Explore Kingman and Heritage Islands with family and friends!
Saturday, October 14 from 10:00am to 2:00pm
Experience all the amazing activities the islands offer including paddling, nature walks, fishing, scavenger hunts, and so much more!
KINGMAN ISLAND FRIENDS AND FAMILY DAY ACTIVITIES
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Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Do you want to explore Kingman Lake by water while also cleaning up our river? Guided by Living Classrooms paddling staff, participants will partner up and paddle on Kingman Lake in search of trash. Participants will be provided with basic instructions, gloves, and trash grabbers. No paddling experience is required! Age requirement: 4 years and older.
10-11am session- spots available online here.
11am-12pm session: first-come first-served spots and waitlist spots available for sign up on Heritage Island starting at 10am.
We will be using both canoes and kayaks and your signup is good for 1 boat. Kayaks can hold 1-2 people. Canoes can hold 2-3 adults OR 1-2 adults with 2-3 children (for 4 max total people in a canoe if 2 are children).
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Did you know that keeping our dogs on a leash while exploring the islands can benefit our ecosystem? Stop by to sign the Paw Pledge and have your dog become a Kingman Bark Ranger! Dogs will receive an official Bark Ranger bandana and will help ensure all people and creatures are kept safe and happy on the islands.
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Do you want to learn about current and future plans for Kingman and Heritage Islands? Want to share your thoughts and feedback? Come by to learn about design improvements on the Islands that prioritize conservation and restoration of the natural ecology and focus on education opportunities for visitors of all ages.
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Fun for all ages! Stop by to make your own field guide by folding just one sheet of paper into a palm-sized book. Simply fold, decorate, and take it along on your adventure. Field guides provide a wonderful opportunity to stop and reflect, record observations, and sketch what you see.
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Want to learn how to make observations in nature by using almost all of your senses? Join us in the meadow discover what you can observe with your eyes, ears, nose, and hands! Participants can use these observation skills for future explorations anywhere they go.
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Are you curious about wetlands? Have you ever wondered what causes stormwater runoff and flooding in the city, and how wetlands might be able to help? Join us as we dive into the wild world of wetlands. We will use a large-scale model to create, test, and visualize how the wetlands play a vital role in our everyday lives and mitigate flooding around our District waterways! Work as a team to explore test solutions to a variety of watershed and floodplain problems simulated by the model.
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Want to learn why trees are so important in the District? Join Casey Trees, who will have activities for all ages, including a Tree Bingo Game and a Scavenger Hunt using their Kingman & Heritage Islands specific tree guide. You can also learn about basic tips for tree identification while using the Casey Trees Species Guide! Talk to us about what we do in the city and how you can get free trees for your yard or community.
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Meet the mussels! Participants can meet some of the native freshwater mussels who call the Anacostia River home. See the power mussels have to clean our environment through a water filtration demonstration, and join us in making your own clay mussel-model.
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Time: 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 1:30 PM
Have you ever wanted to explore the walking trails of Heritage Island? Are you Interested in learning the difference between native and invasive trees? Join Casey Trees and the Kingman Island Rangers for a 30-minute guided walking tour of the islands! Participants will learn about island restoration projects and tree identification skills. All ages welcome!
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Got a question about the history of the islands? Want to know how the islands are being maintained and restored? Kingman Island Rangers are here to help and happy to answer any of your questions. Rangers will be wearing Kingman and Heritage Island blue Ranger shirts.
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Have you ever admired the beautiful plants on Kingman Island and wanted to get involved with your neighborhood? Join us in creating an eco-friendly flower and leaf crowns while using local leaves and craft supplies. We will provide the materials and fun! As a bonus, participants can seek assistance in finding information about their local Advisory Neighborhood Commission!
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Time: 12:00 PM – 02:00 PM
Want to learn how to fish but not sure where to start? Join DOEE and Living Classrooms to learn basic fishing skills and practice catch-and-release fishing. Participants will have the opportunity to learn common fishing knots, how to cast a line, and about the watersheds where the real DC lunkers lurk. From fishing pros to newbies, everyone is welcome! Equipment, bait, and tackle will be provided.
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Join us for an exciting day as we step into the shoes of a RiverSmart Homes Auditor! Embark on an exciting engaging activity where participants can map homes with best management practices like rain barrels, bayscapes, rain gardens, shade trees, permeable pavers, and more. Participant in challenging yet enjoyable memory games on stormwater management, with the chance to win a super awesome prize!
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Ever wonder what the difference between native and invasive plants and animals are? Join us to find out! Engage in arts and crafts activities that highlight a native plant and insect to the Anacostia Watershed in comparison to an invasive plant and insect. See if you can find these species on the Islands and learn what you can do to protect the native species and help remove the invasives!
