Watkins Nature Center offers something for everyone! Live animal displays feature native owls, hawks, reptiles, amphibians, and insects. The Discovery Cottage gives children the chance to explore the life of a naturalist. Indoor and outdoor ponds, a songbird feeding area, and a squirrel gym that showcases tricks to eating corn on the run entertain our visitors. For information on school and family programs, please call 301-218-6702, TTY 301-699-2544. The center is open Monday-Saturday from 8:30 am-5 pm and on Sundays and holidays from 11 am-4 pm.

Teachers, view our curriculum based programs designed specially for elementary school groups.

• Calendar of Events
• Birthday Parties

Saturday, May 10, 10-11 am
Creature Feature: All About Reptiles
Meet and learn about cold-blooded creatures such as snakes, lizards, and turtles. Reservations required.
Ages 3 & up
Fee: Resident $1; Non-Resident $2
SMARTlink #113553

Wednesday, May 21, 4:30 am-3 pm
Charter Boat Fishing Trip
Join a naturalist for an early day of fishing on the Chesapeake Bay. Poles, bait, fishing supplies, and beverages provided. Bring your own lunch, snacks, and sunscreen. Reservations required.
Ages 18 & up
Fee: Resident $125; Non-resident $150
SMARTlink #122322

Friday, May 23, 7:30-9 pm
Family Campfire
Enjoy nature tales and roasted marshmallows around a campfire. Dress for the outdoors. Reservations required.
Ages 2 & up
Fee: Resident $2; Non-Resident $3
SMARTlink #112367

Saturday, May 31, 10-11 am
Nature Crafts
Enjoy a story, meet a featured live animal, and take home a related craft. Reservations required.
Ages 3-8
Fee: Resident $2; Non-Resident $3
SMARTlink #113613

Friday, June 6, 7:30-9 pm
Family Campfire
Enjoy nature tales and roasted marshmallows around a campfire. Dress for the outdoors. Reservations required.
Ages 2 & up
Fee: Resident $2; Non-Resident $3
SMARTlink #120033

Thursday, June 12, 10-11 am
Family Discovery Hike
Join us on a naturalist led hike on one of Watkins Park's nature trails. Enjoy the sights and sounds of nature as you discover what's in our backyard. Reservations required.
Ages 4 & up
Fee: Resident $1; Non-Resident $2
SMARTlink #120035

Wednesday, June 25, 2-3 pm
Puppet Show
Join us for a nature themed puppet show, meet a featured live animal, and complete a craft to take home. Reservations required.
Ages 2-10
Fee: Resident $2; Non-Resident $3
SMARTlink #120051

Saturday, June 28, 10-11 am
Animal Show
Learn about the animals in our nature center. See reptiles, amphibians, birds of prey, and more. Reservations required.
Ages 2 & up
Fee: Resident $1; Non-Resident $2
SMARTlink #120041

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:

• Fee: $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.