We're finalizing this year's schedule and counting down the days 'til registration opens on November 15. Save the date because spots will fill fast! Check the festival website for trip details. 

This year's event will be held January 24 - 26 and will feature educational workshops, outdoor excursions, children's activities and an exhibit hall at Princess Anne Recreation Center.

Past participant or recreation center member?

Registration will be available online through EZreg. To register through EZreg, you will need your client barcode and family PIN. If you do not have this information, you can visit any recreation center or contact the Outdoor Programs office at 757-385-4461 or outdoors@vbgov.com prior to the registration start date. In-person and mail-in registration will also be available.

New participant? 

For those wishing to register for the first time, registration will be available in person at any recreation center or by mailing in a registration form. Forms will be available beginning November 15 at VBgov.com/WinterWildlife 

With warmer temps behind us, we're all busy transitioning to the cool days of fall. Although the weather is changing, we still have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors in this area. Need some family-friendly ideas for getting out and having fun this fall season? 

1. Go on a nature hike. Bring along a field guide to identify different kinds of trees. Look for wildlife collecting food for winter. Explain to the kids how animals are starting to fatten up and grow thick, protective winter coats. Watch for migrating birds. 

2. Take a hayride. Brookdale Farm, Flanagan Farm and Henley Farms are a couple of options for hayrides this fall. This is a great way to kick back and enjoy nature with smaller children who may not be up for a long walk.

3. Visit a local pumpkin patch. Instead of buying one from the grocery store this year, go directly to the source. Have fun selecting from the variety of shapes and sizes. Be sure to get a few big ones for making jack-o-lanterns and a few small ones for decorating, painting, and adding some fall flavor to your home. You can always bake the seeds with a little spice, or make some pumpkin pie. Pick yours up during Virginia Beach Farmer's Market Harvest Fair on Saturday, October 26.  

4. Get lost in a corn maze. Local farms are getting in the fall harvest spirit by turning their cornfields into large mazes. Test your directional sense at Cullipher Farm or Hunt Club Farm, and get some fresh air in the process. Corn mazes are fun for all ages.

5. Gather fall leaves. Collect them for your scrapbook or paste them onto paper to create handmade greeting cards. Not feeling crafty? Rake a giant pile of leaves for the kids and jump right in!

6. Stuff a scarecrow. Dig out an old shirt and overalls, and stuff it with leaves until firm. Add a pumpkin head (from your trip to the pumpkin patch), and you've got a great fall decoration!

Bow Creek Recreation Center is closed for a long-term modernization project. 

Princess Anne Recreation Center is closed through Sunday, October 27 for annual maintenance. The pool will remain closed through Sunday, November 3. 

Don't forget that your membership is good at all Virginia Beach Recreation Centers! If your usual center is closed for maintenance, take the opportunity to visit another center. Use this locator to help you find one!