4701 31st Place
Mount Rainier, MD 20712
301-927-2163; TTY 301-699-2544
Hours of Operation
Tuesdays through Saturdays, 9 am-5 pm (Closed Sundays)
Closed on major holidays.
Located inside the Capital Beltway, Mount Rainier Nature/Recreation Center is a unique facility which operates as both a nature center and a recreation center. The facility hosts a variety of nature-related, interpretive programs for visitors of all ages. Programs related to nature study, urban wildlife, urban beautification, and animal care are offered at the center. In addition to the structured programs held at the facility, drop-in visitation at the site affords opportunities to view special displays and exhibits, as well as participate in a variety of community outreach nature programs. The center also hosts special events and interesting trips for residents and visitors of all ages, and is available for birthday parties and room rentals. Mount Rainier Nature/Recreation Center's programs mix fun with education, making nature exciting to experience. Contact staff at the number above for information about programs, hours of operation, or rental opportunities, and explore Nature Programs to learn more about upcoming activities at this facility and others.
- Programs for Families
- Programs for Youth
- Programs for Teens
- Programs for Seniors
- School Age Programs
- Room Rentals and Birthday Parties
Upcoming Special Events
Saturday, April 11, 11 am-3 pm
Earth Day, Everyday!
Promoting stewardship of the Environment - Bring your family and friends and enjoy animal shows, a puppet show, crafts, games, entertainment, vendors and more!
All ages welcome. FREE
Special Announcement
Home-School Science Programs
Home-School Science programs are coming for ages 8-10 and 11-13 beginning Fall 2009. Watch this space for more updates!
First Saturday of the Month
Adventure Seekers
Kids (ages 8-12) will travel to exciting places.
Fee: Resident $1; Non-Resident $2
April 4 - Cherry Blossom Festival, Washington D.C SMARTlink #135694
May 2 - Lake Artemesia, Berwyn Heights, MD SMARTlink #135695
Tuesday, April 8, 9-5 pm
Spring Break Activity
Spend the day in Watkins Regional Park. Visit the farm and feed the chickens, see and owl show at the nature center, play miniature golf, ride the train, and much more.
Ages 10-12
Fee: Resident $5; Non-Resident $6
Wednesday, April 7, 9-5 pm
Spring Break Activity
Hike the Billy Goat trail, in Potomac MD. Enjoy a campfire at the Nature Center afterward. Call for more information
Ages 13-17
Fee: Resident $2; Non-Resident $3
Teen Scene
Have fun participating in various teen activities such as movie nights, trips, campfires, TSPN Zone Game nights, various classes, special guest, open mic nights, nature hikes, and more. Call for more information.
Synergy Teen Volunteers
Synergy, a teen volunteer group of the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission reflects our diverse and dynamic community by challenging teens to be responsible and productive and to live healthy lifestyles through participation in service learning projects, stewardship opportunities of natural, cultural, and historical resources, social awareness campaigns, and positive leisure and recreational activities.
Volunteers assist with programs, fairs, river clean-ups, and more through-out area. Sign up by going to www.pgparks.com, click volunteer opportunities, volunteer as an individual and then click Synergy Teens under Youth Development.
Sign up in SMARTlink and through www.pgparks.com, click on the volunteer become a member. Some of the upcoming opportunities include:
March 28 - Oxon Hill Farm Project & Visit National Harbor
April 4 - Potomac River Clean-up
April 18 - Anacostia River Clean-up
Saturday, April 11, 11 am-3 pm
Earth Day, Everyday: Promoting Stewardship of the Environment
Bring the family to enjoy animal shows, puppet show, crafts, games, mascots, entertainment, tattoos, and vendors and exhibitors.
Free Admission
Programs for Adults and Seniors
Saturday, April 11
VA Birding & Wildlife Trail, Fredericksburg Loop
SMARTlink #135702
Saturday, April 25
Heron Rookery, Croom MD
SMARTlink #139520
Saturday, May 9
Cape Henlopen State Park, Cape Henlopen, DE
SMARTlink #135704
Wednesday, May 13, 6-7:30 pm
Birding Bonanza
Explore some of the birding hot spots around the area.
Wednesday, May 13, 6-7:30 pm
Evening Canoe/Kayak Tours
Meet in the parking lot at Lake Artemesia.
Fee: Resident $5; Non-Resident $6
SMARTlink #136200
Saturday, March 21, 10-5 pm
Historic Walking Tours
Learn all about animals in the winter. Make a craft after the show. Reservations required.
April 18 - Georgetown, Washington, DC
May 16 - Historic Annapolis
Fee: Resident $5; Non-Resident $6
Rolling Rainiers
Join the Rainier Seniors for great trips, activities, volunteer opportunities, and classes. Some of the activities, programs and trips may be held on other days of the month and are subject to change due to weather or other circumstances. Call for more information.
Programs presented at Mt. Rainier Nature Center or Lake Artemesia
$1 per student for Prince George’s and Montgomery County Schools
$2 per student for all others
Programs presented at your location
$2 per student for Prince George’s and Montgomery County Schools
$3 per student for out of county schools
PRESCHOOL AGE:
Programs for preschool programs are 20-30 minutes in duration and may include a chance to touch an animal and/or create a craft.
