by Peggy Robin
Who knew there were so many outdoor events in DC in January? I got myself on the events mailing list for Rock Creek Park, and rather than choose just one event for today's "Get Out!" column, I thought I would just forward the monthly calendar to all. There are activities and programs here for all ages and interests.
Good start to the new year!
-Peggy
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Peggy Robin
Cleveland Park Listserv Moderator
Home Page: https://groups.io/g/clevelandpark
CP Info Pages: www.cleveland-park.com
Rock Creek Park Events | January 2026
Bundle up and join us for a new year full of ranger-led hikes! Though if staying inside is more your vibe, we have planetarium films and brand-new programs happening indoors. We are also kicking off America 250 in style!
Keep scrolling for more details about our January programs, and as always, we hope to see you in the park!
[Not all of our events will be featured in this newsletter -- for an entire listing, visit our online calendar at go.nps.gov/ROCRcalendar. All programs are subject to change, and many are weather dependent. If you have questions or suggestions about this newsletter, please email us at rocr_information@nps.gov. For general questions about Rock Creek Park, please contact rocr_superintendent@nps.gov.]
Join us Fridays in January (except 1/23) at the Old Stone House, from 12:30 to 2 pm, for Stitching Stories: A Social Stitch Circle at the Old Stone House.
Park rangers will host a community-powered knitting circle inspired by America 250. Enjoy informal conversations about colonial-era fiber arts and how women used handmade textiles in daily life in support of the American Revolution.
This is not a class—just a relaxed space for knitters of all levels to gather, chat, and work on their own projects. Bring a piece you’re already working on or start something new!
Ranger-led Hikes
We have several ranger-led hikes this month, including some old favorites (listed in the last section of this newsletter) and some brand-new ones for this new year.
Meet at the Nature Center to be part of these new adventures:
Every Saturday
Time: 11 am - 12:30 pm
Description: A lively, brisk hike to Fort DeRussy; explore winter wildlife and discover how soldiers shaped the landscape; reflect on the year ahead and "fortify" your own New Year's resolution
Friday, January 9 and January 23
Time: 3 - 4 pm
Description: An 0.5-mile excursion for ages 6 and up; young explorers will learn the hiking essentials, trail safety, what to wear or bring on a hike, and how to Recreate Responsibly
Saturday, January 10
Description: Learn tips and trick on how to identify trees without leaves
Time: 3:30 - 4:30 pm
Nature Center Highlights
Second Saturday: Planetarium Movies in Spanish / Segundo Sábado: Películas del Planetario en Español
On the second Saturday of each month, Rock Creek Park is happy to offer planetarium films in Spanish for the whole family. Enjoy "One World, One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure" in the morning (10 am), and "From Earth to the Universe" in the afternoon (3 pm).
El segundo sábado de cada mes, el Parque Rock Creek ofrece proyecciones de películas en español en su planetario para toda la familia. Disfrute de "Un cielo, un mundo: La aventura de Big Bird" por la mañana y de "De la Tierra al Universo" por la tarde.
Winter Wildlife Detectives: Who's Still Awake?
Bundle up your curiosity and step inside to become a Winter Wildlife Detective at the Rock Creek Park Nature Center! Kids will explore real animal pelts and tracks up close, belonging to foxes, coyotes, raccoons, and even sleepy woodchucks. They will also learn how these animals survive the chilly winter season. No snow boots required!
Dates: January 10, 11, 24, 25, and 31
Time: 10 - 10:30 am
Additional Planetarium Programs
We welcome you to stop by the planetarium at the Rock Creek Nature Center for films and ranger talks throughout the month of January! Reminder: space in the planetarium is limited, so please arrive about 30 minutes early to receive a free placeholder ticket.
Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday Stellar Star Show Time: 2 - 2:30 pm
Every Saturday and Sunday
One World, One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure Time: 10 - 10:30 am (except Jan. 10)
Stellar Star Show Time: 11 - 11:30 am (except Jan. 3 and Jan. 17)
Friday, January 2 From Earth to the Universe Time: 3 - 3:30 pm
Saturday, January 3
Mapping the Solar System - America on the Final Frontier Time: 11 - 11:45 am (also on Jan. 17)
Eclipse: The Sun Revealed Time: 3 - 3:30 pm (also on Jan. 30)
Sunday, January 4 One Sky ProjectTime: 3 - 3:45 pm (also on Jan. 31)
Friday, January 9 Mars: The Ultimate Voyage Time: 3 - 3:30 pm
Sunday, January 11 Worlds of Curiosity Time: 3 - 3:15 pm
Friday, January 16 Max Goes to the Moon Time: 3:30 - 4 pm
Saturday, January 17 Seeing: A Photon's Journey Time: 3 - 3:30 pm
Sunday, January 18 Two Small Pieces of Glass: The Amazing Telescope Time: 3 - 3:30 pm
Friday, January 23 Forward to the Moon Time: 3 - 3:30 pm
Saturday, January 24 Sunstruck Time: 3 - 3:30 pm
Sunday, January 25 Audio Universe: Tour of the Solar System Time: 3 - 3:45 pm
Spotlight on Volunteer Opportunities
Join us this month as we celebrate the Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend of Service here at Rock Creek Park! We have events ranging from litter cleanups to non-native invasive plant removals supported by the park and our wonderful park partner organizations. We hope to see you there!
Invasive Plant Removal at Whitehaven January 17, 10 am - 12 pm
Volunteer Day at Dumbarton Oaks Park January 19, 9 am - 1 pm
Litter Cleanup at Picnic Grove 1 January 19, 10 am - 12 pm
More Ranger Programs and Partner Events
There are a few more events to share, and they are listed below in date order with relevant location and time information, as well as links for more details about each. We hope you find one or more activities to enjoy in Rock Creek Park and remember to #RecreateResponsibly!
Every Saturday and Sunday
Friends of Peirce Mill Open House Time: 12 - 4 pm Location: Peirce Mill
Friday, January 2
Books and Beyond with a Ranger Time: 10 - 10:45 am Location: Nature Center
Be a Junior Naturalist Hike Time: 3 - 4 pm (also on Jan. 16 and 30) Location: Nature Center
Saturday, January 3
Ramble with a Ranger: Boulder Bridge Loop Time: 9:30 - 11:30 am (also on Jan. 17) Location: Nature Center
Spilling the Tea Time: 1:30 - 3:30 pm (also on Jan. 17) Location: Old Stone House
Sunday, January 4
After Emancipation History Hike Time: 9:30 - 11 am (also on Jan. 24) Location: Peirce Barn
Mobilizing Memories at Meridian Hill Time: 2 - 4 pm (also on Jan. 18) Location: Meridian Hill Park
Friday, January 9
Little Tyke Hike Time: 10 - 10:45 am Location: Nature Center
Saturday, January 10
Spies in America's Backyard Time: 1 - 2:30 pm (also on Jan. 24) Location: Peirce Barn
Beatrix Ferrand's Dumbarton Oaks: The Pioneering Landscape Architect's Mark on Georgetown Time: 1 - 2 pm (also on Jan. 11) Location: Dumbarton Oaks Park
Sunday, January 11
Hidden History of the Georgetown Waterfront Time: 11 am - 12:30 pm (also on Jan. 25) Location: Sundial in Georgetown Waterfront Park
Friday, January 16
Books and Beyond with a Ranger Time: 10 - 10:45 am Location: Peirce Barn
Friday, January 23
Little Tyke Hike Time: 10 - 10:45 am Location: Peirce Barn
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NPS at Rock Creek Park | 3545 Williamsburg Lane NW, Washington, DC 20008
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