Nature center to close temporarily

The Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Annandale will be closed Feb. 14-June 10, but outdoor programming will continue, the Fairfax County Park Authority reports.

The nature center, at 7701 Royce St., is undergoing a $1.6 million renovation and expansion.

The project, funded with a 2016 park bond, includes an additional classroom, kitchen area, and interpretive space. All restrooms will be renovated to meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards.

In the spring, a new pond will be installed in time for the wood frogs and toads to mate and lay eggs.

During construction, all outdoor public amenities in Annandale Community Park, including the trails, Wing Wall exhibit, woodland carved tree, and butterfly-themed playground, will remain open dawn to dusk.

However, the public restrooms will not be available Feb. 14-April 4. The restrooms at the picnic shelter will reopen April 4.

Due to the ongoing construction, upcoming programs at Hidden Oaks are not included in the printed version of Parktakes.

The one-session programs scheduled for this spring are listed on the Annandale Today calendar.

Park patrons can register for the spring programs through the online version of Parktakes by searching the title. You can also call the Parktakes registration staff at 703-222-4664 or Hidden Oaks at 703-941-1065.

Hidden Oaks also hosts Little Acorns most Mondays, 10-10:45 a.m., for children age 2-5 with an adult. Activities include finger plays, stories, and outdoor exploration. Each session is $8.

The Bug Walks & Critter Talks series will be held April 13-May 18, 10-10:45 a.m., for ages 3-5 with an adult. It’s $40 per child for five sessions. There is no class on April 20.

The Dino Fun series for ages 4-6 with an adult is April 7-28, 4-4:45 p.m. It’s $44 per child for four sessions.