Covering Annandale, Bailey's Crossroads, Lincolnia, and Seven Corners in Fairfax County, Virginia

Registration opens for summer camps at Hidden Oaks Nature Center

Kids learn about nature at Hidden Oaks. [Photos: Hidden Oaks Nature Center]

Despite the winter weather, it’s time to start thinking about summer camp.

Registration for summer camps at Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Annandale opens Jan. 23 at 9 a.m. These sessions fill up quickly, so it’s best not to wait.

To register for all camps, visit Parktakes online and search for the camp title or call 703-222-4664 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The cost hasn’t been posted yet. Waitlists won’t be available until April 2.

Here’s the camp schedule for Hidden Oaks:

Animals: Zoology Fun for Kids, ages 5-8 – Explore the woods, creeks, and ponds and learn about frogs, toads, birds, mammals, snakes, turtles, fish, and insects through hikes, projects, and games.

  • June 3-7, 1:30-4:30 p.m.

Animals: Zoology Fun for Kids, ages 4-6

  • Aug. 19-23, 1:30-4:30 p.m.

Backyard Science Camp, ages 5-8 – Investigate the properties of water and air, make bubbling concoctions, and learn about electricity and the science of bubbles.

  • June 3-7. 9 a.m.-noon.
  • Aug. 5-9, 9 a.m. noon.

Backyard Science Camp, ages 8-12 – Learn about bacteria and DNA, as well as the properties of water and air, electricity, and the science of bubbles.

  • Aug. 8-9, 1:30-4:30 p.m.

Dinosaur Days Camp, ages 4-6 – Learn about the latest discoveries in paleontology; Create crafts, play games, and unearth fossils.

  • June 10-14, 9 a.m.-noon
  • Aug. 26-30, 9 a.m-noon.
  • Aug. 26-30, 1:30-4:30 p.m.

Dinosaur Days Camp, ages 5-9

  • June 24-28, 1:30-4:30 p.m.
  • July 22-26, 9 a.m.-noon
  • July 22-25, 1:30-4:30 p.m.

STEAM Camp, ages 8-12 – Explore a different topic each day in science, technology, engineering, art, and math with hands-on fun.

  • June 17-21, 9 a.m.-noon

Hidden Treasure Pirate Camp, ages 5-9 – Search for natural treasures in the park, make treasure chests, look for messages in bottles, blast balloon cannon balls; watch a puppet show; meet live animals and learn about their habitats. 

  • July 8-12, 1:30-4:30 p.m.
  • Aug. 12-16, 9 a.m.-noon

Insect Safari, ages 5-9 – Collect, examine, and identify little creatures using magnifiers and microscopes; learn about their important jobs as pollinators and decomposers.

  • Aug. 12-16, 1:30-4:30 p.m.

Makers Camp, ages 8-12 – Each day, campers will be given a question or challenge for inspiration and will design, experiment, build, and test their original creations using materials found in nature or recycled household items.

  • June 24-28. 9 a.m.-noon

Native American Survival Skills Camp, ages 5-9 – Discover what daily life was like for the Eastern Woodland American Indians. Learn about animal tracking, shelter building, and survival skills.

  • July 8-12, 9 a.m.-noon
  • July 29-Aug. 2, 1:30-4:30 p.m.

Reptile Rangers Camp, ages 4-8 – Learn about snakes, turtles, frogs, and other cold-blooded animals through hikes, crafts, games, and animal encounters. 

  • June 10-14, 1:30-4:30 p.m.

Wild About Art, ages 7-10 – Explore the wild side of plants and animals through art projects, games, nature hikes, and fun critter encounters.

  • July 29-Aug. 2, 9 a.m.-noon

Wildlife Rangers, ages 5-9 – Learn outdoor survival skills such as using maps, making fires, and building a shelter.

  • July 15-19, 9 a.m.-noon

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