Events and Programs

Saturday, November 21, 10-11 am
Creature Feature: All About Raptors
Meet and learn about raptors, including hawks and owls.
Ages 3 & up
Fee: Resident $1; Non-Resident $2
SMARTlink #146168

Wednesday, November 25, 1-2 pm
Puppet Show
Enjoy a seasonal-themed puppet show.
Ages 2-10
Fee: Resident $2; Non-Resident $3
SMARTlink #146184

Saturday, November 28, 10-11 am
Live Animal Show
Meet the nature center's live animals including reptiles, amphibians, and birds of prey.
Ages 2 & up
Fee: Resident $1; Non-Resident $2
SMARTlink #146212

Special Events

Saturday, November 14, 10 am-4 pm
Trash to Treasure: A Green Craft Fair
This unique event features local artists that create arts & crafts from reused, recycled, responsibly harvested/natural or sustainable products. Items for sale include jewelry, sculptures, woven baskets, soy candles, wood carvings, clothing and other accessories to name a few. Local non-profit groups will have display tables, and “green” Watkins Nature Center merchandise and refreshments will be for sale. A “Give a Book, Get a Book” book exchange, a Planet Aid clothing donation station, and an art raffle to benefit the animals at the center will also be available. 
Admission fee: $1/person, FREE/ages 6 & under

Interested in being a vendor?
You can help us "spread the word" about the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling our "waste" through arts & crafts. Vendore fee is $20/table with tables, tablecloths and lunch provided for vendors. Additionally, volunteers will be on hand to assist with setup and takedown. Interested vendors should contact the center or e-mail: carla.rohde@pgparks.com

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 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 from the date the reservation is made. 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 by check or money order we need to see a copy of your driver's license and/or other form of identification with your payment.

Additional Birthday Party Guidelines

• When you make your reservation, we will ask you toplease select a time for your 30-minute animal show. 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 72 hours 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.
• The refund, in the form of a check, will be mailed to the address on the original reservation form. Please allow 3-4 weeks.
• Please limit your party activities and food consumption to the workshop and outside deck areas. 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.