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Community Resources & Things to Do · Showing 24 of 545 resources
Gaithersburg
Activity Center at Bohrer Park
A city recreation campus combining a skate park, water park, mini golf and activity center. Skate park, summer water park and mini golf in one place; indoor activity center for rainy days; city-run pricing.
Cost
Entry to the Activity Center at Bohrer Park and at least some exhibits (e.g., Activity Center Gallery) is free; fees apply only for specific amenities/programs such as the Fitness Zone, pickleball, and youth programs, each with its own daily/membership charges.
Best fit
kids, teens
Before you go
Open year-round. Check hours on the official site before travelling.
What's here
- indoor fitness center for teens and parents ↗
- two large indoor gymnasiums with basketball courts ↗
- multi-purpose rooms for classes and activities ↗
- outdoor 18-hole miniature golf course ↗
- fishing pond beside picnic areas ↗
- Bohrer Park open space and walking trails ↗
- mini-golf games with per-round and unlimited options ↗
- Recreation Super Pass covering multiple facilities ↗
Programs
- Recreation Super Pass access program ↗
Derwood
Agricultural History Farm Park
A 455-acre county farm park with historic barns, an apple orchard, farm animals and a modern farming activity center. Rolling fields, orchard and a variety of farm animals; historic barns and buildings; Dance Nights in the Barn; photography allowed sunrise-to-sunset seven days a week.
Cost
Grounds visits: no admission fee stated. Community-use permits are "FREE for groups with less than 35 people"; the historical-costume Ag Farm Ball is $15/person; photography requires a paid permit.
Best fit
kids, teens, ya, families, homeschool
Before you go
Open year-round. Check hours on the official site before travelling.
What's here
- farm animals ↗
- historic farmhouse and bank barn ↗
- apple orchard ↗
- rolling fields and trails ↗
- farm activity center ↗
- historical farm equipment ↗
- over 5 miles of natural-surface farm trails ↗
- historic Bussard farmstead buildings to explore ↗
- Homeschool History hands-on farm life lessons ↗
- Little Farmer Storytime sessions for young children ↗
- weekly summer Fun on the Farm arts and crafts ↗
- Harvest Festival with crafts and living history ↗
Alexandria
Alexandria Black History Museum
A city museum in the 1940 Robert Robinson Library, built after a 1939 sit-in protest. Free for city residents; the site of one of America's earliest sit-ins; Watson Reading Room research collection; adjoining Alexandria African American Heritage Park.
Cost
$3 general — free for City of Alexandria residents.
Best fit
kids, teens, ya, families
Before you go
Open year-round. Check hours on the official site before travelling.
Alexandria
Alexandria Library
Public library system; Alexandria Library has six branches
Cost
Library access is free; specific services carry fees where noted: Public test proctoring is offered at Beatley Central Library, Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library, and Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library | Proctoring costs $40 per exam and includes printing, faxing, and normal mailing costs | The notary fee is $5 per signature notarized | a lost pass results in a $71 bill
Best fit
kids, teens, ya, families
Before you go
Open year-round. Check hours on the official site before travelling.
