WHEATON, Md.— Slide into the fun at WaterFest or cast your line at the All-Anglers Fishing Rodeo. Take a moonlit journey to learn what it was like to navigate the Underground Railroad or uncover the secrets of your home’s history at History Hour. From outdoor experiences to historical discoveries, Montgomery Parks is your gateway to excitement this May.
Spotlight event:
WaterFest | May 17 | 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Maydale Nature Classroom
Make a splash while learning about your local watershed through crafts, games, exhibits and other activities. Free.
Native plant sales:
Friends of Black Hill Nature Programs Native Plant Sale | May 3: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (9-11 a.m., Friends of Black Hill members only); May 4: 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Black Hill Discovery Center
Shop for native plants grown by Black Hill’s volunteer gardeners with proceeds of the sale supporting Black Hill Discovery Center and the Seed Classroom. Friends of Black Hill members get to shop early. Click the link for the plant list, how to become a member and more details about the sale. Credit cards accepted but cash or check preferred.
Locust Grove Nature Center’s Spring Native Plant Sale | May 17-18 | 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Pope Farm Nursery
Beautify your backyard with native plants. Shop a unique selection of the highest quality plants and seeds. Experts will answer questions about growing low-maintenance and pest-resistant varieties that help attract wildlife. Sales support educational programs at Locust Grove Nature Center.
Other Montgomery Parks’ May events highlights include:
W.A.N.D.E.R: Gardening with Wildlife for Women and Non-binary Individuals | May 3 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Locust Grove Nature Center
W.A.N.D.E.R stands for Women and Non-binary Individuals Deepening their Environmental Relationships, an empowering hands-on program that provides accessible and practical knowledge in select outdoor activities. $20 per person.
Spring Fling Family Day | May 10 | 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park
Children and families of all ages are welcome to drop-in to Spring Fling Family Day. Enjoy hands-on activities including building and flying your own kite, creating a seed bomb for a garden, embarking on a nature scavenger hunt, and more. Free.
All-Anglers Fishing Rodeo | May 17 | 8:30–11 a.m.
Kings Local Park
Come out for some fishing fun at our fully accessible fishing pier. This inclusive event is open to children of all abilities, ages 3-15. No fishing experience or gear required. $20 per person.
History Hour: Researching Your Historic House– “If these walls could talk…” | May 17 | 3–4 p.m.
Josiah Henson Museum and Park, North Bethesda (Parking is located at Wall Local Park at 5900 Executive Boulevard, North Bethesda)
Stacy Poulos, Anne Arundel County’s Archaeological Sites Planner, will discuss techniques to research the past and present of your home and property. Refreshments provided. Arrive early and take a self-guided tour of the museum. $5 per person.
LGBTQ+ Campfire and Night Hike | May 30 | 7-8 p.m.
Meadowside Nature Center
Enjoy a cozy campfire, a gentle naturalist-led hike and exploration of the various native animals active in the evening. $7 per person.
Twilight Trek | May 31 | 7–8:30 p.m.
Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park
Learn historical context and techniques used to navigate the way north to freedom on the Underground Railroad, including the challenges and opportunities nighttime travel presented. The natural surface trail is not ADA accessible. $8 per person.
- Check out Park Academy Series for fitness, wellness, and learning classes.
Go to Montgomery Parks event calendar for a complete list of special events and programming and to learn how to sign up using ActiveMontgomery. Visit the Spring 2025 Montgomery Parks Program Guide.
About Montgomery Parks
Montgomery Parks manages more than 37,000 acres of parkland, consisting of 415 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. MontgomeryParks.org
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/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.
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