Step into the past and explore how it connects to the present through fun, hands-on activities at our Summer Culture Hub! Each week features a new theme—from food traditions across the Americas and the Diaspora to historic architecture and the art of traditional textiles.

🧵 June 22–28: Textile Techniques
Don’t miss a special talk on Thursday, June 26 at 2 PM!

In celebration of Pride Month, the Surratt House Museum will present “Sexuality and the Civil War.” This talk with Dr. Matt Champagne will show how our cultural understandings of gender and sexuality changed during this pivotal time in US history. Additionally, Champagne’s presentation will highlight queer individuals who participated in the Civil War and share other interesting, lesser-known information.

Kick off the summer with us! Enjoy a fun-filled day of face painting, lawn games, hands-on experiments, and creative crafts. Cool down with ice cream and discover the buzz about bees at our special nature center table on beekeeping.

Join Patuxent River Park for a nature-themed movie night! Bring the whole family for an evening of wholesome goodness including a kid-friendly nature movie and a campfire complete with s’mores!

Ready to leap into something new? Join a park ranger for an action-packed introduction to parkour—the art of moving through and around obstacles using spins, jumps, rolls, and more!

Get your feet tapping with the vibrant sounds of Ni Dembaya during our summer courtyard concert series! This dynamic ensemble brings the energy of West African music and dance, promoting empowerment, healing, and self-awareness through powerful rhythms and movement.

Bring your picnic baskets, blankets, and lawn chairs—relax, enjoy the music, or jump in and dance! Light refreshments will be available for purchase.

Get ready for a hands-on adventure into the world of reptiles and amphibians! Kids will discover the fascinating differences and surprising similarities between these cold-blooded creatures.

Get up close with reptiles, amphibians, and birds of prey in this exciting, hands-on animal experience! Join us at Clearwater Nature Center to meet our resident animal ambassadors and discover what makes each species unique.

Mark your calendars for a summer of music, community, and riverfront vibes! Join us for free live sunset concerts along the beautiful Anacostia River at Bladensburg Waterfront Park.

Let's hit the trails for a fun guided bike ride down the Anacostia River Trail to the Bladensburg Wetlands, to explore and learn about butterflies! Registration includes bicycle rental and helmet, or you may bring your own.

Step into the past and explore how it connects to the present through fun, hands-on activities at our Summer Culture Hub! Each week features a new theme—from food traditions across the Americas and the Diaspora to historic architecture and the art of traditional textiles.

🧵 June 22–28: Textile Techniques
Don’t miss a special talk on Thursday, June 26 at 2 PM!

Ready to explore the outdoors but not sure where to start? Join a park ranger for a guided hike designed to help you build confidence on the trail. Learn basic hiking tips, trail safety, and how to navigate natural terrain—all while enjoying the beauty of the park.

Outdo! Outsmart! Outside! Are you a survivor? Start your adventure with a Park Ranger who will teach you basic to intermediate survival skills! This workshop covers Land Navigation strategies.

Come say hello to the friendly animals of Old Maryland Farm! Step inside our historic horse barn and meet our majestic livestock residents up close. Perfect for families, animal lovers, and curious visitors of all ages!

Let’s take a trip around the world! Celebrate cultures and people from across the globe by exploring a variety of traditions and how they are preserved. Each month will feature a different heritage community, children’s book, and applicable craft.

Mark your calendars for a summer of music, community, and riverfront vibes! Join us for free live sunset concerts along the beautiful Anacostia River at Bladensburg Waterfront Park.

Ready to explore the outdoors but not sure where to start? Join a park ranger for a guided hike designed to help you build confidence on the trail. Learn basic hiking tips, trail safety, and how to navigate natural terrain—all while enjoying the beauty of the park.

Step back in time and explore the role of gardens in 19th-century life! You will decorate a flower pot, plant a crop to take home, and create fragrant herbal sachets using common garden herbs.

Come to Watkins Nature Center and meet our resident animals up close! Learn about what makes these amazing creatures so unique. After learning some cool animal facts, they'll dive into a creative craft inspired by their new animal friend.

Discover what your hands can create using the beauty of the natural world! In this hands-on workshop, you’ll use natural materials to craft, build, and connect with sustainable gardening and landscaping practices.

Experience the magic of Patuxent River Park after sunset! Join a naturalist for a guided night hike as we search for elusive nocturnal wildlife like owls, foxes, and amphibians in their natural habitat.

Create Your Own Container Garden! 🌿 Add a splash of green to your patio or balcony! Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting your plant journey, this hands-on workshop will equip you with everything you need to grow a thriving container garden

Explore Watkins Park after dark with a Naturalist on a night hike, and search for nocturnal wildlife in their natural habitat. Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather.

Mark your calendars for a summer of music, community, and riverfront vibes! Join us for free live sunset concerts along the beautiful Anacostia River at Bladensburg Waterfront Park.

Step into the past and explore how it connects to the present through fun, hands-on activities at our Summer Culture Hub! Each week features a new theme—from food traditions across the Americas and the Diaspora to historic architecture and the art of traditional textiles.

Get up close with our resident critters in this hands-on animal experience! Join us at Mount Rainier Nature Center to meet our resident animal ambassadors and discover what makes each species unique.

Mark your calendars for a summer of music, community, and riverfront vibes! Join us for free live sunset concerts along the beautiful Anacostia River at Bladensburg Waterfront Park.

Come say hello to the friendly animals of Old Maryland Farm! Step inside our historic horse barn and meet our majestic livestock residents up close. Perfect for families, animal lovers, and curious visitors of all ages!

Paint our native flowers and learn about the many benefits of native plants on our ecosystems! This session will be led by an art instructor. The paint, brushes, and canvases will be provided. 

Join Patuxent River Park for a nature-themed movie night! Bring the whole family for an evening of wholesome goodness including a kid-friendly nature movie and a campfire complete with s’mores!

Get up close with reptiles, amphibians, and birds of prey in this exciting, hands-on animal experience! Join us at Clearwater Nature Center to meet our resident animal ambassadors and discover what makes each species unique.

Come to Watkins Nature Center and meet our resident turtle up close! Learn about what makes these amazing reptiles so unique. After learning some cool turtle facts, they'll dive into a creative craft inspired by their new shelled friend.

Ready to leap into something new? Join a park ranger for an action-packed introduction to parkour—the art of moving through and around obstacles using spins, jumps, rolls, and more!