Family-Friendly Groundhog Day Events
By Micaela Williamson
artcphotos/shutterstock.com
Sat., Feb. 2 / 8 a.m. / free
Groundhog Day in DuPont Circle
The National Groundhog, Potomac Phil, will come out and make an appearance. In true Washington, D.C. style, Potomac Phil will also forecast some political predictions along with the weather. The festival features local celebrities, live musical performers and local school children.
Sat., Feb. 2 / 10 a.m. / free
Groundhog Day Storytime at Barnes and Noble Clarendon
Will the groundhog see his shadow? Join the staff of Barnes & Noble as they read aloud from a variety of Groundhog Day picture books.
Sat., Feb. 2 / 10 a.m. / free
Groundhog Day at Glencarlyn Park
Celebrate winter by geocaching with the whole family. The event is open to cachers of all experience levels. Northern Virginia Geocaching Organization will supply hot dogs and hamburgers for lunch. More information, as well as registration, is available on the website.
Sat., Feb. 2 / 1-4 p.m. / free
Discovering the Wild in Winter with the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy
Instead of shying away from the cold, bundle up for a family friendly hike and exploration of the Blue Ridge Center of Environmental Stewardship. Watch how birds, mammals and plants adapt to the freezing temperatures. Sign up online to register.
Sat., Feb. 2 / 1:30-2:30 p.m. / $5 Fairfax County residents, $7 non-residents
Groundhog Day! at E.C. Lawrence Park
Enjoy a meet and great with the “larger than life” Walney groundhog and visit his home in the garden. Experience games and crafts, and learn more about the animal behind Groundhog Day. Registration required.
Sat., Feb. 2 / 1:45-2:45 p.m. / $5 Fairfax County residents, $7 non-residents
Groundhog Day Celebration at Hidden Oaks Nature Center
Get ready to prepare for Groundhog Day with Willard and Mother Nature. These delightful costumed characters will entertain and present about how different animals are nature’s true forecasters. Registration required.
Wed., Feb. 6 / 4-5 p.m. / $6 Fairfax County residents, $8 non-residents
Groundhogs and Other Weather Predictors at Hidden Pond Nature Center
Part of the “Wildlife Wednesday” program, children ages three through six can join Naturalist Annie and friends in a fun program that includes meeting with live animals, exploring Hidden Pond Park and thematic activities. Registration required.
Photo Courtesy of Tiffany Brown, Mamaratzy Photography
Micaela Williamson is the creator of www.supernovamommy.com, a popular, local blog that focuses on Northern Virginia families and events. Her website was recently voted “Best Blog 2012” in Northern Virginia Magazine. Micaela enjoys supporting area businesses and scouting out family-friendly venues with her two young sons.
Tags: Clarendon, Dupont Circle, Dupont Festival, E.C. Lawrence Park, Events, Family, Glencarlyn Park, Groundhog Day, Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Hidden Pond Nature Center, Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy, Micaela Williamson, Mother Nature, nature, Northern Virginia, Northern Virginia Magazine, NoVA, spring, winter