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Location:
Meadowside Nature Center
5100 Meadowside Lane
(located in Rock Creek Regional Park)
Rockville, Maryland 20855
Directions and Map
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Hours of Operation:
Tuesday - Saturday 9:00am - 5:00pm
Closed Sundays and Mondays
Park and Trails open: sunrise to sunset -
Contacts:
Phone: 301-258-4030
The programs that follow are at Meadowside Nature Center. Browse this list of ALL nature programs offered this season by Montgomery Parks nature centers.
June
June 5 - Tyke Hike - Seldom Seen Salamanders
Investigate under logs and rocks for the secretive amphibians and their food.
Ages: 2-3yrs; $5, 10:30-11:15am - #239149
June 13 - Splish-Splash, Drip, Plop
Wade in the water to see what’s swimming, diving, and living in the stream. Please wear shoes that you don’t mind getting wet.
Ages: 3-12yrs, $5, 1:00-2:00pm - #239155
June 15 - Osprey Encounters on the Patuxent
Visit osprey nesting sites by boat! Spend the day at Patuxent River Park and get a close-up view of osprey while learning about ongoing research on these unique birds of prey. Patuxent naturalist Greg Kearns has been conducting osprey banding and education trips for many years and will have lots of information and stories to share. Join us for this exciting opportunity. Bring a water bottle and bag lunch; we’ll eat at the park after our excursion.
Ages: 12 & up, $40, 8:00am- 1:30pm - Canceled
June 18 - Storytime on Lake Needwood - Frogs Hop
Take a storytime cruise around the lake aboard the Needwood Queen pontoon boat. Each month, we’ll
read a different story onboard and look for what’s swimming, soaring, and standing nearby. Please register and pay for all participants ($2/adult, $6 for kids; no underage siblings, please). Meet at Lake Needwood Boathouse, 15700 Needwood Lake Circle, Rockville, MD 20855.
Ages: 3 & up, $6, 10:00-10:45am - #239199
June 18 - Family Geocaching Adventures - At the Ag Farm
Modern-day treasure hunting happens right here in our parks! Geocaches are hidden containers filled with interesting stuff that you track down using GPS units. Learn how to use a GPS unit, and spend the day on a geocaching adventure in search of local caches. Bring a snack, water, and be prepared to hike (long pants and sturdy shoes are strongly recommended). If you don’t have a GPS unit, we’ll lend you one. Please register and pay for all participants. - Meet at the Agricultural History Farm Park (18400 Muncaster Road, Derwood, MD 20855).
Ages: 8 & up, $10, 9:30am-12:00pm - #239206
June 19 - Raptors of Rock Creek LIVE!
Seeing live birds of prey just a few steps away is an exciting experience you won’t forget! Discover what makes raptors unique among birds, and learn the fantastic tools these predators have for hunting in the wild. Meet one of our resident raptors live and up close. Programs take place at Meadowside’s campfire ring. Please register and pay for all participants.
All ages, $3, 1:00-1:30pm - #239208
June 20 - A Cricket in Times Square Campfire
Spend a summer evening around Meadowside’s campfire ring enjoying tasty roasted marshmallows, a craft, and a showing of the film A Cricket in Times Square (25 min). Bring your favorite chocolate for s’mores– we’ll supply the marshmallows and graham crackers!
Please register all participants; fee is for children only.
Ages: 3 & up, $5, 8:00-9:00pm - #239249
June 22 - Alien Invaders
Our park’s native plants are being choked and overgrown by alien invasive plants. You, your family, or your group can help give the park’s native plants room to grow by removing the invasive non-natives. Bring leather gloves if you have them or borrow ours, wear long pants, closed-toed shoes, and long sleeves. No registration required; please call in advance if you’d like to bring a group. SSL-approved.
