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The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission

Brookside Nature Center – School Programs

School Programs Field Trips

Field trip programs will return in the Fall of 2024. Thank you for your patience and we look forward to seeing you then!

Brookside Nature Center provides a variety of programs and experiences for students of all ages. Our goal is to excite students through experiential programs, developing along the way a sense of responsibility towards our natural resources.

Environmental Science

Nature Senses:

Explore the natural world with this hands on sensory adventure. We’ll peak and sniff our way along trails to discover the amazing patterns, textures, sounds, and colors of nature around us. Recommended for grades Pre-K through 2.

Offered: Tuesday and Friday mornings only, during the months of January and December.
Cost: $7 per person

Habitat Hike:

All living things need food, water, shelter, and space. Students will investigate the elements of a healthy habitat by exploring different habitats and look for signs of the animals that live there. Recommended for grades Pre-K through 2.

Offered: September – November and April – June
Cost: $7 per person

Incredible Insects:

Students will be introduced to insects and learn about the important role they play in local ecosystems. Recommended for grades 1 through 3.

Offered: September – October and May – June
Cost: $7 per person

Cultural Programs

Maple Sugaring:

How did people learn how to make Maple Syrup? Students will be taken through the sweet process from photosynthesis to tasting real maple syrup. It is a true American Tradition!

Offered: Tuesday and Friday mornings only during the month of February.
Cost: $7 per person

What is the cost?

In support of K through 12 Environmental Literacy Graduation Requirements, Brookside Nature Center will waive the student fee for all K through 12 students in Montgomery County attending the Nature Senses, Habitat Hike, and Incredible Insects programs.

For other programs, preschool groups, and out-of-county groups, students will be charged a program fee. To encourage chaperones to help we allow one free chaperone for every 5 students. Additional chaperones will be charged the program rate.

When do we contact Brookside Nature Center to schedule these seasonal School Programs?

Fall: the first week of September.

December – January: the first week of November.

February Maple Sugaring: the first week of December.

Spring: the second week of January. 

What information do we need to make your reservation?

  1. Your desired program theme.
  2. Your desired date and time (Mondays are not available for booking).
  3. The grade or age range of the children.
  4. The total amount of children and adults.
  5. Does your School have an Active Montgomery account?