Cub Corner
2026-05-17 10:30 - 11:30 (America/New_York)
Falling can help us learn to soar! Join us for a special reading of “After the Fall (How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again),” by Dan Santat, the inspiring story of Humpty Dumpty’s journey to overcome his fears. After the story, little learners can fold their own paper planes and test them on our paper plane launcher! This program is recommended for children ages 3-6. FREE with museum admission. No registration required.

Growing in the Garden: A 3-Part Learning Series
2026-05-19 13:00 - 14:00
Give your child a hands‑on introduction to gardening and agriculture through this fun, three‑session program. Each class encourages kids to explore, observe, and record what they discover in the garden.

The registration fee covers all three classes.Each session must be attended.Each session builds on the one before it.

Sessions:

Tue, March 24, 1-2 pm

Tue, April 28, 1-2 pm

Tue, May 19, 1-2 pm

Turtles In Maryland
2026-05-20 10:30 - 11:30
Learn the importance of turtles to Maryland’s ecosystem and their use in the colonial period as a food source. Children will also learn how reptiles were used as powerful political symbols of independence. A naturalist from Watkins Nature Center will bring reptiles to the museum.

Park Shredders Skate Jam
2026-05-23 10:00 - 15:00
Join us for a high-energy skate jam open to skaters of all skill levels. Ride, connect, and enjoy a fun day at the skatepark!

STEAM Hour
2026-05-23 10:30 - 11:30, 2026-05-24 10:30 - 11:30
Join our educators at this hands-on activity table where creativity takes flight! Perfect for budding engineers and aviation enthusiasts, this interactive program allows visitors to design and build their own creations. Whether you’re constructing airplanes, airports, or inventing something entirely new, Saturday STEAM Hour encourages you to dream big and bring your ideas to life. Drop in anytime during the hour for an opportunity to explore the wonders of aviation through play. This program is ideal for learners ages 6-12 and is FREE with museum admission. No registration required.

May Family Farm Tour
2026-05-29 13:00 - 14:00
Take a guided tour of Old Maryland Farm and get up close with the animals! Learn about daily farm life and enjoy exclusive access to behind-the-scenes areas.

National History Day Ice Cream Social
2026-06-14 11:00 - 15:00
I scream, you scream, we all scream for…history and ice cream! Celebrate National History Day and cool off at the College Park Aviation Museum with free scoops for kids. Join educators as history and science come to life with activities and hands-on exploration in the museum gallery. Limit to one free scoop per child while supplies last. FREE! No registration required; includes museum admission.

How Colonial America Got the Word Out
2026-06-17 10:30 - 11:30
Students will explore the fascinating history of printmaking in the 18th century and its influence on the American Revolution. They will learn how block letters and symbolic icons were used in newspapers, broadsides, and pamphlets. As part of the experience, each student will design their own block print and use it to create personalized notecards to take home. For children ages 6-14. Pre-registration through ParksDirect required. Fee: $10; chaperones free.

Revolution, Rebellion, Treason: A Slice of History Discussion Series
2026-06-24 00:00
What are the differences between revolutions, rebellions, and acts of treason? Join the Surratt Historic Site & Museum as we take a long view of sparking change in American history, beginning with the Declaration of Independence and concluding with our present day. Intended for our youngest and soon-to-be leaders, this program will facilitate a shared understanding of what it means to be an engaged citizen in 2026 and beyond.

It’s a Grand Old Flag
2026-06-24 10:30 - 11:30
Students will discover the origins of the American flag, from its inception at the dawn of the revolution to the many changes since, and learn about key figures who shaped the symbol of our nation. Students will complete a flag activity and explore the size of a garrison flag with a hands-on lawn activity. For children ages 6-14. Pre-registration through ParksDirect required. Fee: $5/child; chaperones free.

Maryland History Day Showcase
2026-06-26 14:00 - 16:00
Step into a whirlwind of creativity and history as award‑winning Maryland History Day projects take over the museum! Be inspired by current National History Day participants as you explore their standout posters, visual arts, projects, and performances. Students in grades 6-12 can jump into hands‑on activities, learn how to participate in the program, and discover how the museum can support their journey. Presented in partnership with Maryland Humanities.

FREE; no registration required; includes museum admission.

Pop 'Til You Drop
2026-06-27 13:00 - 15:00
Join us for bubbles, music, games, and activities. All participants must be accompanied by an adult.

This event will feature bubble stations, bubble art, a foam zone, a bubble dance party, and bubble themed treats. Refreshments will be available while supplies last.

Taratibu!
2026-06-30, 2026-07-02
The Taratibu Youth Association (TYA) is a sensational ensemble of young artists representing the performing arts of the African diaspora. With eclectic and diverse musical influences, they perform percussive dance styles, from stepping to traditional South African Gumboot, modern dance to hip-hop. TYA sings in Zulu and Sotho from South Africa, Kiswahili from Tanzania, Creole from Haiti, and Portuguese from Brazil. Their performances are educational and inspirational, telling stories of empowerment and cultural history.This performance is part of our Education on Stage Series and is recommended for ages 5-16. Please note, everyone must have a ticket to enter, regardless of age. Groups of 20+ can call our Box Office at 301-277-1710 for Group Sales or fill out the online request form.

Jun 30, 10:30 am Tickets

Jun 30, 12 noon Tickets

Jul 2, 10:30 am Tickets

Jul 2, 12 noon Tickets

Peter Pan with Brightstar Theatre
2026-08-11, 2026-08-13
Join Brightstar Theatre’s acclaimed comic duo Lenny and Mabel as they hilariously work to bring this literary classic to life in a hysterical play within a play. Young audiences will love the antics of Tinkerbell, the bumbling Captain Hook, Darling Wendy (or should we say, Wendy Darling) and of course the free-spirited adventurous boy who just wouldn’t grow up.This performance is part of our Education on Stage Series and is recommended for ages four to ten. Please note, everyone must have a ticket to enter, regardless of age. Groups of 20+ can call our Box Office at 301-277-1710 for Group Sales or fill out the online request form.

Aug. 11, 10:30 am Tickets

Aug. 11, 12 noon Tickets

Aug. 13, 10:30 am Tickets

Aug. 13, 12 noon Tickets

Dinosaur Park Open House
2026-10-03 12:00 - 16:00, 2026-10-17 12:00 - 16:00, 2026-11-07 12:00 - 16:00
Dinosaur Park Open Houses are a free public program on the first and third Saturday of every month and the second Sunday in the summer. No reservations required. Come join us and learn more about fossils, including the dinosaurs who used to call Maryland home. Guests can expect an orientation and then the opportunity to search the surface of the ground for fossils. No prior registration required. ASL interpretation is offered at each event. All park rules apply (listed below).1. Closed toed shoes required2. No pets or tools allowed inside the fossil site3. Guests cannot cross the rope fence4. There is no digging during this program. All fossils are naturally eroding from the ground5. No running in the fossil site6. No throwing rocks or rolling rocks7. All scientifically important fossils will be kept in trust with the commission to be used for current and future research
