Montgomery Parks July Nature Center programs

WHEATON, Md. — Summer is here, and Montgomery Parks is doing our part to make it fun with a varied selection of activities at our nature centers. There’s something for everyone this July at Montgomery Parks.

July nature center events in Montgomery Parks include: 

Nature Folklore Hike | July 1 | 12 – 1 p.m.
Meadowside Nature Center, 5100 Meadowside Lane, Rockville

Ever wondered why owls are considered wise or ladybugs a sign of good luck? This program explores the fascinating folklore of Maryland’s flora and fauna on a naturalist-led stroll around Meadowside’s forest and meadows. Ages 12 and older. Registration required. $7.

Bug Hunt | July 1 | 1 – 4 p.m.
Black Hill Nature Programs, 20926 Lake Ridge Drive, Boyds

Love bugs? Well, this is the program for you. Hunt for bugs and bring your catch back to the naturalist to help identify and learn more about them. Ages 6 and older. Registration required. $7 (Accompanying adults are free).

History of Boyds Kayak Tour | July 7 | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Black Hill Nature Programs, 20926 Lake Ridge Drive, Boyds

Join us and the Historical Society of Boyds on a kayak tour back in history. Ages 14 and older. Registration required. $30 ($29 Friends of Black Hill).

Full Moon Fridays | July 7 | 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Locust Grove Nature Center, 7777 Democracy Boulevard, Bethesda

Enjoy a full moon hike and campfire. Feel free to bring your own hot dogs or food to warm over the fire, marshmallows provided. Ages 5 and older. Registration required. $8.

Something Awesome! | July 8, 23, 29 | 1 – 4 p.m. (July 8); 1:30 – 4:30 p.m. (July 23); 12 – 4 p.m. (July 29)
Black Hill Nature Programs, 20926 Lake Ridge Drive, Boyds

Celebrate nature with awesome family activities and let curiosity be your guide with this self-led program. All ages. Free.

Park in the Dark | July 14 | 8:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Brookside Nature Center, 1400 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton

Find out who’s out and about in Wheaton Regional Park after dark. Ages 5 and older. Registration required. $7.

Common Garden Pests and Diseases | July 15 | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Live Zoom event

Learn to recognize plant disease symptoms and conditions and how and when to apply organic or chemical treatments. Also, learn to distinguish between harmful and beneficial insects and their life cycles, as well as natural, biological and chemical controls. Led by Carol Allen, University of Maryland Department of Plant Sciences. Ages 18 and older. Registration required. $12.

Kindness Rocks! | July 15 | 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Meadowside Nature Center, 5100 Meadowside Lane, Rockville

Let your kindness rock with kindness rocks! Observe World Rock Day by creating kindness rocks with pictures and inspirational messages. Place one rock along a hiking trail and make another to take home. All ages. Registration required. $8.

Sprinklers, Bubbles & Rainbows! | July 15 | 1 – 4 p.m.
Black Hill Nature Programs, 20926 Lake Ridge Drive, Boyds

Dance and run through sprinklers. Make bubbles with giant bubble wands. Splash in water play stations. Summer water fun for the whole family. All ages. Registration required. Free.

Moth Night | July 15 | 11 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Black Hill Nature Programs, 20926 Lake Ridge Drive, Boyds

Go mothing at Black Hill. Registration is required but participants can drop in anytime during the program hours. Ages 12 and older. Registration required. $14 ($13 Friends of Black Hill).

Creek Critter Search | July 20 | 1:30 – 2:20 p.m.
Maydale Nature Classroom, 1638 Maydale Drive, Colesville

Splash in the creek and see what’s swimming, diving and living in the creek. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration required. Ages 6–10. $4.

Campfire Cookout: Fire and Ice | July 20 | 6 – 7 p.m.
Maydale Nature Classroom, 1638 Maydale Drive, Colesville

Enjoy a summer evening around the campfire with family and friends while taking in the sights and sounds of nature. Registration required. Ages 3 and older. $6.

Summer Shady Hike | July 20 | 6 – 7 p.m.
Maydale Nature Classroom, 11710 Orebaugh Ave, Wheaton, MD 20902

Join a Park Naturalist for an off-site evening hike along shady trails! Includes 1 hr hike. Registration required. Ages 8 and older. $7.

Play Day in the Park | July 21 | 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Black Hill Nature Programs, 20926 Lake Ridge Drive, Boyds

For toddlers of all ages and abilities. but materials are geared towards children ages 1 to 3. Registration required. Free.

Visit the Summer 2023 Montgomery Parks Program Guide. Go to Montgomery Parks event calendar for a complete list of special events and programming and to learn how to sign up using ActiveMontgomery.

About Montgomery Parks        
Montgomery Parks manages more than 37,000 acres of parkland, consisting of 420 parks. 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          
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/TTY), 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. 

###