What's here
- Sewing and textiles
- Video production
- Creative software
- Proctoring and testing
- Notary
- Teen space
- Kids' STEM
- Gaming, esports and VR
- Library of Things
- Museum and park passes
- Homework help
- Career resources
Worth the trip for
Six-branch public library system serving Alexandria, Virginia
What you can do here
Make 1
Sewing and textiles
September Sewing – Plushie Emojis: participants create hand-sewn plushie emojis; all supplies provided; ages 8–18
SourceRecord 2
Video production
Book Trailer Contest: participants create an exciting and engaging movie trailer to entice viewers to read a book; no age requirement, fee, deadline, equipment, or eligibility information is stated
SourceCreative software
Public Internet PCs provide Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Office 2024, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
Word-processing computers provide Microsoft Office 2024, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Publisher
Free online classes include computer software, digital photography, and other topics; classes require a library card
SourceLearn 4
Kids' STEM
LEGO Night: children use imagination and engineering skills to construct LEGO and Duplo creations; ages 2–12 and all materials are provided
Bookworms Compost: ages 6–10; hands-on scientific exploration of vermicomposting and natural recycling processes using a worm composting bin
Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Beginners: sessions cover the pros and cons of AI, ChatGPT basics, and useful AI tools; registration required
Today's Science provides science-fair-project guidance, experiments, presentations, and research-paper tips
SourceHomework help
Brainfuse HelpNow provides tutoring for K–College seven days a week from 2–11 p.m.; assistance includes homework problems, topic mastery, and paper writing, with English- and Spanish-language support
Khan Academy provides free practice exercises and videos in math, science, computing, economics, test preparation, and more
Google Search for STEM helps users with complex math problems and STEM concepts
Gale in Context: Elementary is intended for K–5th and covers geography, current events, arts, science, health, people, government, history, and sports
SourceCareer resources
Alexandria’s Workforce Development Center provides job-seeker services including Career Center access, career-readiness workshops, career assessments, and customized hiring events
Gale Presents: Peterson’s Test Prep provides college and graduate-school entries, scholarship searches, online practice tests, and test-preparation eBooks
Gale Presents: Paterson’s Career Prep helps users identify suitable careers, research career options, and explore occupation requirements, outlooks, skills, training, and career paths
Brainfuse JobNow provides résumé assistance, cover-letter writing, skills development, and career-transition support
SourceNature and farm programmes
Pollinator Party introduces children ages 2–12 to butterflies, bees, and ladybugs through crafts, pretend play, and learning about pollinators
Bar C Ranch: Amazing Adaptations introduces ages 6–12 to animals, habitats, diets, and adaptations that help animals survive in the wild
Nature Friends Show and Tell introduces ages 6–12 to the Jerome “Buddie” Ford Nature Center and animals including reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates
Nature Backpacks include children’s materials for use in Virginia State Parks and may be borrowed for up to seven days
SourceBorrow 2
Library of Things
Alexandria Library lends Chromebooks for 21 days, with a maximum of one and three renewals
The Library lends thermal cameras for 14 days, with a maximum of one and one renewal
The Library lends hotspots for 14 days, with a maximum of one and one renewal
The Library lends toys and games for 7 days, with a maximum of 10 and no renewals
SourceMuseum and park passes
Alexandria Library cardholders may check out Virginia State Park Passes for free parking and free entrance at all 41 Virginia State parks; the loan period is 7 days with one renewal
Only one Virginia State Park Pass may be checked out per household, and only one pass may be checked out at a time; a lost pass results in a $71 bill
Nature Backpacks contain Virginia State Park brochures, site-usage instructions, and children’s materials; they may be borrowed for up to 7 days with one renewal
The Library partners with the National Children’s Museum in Washington, DC, to provide free admission for up to four people through a reservation and emailed discount code
SourceTest & notary 2
Proctoring and testing
Public test proctoring is offered at Beatley Central Library, Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library, and Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library; Beatley service is temporarily unavailable during construction
Exams must be scheduled one week before the test date, are handled first-come, first-served, and must be completed 30 minutes before closing
Online exams may be proctored when students provide their own Wi-Fi-enabled laptop; the Library has a limited number of laptops, which must be requested when scheduling
Proctoring costs $40 per exam and includes printing, faxing, and normal mailing costs; payment may be made by cash, check, or credit card
SourceNotary
Alexandria Law Library offers notary public service at the lower level of the Courthouse, 520 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, Monday–Friday from 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
The notary fee is $5 per signature notarized; callers should call 703-746-4077 in advance to confirm availability or schedule an appointment
Signers must be physically present, bring a completed document and current government-issued photo identification, and provide their own witnesses if required; the Library does not provide witnesses
SourceHang out 2
Teen space
The Library has a named Teen Area; no additional description, equipment, age limits, fees, or booking rules are provided
Teen Advisory Group (TAG) members can implement new programs, weigh in on Library decisions, and earn volunteer hours; meetings occur on the third Thursday of every month
Teen Summer Book Club – Fantasy/Science Fiction: ages 12–18
Expressive Painting Workshop: pour-painting techniques for ages 12–18
SourceGaming, esports and VR
Grand Gaming Melee, hosted by the Alexandria-Arlington Regional Gaming Group, includes dice, card, tile, and other tabletop games; registration is available
Borrow a Board Game: youth-services participants may use the Library’s board and card games while hanging out in the youth services area
Children’s computers at the Burke, Duncan, and Central Branches provide entertaining and educational games and cannot access the internet
SourceWashington
Anacostia Community Museum (Smithsonian)
The Smithsonian's neighborhood-focused community museum east of the river. Free daily; exhibitions built with and about DC communities; small enough for a short visit with young kids; a genuinely under-visited Smithsonian.