Ages: 8 & up, FREE, 9:00-10:00am - #239250
June 22 - Owls, Hawks and Eagle Lunchtime and Talk
Observe Meadowside’s hawk, owl, vulture, and bald eagle during their feeding time and ask questions! Speak with a naturalist about birds of prey, and learn some of the stories about the raptors on exhibit. These talks will begin at the Raptor Walkway behind the Nature Center. No registration required.
All ages, FREE, 12:00-12:30pm - #239252
June 22 - Explore a Stream
What lives in the stream? We’ll wade into the water and use nets to look for crayfish, salamanders, fish, insects, and more! Please wear shoes that you don’t mind getting wet (no flip-flops or sandals, for your safety).
Ages: 3-12yrs, $5, 2:00-3:00pm - #239256
June 26 - Tyke Hike - Timber
Search along the shores of the creek for signs of American’s largest rodent...beavers!
Ages: 2-3yrs; $5, 10:30-11:15am - #239150
June, 27 - Splish-Splash, Drip, Plop
Wade in the water to see what’s swimming, diving, and living in the stream. Please wear shoes that you don’t mind getting wet.
Ages: 3-12yrs, $5, 1:00-2:00pm - #239156
June, 27 - Gone Fishin’
We’ll supply the fishing poles and try them out on the shoreline of Lake Needwood. Meet at the Lake Needwood Boat House (15700 Needwood Lake Circle, Rockville, MD 20855).
Ages: 7-10yrs, $5, 6:00-7:00pm - #239299
June 28 - Storytime on Lake Needwood - Beavers Gnaw
Take a storytime cruise around the lake aboard the Needwood Queen pontoon boat. Each month, we’ll
read a different story onboard and look for what’s swimming, soaring, and standing nearby. Please register and pay for all participants ($2/adult, $6 for kids; no underage siblings, please). Meet at Lake Needwood Boathouse, 15700 Needwood Lake Circle, Rockville, MD 20855.
Ages: 3 & up, $6, 1:00-1:45pm - #239200
July
July 1 - Hawk Tales Campfire
Feel feathers, touch talons, and see Meadowside’s resident red-tailed hawk up close. Listen to some hawk tales and roast marshmallows around the fire. Bring your favorite chocolate for s’mores–we’ll supply the marshmallows and graham crackers! Please register all participants; fee is for children only.
Ages: 3 & up, $5, 7:00-8:00pm - #239302
July 6 - Owls, Hawks and Eagle Lunchtime and Talk
Observe Meadowside’s hawk, owl, vulture, and bald eagle during their feeding time and ask questions! Speak with a naturalist about birds of prey, and learn some of the stories about the raptors on exhibit. These talks will begin at the Raptor Walkway behind the Nature Center. No registration required.
All ages, FREE, 12:00-12:30pm - #239253
July 9 - Storytime on Lake Needwood - Turtles Bask
Take a storytime cruise around the lake aboard the Needwood Queen pontoon boat. Each month, we’ll
read a different story onboard and look for what’s swimming, soaring, and standing nearby. Please register and pay for all participants ($2/adult, $6 for kids; no underage siblings, please). Meet at Lake Needwood Boathouse, 15700 Needwood Lake Circle, Rockville, MD 20855.
Ages: 3 & up, $6, 10:00-10:45am - #239202
July 9 - Family Geocaching Adventures - At Meadowside
Modern-day treasure hunting happens right here in our parks! Geocaches are hidden containers filled with interesting stuff that you track down using GPS units. Learn how to use a GPS unit, and spend the day on a geocaching adventure in search of local caches. Bring a snack, water, and be prepared to hike (long pants and sturdy shoes are strongly recommended). If you don’t have a GPS unit, we’ll lend you one. Please register and pay for all participants. Meet at the Nature Center.
Ages: 8 & up, $10, 9:30am-12:00pm - #239207
July 10 - Tyke Hike - Discover Turtles
Explore the habitat of quiet land and water turtles.