Pre-School Program Topics:
Mammals, Amphibians, Reptiles, Insects, Birds, Animal Homes, Animals in the Winter, Shapes in Nature, Five senses, Weather, and Plants
SCHOOL AGE PROGRAMS
LIVE ANIMAL SHOWS
Using a variety of live animals, students receive hands-on learning experiences as they discover where animals lives, how they move, what they eat, and how they survive.
Pre-K & up
Animal Homes
Students will enjoy this multimedia presentation all about the habitats and the homes of various animals. Get up close to a couple of live animals. Examine nest, hives, and other items created by wildlife.
Grades PreK thru 1
Nature Senses
Explore the natural world through interactive sensory investigations. Learn about various sounds, smells, textures, and colors of nature
Grades PreK thru 1
INSECTS
Explore the world of insects and other bugs in this multimedia presentation. There is a special focus on life cycles and structure. Make scientific observations using live and preserved bugs and visual aids.
Grades 2-8
DINOSAURS & FOSSILS
Students travel back in time to discover the what, when, why and how pre-historic life existed through hands on activities, visual aids, games and more.
Grades 2 & 3
GEOLOGY & ROCKS
Learn about landforms, the earth’s crust, rocks and minerals in this hands-on workshop. Classify rocks and minerals by their properties such as, size, weight, color, texture and shape, and much more.
Grades 2-6
PLANTS & PHOTOSYNTHESIS
This multimedia workshop emphasizes plant structure, functions, characteristics, reproduction, and their importance in our world. Examine various live and preserved plants such as the Venus fly trap, mosses, and the leaves and seeds of various trees. Learn about photosynthesis and cycles. Students can plant seeds for their very own plant and decorate their pots to take home for an additional $1 per student.
Grades 4-8
VERTEBRATES
With the aid of multimedia visual aids and live animals, students explore habitats and characteristics of vertebrates (mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish). Students focus on reproduction, communication, adaptations, body covering, hibernation, migration, and diet.
Grades 2-8
WOODLAND INDIANS
Students will examine artifacts and tools and view a presentation to learn about the historical Eastern Woodland Indian cultures and how they used natural resources in this multimedia presentation. The student will also learn how to play traditional Native American games.
Grades 4-6
OUTDOOR CLASSROOM SERIES:
These programs are held outdoors (weather permitting) at Lake Artemesia National Area Park in Berwyn Heights MD or other locations from April through October. Fees apply.
This program focuses on various types of wetlands, their functions, and their importance to the health of the Chesapeake Bay. Hike along creeks and/or lakes and discuss habitats, water cycle, pollution, erosion and other factors affecting wetlands. Use of identification charts, nets, and trays to study live plants and animals.
Grades 2-8
This program emphasizes plant characteristics and functions. Learn about the flow of energy through the food chain and the importance of plants in an ecosystem. Students will hike to explore the flora of the local area.
Grades 4-6
Explore the world of insects in the environment with a special focus on life cycles and structure. Make scientific observations using visual aids and specimens. Students will use insect nets and boxes to catch, examine, and release insects.
Grades 2-8
Go on a Naturalist led hike through various habitats and natural trails. Learn all about our natural resources, wildlife, ecosystems, and “Living Green”.
K & up
Hold your next function at Mount Rainier’s Recreation Room.
Child Birthday Party (1-12 yrs)
A child’s birthday party package includes one program. You have a choice of a 30 minute live animal show or a puppet. The show must conclude 1 hr before the party ends. The party must be completed by 5 pm. Normal Rates apply after 5 pm.
Fee: Resident $100 for 3 hours, Non-Resident $120.00 for three hours
All Other Rentals
Rental hours are Tuesday through Saturday 9 am-11 pm. Sunday rentals are available between 2 pm and 11 pm. All rental times includes set-up and breakdown.
Fee: Resident Rate $52.50 per hour, Non-Resident Rate $63.00 per hour
Security Deposit (Due at signing of contract)
$225.00 for adult function
$150.00 Childs birthday party
Parking
The Mt. Rainier Nature and Recreation Center has 49 parking spaces, including 2 handicapped Parking spaces.
Additional Information & Guidelines
The room holds 267 people without tables or chairs, 125 people with tables and chairs. We have 23 6x2 ft tables and 90 metal folding chairs. It includes a kitchenette (full size microwave, refrigerator, and sink.). No set-up is allowed prior to reserved time. Rentals must be booked at least two weeks in advance. Call 301-927-2163 for more information.
Location/Directions -
From the South, take the Capital Beltway (I-495), take Landover Road (Route 202) Exit toward Bladensburg. Continue on as it merges with Route 450 (Annapolis Road) at Peace Cross, then take Alternate Route 1 toward Washington, D.C. Make a right onto 38th Street (Route 208). Make a left onto Allison Street. This turns into Arundel Road. Make a right on 31st Place. The street leads into our parking lot.
From the north, take the Capital Beltway (I-495), take Exit 25 (Route 1) toward College Park. Make a right onto Route 410 (East-West Highway). Make a left onto Route 500 (Queens Chapel Road). Make a left onto Route 258 (Chillum Road). Make a right onto Arundel Road. Make a right on 31st Place. The street leads into our parking lot.
Bladensburg Waterfront Park · Cheltenham Wetlands Park · Clearwater Nature Center · Dueling Creek Natural Area · Fran Uhler Natural Area · Lake Artemesia · Old Maryland Farm · Mount Rainier Nature/Recreation Center · School House Pond · Suitland Bog · Watkins Nature Center
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The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George's County |