Cost
"Free Admission."
Best fit
kids, teens, ya, families
Before you go
Open year-round. Check hours on the official site before travelling.
What's here
- outdoor plaza hosting seasonal ACM Farm Stand ↗
- George Washington Carver Nature Trail behind museum ↗
- interactive activism quiz and button-making station ↗
- Weekly FRESHFARM ACM Farm Stand with local produce ↗
- drop-in arts and crafts workshops for families ↗
- Indoor Sunburst Lounge space for family programs ↗
- on-site parking for museum visitors ↗
Abingdon
Anita C. Leight Estuary Center
A county estuary education center at Otter Point Creek on the upper Chesapeake. Discovery Room; a 300-gallon turtle pond; marsh boardwalks and canoe programs; part of the Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve.
Cost
General admission to the Anita C. Leight Estuary Center building and Leight Park grounds is free; some specific programs, canoe/kayak trips, and events require paid registration or fees.
Best fit
kids, teens, families
Before you go
Open year-round. Check hours on the official site before travelling.
What's here
- hands-on exhibits on Chesapeake Bay ecology ↗
- animal encounters with turtles, snakes and other ambassadors ↗
- critter programs where kids can help feed animals ↗
- trails through tidal marsh and forest habitats ↗
- canoe and kayak access to Otter Point Creek ↗
- pontoon boat excursions on the creek ↗
- citizen science activities like fish seining and marsh surveys ↗
- summer outdoor camps focused on estuary ecology ↗
Washington
Aquatic Resources Education Center (AREC)
A DC government aquatic education center inside Anacostia Park with a wall of aquariums. About 20 aquariums of native Potomac/Anacostia fish; free fishing clinics; hands-on watershed education; right on the Anacostia River.
Cost
Free fishing clinics and programs (DOEE-run public facility).
Best fit
kids, teens, families
Before you go
Open year-round. Check hours on the official site before travelling.
What's here
- over 40 species of local fish on display ↗
- aquariums of Anacostia and Chesapeake Bay species ↗
- walk-in aquarium tours Tuesday-Friday afternoons ↗
- close-up encounters with aquatic animal ambassadors ↗
- aquatic-based environmental education lessons onsite ↗
- boat rides on Anacostia River for some groups ↗
Stafford
Aquia Landing Park
A county beach park at the confluence of Aquia Creek and the Potomac, and a historic Underground Railroad departure point. Free sandy beach and swimming; restrooms on site; excellent bird and dragonfly watching; open daily 8 a.m. to dusk.
Cost
"Free."
Best fit
kids, teens, ya, families
Before you go
Open year-round. Check hours on the official site before travelling.
