Events and Programs

March

Wednesday, March 3, 2-3 pm
Puppet Show
Enjoy a seasonal-themed puppet show, meet a live animal, and make a craft.
Ages 2-10
Fee: Resident $2; Non-Resident $3
SMARTlink #157838

Friday, March 5, 10-11 am
Small Fry : All About Snakes
Little ones learn all about snakes. Enjoy stories, crafts, games, and hikes.
Ages 2-4 
Fee: Resident $3; Non-Resident $4
SMARTlink #157842 

Saturday, March 6, 10-11am
Discovery Hike
Join a naturalist and enjoy a seasonal hike looking for wildlife and plantlife.  
Ages 4 & up 
Fee: Resident $1; Non-Resident $2 
SMARTlink #157827

Saturday, March 6, 11am-1pm
People & Pups Hike
Enjoy a naturalist-led hike with other dog owners and lovers. Please bring a leash. 
Ages 18 & up 
Free, reservations required
SMARTlink #152428

Saturday, March 13, 10am-12pm 
Reptile 101 
Reptile owners & enthusiasts can learn more about the care of reptiles. 
Ages 9 & up
Free, reservations required 
SMARTlink #157846

Tuesday, March 16, 1-2 pm
Live Animal Show
Meet and learn about some of the center's animals. 
Ages 2 & up 
Fee: Resident $1; Non-Resident $2
SMARTlink #157830 

Saturday, March 17, 1-2 pm 
Nature Craft 
Enjoy a story, meet a live animal, and make a craft 
Ages 2-10
Fee: Resident $2; Non-Resident $3
SMARTlink #157835

Friday, March 26, 10 am-12 pm 
Children's Wildlife Art Class 
Join an artist/naturalist and learn some basics of art using nature and live animals as the subjects of inspiration. Supplies will be provided. 
Ages 8-12
Fee: Resident $10; Non-Resident $12
SMARTlink #157822

Monday-Friday, March 29-April 2, 9 am-4:30 pm
Spring Break Nature Camp
Join us for a week long day camp exploring nature and the outdoors.SMARTLINK registration required. Extended care is not available. 
Ages 8-10 
Fee: Resident $110; Non-Resident $135
SMARTlink #157859 

Tuesday, March 30, 1-2 pm
Live Animal Show
Meet and learn about some of the center's animals. 
Ages 2 & up 
Fee: Resident $1; Non-Resident $2
SMARTlink #157831 

Wednesday, March 31, 2-3 pm
Puppet Show
Enjoy a seasonal-themed puppet show, meet a live animal, and make a craft.
Ages 2-10
Fee: Resident $2; Non-Resident $3
SMARTlink #157839

Wild Things Birthday Party

 Your birthday party package includes:

• A 30-minute Wild Things animal show featuring a variety of our resident animals, such as reptiles, amphibians, insects and/or birds of prey.
• 3-hour use of our workshop room, including set up, party, nature program, and clean up time. Available from 1-4 pm on a Saturday or Sunday. (You must be cleaned up and vacate the room by 4 pm)
• Use of our workshop room, which includes tables, chairs, sink, and refrigerator/freezer.
• Receive a free nature coloring book for each child in your party. These will be provided the day of the party.
• Receive a 15% discount in our Little Shop of Nature gift shop on the day of your party or the day you reserve and pay for your party.

Group Size

• Up to 25 child guests. The room capacity is 50 including adults and children.

Party Time and Date

• For reservations, please call 301-218-6702; TTY 301-699-2544. Please call at least two months in advance, as we tend to fill up fast no matter the season. Reservations are tentative and subject to cancellation unless payment is received in full by due date.

Fees

• $100 (Prince George's and Montgomery County residents), $120 (non-residents) includes the birthday party child and up to 25 child guests. Payment is required to reserve your date.
• There is no fee for adult guests.
• Payment is required within 10 days of scheduling your party date. Make checks/money orders payable to: M-NCPPC. Please mail or bring payment in to Watkins Nature Center at 301 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774. Until payment is received, all reservations are tentative. When paying we need to see a copy of your driver's license and/or other form of identification with your payment, regardless of the payment type.

Additional Birthday Party Guidelines

• When you make your reservation, we will ask you to please select a time for your 30-minute animal show (anytime between 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm). Please plan your setup, party activities, animal show, and clean up within your 3 hour reserved time.
• All cancellations must be addressed to the manager of Watkins Nature Center or his/her designee at least 5 business days prior to the event. Cancellation requests may be faxed to 301-218-6712. With sufficient notice and approval of the manager, a refund will be issued minus a 20% administrative fee.
• If payment was made in the form of cash, money order, or check,the refund, in the form of a check, will be mailed to the address on the original reservation form. Please allow 3-4 weeks. Payments made by credit card will be refunded to the credit card used for payment.
• Please limit your party activities and food consumption to the workshop. Adults must accompany and supervise all children visiting the exhibit hall, bathrooms, and birds of prey areas. Please do not allow climbing, running, screaming, or other inappropriate behavior inside the Nature Center or outside in the birds of prey areas. Please DO NOT feed any animals or put any items in the turtle pond or cages.
• Please dispose of all trash and recyclables in the proper receptacles, and leave the workshop and outside areas as you found them. Brooms and dustpans for your use are available; from the staff person on duty.