Arriving
Visitors should arrive and park in the Visitor Center parking lot. When going through the front entrance gates to Brookside Gardens, vehicles will drive over a deer exclusion grate which will shake the vehicle. The Visitor Center address is 1800 Glenallan Ave. Wheaton, MD 20902.
Parking
Once through the front gates, visitors can expect some slow traffic as the parking lot is all one way. Accessible parking is on the right side of the parking lot nearest to the Visitor Center. If parking spaces fill up in the Visitor Center parking lot, visitors can exit the parking lot via the same gate they entered through, turn right at the stop sign at the end of the entrance road and proceed to the Conservatory parking lot for additional parking options. The Conservatory address is 1500 Glenallan Ave. Wheaton, MD 20902.
Accessibility
We have a wheelchair accessible shuttle cart available to assist visitors from the parking lot to the main activity lawn area for the event.
Activities and Performances
All event activities will be to the left of the Visitor Center building on the grass lawns. There are four activity stations plus one yoga area and one performance area.
Visitors can expect activities that will include guided instruction by Brookside Gardens Staff on the activity at the station which will include using art supplies, touching soil and other planting materials, using tools and technology to learn about plants.
In the performance area, The Science Guys of Baltimore will deliver high-energy demonstrations that include experiments with bubbling potions, chemical reactions, and explosions. There will also be kid-friendly music performed by L-M-N-O People. Performances will be scheduled throughout the event with short breaks between each. This could be a noisy part of the event, and participants might clap along or cheer for the performers.
There will also be one – three mascots walking around the celebration and offering photo opportunities.
Bathrooms
The Visitor Center has a public Women’s and Men’s restroom that can be accessed directly adjacent to the event activity area. Inside the Visitor Center, next to the Youth Classroom there is a private bathroom.
If visitors venture outside the main event activity area there are additional Women’s and Men’s bathrooms at the Conservatory immediately to the left when walking into the building.
Food
Visitors can bring food and picnics during this event and only eat within the designated picnicking areas which will be labeled with signage. Visitors can sit on the ground, but no tables or chairs will be provided. Typically, food and eating at the Gardens is strictly prohibited.
Trash cans will only be available within the designated event picnicking area and inside the Visitor Center. Please dispose of waste appropriately.
Sensory Retreat Area
The Gardens will be busy with typical spring activities and additional crowds from the event. Visitors that need a break from the crowds and noise can visit the “Sensory Retreat Area” which will be located at the Anderson Pavilion near the aquatic ponds.
Additional Information
Please call 301-962-1400 Brookside Gardens Information Desk to get more information about the event or the Gardens. In case of inclement weather, please call the phone number listed to get updates regarding the event.
For questions regarding accessibility, contact the Program Access team at programaccess@montgomeryparks.org or (301) 495-2581.