What's here
Programs
- Picnic shelter rentals for group outings ↗
Arlington County
Arlington Public Library
Public library system; 7 locations
Cost
Library access is free; specific services carry fees where noted: consumables cost $0.05 per gram and resin printing costs $0.15 per mL | The Shop has a Silhouette CAMEO 3 vinyl cutter and vinyl heat press. Adhesive vinyl costs $0.50 per sheet and heat-transfer vinyl costs $0.75 per sheet
Best fit
kids, teens, ya, families
Before you go
Open year-round. Check hours on the official site before travelling.
What's here
- Makerspace
- 3D printing
- Laser, CNC and vinyl cutting
- Sewing and textiles
- Creative software
- Teen space
- Kids' STEM
- Gaming, esports and VR
- Memory lab and digitisation
- Library of Things
- Museum and park passes
- Homework help
Worth the trip for
The Shop combines 3D printing, Glowforge laser cutting, Silhouette vinyl cutting, sewing, quilting, embroidery, glasswork, and media digitization in a Central Library makerspace; Open Lab is available to active-card holders age 9+ with a Maker User Agreement
What you can do here
Make 4
Makerspace
The Shop is Arlington Public Library’s makerspace at Central Library, 2nd floor, 1015 North Quincy Street, Arlington, VA 22201. Open Lab supports personal and collaborative projects, feedback, experimentation, and staff assistance; active library card, completed Maker User Agreement, and age 9+ are
The Shop is Arlington Public Library’s makerspace at Central Library, 2nd floor, 1015 North Quincy Street, Arlington, VA 22201. Open Lab supports personal and collaborative projects, feedback, experimentation, and staff assistance; active library card, completed Maker User Agreement, and age 9+ are required
The Shop offers free programs in sewing techniques, 3D-printing projects, social crafting, and introductions to the Silhouette Cameo Cutter and Glowforge Laser Cutter
Source3D printing
The Shop has staff-operated 3D printers. Patrons must submit a 3D Printing request and make an appointment for a 3D Printing consultation; consumables cost $0.05 per gram and resin printing costs $0.15 per mL
The Shop’s equipment includes an Epson F170 sublimation printer, button makers, a Logan 350 mat cutter, glass-cutting tools, a glass grinder, and a Fuseworks Craft Glass Fusion Kiln. The kiln requires a certification class and online reservation
SourceLaser, CNC and vinyl cutting
The Shop has a Glowforge laser cutter. Use requires a certification class and online reservation, is restricted to makers age 18 and older, and requires patrons to provide their own materials
The Shop has a Silhouette CAMEO 3 vinyl cutter and vinyl heat press. Adhesive vinyl costs $0.50 per sheet and heat-transfer vinyl costs $0.75 per sheet
SourceSewing and textiles
The Shop has Brother CS6000i and Brother CS7000i computerized sewing and quilting machines, Brother PE800 and PE900 embroidery machines, SINGER 14HD854 Heavy Duty Serger, and SINGER Heavy Duty 6800C sewing machine
The Shop has Hatch Embroidery Digitizer, dress forms in sizes small through large, and requires patrons to provide their own fabric and thread
SourceRecord 1
Creative software
The Shop provides Build-a-Button software
Children’s computer stations include Microsoft Office; George W. Hawkes Downtown Library Chromeboxes provide internet access and Google web-based apps
SourceLearn 4
Kids' STEM
Little Explorers programs for ages 0–4 focus on art, math, science, engineering, and fine-motor skills
The library offers STEAM programs covering Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math, plus homeschool programs with STEAM activities
Read It Again STEM Kits contain educational toys, games, DVDs, CDs, puppets, and books focused on science, technology, engineering, and math for grade-school-aged students
SourceHomework help
Brainfuse HelpNow provides free K–12, all-subject online tutoring with a library card, including on-demand tutoring, an online writing lab, and study sessions
Learning Express Library provides grades 3–8 tutorials, practice sheets, and test preparation in math, reading, writing, and social studies, including STAAR preparation
H.O.P.E. Tutoring provides weekly onsite, all-subject tutoring for grades 2–8 at George W. Hawkes Downtown Library, East Library and Recreation Center, and Southeast Library; students must sign up
