2026 Summer Activity Guide

PARKS

BANSHEE REEKS NATURE PRESERVE

21085 The Woods Road, Leesburg, VA 20175 703-737-8894 loudoun.gov/BansheeReeks Open: Monday-Sunday Summer Hours: 8:00am-8:00pm facebook.com/BansheeReeksNaturePreserve

PRESCHOOL Wildschooling

Ages 2-6 Join us for experiential learning and hands-on fun outdoors! Each month we explore a different nature theme through a short hike and outdoor activity. Program fee is per preschool-age participant; parents/guardians are free. Meet at the Education Complex. Th 9:30-10:30am 6/4 $5 467212-01 Th 9:30-10:30am 7/2 $5 467212-02 Th 9:30-10:30am 8/6 $5 467212-03 Ages Infant-6 There’s never been a storytime like this! We explore nature stories and wildlife topics each month through interactive hands-on play. Storytime takes place outdoors on the 4th Tuesday each month. After storytime, we’ll go on an easy walk in the woods or hang out in the exploration zone. In the event of rain, meet in the Education Complex. Tu 9:30-10:30am 6/23 Free 467211-01 Tu 9:30-10:30am 7/28 Free 467211-02 Tu 9:30-10:30am 8/25 Free 467211-03 ELEMENTARY Nature Explorers Mini Camp Ages 6-11 Storytime Gone Wild Young curiosity-seekers will explore Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve through guided hikes, outdoor adventures, hands-on discovery, and nature-inspired crafts. Each week-long session is led by trained Master Naturalists and features thoughtfully curated experiences that connect campers with the preserve’s habitats and wildlife. Participants should bring a nut-free snack and a reusable water bottle each day. Participants with life-threatening allergies or requiring special accommodations should email BansheeReeks@loudoun.gov at the time of registration. M-F 9:00am-3:00pm 6/22-6/26 $225 467223-01 M-F 9:00am-3:00pm 7/6-7/10 $225 467223-02 Ages 6-12 Learn new outdoor skills from a Virginia Master Naturalist while exploring Banshee Reeks. Practice setting up a tent, finding your way out of the woods and identifying wildlife tracks & trails. Class will end with a lesson on how to build a campfire and optional s’mores. Youth can be dropped off at the Visitor Center. Advanced registration required. Sa 10:00am-12:00pm 8/1 $12 467241-01 Junior Ranger Class

TEEN & ADULT Birding Banshee

Ages 13+ Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy for this regular outing that takes place the second Saturday of every month. Varied habitats including streams, woodlands, and fields makes Banshee a birding hotspot. Bring binoculars if you have them. Advanced registration required at: loudounwildlife.org/events/ Sa 8:00-10:00am 6/13 Free 967714-06 Sa 8:00-10:00am 7/11 Free 967714-07 Sa 8:00-10:00am 8/8 Free 967714-08 Ages 13+ Explore the history and mystery of Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve on a lantern-lit walk at dusk including behind the scenes spaces in the historic 1840’s stone house. Staff will share chilling historical accounts and tales of unexplained encounters, and you’ll have a chance to use real ghost hunting equipment to investigate for yourself if there’s any paranormal activity happening at Loudoun’s only nature preserve. Meet at the Visitor Center - if you dare! F 8:15-9:30pm 7/31 $8 467509-01 Ghost Hunting History Tour Nature Sketching Ages 13+ Join us for an in-depth nature sketching course from a Virginia Master Naturalist. Learn drawing techniques including color blending, shading, and perspective while practicing your plein-air sketch skills on the trail. Each class is different, and participants are encouraged to attend multiple classes. All art supplies are included in the registration fee. Program takes place indoors with specimens during inclement weather. Meet at the Visitor Center. Su 10:00am-12:00pm 6/14 $10 467703-01