Brookside Nature Center

Brookside Nature Center, located in Wheaton, Maryland, is surrounded by natural open areas and wooded trails, open from dawn to dusk.

Discover a wooded nature play area or learn about the forest habitat on accessible, interpretive boardwalks. Gaze at a great blue heron at the pond while exploring our natural habitats. Step back in time and visit the 1870s Harper Homestead.

Nestled within 536 acres of Wheaton Regional Park, Brookside Nature Center provides quality programs for people of all ages, interests, and abilities.

Brookside Nature Center
2021 TripSavvy Editors’ Choice Award
for Families

Rent a campfire ring at

Brookside Nature Center!

You must have a permit to have a campfire at Brookside Nature Center:

• Campfire Ring Permits available 7 days a week, 3 hours/$175 permit fee. Firewood and fire starter materials are included.

• Picnic Pavilion rental is also available for outdoor events. $25/hour.

• Call Brookside Nature Center 301.962.1480 or email requests to: MCP-BrooksideNC@montgomeryparks.org

• To reserve a Shelter and Campfire Ring Rentals.

What Are Animal Adaptations?

Naturalist Geri Drymalski teaches about animal adaptations and survival with the help of a box turtle, an educational animal from Brookside Nature Center, Montgomery Parks.

Mason Bees

Alex, a volunteer Master Naturalist, introduces the Mason Bee, their importance, and their solitary nature.

Brookside Nature Center: Sixty Years of Memories

Brookside Nature Center celebrates its sixtieth anniversary in 2022. We asked visitors to share their memories with us about their time at the facility. During the anniversary celebration on October 9, 2022, adults and children wrote down their stories and sat with us for interviews. These are excerpts from just a handful of those memories.