Brainfuse HelpNow includes live tutoring in math, science, reading/writing, social studies, PSAT/SAT, ACT, AP, and state standardized tests, plus a 24-Hour Writing Lab and homework-question assistance
SourceCareer resources
Brainfuse HelpNow’s Adult Learning Center provides live professional assistance with resume and cover-letter writing
The Teleconnect Space may be booked for job interviews, career-counseling meetings, college or scholarship interviews, meetings with college counselors or financial-aid decision-makers, and SCORE counselor meetings
SourceNature and farm programmes
Nature Backpacks support exploration of Virginia State Parks and nature study, with guides to bugs and slugs, animal tracks, Virginia birds, mammals, Virginia trees and geology, plus a field-observation container, dip net, magnifying lens, and activities
SourceBorrow 3
Library of Things
Nature Backpacks include a Virginia State Parks parking pass, Pocket Naturalist Guides, Port-A-Bug observation container, dip net, magnifying lens, Leave No Trace card, and activity suggestions. They check out for one week, cannot be renewed, and may be placed on hold through the catalog
The Game Collection lends games for all ages for one week; games may be renewed once when not on hold and returned to any library location
The library has 100 Books Before Kindergarten backpacks available for checkout from any library location, each containing 10 picture books
Read it Again Kits contain educational toys, games, DVDs, CDs, puppets, and books and are available for checkout at any library location
SourceMuseum and park passes
Nature Backpacks include a parking pass for free parking and entrance to all Virginia State Parks except Natural Bridge State Park and Southwest Virginia Museum State Park, which charge per-person entry fees
SourceMemory lab and digitisation
The Shop has a ClearClick Video to Digital Converter for VHS and Beta, Epson Perfection V600 Flatbed Scanner for photos, film, and slides, Epson FastFoto 680W photo scanner, Wolverine Data Film2Digital MovieMaker-PRO for 8mm and Super 8 conversion, and ION Audio Classic LP 3-Speed USB Conversion Tur
The Shop has a ClearClick Video to Digital Converter for VHS and Beta, Epson Perfection V600 Flatbed Scanner for photos, film, and slides, Epson FastFoto 680W photo scanner, Wolverine Data Film2Digital MovieMaker-PRO for 8mm and Super 8 conversion, and ION Audio Classic LP 3-Speed USB Conversion Turntable for vinyl
SourceHang out 2
Teen space
The Young Adult Area at George W. Hawkes Downtown Library is reserved for teens during the week and is intended for exploring, hanging out, and special teen programs; dates and times are provided through a linked schedule
Teen Corner is Arlington Public Library’s teen-only Discord server, with library announcements, events, Teen Services staff chat, and channels for teen volunteers and Library Youth Ambassadors. Teens apply online and receive an invitation from library staff; students age 12 and under cannot participate under Discord’s terms
Library Youth Ambassadors help shape teen programs and services and develop leadership and teamwork skills. Members must be approved library volunteers and complete a membership application; meetings are scheduled for the first and third Thursday of each month, 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Teen Advisory Board members compile annual top-10 recommended book lists for their schools. Middle School TAB meets during lunch in school libraries; High School TAB meets monthly at Central Library, where pizza is provided
SourceGaming, esports and VR
The Game Collection provides games for players of all ages that encourage continued learning, constructive play, and creative thinking. Games check out for one week, may be renewed once if not on hold, and can be returned to any library location
Teen programming includes Dungeons & Dragons Free Play and Basics Sessions at Southwest Branch and Chess Club for teens ages 13–17
SourceNamed branches in this system
Baltimore
Baltimore Museum of Art
A major art museum with a large Matisse collection and a dedicated hands-on education center. Always-free general admission; Joseph Education Center with hands-on family activities; free sculpture garden; adjacent to Johns Hopkins' Homewood campus.
Cost
Free — "General admission is always free" (reservations recommended).