Ages: 2-3yrs; $5, 10:30-11:15am - #239151
July 11 - Splish-Splash, Drip, Plop
Wade in the water to see what’s swimming, diving, and living in the stream. Please wear shoes that you don’t mind getting wet.
Ages: 3-12yrs, $5, 1:00-2:00pm - #239157
July 18 - Gone Fishin’
We’ll supply the fishing poles and try them out on the shoreline of Lake Needwood. Meet at the Lake Needwood Boat House (15700 Needwood Lake Circle, Rockville, MD 20855).
Ages: 7-10yrs, $5, 6:00-7:00pm - #239300
July 20 - Raptors of Rock Creek LIVE!
Seeing live birds of prey just a few steps away is an exciting experience you won’t forget! Discover what makes raptors unique among birds, and learn the fantastic tools these predators have for hunting in the wild. Meet one of our resident raptors live and up close. Programs take place at Meadowside’s campfire ring. Please register and pay for all participants.
All ages, $3, 10:00-10:30am - #239209
July 24 - Tyke Hike -Bountiful Beauties
Search the meadow and gardens for beautiful insects.
Ages: 2-3yrs; $5, 10:30-11:15am - #239152
July 25 - Splish-Splash, Drip, Plop
Wade in the water to see what’s swimming, diving, and living in the stream. Please wear shoes that you don’t mind getting wet.
Ages: 3-12yrs , $5, 1:00-2:00pm - #239158
July 25 - Harold and His Amazing Green Plants Campfire
Spend your summer night around Meadowside’s campfire ring to enjoy tasty roasted marshmallows, a craft, and a showing of the film Harold and His Amazing Green Plants (10 min). Bring your favorite chocolate for s’mores–we’ll supply the marshmallows and graham crackers!
Please register all participants; fee is for children only.
Ages: 3 & up, $5, 8:00-9:00pm - #239303
July 26 - Storytime on Lake Needwood - Bugs Crawl
Take a storytime cruise around the lake aboard the Needwood Queen pontoon boat. Each month, we’ll
read a different story onboard and look for what’s swimming, soaring, and standing nearby. Please register and pay for all participants ($2/adult, $6 for kids; no underage siblings, please). Meet at Lake Needwood Boathouse, 15700 Needwood Lake Circle, Rockville, MD 20855.
Ages: 3 & up, $6 1:00-1:45pm - #239203
August
August, 1 - Gone Fishin’
We’ll supply the fishing poles and try them out on the shoreline of Lake Needwood. Meet at the Lake Needwood Boat House (15700 Needwood Lake Circle, Rockville, MD 20855).
Ages: 7-10yrs, $5, 6:00-7:00pm - #239301
August, 1 - Splish-Splash, Drip, Plop
Wade in the water to see what’s swimming, diving, and living in the stream. Please wear shoes that you don’t mind getting wet.
Ages: 3-12yrs, $5, 1:00-2:00pm - #239159
August 3 - Alien Invaders
Our park’s native plants are being choked and overgrown by alien invasive plants. You, your family, or your group can help give the park’s native plants room to grow by removing the invasive non-natives. Bring leather gloves if you have them or borrow ours, wear long pants, closed-toed shoes, and long sleeves. No registration required; please call in advance if you’d like to bring a group. SSL-approved.
Ages: 8 & up, FREE, 9:00-10:00am - #239251
August 3 - Owls, Hawks and Eagle Lunchtime and Talk
Observe Meadowside’s hawk, owl, vulture, and bald eagle during their feeding time and ask questions! Speak with a naturalist about birds of prey, and learn some of the stories about the raptors on exhibit. These talks will begin at the Raptor Walkway behind the Nature Center. No registration required.
All ages, FREE, 12:00-12:30pm - #239254
August 3 - Explore a Stream
What lives in the stream? We’ll wade into the water and use nets to look for crayfish, salamanders, fish, insects, and more! Please wear shoes that you don’t mind getting wet (no flip-flops or sandals, for your safety).
