WHEATON, Md. – Montgomery Parks invites everyone to indulge in the glory of fall at our nature centers. There are offerings for everyone, from toddlers to adults, and those in between. Go kayaking, night fishing, or have a scary-fun time at one of our Halloween-themed events.
October nature center programs include:
Teen High Adventure Excursions: Biking Along the C&O Canal Towpath | October 3 | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Maydale Nature Classroom, 1638 Maydale Drive, Colesville
School’s out so join us biking along one of the most scenic stretches of the C&O Canal, traveling from Dickerson Conservation Park. Transportation to and from the biking location provided. Participants must supply their own bicycles and gear/supplies. Registration required. Ages 12–15. $50 per person.
Afternoon on the Pontoon | October 3, 12, and 18 | 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. (1:30 – 3 p.m., October 12)
Black Hill Boats, 20920 Lake Ridge Drive, Boyds
Enjoy a leisurely cruise on our pontoon boat along Little Seneca Lake and see local wildlife. Ages 6 and older. Registration required. $7 per person ($6, Friends of Black Hill).
Oak Tree Identification and Hike | October 5 | 9:30 a.m.–12 p.m.
Brookside Nature Center, 1400 Glenallan Ave, Wheaton
Join a park naturalist and learn about native species of oak tree that call our area home and what makes each of them unique. Ages 18 and older. Registration required. $15 per person.
Trail Buddies | October 2 and 16 | 10:30–11:30 a.m.
Brookside Nature Center, 1400 Glenallan Ave, Wheaton
Discover nature while hiking along the trails of Wheaton Regional Park. Ages 3–5. Registration required. $7 per child.
Outdoor Skills Workshop | October 12 | 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Locust Grove Nature Center, 7777 Democracy Blvd, Bethesda
W.A.N.D.E.R. birding basics for women and non-binary individuals. Learn how to begin or take your birdwatching to the next level. Ages 16 and older. Registration required. $12 per person.
Nature Center Pop-Up | October 13 | 12–3 p.m.
Winding Creek Local Park, 12326 Dewey Road, Wheaton
Come talk with a naturalist about the park, explore natural objects, ask questions, and enjoy biology-themed activities. We’re bringing the nature center to you. All ages. Free.
Black Hill Van Trips: Museum of the Shenandoah Valley | October 15 | 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Black Hill Discovery Center, 20926 Lake Ridge Drive, Boyds
Join us on a van trip to the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley in Winchester, Va. The visit will include a tour of the historic Glen Burnie House and the surrounding seven acres of gardens. After exploring the gardens, guests can hike the property’s trails. Ages 18 and older. Registration required. $60 ($58, Friends of Black Hill).
Night Fishing | October 16 | 7:30 –11:45 p.m.
Black Hill Boats, 20920 Lake Ridge Drive, Boyds
Unique opportunity to night fish on Little Seneca Lake in Black Hill Regional Park. (Note: fishers must provide their own boats with operating navigational lights). All ages. Free.
LGBTQ+ History Month Hike and Campfire | October 18 | 7 – 8 p.m.
Meadowside Nature Center, 5100 Meadowside Lane, Rockville
Celebrate LBGTQ+ History Month with a gentle, naturalist-led hike around Meadowside Nature Center. Registration required. All ages. $7 per person.
Inspired by Nature: Art Journaling | October 19 | 10 a.m. –12:30 p.m.
Brookside Nature Center, 1400 Glenallan Ave, Wheaton
Are you fascinated by nature? Do you love being creative? Participants in this program will combine these two passions. A short nature walk will be followed by the creation of a nature-inspired art journal. The tools to practice mixed media techniques such as doodling, drawing, painting, collage and more will be provided. All attendees must register.
Fall Wildflower Walk | October 20 | 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Locust Grove Nature Center, 7777 Democracy Blvd, Bethesda
Take in the fall rainbow of wildflowers with a master naturalist who will interpret this last spectacular show of color before the seasons change. Ages 16 and older. Registration required. $7 per person.
Spooktacular Party: An American Sign Language Event | October 25 | 6–7 p.m. and 7:30–8:30 p.m.
Meadowside Nature Center, 5100 Meadowside Lane, Rockville
Join a naturalist for an hour of fun and play games, make crafts, read a book, and enjoy snacks. Spoken instructions will be interpreted by a qualified ASL interpreter. Registration required. All ages. $7 per person.
Witchy Paddle | October 26 | 5–7 p.m.
Black Hill Discovery Center, 20926 Lake Ridge Drive, Boyds
It’s the witching hour! Dust off your broom, bring your own boat and paddleboard and join this costumed paddle of Little Seneca Creek. Afterwards enjoy a campfire, s’mores, and cider. Ages 12 and older. Registration required. Free.
Birdability Week is October 21–27.
Programs for 55+:
- Hike to Parks Unknown: Seniors 55+ | October 11 (intermediate) and 13 (beginner) | 1 – 2:30 p.m. and 9:30–11 a.m.
Fairland Recreational Park, 3928 Greencastle Road, Fairland
Winding Creek Local Park, 12326 Dewey Road, Wheaton
Registration required. $10 per person. - Sunrise Hike | October 29 | 6:45 –8:15 a.m.
Brookside Nature Center, 1400 Glenallan Ave, Wheaton
Registration required. $7 per person.
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. MontgomeryParks.org
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.
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