Best fit
kids, teens, ya, families
Before you go
Open year-round. Check hours on the official site before travelling.
What's here
- Experience Gallery with playful artist-designed installations ↗
- Wall of Wonder with interactive digital art displays ↗
- discovery drawers with artists' material samples to touch ↗
- Insight Lab for art exploration and experiments ↗
- Book Nook and Quiet Room for reading and downtime ↗
- detective-style gallery games for families ↗
- act-it-out activities using paintings as prompts ↗
- downloadable family art projects from collections ↗
Baltimore
Baltimore Museum of Industry
A waterfront museum of Baltimore's industrial, labor and civil-rights history with working machinery. SNAP/EBT free admission; live demonstrations of working museum artifacts on the History Alive tour (weekends, included with admission); free self-guided hands-on family activities on weekends; free parking.
Cost
$15 adult / $8 youth 6–17 / free for children 5 and under — free for EBT and SNAP cardholders and for active-duty military and veterans. Free on-site parking.
Best fit
kids, teens, ya, families
Before you go
Open year-round. Check hours on the official site before travelling.
What's here
- Kids' Cannery gallery where children role-play cannery work ↗
- recreated 1920s pharmacy Dr. Bunting's Pharmacy exhibit ↗
- mid-century gas station exhibit for pretend service-station play ↗
- machine shop gallery with belt-driven industrial equipment ↗
- garment loft exhibit showing clothing manufacturing workspaces ↗
- Hands-on PLEASE TOUCH artifact boxes throughout galleries ↗
- Exhibit on Baltimore food industries like sugar and spices ↗
- rotating exhibitions on labor activism and local industry history ↗
Leesburg
Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve
A 699-acre county nature preserve with an extensive trail network, open on scheduled days. 15 miles of trails across 699 acres; grassland and stream habitats; volunteer-led hikes and bird walks; one of the quietest large preserves in NoVA.
Cost
General admission to Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve is free; the Loudoun County facilities page lists Admission Fee: N/A. Some special programs or organized educational activities may have separate fees, but there is no charge to enter the preserve grounds during normal operating hours.
Best fit
kids, teens, ya, families
Before you go
Open year-round. Check hours on the official site before travelling.
What's here
Prince Frederick
Battle Creek Cypress Swamp Sanctuary
One of the northernmost bald-cypress swamps in North America, with a boardwalk and small nature center. Quarter-mile elevated boardwalk into a primeval cypress swamp; nature center exhibits; genuinely unusual habitat for the mid-Atlantic; free.
Cost
Free — the county facility page lists cost as "None."
Best fit
kids, teens, ya, families
Before you go
Open year-round. Check hours on the official site before travelling.
What's here
- interpretive exhibits on swamp ecology and cultural history ↗
- live animal exhibits with turtles, snakes and owls ↗
- nature trail and boardwalk through bald cypress stand ↗
- outdoor raptor enclosures with owl and hawk ↗
- nature pond attracting butterflies in season ↗
- classes and demonstrations on local wildlife and habitats ↗
- field trips highlighting swamp's natural and cultural heritage ↗
Westminster
Bear Branch Nature Center Planetarium
A 29-seat digital planetarium in a county nature center, programmed with the Westminster Astronomical Society. 29-seat digital dome; monthly second-Saturday public shows; club astronomers on hand; paired with a nature center and trails.
Cost
Admission to Bear Branch Nature Center itself is free, but county-run planetarium shows are typically about $5 per person (with some junior shows priced separately), and the surrounding park collects a vehicle entrance fee of about $5 per car for residents and $10 for non-residents, with seniors and active military free; visitors to programs generally must register and pay program fees.
