Watkins Nature Center

Hours of Operation

Mondays-Saturdays: 8:30 am-5 pm
Sundays & Holidays: 11 am-4 pm

Watkins Nature Center will be open Memorial Day, Monday, May 28 from 11 am-4 pm.

Join us on November 10, 2012 from 10am - 4pm for our 4th annual Trash to Treasure: A Green Craft Fair. This special event will feature vendors selling items made from recycled, organic, or sustainable materials. This indoor craft fair will feature local artists, non-profit environmental groups, and crafts for kids. Vendor applications are currently being accepted.

Click here to download vendor application.

Watkins Nature Center offers close up wildlife investigation with its resident live animals, hands on exhibits, interpretive programs, and special events. Live animal displays include insects, amphibians, reptiles, and birds of prey. The nature center also features indoor and outdoor ponds, a songbird feeding area, a butterfly/hummingbird garden, composting area, an outdoor nest box exhibit, and a squirrel gym that showcases the parks squirrel population. Nature hikes, campfires, animal shows, puppet shows, crafts, summer day camps, and other programs attract over 50,000 visitors each year. Specialty programs are offered for school groups, scout groups, home school students, and adults. Volunteer opportunities are offered year round for teens and adults ages 14 and over. Admission is free, nominal fees apply for programs.

• Programs and Events
• Curriculum Based Programs
• Children's Birthday Parties and Rentals
• Home School Science Clubs

Location/Directions

From the Capital Beltway (I-495), take Exit 15A (Central Avenue) east. Continue for approximately three miles. Turn right onto Watkins Park Drive (Route 193) and follow the park signs to the facility.

From Route 301, turn onto Central Avenue (Route 214) west. Continue for approximately three miles (past Six Flags America). Turn left onto Watkins Park Drive and follow to the park entrance on the right.

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