Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM) Activities in the Park

Build Your Explorer Backpack

Learn how to create your own explorer backpack! Repurpose old items at home, print maps online, or check out field guides from your local library. Bring your sense of adventure, Leave No Trace knowledge, and explorer backpack for an afternoon of fun at the C&O Canal!

Plants in the Park

Check out the many plants that you'll find along the C&O Canal towpath. Inspired by the Canal Association's Wildflower Guide, view plant species by location and mile post with this updated plant guide. View blooming periods and find out what you can take home with you, according to the 2019 Superintendent's Compendium. What's a wild ginger? Dwarf larkspur? A star chickweed? Click the link and find out! Download and print your own copy of this guide or view on your smartphone.

DC Area Plant Guide

In this plant guide, explore plants you'll find on the towpath, pollinator plants, including flowers, shrubs, and trees. What are native plants? How do they help our environment? View beautiful photos and challenge yourself to see how many you can find! Download and print your own copy of this guide or view on your smartphone.

Scavenger Hunt

Explore the natural wonders of the C&O Canal with a Scavenger Hunt! Watch for wildlife, look closely at the plants around you, and check them off as you go. See how many plants and animals you can find! Of course, make sure to always #RecreateResponsibly and Leave No Trace while exploring the Park!

Rock Talk: Geology Conversations on the C&O Canal

The Potomac River and the land it runs through are talking to you. They share stories of ancient oceans, wrenching forces, and powerful floods shaping the landscape in ways large and small, ancient and modern. Come see their stories and observe interesting features like underwater potholes and hollowed out mountains and cliffsides. Learn about these amazing places online, then visit them yourself at C&O Canal.

Trees, Tree, Trees....Come Meet Lock & Key!

Take a journey with Lock and Key, two mules who work along the C&O Canal, as they teach us about trees! Learn about what happens to trees during the seasons, do a scavenger hunt, embrace your creative side, and so much more. There are plenty of fun activities to explore, so what are you waiting for? Meet Lock & Key!

Seek by iNaturalist

Have you ever taken a photo of a flower or tree and wondered what type of flower or tree it was but didn’t have a field guide to help identify? Worry no more! Take pictures of living wildlife, plants, or fungi with the free app Seek by iNaturalist. Families can explore nature together, complete challenges, earn badges while observing different nature around you! Grab your phone, head on down to the C&O Canal and get exploring! For more information, please visit: Seek by iNaturalist.

My Senses Spy Game

Have you ever played "I Spy?" Here is a fun version of the game that encourages learning and exploration called My Senses Spy. Look up, look down. What do you see? What can you hear? Engage all five senses while exploring the C&O Canal, a local park near you, or even your own backyard!

Egg-cellent Rock Collection Activity

Come learn about the different types of rocks found along the C&O Canal and then test your observational skills by learning about the geology around you. Get outdoors and explore as a geologist would. Maybe even try creating an Egg Carton Rock Collection!

NASA in National Parks

Calling all citizen scientists! The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has created an easy way for everyday citizens to get involved with data collection that helps scientists understand real-world problems through the GLOBE (Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment) Program. Grab an adult to help you get started today as an individual observer. See the links below to begin learning how you can help NASA in your National Parks!