WHEATON, Md. – Spring into adventure with Montgomery Parks nature centers this April! Come soak in nature’s beauty with exciting programs for all ages. From serene nature walks to an engaging navigation adventure, creative upcycling, and even a community Share Fair.
April nature center programs include
Plant sale
Native Plant Sale | April 7-21 (online)
Maydale Nature Classroom, Colesville
Support your backyard ecosystem with this fundraising event for Maydale Nature Classroom. Online sales only with plant pickup on Saturday, April 26, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. ActiveMontgomery account required to purchase plants.
Nature Walks
Baby and Me Nature Walks–Spring | April 3-May 15 (Thursdays) | 12-1 p.m.
Locust Grove Nature Center, Bethesda
Enjoy guided hikes with your little one on the trails of Cabin John Regional Park and meet other local parents. Ages 0-1 1/2. Registration required. $45 per child.
Trail Trekkers | April 3 (Wheaton) and 15 (Rockville) | 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Wheaton Regional Park, Wheaton and Rock Creek Regional Park, Rockville
Explore the accessible trails of Wheaton and Rock Creek Regional Parks at this inclusive walking program for individuals with disabilities, their friends and family. Registration required. Free.
Bilingual Programs
Plant Swap | April 19 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Meadowside Nature Center, Rockville
Trade plants and get native plant giveaways with tips on how to care for them and which pollinators they can support (while supplies last). All ages. Registration required. Free. (This program is bilingual in English/Spanish.)
Spanish Language Program
Plantitas Praderas | April 12 | 11-11:45 a.m.
Meadowside Nature Center, Rockville
Aprender sobre las plantas nativas de praderas a través de un cuento infantíl y sembrar una pradera chiquita para llevar a casa con materiales cotidianas.
Registration required. Free. (This program will only be offered in Spanish.)
Get Creative
Upcycled Art: Paper | April 5 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Brookside Nature Center, Wheaton
Turn shredded paper into a decorative planter. Ages 18 and older. Registration required. $30 per person.
Make It & Take It: Feeling Froggy | April 12 | 1:30-3 p.m.
Black Hill Discovery Center, Boyds
Easy-to-make seasonal froggy craft to take home. Drop in anytime during program hours. All ages. Registration required (only for those making craft). $2 per person.
Nature Adventures
Park in the Dark | April 4 | 7:30-8:30 p.m.
Brookside Nature Center, Wheaton
Find out who’s out and about in Wheaton Regional Park after the sun sets. Ages 5 and older. Registration required. $7 per person.
Black Hill Van Trips: Museum of the Shenandoah | April 8 | 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Black Hill Discovery Center, Boyds
Take a trip to visit the Museum of the Shenandoah in Winchester, Va., where the art, history, and culture of the Shenandoah Valley is interpreted. Trip will include a tour of the historic Glen Burnie House and its gardens. Ages 18 and older. Registration required. $60 per person ($58, Friends of Black Hill).
Orienteering 101 | April 12 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Brookside Nature Center, Wheaton
Navigate Wheaton Regional Park with a map, compass, and sharp observation skills with family and friends. Ages 8 and older. Registration required. $7 per person.
Bats & Beavers Pontoon Boat Cruise | April 29 | 6:30-8 p.m.
Black Hill Discovery Center, Boyds
Take a sunset cruise to spot beaver lodges and detect bats. Ages 6 and older. Registration required. $8 per person ($7, Friends of Black Hill).
More exciting events for all ages
Share Fair | April 5 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Black Hill Discovery Center, Boyds
Give your gently used, once-loved items a second life and promote reuse and reducing waste at this community, free, yard sale. Registration required for “sellers.” Free.
Getting Started with Native Plants: Nativescaping 101 | April 13 | 2-4 p.m.
Locust Grove Nature Center, Bethesda
Introductory program to #PlantNative series. Learn about benefits of native plants, creating ecological landscaping and how to incorporate in ways that work in your yard or Homeowner Association. Ages 18 and older. Registration required. $20 per person.
Nature on Wheels: Nature Center Pop-Up | April 13 | 12-3 p.m.
Lake Needwood Boats, Rockville
We’re bringing our nature centers to you. Talk with a naturalist about the park, explore natural objects, ask questions, and enjoy biology-themed activities. All ages. Registration optional. Free.
Black Hill Bookworms | April 24 | 6-7:30 p.m.
Black Hill Discovery Center, Boyds
Our book discussion group meets in person every fourth Thursday of the month, March through October to discuss science and nature books. The April selection is “All We Can Save: Truth, Courage and Solutions for the Climate Crisis” edited by Ayanna Elizabeth Johnson and Katherine K. Wilkinson. Ages 16 and older. Registration required. Free.
- Looking for a spring break camp? Click here to find out about some available camps.
- See our special Programs for 55+.
Go to Montgomery Parks event calendar for a complete list of nature center programs. Visit the Spring 2025 Montgomery Parks Program Guides.
Register on Active Montgomery
ActiveMontgomery is a program and facility reservation system that allows users to register online for classes, camps, programs and lessons offered by Montgomery Parks. Users must go to ActiveMontgomery and create an account before registering.
About Montgomery Parks Nature Centers
Montgomery Parks operates five nature program sites, Black Hill Discovery Center, Brookside Nature Center, Locust Grove Nature Center, Maydale Nature Classroom and Meadowside Nature Center. The nature centers provide learning opportunities for youths and adults in a variety of ways including school, scout, and public programs for all ages; special events, summer camps, birthday parties, volunteer opportunities, internships, engaging interpretive exhibits, live animal exhibits, native plant gardens, trails and nature play areas. For more information, visit Montgomery Parks Nature Centers website.
About Montgomery Parks
Montgomery Parks manages more than 37,000 acres of parkland, consisting of 419 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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