Nature, music, chess, crafts, and more! Check out our suggestions for activities around parks April 28 to May 1 in this week’s Parks’ Picks!

Stretch
Start to decompress for the weekend at Sunset Yoga(opens in a new tab). Bring a mat or pick up one at this free program on Thursday, April 28, 6:30 pm, at Long Branch-Arliss Neighborhood Park.

Toast
Cheers! Buy a beer and raise a toast to Friday at Acoustics and Ales(opens in a new tab)! The outdoor beer garden is at Fairview Road Urban Park on Friday, April 29, from 5 pm to 7:30 pm. Live music, food trucks, and craft beer vendors. Free admission!
Volunteer
Make room in our parks for native plants by helping remove invasive, nonnative ones. Volunteer for a Weed Warrior Workday this weekend. There are four opportunities: Friday, April 29, 9 am to 11 am, at Long Branch Stream Valley Park(opens in a new tab); Saturday, April 30, 9 am to 11 am, at Sligo Creek Stream Valley Park(opens in a new tab); Saturday, April 30, 10 am to 12 pm, at Little Falls Stream Valley Park(opens in a new tab), and Sunday, May 1, 1 pm to 3 pm, at Arctic Neighborhood Conservation Area(opens in a new tab).
Create
Adults, get crafty at Brookside Nature Center’s DIY Nature Project: Rustic Vine Basket(opens in a new tab) on Saturday, April 30, at 10 am. Learn about invasive, nonnative plants while using some to weave your own unique creation.

Play
Explore nature with your toddlers during Play Day in the Park(opens in a new tab) at Black Hill Visitor Center. This free program on Friday, April 29, 11 am to 2 pm, is for children ages six months to three years old.

Investigate
Older children and adults can become citizen scientists this weekend. All you need is your smartphone and an app to find and photograph local plants and animals. And, Locust Grove Nature Center staff will show you how to use them during Join the City Nature Challenge(opens in a new tab) Friday, April 29, to Sunday, May 1, from 1 pm to 6 pm. Free.

Checkmate
Finally, kids in grades second to eighth can participate in friendly competition during Chess in the Park(opens in a new tab) on Saturday, April 30, 10 am to 1 pm, at Fairview Road Urban Park. Children must know game rules and etiquette. This free program is a partnership with US Chess Center.