WHEATON, Md. – Montgomery Parks announces Veterans Day weekend operating hours and programs. We invite veterans and active-duty military to free public ice skating and to enjoy our parks and facilities.
Veterans Day special event
On Sunday, Nov. 9, military personnel (veterans and active duty) skate for free during public sessions at
- Cabin John Ice Rink (12–2 p.m.) and
- Wheaton Ice Arena (11 a.m.–1 p.m.)
Open Parkways Fall/Winter schedule
The Open Parkways will be on a normal fall/winter schedule for Veterans Day.
- Beach Drive between Knowles Avenue and Cedar Lane (2.2 miles) and
Sligo Creek Parkway between Forest Glen Road and University Boulevard West- Saturdays at 7 a.m. through Sundays at 4 p.m.*
- Sligo Creek Parkway between Old Carroll Avenue and Piney Branch Road
- Fridays at 9 a.m. through Sundays at 4 p.m.*
*Please note: Gate closures are intended to be completed by the times listed above. The re-opening of the parkways begins at the times listed above. However, this process may take up to 30 minutes to complete.
Additional facilities open during the holiday include:
- Parks, trails, gardens, nature center trails and outdoor nature play areas playgrounds, dog parks, skate parks, outdoor exercise stations, and outdoor tennis/pickleball and basketball courts* are open daily, sunrise to sunset. (*Select outdoor courts are available for rental.)
- The inline hockey rink at Ridge Road Recreational Park and street hockey/futsal rink at Dewey Local Park may be permitted, or are available first come, first served, if not reserved.
- Picnic shelters and campfire rings are available for rental at several locations.
- Little Bennett Campground
The following facilities will be CLOSED on Veterans Day, Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025
- Montgomery Parks Headquarters and Permits Offices
- Montgomery Parks Customer Service Office
- Brookside Gardens (Grounds open daily, sunrise – sunset)
Need a jump-start on your weekend planning?
Visit the Ways to Discover Your Happy Place newsletter for a weekly list of fun things to do or see in Montgomery Parks.
About Montgomery Parks
Montgomery Parks manages more than 37,000 acres of parkland, consisting of 414 parks. Montgomery Parks is focused on promoting physical activity, social connectivity, and environmental stewardship, especially in diverse and urbanizing areas, with an emphasis on teens, working-age adults, and seniors. Montgomery Parks is a department of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), a bi-county agency established in 1927 to steward public land. M-NCPPC has been nationally recognized for its high-quality parks and recreation services and is regarded as a national model by other parks systems.
Accessibility at Montgomery Parks
Montgomery Parks, part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, encourages and supports the participation of individuals with disabilities. Please contact the Program Access Office at 301-495-2581 (Voice), MD Relay 7-1-1 or 800-552-7724 or ProgramAccess@MontgomeryParks.org to request a disability modification. Visit Montgomery Parks Program Access for more information.
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