Maryland has so much unique nature to explore, from dense old-growth forests to the marshy waterfront of the Chesapeake Bay. Parks and nature centers across the state offer a safe, fun and educational way for kids to stay active and develop an appreciation for the world around them. Check out some of our favorites, along with their educational programs and annual events!
Fun at Nature Centers in Maryland
Capital Region
Brookside Nature Center | Wheaton
Offers nature-related classes throughout the year
Croydon Creek Nature Center | Rockville
Guided walks, story times and nature-based activities
Maydale Nature Classroom | Colesville
Nature center designed for children and families that holds naturalist programs and meet-and-greets with animal ambassadors
Central Maryland
Bear Branch Nature Center | Westminster
Holds an annual Maple Festival in the winter and Monarch Festival in the fall. Bear Branch also offers nature programs and has a planetarium.
Eden Mill Nature Center and Historic Grist Mill | Pylesville
Hosts an annual fall fest; offers homeschool and junior naturalist programs
Irvine Nature Center | Owings Mills
Preschool and homeschool programs and nature-based activities for all ages
Marshy Point Nature Center | Middle River
Seasonal festivals during the spring, fall and holidays and a maple sugaring event in February. The center regularly hosts pre-K nature programs, boat trips and guided hikes.
Masonville Cove Environmental Education Center | Baltimore
Half- and full-day educational programs funded by the Living Classrooms Foundation; guided hikes, yoga classes in nature
Oregon Ridge Nature Center | Cockeysville
Notable for its annual Maple Sugaring Weekends, Oregon Ridge also has guided walks and educational programs.
Robinson Nature Center | Columbia
Holds over 250 programs throughout the year, including planetarium shows, nature walks, summer camps and annual festivals
State and National Parks
Capital Region
Glen Echo Park
The site of a former amusement park, now home to an aquarium and several art workshops. Glen Echo holds events throughout the year, including winter holiday festivals and art shows.
Oxon Cove Park & Oxon Hill Farms
A former stop on the Underground Railroad, this park has a lot of history. The farm is a popular field trip destination and is home to the critically endangered Ossabaw Island Hogs.
Piscataway Park
Has seven different nature trails, including the kid-friendly Fairy Trail. It’s also the site of National Colonial Farm, a working farm maintained using 18th-century farming techniques.
Central Maryland
Gunpowder Falls State Park | Kingsville
One of Maryland’s largest state parks; has beautiful waterfalls
Rocks State Park | Jarrettsville
Notable for some of its unique rock formations, such as the King and Queen seat, and Kilgore Falls
North Point State Park | Edgemere
Formerly home to the Bay Shore Amusement Park, much of its former infrastructure has been reclaimed by nature; has scenic views of the Chesapeake Bay
Patapsco Valley State Park | Ellicott City
Maryland’s oldest state park, with more than 200 miles of trails. The Patapsco River is a popular spot for fishing and canoeing.
Chesapeake Bay
Helen Avalynne Tawes Garden | Annapolis
A quiet public garden containing plants meant to represent all of Maryland’s regions and different ecosystems. Guided tours are offered by reservation.
Sandy Point State Park | Annapolis
Beachfront park that sees a lot of activity during the summer; swimming is permitted in designated areas.
Eastern Shore
Assateague Island
Maryland’s only oceanfront park, home to a large population of wild horses. The island’s ownership is split between Maryland and Virginia.
Northern Maryland
Catoctin Mountain Park
Home to many mountain hiking trails, where hikers can see waterfalls and unique natural rock formations
South Mountain State Park | Boonsboro
The Appalachian National Scenic Trail cuts through this park, which is notable for its role during the Civil War.
Washington Monument State Park | Middletown
The site of the original Washington Monument, which was first built in 1827. It’s also a popular birdwatching site.
