Weekend: Chinese New Year, Flamenco Dancing, Making Ice Cream + More

Looking to get out and have some fun this weekend? Fairfax County Weekender has all the scoop about what's going on at county parks and facilities:

Friday, Jan. 27: Happy Habitats

Garden Talks with Master Gardeners – Wildlife in Your Garden: Do your part to help native fauna survive by providing food, shelter and water for visiting wildlife in your own yard. Learn gardening techniques from master gardeners to turn your corner of the planet into a thriving habitat for birds and native insects. From 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Green Spring Gardens. Ages 16 and up. $10/person. Register online. For information, call 703-642-5173.

Also on Friday:

Hot Dog, S’mores, Wagon Ride & Campfire: Enjoy a turkey hot dog supper roasted over the campfire and a brisk wagon ride through the Rocky Run Stream Valley. Discover who Ellanor C. Lawrence was and learn about the area’s local and natural history. From 5:30 to 7 p.m. at E.C. Lawrence Park. Meet at Cabell’s Mill. Hot dogs, buns, condiments and s’mores provided; bring your own drinks and sides. Ages 2 and up. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. $10/person. Register online. For information, call 703-631-0013.

Saturday, Jan. 28: Shine On!

Watercolor Workshop – Paint Shiny Objects: Learn how to make glass and silver look shiny and reflective in watercolor. Artist and instructor Marni Maree demonstrates techniques and provides guidance for your own watercolor painting. From 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Green Spring Gardens. Supply list provided before class. Bring a lunch. Adults. $88/person. Register online. For information, call 703-642-5173.

Also on Saturday:

Garden Program – Small Space Food Gardens: If you want an edible garden but are short on garden space, Smithsonian gardener Matt Burch is here to help. Burch will share strategies for creating a productive food garden that will add flavorful variety to your meals even when space is at a premium. From 10 to 11 a.m. at Green Spring Gardens. Adults. $16/person. Register online. For information, call 703-642-5173.

Sketch Hike – Winter Trees and Landscapes: Join naturalist and artist Margaret Wohler for a hike and learn sketching techniques to enhance your observation skills. From 10 a.m. to noon at Huntley Meadows Park. Ages 12 and up. $8/person. Register online. For information, call 703-768-2525.

Yo-Yo Mania: Come for a show all about one of the world's oldest toys. The scientist, Eric Energy, will explore the history and science of the yo-yo. From 11 a.m. to noon at Reston Regional Library. Free; register online. For information, call 703-689-2700.

Chinese New Year – Year of the Rooster: Celebrate the Chinese New Year with traditional games and stories. Paint your Chinese zodiac animal, make a rooster craft and participate in a Lion Dance. From 2 to 3 p.m. at Hidden Oaks Nature Center. Ages 4 and up. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. $8/person. Register online. For information, call 703-941-1065.

Steel – From Mine to Mill, the Metal that Made America: Author Brooke C. Stoddard will discuss his book on the fascinating history of the steel-making process. From 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Martha Washington Library. Free; register online. For information, call 703-768-6700.

Mad Science – Things that Go Boom: Discover the science behind sound and vibration! See amazing color-changing chemical reactions, explore sublimation, radical reactions and more. Our super mad science bubble experiment will even show kids the super science fun way to wash their hands. From 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Pohick Regional Library. Free; register online. For information, call 703-644-7333.

Making Ice & Ice Cream at Walney: Try using ice tongs and crank ice cream as you discover how ice was harvested and stored in this 19th-century farm. From 2:30 to 4 p.m. at E.C. Lawrence Park. Ages 2 and up. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. $10/person. Register online. For information, call 703-631-0013.

Evening Stroll: A naturalist takes you on a relaxing stroll at dusk to tour the woods and wetlands to watch and listen for beavers, owls and other nocturnal residents. From 5 to 7 p.m. at Huntley Meadows Park. Ages 6 and up. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. $8/person. Register online. For information, call 703-768-2525.

Flamenco Vivo/Carlota Santana: You’ll forget all about the winter weather outside when Flamenco Vivo/Carlota Santana heats up The Alden. From 8 to 10 p.m. at the McLean Community Center. $35/person. Buy tickets online. For information, call 703-790-0123.

Sunday, Jan. 29: He's Baaack!

Groundhog’s Day Out: Find out if groundhogs really can predict the weather. Visit a groundhog burrow, learn cool groundhog facts, enjoy games and make your own groundhog friend to take home. From 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Frying Pan Farm Park. Dress for the weather; hot chocolate provided. Ages 2 and up. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. $8/person. Register online. For information, call 703-437-9101.

Also on Sunday:

Winter Lecture – Summer Flowering Bulbs: You already know and grow dainty spring flowering bulbs like tulips, crocuses and daffodils. Now it’s time to take the next step: know and grow the bold, show-stopping, flowering summer bulbs. Garden designer and nurseryman Jenks Farmer will share creative design ideas combining summer bulbs like crinum and perennials to add some wow to your summer garden. From 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Green Spring Gardens. Adults. $10/person for advance registration or $12/person at the door. Register online. For information, call 703-642-5173.

Skiing Penguins and Snowman Fun: Create fun crafts and activities to keep or share. Build and race penguins and create spiffy snowmen. Then make a gift bag to take home your fun creations. From 2 to 3 p.m. at Hidden Oaks Nature Center. Ages 3 to 9. Children must be accompanied by an adult. $7/child. Register online. For information, call 703-941-1065.

PHOTO courtesy of Flamenco Vivo