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Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Join us to meet Rodney Stotts, a renowned falconer hailing from Southeast Washington D.C., with his raptors! Rodney, a passionate Black falconer, is committed to creating, engaging, and educating others. Through his organization, Rodney's Raptors, he conveys the healing powers of nature! Don't miss this opportunity to connect with the awe-inspiring descendants of dinosaurs and experience the raw power of nature!
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Ever wonder what species are thriving in the Kingman Meadow? Come explore this exciting ecosystem using nets and hand lenses to observe some of the smaller inhabitants up close. Living Classroom guides will be available to help you along your journey of discovery!
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Are you ready for an immersive art experience that will deepen your connection with nature? With EYL 365 Project, you can create leaf prints and craft nature mandalas from foraged natural objects. Take home mini mementos like autumn leaf sun catchers to kick off fall and connect with loved ones!
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Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Do you have a flat tire or a chain that catches on your bike? DOEE’s Fix-It DC will be offering free bike repair with our community coaches. Stop by our table at the RFK entrance conveniently located near the bike racks. Repair tools will be provided, but please bring your own replacement parts specific to your bike.
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Calling all explorers! Join the Mineralogical Society of the District of Columbia to explore the hidden wonders and secrets on the Island. Learn about rock types: Igneous, Metamorphic, and Sedimentary rocks and explore the island in a race to identify them. Just like a person, each rock has a story to tell about our planet's geological history. Discover the secrets of the island's geological past through science and adventure!
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Have you ever wondered how scoring a goal could positively impact your community? Join the Washington Spirt to find out how scoring a goal can help you and your community reach a goal! We've set up a poster filled with goals, targets, and actions tied to sustainable living in D.C. You can even share your ideas on how we can achieve a more sustainable D.C together! Whether it's planting new trees, creating green spaces, or reducing trash, we want to hear your thoughts about it. Let’s make a positive change together!
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Bring your dancing shoes because the most-renowned steel pan bands in the District, Panquility, will be performing at Kingman Family and Friends Day this year! Widely recognized as being one of the top steel bands in the area, as well as an important cultural institution dedicated to preserving and promoting Caribbean music and culture. Panquility captivates and ignites the crowd with electrifying, soul-stirring rhythms of the Caribbean! Can’t wait to see you on the dance floor (aka the Kingman Meadow).
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Time: 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, & 1:00 PM
Don’t miss a lively puppet story time with A Boy Called Patches and Friends! This engaging performance aims to show young minds the beauty of being unique and embracing each other as they are, including the essential fundamentals for fostering compassion, empathy, and creative problem-solving in early ages. Don't miss out on this fun and educational program!
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Who doesn’t love a treasure hunt?! Join Urban Adventure Squad for a modern-day version - geocaching. There may not be jewels and gold, but you will find other treasures hidden around Kingman Island. Geocaches are hidden around the island like secret treasures. All you need is a cellphone (or another GPS-enabled device) and a sense of adventure. Race against the clock (or loved ones), keep track of the score by finding the cache, opening it, signing your name, and then put it back exactly as you found it. It's so simple and so much fun the whole island should play. Let’s catch them all!
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Time: Family Yoga 10:30 AM & Adult Yoga 12:30 PM
Need a moment of relaxation and recharge? Want to stretch and recuperate? Grab your friends and family, bring a towel or mat, and join us for yoga and meditation! Yoga and meditation can be enjoyed with kids of all ages, from infants to young children and teens. We invite you to connect, find greater ease, and cultivate self-awareness.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
How do I get to Kingman and Heritage Islands?
For directs by metro, bus, streetcar, foot or bike, and car visit: www.kingmanisland.com/visit. Parking will be limited. We highly recommend you bike, walk, or take public transit.
Will there be food and drinks for sale?
There will not be food or drink for sale during the event. We welcome you to pack a picnic! Bonus points if it is a zero waste lunch. There will be water jugs available to refill water bottles.
Are there bathrooms on the islands?
Portable bathrooms will be available during the event.
Is this a kid friendly event?
Yes! All activities are designed for kids and adults.
What are the COVID safety precautions?
All COVID health and safety guidelines will be strictly followed. Activities and tables will be spread out throughout the islands to prevent crowds and give everyone an opportunity to explore different areas. All shared items (paddles, nets, art supplies, etc.) will be cleaned in-between each use.
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs on a leash are welcome on the islands. Please keep in mind that there will be children and activities which might create a stressful environment for your dog. Be sure to stop by the Bark Ranger table to sign a Paw Pledge and receive a Bark Ranger dog bandana!
What should I wear?
We recommend you wear comfortable clothes and shoes appropriate for outdoor activities including paddling, yoga, and nature walk. All activities will be outside.