Valentine's Day is coming up on Sunday (already?!) and we have to say, the Montgomery County Parks have gotten on the ball with Valentine-themed events for this week. There are also lots of things scheduled on Sunday all over the metro area (and beyond) that aren't trying to make any kind of lovey-dovey claim on the day.That is, of course, if they'll be on at all. Check with the organization sponsoring a trip or the individual trip leader to see whether they'll be venturing out into the snow this week. Especially if we get the extra snow now predicted for Wednesday!
That being said, if you're looking to escape all the hearts and chocolate in the company of others, take a look at the calendar while we detail the sappier options:
FOR KIDS: The festivities start on Wednesday at Brookside Nature Center with a "Valentine Trees" session for ages 3-5 ($4). In addition to a craft activity, this includes visiting the maple trees, whose sap may be running. (Is that where the word "sappy" comes from??)
On Friday, Meadowside Nature Center has a "Love Bugs" activity for ages 3-6 -- learning about bugs, and making buggy valentines ($5). (That's our kind of valentine!)
And on Sunday afternoon, Brookside Nature Center will be making all-ages "Valentine Treats for the Animals" that you can take home with you. ($2)
FOR ADULTS: On Friday night, Locust Grove Nature Center has a session called "Wild Love": a presentation on "nature's unusual ways of expressing affection and finding lifelong love." It's adults only -- are they getting racy with the animal sex, or do they just not want kids running around? Come find out. ($5)On Sunday, Brookside Nature Center is sponsoring a hike at Seneca Greenway Trail called "Hike With Your Honey." Locust Grove Nature Center is doing a similar couples hike to Sugarloaf Mountain ($10). "We'll see how nature acknowledges this day of love and create warm memories while doing so," they say.
Of course, you can do that on your own, too...or with the many group hikes that didn't think of capitalizing on the Valentine's theme.
We'll see you out there!
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