Children’s Programs & Events

GET YOUR KIDS OUTDOORS AND INVOLVED

Children have a natural curiosity about their world, especially the plants and animals that share the planet with us. As adults, we need to seek ways to encourage that curiosity and allow our children to discover through exploration and learning experiences. There are a variety of opportunities events and projects right here in Prince William County. We invite you and your family to learn about the things we can all do to make a difference in the health and welfare of our planet.

Programs and Events for Children

Nature Themed Preschools

The Department of Parks and Recreation offer a preschool program focused on nature and exploration. Learn more at http://www.pwcparks.org/gro/

Earth Day Celebration

Come celebrate the true spirit of Earth Day by participating in efforts to protect and preserve our natural resources. A variety of opportunities enable families to lend a hand and learn more about things they can do to help our global home.

Each year, we work with youth, families and partners on projects to help our local natural environment. We sponsor a variety of events that we hope will suit your schedule and family needs. To learn more about the events or to confirm your participation, please contact Public Works at 703-792-6820. Check this site frequently for events planned for Spring 2012!

But remember treat Every Day as Earth Day and change daily habits to safeguard the planet! For more information contact Public Works at 703-792-6820.

Arbor Day

Prince William County celebrates Arbor Month in April with special events. Our signature events include tree plantings around the community that help improve air quality and protect local streams. You can learn more about the tree planting events by Public Works at 703-792-6820 or the Prince William Soil & Water Conservation District at 571-379-7514.

We encourage all families to plant trees around the home or at community locations to help our environment and provide homes for animals. For more on the history of Arbor Day and J. Sterling Morton a pioneer and journalist that started the tree planting effort in Nebraska visit history.pdf.

Prince William Recycles Day

Prince William County celebrates America Recycles Day in October with a special event at the Prince William County Landfill on Dumfries Road. The event includes informational displays, games, prizes, crafts, landfill tours and free food. To learn more about the event, call the Department of Public Works, Solid Waste Division at 703-792-4670 or visit our recycling pages.

National Public Lands Day

Prince William Forest Park offers citizens the opportunity to jump in and lend a hand in tending to our treasured public lands. Families are invited to maintain trails, clean up streams, spruce up camp areas and cabins, plant trees, and a variety of other tasks to keep our parks true natural gems! The event occurs at the end of September. For more details contact Prince William Forest Park at 703-221-7181.

Learn about Pollinators

Bees in Schools offer creative programs to introduce children to the world of pollinators and the important role they play in nature. Programs are available in the community and materials are available for educators. Learn more at Bees in Schools.

Events at the Bull Run Mountains Conservancy (BRMC)

Bull Run Mountains Conservancy offers families a variety of opportunities to explore and experience a beautiful natural preserve right here in Prince William County. BRMC offer hikes with naturalists and camps that include herpetology pre-school nature and summer nature. Be sure to join us on the Halloween Safari in October! For more information contact BRMC at 703-753-2631.

Activities with the Prince William Conservation Alliance: Early Explorers - Nature Discovery Classes for Children

This six-week session introduces children aged four to six to the natural world beyond their backyard. Classes will create and encourage a connection to the outdoor world by examining a fun and unique topic each week including trees animal homes birds the forest floor and seasonal changes.

Early Explorers meets on Tuesday mornings at Merrimac Farm Wildlife Management Area in Nokesville. Two different class times are offered: 9 to 10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Each class meets for 90 minutes.

Registration is required. For more information contact the Prince William Conservation Alliance at 703-499-4954 [email protected] http://www.pwconserve.org.