Weekend: Turkey Train, Cozy Campfire, Wetlands Walk

The following information is courtesy of Fairfax County Weekender:

Friday, Nov. 20: Rockin’ Geology

Rockhounders – Fall Series: This hands-on approach to geology includes rock/mineral classification, plate tectonics, fossils and collecting. Topics vary each week. From 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Hidden Pond Nature Center. Ages 6 to 12. $7/child. Register online. For information, call 703-451-9588.

Also of Friday:

Protect Yourself From Fraud and Identity Theft: An expert from the AARP Fraud Watch Network will share an inside look on how scammers think, how to safeguard against identity theft and fraud, and what to do if you or someone you know has been a victim. From2 to 3 p.m. at Kings Park Library. Adults. Free; register online. For information, call 703-978-5600.

Saturday, Nov. 21: All Aboard!

Ride the Turkey Train at Lake Fairfax: Ride Resources Railroad Engine #62 and enjoy the fall-colored forest as you hear about early Thanksgiving celebrations. See how Eastern Woodland Indians hunted and how their tools were made. Create your own Thanksgiving-themed craft to take home. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lake Fairfax Park. Ages 3 and up. $5/person. Register online. Non-perishable food will be collected for a local food bank. For information, call 703-471-5414.

Also on Saturday:

Garden Sprouts – Zucchini Zoo: Did you know you can make a menagerie of animals from fruits and vegetables? Children ages 3 to 5 will select a vegetable from the garden and turn it into a turkey or other funny pet, read a veggie story and munch some healthful harvest treats. From 10 to 11 a.m.at Green Spring Gardens. Children must be accompanied by an adult. $6/person. Register online. For information, call 703-642-5173.

Bright Star Theatre’s Winter Fables: Bring your family and enjoy a production that brings to life some of Aesop’s winter-inspired fables such as “The Ant and The Grasshopper.” From 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. at George Mason Regional Library. All ages. Free; register online. For information, call703-256-3800.

Deer, Turkeys and Native Americans: Two naturalists from Huntley Meadows Park explore the Native American way of life in Northern Virginia before the colonists arrived. Learn about farming, gathering and hunting methods. From 10:30 a.m. to noon at John Marshall Library. All ages. Free; register online. For information, call 708-971-0010.

Mama Mary Sunbeam: Celebrate Native American Heritage Month with storyteller and musician Mama Mary Sunbeam from the Appalachian Nation Cherokee Tribe. Enjoy her interactive stories, songs and drum. From 11 a.m. to noon at Kings Park Library. All ages. Free; register online. For information, call 703-978-5600.

Family Fun – Turkey Hunt: Learn the history of the wild turkey, its amazing adaptations and its importance to early Americans. Track this wily bird through the gardens and natural spaces, and create a turkey-inspired decoration for your Thanksgiving table. From 1 to 2 p.m. at Green Spring Gardens. Ages 5 and up. $6/person. Register online. All participants must register. For information, call 703-642-5173.

A Bountiful Harvest: Wheat and corn were the two main crops grown at Sully. Stop by the kitchen to see foods made using those two grains. Make a corn husk doll and a woven wheat ornament to take home. From 1 to 3 p.m. at Sully Historic Site. Ages 5 and up. $10/person. Register online. For information, call 703-437-1794.

Park Manager Walk and Talk: Learn about the wetland restoration project and go for a walk to look for plants and animals in the park’s 50-acre marsh. From 3 to 5 p.m. at Huntley Meadows Park. Meet in the visitor center. Adults. Free; no registration required. Cancelled in case of rain. For information, call 703-768-2525.

Campfire Saturdays: Join us at for an evening campfire for the whole family to explore the woodlands and lakefront spots where wildlife hides and resides. Program ends with a cozy campfire; s’mores provided. From 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Lake Accotink Park. Meet at the marina. $8/person. Register online. For information, call 703-569-3464.

Ballroom Social Dance: Put on your dancing shoes and come out for an evening of social ballroom dance led by an instructor. Bring a friend, a date or a group and enjoy a casual, fun night out. All skill levels welcome. Mini-lesson on the rhumba, 7:30 to 8 p.m. Social dance led by a professional ballroom instructor from 8 to 10:30 p.m. McGuire-Woods Gallery (second floor of W-16), Workhouse Arts Center. $10/person (Ballroom Social) and $5/person (mini-lesson). Mini-lesson tickets sold only at the door. Ballroom Social Dance tickets may be purchased online, by phone or at the door. For information call 703-584-2900.

Sunday, Nov. 22: Inspiring Inner Voices

Roach Brown – Inner Voices Lecture: Rhozier “Roach” Brown founded the nationally acclaimed prison theatrical troupe, The Inner Voices, in 1971 while serving a sentence at Lorton. The group performed outside the gates of the prison over 1,000 times without an escape or incident, presenting original plays, skits and social dramas about prison life. From 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the W3 Theatre, Workhouse Arts Center. Free; suggested donation of $10. Reserve tickets online. For information, call 703-584-2900.

Also on Sunday:

Concerts at The Alden: Now in its 40th season, this classical music series features professional musicians who have won international recognition for their artistry. From 3 to 4 p.m. at The Alden Theatre, McLean Community Center. Free; no ticket required. For information, call 703-790-0123.