Weekend: Wagon Rides, Star-Gazing, Hot Apple Cider, Bluegrass Band + More

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA -- Ready to get out and have some fun this weekend? See what's happening around Fairfax County, courtesy of The Weekender:

Friday, Nov. 11: Hang Out with Bats

Riverside Campfire – Batty about Bats : Bats! Learn more about these fascinating and mysterious night-flying marvels through games and activities and discover why they are disappearing from our skies. Bring a toasting stick; s’mores provided. Come early if you’d like and bring a picnic or hot dogs to roast. From 6 to 7 p.m. at Riverbend Park. Ages 2 and up. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. $7/person. Canceled if it rains. Register online. For information, call 703-759-9018.

Also on Friday:

Rockhounders – Fall Series : A hands-on approach for children ages 6 to 12 to geology including rock/mineral classification, plate tectonics, fossils and collecting. From 5 to 6 p.m. at Hidden Pond Nature Center. Topics vary each week. $7/child. Register online. For more information, call 703-451-9588.

Saturday, Nov. 12: Take a Hike

Night Hike Campfire : Take a nighttime walk with a naturalist to search for wildlife and then enjoy a campfire and s’mores — all ingredients provided. From 5 to 7 p.m. at Burke Lake Park. Ages 3 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult registered in the program. $10/person. Register online. For information, call 703-323-6600.

Also on Saturday:

Crooning with the Critters: Enjoy a puppet show by the GoodLife Theatre. From 10:30 to 11:10 a.m.at George Mason Regional Library. All ages. Free; register online. For information, call 703-256-3800.

Family Fun – Bird Walk : Bring family members ages 5 and up for a guided bird walk through the autumn gardens where birds are preparing for winter. Bring field glasses if you have them and we’ll provide a bird search sheet. Warm up with some hot cider and talk more with our guide about the birds we saw and heard. From 1 to 2 p.m. at Green Spring Gardens. $6/person. Register online. For information, call 703-642-5173.

Cocoa Wagon Rides : Enjoy this fall with a special harvest-themed wagon ride. Afterwards, sample hot cocoa and s’mores around the campfire. From 4 to 5 p.m., 5 to 6 p.m. or 6 to 7 p.m. at Frying Pan Farm Park. Ages 3 and up. $10/person. Register online. For information, call 703-437-9101.

Boardwalk Astronomy : What’s new in the night sky? Join naturalists on a tour of constellations, comets and other current events happening in the heavens above. From 6 to 8 p.m. at Huntley Meadows Park. Canceled in the event of rain or other severe weather. Ages 12 and up. $8/person. Register online. For information, call 703-768-2525.

Second Saturday Art Walk: Tour seven unique studio buildings to see the work of talented visual artists while enjoying light refreshments and music. From 6 to 9 p.m. at the Workhouse Arts Center. Free. For information, call 703-584-2900.

Sunday, Nov. 13: Fun Fiddling

April Verch Band – Bluegrass: April Verch steps, sings and fiddles with a fresh and feisty approach to deep North American traditions. She is currently touring the world to share songs from her milestone 10th album, The Newpart. At the heart of her impressive skills lie Verch’s delicate voice, energetic footwork and stunning fiddle playing – talents she brings together simultaneously to jaw-dropping effect. From 7 to 8:30 p.m. atFrying Pan Farm Park (doors open at 6 p.m.). $18/person in advance; $20/person at the door. Food and drinks, including beer and wine, are available for purchase. Register online. For information, call 703-437-9101.

Also on Sunday:

Wagon Ride – Journey to the Pond : Fall is a great time to discover living things in our parks. Frogs, tadpoles and water critters abound. Journey to the pond to see what’s hopping, splashing and swimming. From 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Riverbend Park. Meet at the Nature Center. Ages 2 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult registered in the program. $7/person. Register online. For information, call 703-759-9018.

Sunday Afternoon Dance: Dancers of all skill levels are welcome to foxtrot, swing, cha-cha and waltz. Music selection ranges from golden oldies to today’s more modern dance selections. Door prizes and light refreshments add to the fun; partners not required. From 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Reston Community Center – Hunters Woods. Ages 18 and up. $10/person. Pay at door. For information, call 703-390-6157.

PHOTO of fall leaves from Patch archive