Ages: 3-12yrs, $5, 2:00-3:00pm - #239257
August 6 - Storytime on Lake Needwood - Birds Fly
Take a storytime cruise around the lake aboard the Needwood Queen pontoon boat. Each month, we’ll
read a different story onboard and look for what’s swimming, soaring, and standing nearby. Please register and pay for all participants ($2/adult, $6 for kids; no underage siblings, please). Meet at Lake Needwood Boathouse, 15700 Needwood Lake Circle, Rockville, MD 20855.
Ages: 3 & up, $6, 10:00-10:45am - #239204
August 6 - Raptors of Rock Creek LIVE!
Seeing live birds of prey just a few steps away is an exciting experience you won’t forget! Discover what makes raptors unique among birds, and learn the fantastic tools these predators have for hunting in the wild. Meet one of our resident raptors live and up close. Programs take place at Meadowside’s campfire ring. Please register and pay for all participants.
All ages, $3, 6:00-6:30pm - #239210
August 7 - Tyke Hike -Avian Wonders
Whether they’re stopping by our feeders, soaring above the meadow, or swimming in the pond, we’ll search for birds everywhere!
Ages: 2-3yrs; $5, 10:30-11:15am - #239153
August 8 - Splish-Splash, Drip, Plop
Wade in the water to see what’s swimming, diving, and living in the stream. Please wear shoes that you don’t mind getting wet.
Ages: 3-12yrs, $5, 1:00-2:00pm - #239160
August 8 - Reptile and Amphibian Campfire
We’ll cook dinner over the campfire then get a close-up look at a couple of our resident reptiles and amphibians. Bring your own hot dogs, buns, drinks, and sides. We’ll supply the fire, roasting sticks, condiments, and marshmallows. Please register all participants; fee is for children only.
Ages: 3 & up, $5, 6:30-8:00pm - #239304
August 14 - Tyke Hike - Our Finned Friends
Look inside at our exhibits and outside in the pond for these lovely swimmers.
Ages: 2-3yrs; $5, 10:30-11:15am - #239154
August 16 - Storytime on Lake Needwood - Fish Swim
Take a storytime cruise around the lake aboard the Needwood Queen pontoon boat. Each month, we’ll
read a different story onboard and look for what’s swimming, soaring, and standing nearby. Please register and pay for all participants ($2/adult, $6 for kids; no underage siblings, please). Meet at Lake Needwood Boathouse, 15700 Needwood Lake Circle, Rockville, MD 20855.
Ages: 3 & up, $6, 1:00-1:45pm - #239205
August 17 - Owls, Hawks and Eagle Lunchtime and Talk
Observe Meadowside’s hawk, owl, vulture, and bald eagle during their feeding time and ask questions! Speak with a naturalist about birds of prey, and learn some of the stories about the raptors on exhibit. These talks will begin at the Raptor Walkway behind the Nature Center. No registration required.
All ages, FREE, 12:00-12:30pm - #239255
Family Night Out
Enjoy the waning hours of summer spending family time together exploring outdoors in the park.
Please register all participants; fee is for children only.
August, 21 - Evening Insects
We’ll head out to the meadow with insect nets and see what’s hopping, crawling, and flying. Please wear long pants and closed-toed shoes.
Ages: 3 & up, $5, 6:30-7:30pm - #239305
August, 22 - Investigate the Stream
We’ll walk about 1/3 mile downhill to the stream and use aquatic nets to see what’s active as the daylight wanes. Please wear shoes you don’t mind getting wet.
Ages: 3 & up, $5, 6:30-7:30pm - #239306
Reservations
Visit www.ParkPASS.org anytime to register for programs or call Meadowside Nature Center at 301-924-4141, from Tuesday - Friday from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m..
Date of last update: June 3, 2012
Montgomery County Department of Parks
9500 Brunett Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20901
www.montgomeryparks.org
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