, Ages 12-17 (612930-A)
Teen Fire Building Skills
Learn how to build a fire with little to no skill or equipment. There are tricks to how to make things burn with little effort. Finish by roasting marshmallows over your successes.
Saturday, September 19, 5-6 p.m. $8 (612930-B)
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Mark Your Calendars
Fall Native Plant Sale
Want to improve your yard for local birds and pollinators? Add some native plants to your garden! Fall is the perfect time for planting and we are offering a great selection of plants, shrubs, and trees during our Native Plant Sale. We have native plants that are accustomed to sun and shade as well as some that are deer resistant. This sale is pre-order only, so place your order before all plants have been sold! >> Order Plants Here!
Order deadline: Sat., Sept. 19, 2026
Order Pickup: Sat., Sept. 26, 2026, between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Pick up Location: Fort C.F. Smith, 2411 24th St. N Arlington, VA 22207
Fall Heritage Festival
Each fall we gather to celebrate our nation’s heritage with a family-friendly day of fun. Step back into history and try your hand at some old-time games and crafts, make a corn husk doll, churn butter, dip candles and work the cider press! All family members who attend must register.
Saturday October 10, 12-4 p.m. Free
Fort C.F. Smith, 2411 24th St. N Arlington, VA 22207
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