Best fit
families
Before you go
Runs monthly, year-round. Check hours on the official site before travelling.
monthly second-Saturday public shows
What's here
- monthly digital planetarium shows on current night sky ↗
- junior planetarium shows tailored to younger kids ↗
- public star party following shows, with telescopes outside ↗
- hands-on educational exhibits inside nature center ↗
- Discovery Room with games, puzzles and puppets ↗
- observation beehive and live animal displays ↗
- wilderness trails starting at Bear Branch Nature Center ↗
Manassas
Ben Lomond Historic Site
A house used as a Confederate field hospital, with surviving soldier graffiti, plus a historic rose garden. $5 admission; Civil War field-hospital interpretation with soldier graffiti; self-guided tour option; historic rose garden.
Cost
Low-cost: $5.
Best fit
kids, teens, ya, families
Before you go
Open year-round. Check hours on the official site before travelling.
What's here
- self-guided tours of Civil War field hospital house ↗
- guided tours offered daily at 11am and 2pm ↗
- exhibits in slave quarters, smokehouse, and dairy ↗
- restored soldier graffiti visible inside the house ↗
- museum store for books and small souvenirs ↗
- programs on folk medicine and textiles for scouts ↗
- education field trips interpreting Civil War medicine ↗
- Old Rose Garden with historic varieties to explore ↗
Boyds
Black Hill Discovery Center
A lakeside discovery center in Black Hill Regional Park on Little Seneca Lake. Children's corner and exhibits; ADA wraparound deck overlooking the lake; natural play spaces, native gardens, pond, meadow and an Earth Bench; boat rentals and 20+ miles of trails in the park.
Cost
General admission to Black Hill Discovery Center and exhibits is free; however, many organized programs, classes, and pontoon boat activities charge per-participant fees.
Best fit
kids, teens, ya, families, sen
Before you go
Open year-round. Check hours on the official site before travelling.
What's here
- Little Seneca Lake overlook ↗
- native plant gardens ↗
- natural play spaces ↗
- pond and meadow ↗
- exhibits and children's corner ↗
- trails ↗
- information desk with park maps and naturalist staff ↗
- indoor exhibits about local ecosystems and wildlife ↗
- children's corner for hands-on nature activities ↗
- nature programs aligned to MCPS curriculum K-12 ↗
- girl scout badge programs using real-life field experiences ↗
- pontoon boat tours on Little Seneca Lake ↗
Alexandria
Boardwalk Astronomy at Huntley Meadows Park
Evening astronomy programs held out on the wetland boardwalk, away from tree cover. Stargazing from a marsh boardwalk inside the Beltway; naturalist-led; ages 8+; combines wildlife listening with astronomy.
Cost
Park entry is free (no entry fee for individuals or families); program registration may apply.
Best fit
kids, teens, ya
Before you go
Open year-round. Check hours on the official site before travelling.
Ages
Ages 8 and up
What's here
- naturalist-led constellation tour along wetland boardwalk ↗
- stargazing focused on current night-sky events ↗
- guided discussion of comets and deep-sky objects ↗
- opportunity to listen for beavers, owls and wetland wildlife ↗
- evening program inside large freshwater wetland ↗
- small-group astronomy experience away from city lights ↗
Programs
- Boardwalk Astronomy ↗
Loudoun County
Brambleton Library makerspace & soundproof Recording Studio (LCPL)
LCPL has four makerspaces at Brambleton, Gum Spring, Rust, and Sterling libraries. They are free, hands-on spaces; a library card is not required, and trained staff provide assistance.
Cost
LCPL has four makerspaces at Brambleton, Gum Spring, Rust, and Sterling libraries. They are free, hands-on spaces ; Children’s events include LEGO Creators at Ashburn, Builders Free Play at Middleburg, Puzzles and Games at Brambleton, and Little Artists at Lovettsville.
Best fit
kids, teens
Before you go
Open year-round. Check hours on the official site before travelling.
Wheaton
Brookside Gardens
A 50-acre award-winning public display garden inside Wheaton Regional Park. Free admission to a botanical garden; Children's Garden and seasonal Butterfly Garden (ticketed); conservatories; in the same park as the ice arena, train, carousel and Brookside Nature Center.
