Was that a DOG?

Ever wanted to know more about how our animal friends parented their young?

Join a ranger on a short hike down the Bay View Trail to the marsh to meet Mason Neck's resident family of beavers.

Did you know Mason Neck was once home to Native Americans before the English arrived.

Evenings are a wonderful time in the park to be on the water.

Marshes are more than great spots for fishing, canoeing, and bird-watching.

Have you ever wondered what it's like to be a bird?

Who was Elizabeth Hartwell?

There’s lots to discover at Mason Neck.

Marshes are more than great spots for fishing, canoeing, and bird-watching.

Join a ranger as we look over Belmont Bay and learn about what makes Osprey master fishermen. You will be able to get an up-close look at an osprey nest and compare the raptor to other raptors that call Mason Neck home.

From eagles to owls, raptors are everywhere at Mason Neck State Park.

Join a ranger on a short hike down the Bay View Trail to the marsh to meet Mason Neck's resident family of beavers.

Are you ready to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big city?

Do you want to learn how to identify the different species of dragonflies found at Mason Neck State Park?

Scary?

By sorting through the remains of former civilizations, archaeologist can put together the pieces of a culture.

Inspired by our very own Red-Eared Slider, Myrtle, come learn about all the turtles that call Mason Neck their home and what makes them so turtle-y awesome.

Adventure is everywhere!

Inspired by our very own Red-Eared Slider, Myrtle, come learn about all the turtles that call Mason Neck their home and what makes them so turtle-y awesome.

The Bay View Trail is one of our most popular hiking options.

Who was Elizabeth Hartwell?

By sorting through the remains of former civilizations, archaeologist can put together the pieces of a culture.

Scary?

Do you know the difference between frogs and toads?

Do you want to learn how to identify the different species of dragonflies found at Mason Neck State Park?

Evenings are a wonderful time in the park to be on the water.

Twilight Paddle Adventures are a great way to spend an evening away from the hustle and bustle of work, traffic and the cares of life.

Have you ever wondered what it's like to be a bird?

Marshes are more than great spots for fishing, canoeing, and bird-watching.

Twilight Paddle Adventures are a great way to spend an evening away from the hustle and bustle of work, traffic and the cares of life.

Are you ready to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big city?

From eagles to owls, raptors are everywhere at Mason Neck State Park.

You may have seen the foxes, deer, and other mammals that live at the park, but have you ever felt their fur?

Want to know more about those trees you see daily?

You may have seen the foxes, deer, and other mammals that live at the park, but have you ever felt their fur?

Who was Elizabeth Hartwell?

Evenings are a wonderful time in the park to be on the water.

Although most of Mason Neck’s critter friends are nocturnal, that doesn’t mean we can’t see evidence of them.

Join a ranger on a short hike down the Bay View Trail to the marsh to see evidence of Mason Neck's resident family of beavers.

Do you know the difference between frogs and toads?

Did you ever wonder why butterflies and moths have such amazing colors and patterns?

Are you ready to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big city?

There are lots of things to discover at our tidal pond!

Who was Elizabeth Hartwell?

Do you know the difference between frogs and toads?

Beavers are Nature's architect!  Meet one of our  rangers, at the Bay View Trail head for a short hike down the Trail to the marsh to see evidence of Mason Neck's resident family of beavers.

Have you ever wondered what it's like to be a bird?

Snakes are ssstupendous!

Evenings are a wonderful time in the park to be on the water.

Twilight Paddle Adventures are a great way to spend an evening away from the hustle and bustle of work, traffic and the cares of life.

Get Outside and Discover why Mason Neck is such an amazing place.

Twilight Paddle Adventures are a great way to spend an evening away from the hustle and bustle of work, traffic and the cares of life.

Are you ready to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big city?

Get Outside and Discover why Mason Neck is such an amazing place.

From eagles to owls, raptors are everywhere at Mason Neck State Park.

The Friends of Mason Neck State Park are hosting a wonderful night  Bring a blanket or a chair and join us on the lawn by the Visitor Center.

Who was Elizabeth Hartwell?

Twilight Paddle Adventures are a great way to spend an evening away from the hustle and bustle of work, traffic and the cares of life.

What a better way to celebrate National Public Lands Day than doing something for our public lands!   Volunteers can participate in a shoreline cleanup, either on foot or by taking canoes out to access areas we can't get to on foot.  Regular rules apply for boats going out.  We will have a few grabbers, lots of bags and gloves (though it is recommended to bring your own).  This is a great opportunity to come as a family, or group, to do something good.   Please plan to wear sturdy shoes that can get wet, and don't forget to bring a bottle of water and lots of bug repellent.     When you arrive, come to the visitor center to sign in.   We ask that you let us know you are joining us by calling 703.339.2385 and signing up.  That way we will know how many to prepare for.  Walk ins are welcome as well.  Park entrance fee is waived on this day!

By sorting through the remains of former civilizations, archaeologist can put together the pieces of a culture.

Evenings are a wonderful time in the park to be on the water.

Snakes are ssstupendous!

The Bay View Trail is one of our most popular hiking options.

