2024-2025 Winter Activity Guide

Exotic Pets All Ages What is an exotic pet and how do I care for one? Learn about the diversity of pets, the laws around them, and the precautions to consider before buying one. Sa 10:30-11:30am 12/14 Free 274719-01 The Bluebirds Of Hanson Park All Ages Hanson Park and the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy are partnering up to bring you this special program. Learn about the lives and drama of the Hanson Park bluebird families and find out what it takes to monitor local wildlife. Sa 1:00-2:00pm 12/14 Free 274718-01 Planetarium - The Changing Cosmos All Ages Some people believe that change is the only constant in our universe. The sky looked a lot different thousands of years ago. Over the years stars have formed, died, shifted, and changed. Learn about some of the changes the Earth and cosmos have seen over the years. The Planetarium is usually experienced by sitting on a cushion or laying on the floor. A chair can be provided if requested ahead of time by contacting hansonpark@loudoun.gov. Registration required for every participant, no drop-ins available. F 5:30-6:30pm 12/20 $10 274711-01 Storybook Trail All Ages The Public Library and Hanson Park are partnering for this wintery storybook trail. This self-guided story will begin behind the Hanson Park Nature Center and follow an accessible path around the pond. M-Su 7:00am-5:00pm 12/20-1/3 Free 274720-01 Welcome Winter Solstice All Ages Welcome the Winter Solstice at the Hanson Park Nature Center! Join us as we celebrate the season with exciting crafts, coloring, activities, games, and more. Decorate with us, join a guided walk, have fun, and discover the many ways to warm up your winter. Sa 10:30-11:30am 12/21 Free 274721-01 Noon Year’s Eve All Ages This is a family-friendly countdown to New Year’s. We will make festive crafts, have fun activities, roast s’mores, and countdown to the Noon Year! Tu 10:30am-12:00pm 12/31 $5 274702-01 First Day Hike All Ages Start the new year right with a guided walk. Please dress for the weather and mulched trails. This program begins at the Hanson Park Nature Center. W 2:00-3:00pm 1/1 Free 274722-01 Planetarium - Cosmic Beauty All Ages Unwind and relax in this peaceful program as we show you the beauty of the cosmos. The Planetarium is usually experienced by sitting on a cushion or laying on the floor. A chair can be provided if requested ahead of time by contacting hansonpark@loudoun.gov. Registration required for every participant; no drop-ins available. F 5:30-6:30pm 1/3 $10 274711-02 Winter Adaptations Walk All Ages How are animals able to survive the winter? And how do we know if animals are awake or hibernating? Answer these questions and more through a guided naturalist hike. We will explore how animals are adapted for cold temperatures. Sa 10:30am-11:30am 1/11 $5 274704-01

Day Of Service All Ages This MLK Day join Hal and Berni Hanson Regional Park for a day of civil volunteer work. There will be volunteer opportunities for all ages. Use this link to register: https://cerv.is/0403x507 or scan the QR code on page 60. Please email HansonPark@loudoun.gov if you are bringing a group of 10 or more. M 10:00am-2:00pm 1/20 Free 274712-01 Feeding Winter Wildlife All Ages Do you love animals and want to learn the best way to help wildlife survive? This workshop is for you! You will learn about local wildlife, their diets, and how we can help them survive the winter. Sa 10:30-11:30am 2/1 Free 274723-01 Winter Waddle Walk All Ages Calling all new and expecting parents! Join a naturalist for a slow and relaxing walk on paved trails around the scenic pond behind the Nature Center. Bring your bump or new-to-the-world baby in a stroller/carrier. Enjoy the views while networking with parents in the area. Th 10:30-11:30am 2/6 Free 274504-01 Planetarium - Astronomy Around The World All Ages People all around the world gaze at the night sky in wonder, and have done so for thousands of years. Learn about some of the most important scientists around the world that have advanced our knowledge of the cosmos. The Planetarium is usually experienced by sitting on a cushion or laying on the floor. A chair can be provided if requested ahead of time by contacting hansonpark@loudoun.gov . Registration required for every participant; no drop-ins available. F 5:30-6:30pm 2/7 $10 274711-03 Ages 10+ Design a terrarium to bring a little green into your home or office. Learn the steps of adding soil, plants, and water in a glass container that matches your style. All materials provided. This program meets at the Hanson Park Nature Center. Sa 10:30-11:30am 2/15 $15 274710-01 Terrarium Building Workshop

EVENTS

Winterfest 5K All Ages Stay warm this Winter with a festive 5K! Come dressed in your holiday festive wear to this certified multi-terrain course around the north complex of Hanson Park. After the race, stick around for holiday treats and award ceremony. Registration for this race can be completed at potomacriverrunning.com or by emailing hansonpark@ loudoun.gov for a registration link. Sa 9:00-10:00am 12/7 $35 274717-01 Hanson Ice Bowl All Ages Did you know you can give back to your community while playing disc golf? The LoCo Disc Golf Club and Hanson Park are partnering to raise money for Loudoun Hunger Relief at the Third Annual Hal & Berni Hanson Ice Bowl. Visit discgolfscene.com or email hansonpark@ loudoun.gov to register. Sa 8:00am-5:00pm 2/1 $25 274724-01 BIRTHDAY PARTY Celebrate your birthday at the Hanson Park Nature Center! Our birthday party package includes a 1-hour staff activity which could include meeting animal ambassadors, creating a campfire, or going on a dinosaur hunt. Please email hansonpark@loudoun.gov for more information.