Cost
Free — "Admission to the gardens is free."
Best fit
kids, teens, ya, families
Before you go
Open year-round. Check hours on the official site before travelling.
What's here
- conservatories ↗
- Children's Garden ↗
- Rose Garden and Butterfly Garden ↗
- Japanese-style Gude Garden ↗
- Aquatic and Azalea gardens ↗
- Fragrance Garden ↗
- Woodland Walk ↗
- The Butterfly Experience (seasonal exhibit) ↗
- Garden of Lights (winter) ↗
- 50-acre public display garden with themed areas ↗
- Visitor Center with information desk and exhibits ↗
- Brookside Gardens Gift Shop for nature-themed items ↗
Wheaton
Brookside Nature Center
A nature center in Wheaton Regional Park with a wooded nature play area and interpretive boardwalks. Wooded nature play area; accessible interpretive boardwalks through forest habitat; pond with great blue herons; the 1870s Harper Homestead on site.
Cost
Official Montgomery Parks pages for Brookside Nature Center list no general admission charge; external descriptions confirm that admission to the nature center and its grounds is free. Some programs, classes, and field trips have separate fees.
Best fit
kids, teens, ya, families, sen
Before you go
Open year-round. Check hours on the official site before travelling.
What's here
- indoor wildlife exhibits ↗
- accessible interpretive boardwalks ↗
- pond with great blue heron viewing ↗
- wooded trails ↗
- 1870s Harper Homestead cabin ↗
- nature play area ↗
- live animal exhibits ↗
- children's discovery room ↗
- observation beehive ↗
- historic 1870s pioneer cabin ↗
- native plant gardens ↗
- miles of hiking trails ↗
Anne Arundel County
Busch Annapolis Library Makerspace & Memory Lab (AACPL)
Busch Annapolis Library Makerspace
Best fit
kids, teens, ya
Before you go
Open year-round. Check hours on the official site before travelling.
Ages
Ages 11 and up
Middletown
Catoctin Creek Park and Nature Center
A Frederick County park and nature center along Catoctin Creek. Nature center with natural-history exhibits and programs; creekside hiking; playground and pavilion; fishing.
Cost
No general admission fee is charged for entry to Catoctin Creek Park or its nature center during regular public hours; some optional programs (e.g., birthday parties) have separate fees.
Best fit
families
Before you go
Open year-round. Check hours on the official site before travelling.
What's here
- interactive exhibits on local wildlife and ecosystems ↗
- discovery areas with hands-on nature activities ↗
- live animal displays featuring regional species ↗
- nature programs and activities for children and adults ↗
- field trips aligned with Maryland science standards ↗
- multi-sensory trail experience for preschool-third graders ↗
- creekside walks to watch and listen for wildlife ↗
Baltimore County
Catonsville Branch Recording Studio (BCPL)
The Catonsville Branch has a free recording studio for recording songs, podcasts, and spoken-word pieces. Each studio has a soundproofed recording space and a mixing space.
Cost
The Catonsville Branch has a free recording studio for recording songs, podcasts, and spoken-word pieces. Each studio has a soundproofed recording space and a mixing space.
Best fit
Students
Before you go
Open year-round. Check hours on the official site before travelling.
Vienna
Children's Theatre-in-the-Woods at Wolf Trap
Wolf Trap's outdoor children's performance series in a wooded amphitheater — the one paid item here, but with free extras. Interactive concerts, puppet shows and live performances in the woods; free games, toys and kid-friendly activities in the Meadow; post-show outdoor adventure with a Park Ranger where kids can earn a Junior Ranger Badge; free parking on "Gil's Hill."
Cost
Low-cost/ticketed: "Buy tickets to 3 or more Children's Theatre-in-the-Woods shows and get $2 off every ticket"; parking is free; ticket prices not stated on the page.
Best fit
kids, families
Before you go
Open year-round. Check hours on the official site before travelling.