From eagles to owls, raptors are everywhere at Mason Neck State Park.

Have you ever wondered what it's like to be a bird?

Lizards, leaves, clouds and more. Little ones love our park too!  This hands on program is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the park on  quieter days, to learn a little about nature, science and our connections to the park.   Each week will be different, it may start with a story or a hike and be filled with adventure.  Caregivers MUST stay with their child at all times.

Twilight Paddle Adventures are a great way to spend an evening away from the hustle and bustle of work, traffic and the cares of life.

The Bay View Trail is one of our most popular hiking options.

Who loves a good campfire song or story?  We do!  Gather up any stories or songs you have, and we will meet you at the campfire circle on Beach Trail.  Please bring your own materials for S'mores.

Evenings are a wonderful time in the park to be on the water.

Beavers are Nature's architect!  Meet one of our  rangers, at the Bay View Trail head for a short hike down the Trail to the marsh to see evidence of Mason Neck's resident family of beavers.

Who was Elizabeth Hartwell?

Lizards, leaves, clouds and more. Little ones love our park too!  This hands on program is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the park on  quieter days, to learn a little about nature, science and our connections to the park.   Each week will be different, it may start with a story or a hike and be filled with adventure.  Caregivers MUST stay with their child at all times.

Although most of Mason Neck’s critter friends are nocturnal, that doesn’t mean we can’t see evidence of them.

Fall is here and the leaves are changing.

Lizards, leaves, clouds and more. Little ones love our park too!  This hands on program is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the park on  quieter days, to learn a little about nature, science and our connections to the park.   Each week will be different, it may start with a story or a hike and be filled with adventure.  Caregivers MUST stay with their child at all times.

This rare "park after dark" experience will provide visitors of all ages the opportunity to join a guided night hike exploring the wonders aglow in the forest, relax around a warm campfire, and learn about the nocturnal animals of our park.  Event schedule: 5:30 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. Campfire/Storytelling - Bring a cozy blanket or chair and listen to stories around a campfire.  Smore's station.  1 ticket per person that is registered.  6:15-7:15  Night  Hikes -  Hikes will leave approximately every 15 minutes and will last about 20 minutes  5:30-7:30  Nocturnal animal stations.  Meet some of our nocturnal animals characters, and walk around several stations, try a craft or activity to learn the special adaptations of our nocturnal animals.    Pre- registration recommended so we can plan   Please call the park 703.339.2385  to register your family or group!

Lizards, leaves, clouds and more. Little ones love our park too!  This hands on program is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the park on  quieter days, to learn a little about nature, science and our connections to the park.   Each week will be different, it may start with a story or a hike and be filled with adventure.  Caregivers MUST stay with their child at all times.

The Bay View Trail is one of our most popular hiking options.

Who loves a good campfire song or story?  We do!  Gather up any stories or songs you have, and we will meet you at the campfire circle on Beach Trail.  Please bring your own materials for S'mores.

Fall is here and the leaves are changing.

Fallen leaves are incredibly beneficial for a wide variety of reasons.

Fallen leaves are incredibly beneficial for a wide variety of reasons.

Lizards, leaves, clouds and more. Little ones love our park too!  This hands on program is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the park on  quieter days, to learn a little about nature, science and our connections to the park.   Each week will be different, it may start with a story or a hike and be filled with adventure.  Caregivers MUST stay with their child at all times.

From eagles to owls, raptors are everywhere at Mason Neck State Park.

Fall is here and the leaves are changing.

Use almost ALL your senses as we explore all that fall has to offer!  We will have a sensory bin for the younger kids, and some crafty fun for the older kids.

Lizards, leaves, clouds and more. Little ones love our park too!  This hands on program is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the park on  quieter days, to learn a little about nature, science and our connections to the park.   Each week will be different, it may start with a story or a hike and be filled with adventure.  Caregivers MUST stay with their child at all times.

Who was Elizabeth Hartwell?

Fall is here and the leaves are changing.

Use almost ALL your senses as we explore all that fall has to offer!  We will have a sensory bin for the younger kids, and some crafty fun for the older kids.

Lizards, leaves, clouds and more. Little ones love our park too!  This hands on program is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the park on  quieter days, to learn a little about nature, science and our connections to the park.   Each week will be different, it may start with a story or a hike and be filled with adventure.  Caregivers MUST stay with their child at all times.

Fall is here and the leaves are changing.

Who was Elizabeth Hartwell?

With the temperature dropping our animals need to find ways to survive the winter.   Together we will learn about hibernation and other ways animals survive the winter months at Mason Neck.

Lizards, leaves, clouds and more. Little ones love our park too!  This hands on program is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the park on  quieter days, to learn a little about nature, science and our connections to the park.   Each week will be different, it may start with a story or a hike and be filled with adventure.  Caregivers MUST stay with their child at all times.

Have the elegant tundra swans arrived along the shores and marshes of Mason Neck?

Have the elegant tundra swans arrived along the shores and marshes of Mason Neck?

Have the elegant tundra swans arrived along the shores and marshes of Mason Neck?