FAMILY EVENTS: MAY 1 - MAY 16, 2010

Grain Grinding Demonstration
Sunday, May 2
Noon-3pm
Colvin Run Mill
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/crm/tours.htm

Come to Colvin Run Mill from noon to 3 p.m. to watch the 20-ft waterwheel power the mill's wooden gears and one-ton millstones. The fee is $6 for adults, $5 for students 16 and up, $4 for kids and seniors. Purchase ground grains at the General Store. To reserve, call 703-759-2771.

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Wetlands Awareness Day Huntley
Sunday, May 2
Noon-3pm
Huntley Meadows Park
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/huntley/

Enjoy an afternoon of wetland interpretation from noon to 3 p.m. at Huntley Meadows Park. Enjoy free wildlife presentations and a fun fair for kids. There is a small fee for some activities. For information, call 703-768-2525.

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National Train Day
Saturday, May 8
11am - 4pm
Union Station - Washington D.C.
http://www.nationaltrainday.com/

Come on down to the station and join the celebration in Washington, D.C.! Don't miss your chance to see model trains, train equipment displays and much more:
•Meet and Greet with the National Spokesperson, Taye Diggs
•Train Equipment Displays*
•Model Train Displays*
•AmtraKids Depot
•Go-Green Express: Eco Exhibit*
•National Park Service Trails & Rails Exhibit*
•Snapshot Station
•Trains Move our Economy Exhibit*
•Amtrak: Dining the Rail Way* exhibit and culinary demonstrations, featuring Chef Michel Richard
•Amtrak Brand Display - Enjoy the journey®*
•Live performances by Rocknoceros and the Ballou High School Marching Band

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Mothers Day Campfire
Saturday, May 8
7pm-8pm
Ellanor C. Lawrence Park
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/ecl/

Enjoy an evening with mom from 7 to 8 p.m. at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park’s Cabell’s Mill. A naturalist will investigate the hard work that goes into raising young. Then toast marshmallows around the campfire. The fee is $5 per person. To make a reservation, call 703-631-0013.

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Spring Farm Day
Saturday, May 8
10am - 3pm
Frying Pan Farm - Herndon, VA Park
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/fpp/events.htm

Watch sheep shearing and antique farm equipment demonstrations from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Milk cows and goats. Enjoy crafts, games and puppet shows. The fee is $5 per person. For information, call 703-437-9101.

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Mother’s Day Walk with a Naturalist
Sunday, May 9
12:30pm - 2pm
Hidden Oaks Nature Center - Annandale, VA
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/hiddenoaks

Stroll with a naturalist exploring the less traveled trails around Hidden Oaks Nature Center from 12:30 to 2 p.m. You’ll see evidence of pre-Civil War activity, clues to the land use of yesteryear and why wildlife uses this stream valley as a natural highway. Bring your binoculars. The cost is $5 per person. To reserve, call 703-451-9588.

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Guppy Gala
Friday, May 14
6pm - 8:30pm
Smithsonian National Zoo
http://nationalzoo.si.edu/ActivitiesAndEvents/Celebrations/Guppy/default.cfm

Splish, splash, we're having a bash! Dive into an ocean of fun at Guppy Gala. Bring the whole gang for a night of tasty treats, silly songs, and fun. Plus, dinner provided by Subway!

This annual family-friendly event offers our many guests exciting animal encounters, yummy food, and a variety of spectacular activities. Enjoy all this while raising funds to support animal care, conservation science, education and sustainability at the National Zoo.

For ticket information, click here.

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International Children's Festival
Saturday, May 15
10am - 2pm
Meridian International Center, Washington D.C.
http://www.meridian.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=274&Itemid=185

Meridian International Center produces the International Children’s Festival every May as an educational fun-fair that brings together the DC community and the diplomatic corps of Washington, D.C., as embassies host booths representing their country and culture. The day also features vibrant music and dance performances from around the world! This year, Meridian is proud to partner with Cultural Tourism DC for the 4th Annual International Children’s Festival, which is a highlighted event for CTDC’s Passport DC program for the month of May! Admission: $10 per person, or $25 per family. For more information, please call 202-939-5514 or email kidsfest@meridian.org.

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Miss Spider’s Tea Party
Saturday, May 15
1:30pm - 3pm
Hidden Oaks Nature Center
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/hiddenoaks

Join Miss Spider and Miss Ladybug and a host of other friends from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at Hidden Oaks Nature Center. Come dressed as your favorite insect or spider. Spin an afternoon of fun and learning. This activity is suited for children four to six years old with an adult. The fee is $12 per person. To register, call 703-451-9588.

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Wild Side Wagon Ride
Sunday, May 16
Huntley Meadows Park
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/huntley

Families with children ages six and up will look for songbirds, wildflowers, butterflies and waterfowl and stop for a snack at the observation platform during a 90-minute tractor ride with a naturalist at Huntley Meadows Park. Meet at the South King’s Highway entrance to the park. The fee is $6 per person. Start times are 12:30, 2:30, and 4:15 p.m. To register, call 703-768-2525.