Brookside Nature Center, Montgomery Parks

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Wheaton, MD
Brookside Nature Center, Montgomery Parks

Brookside Nature Center is a facility of Montgomery Parks. The nature center has free admission.

Since 1961, Brookside Nature Center has engaged visitors in fun and meaningful ways to connect to both the natural and cultural resources in Montgomery County. Located within Wheaton Regional Park, the nature center interprets local natural and cultural history through programs, exhibits, hands-on nature discovery areas, bay-friendly gardens, nature trails, accessible and interpretive boardwalks,

and our unique nature play area. We provide naturalist-led programs that explore the dynamic areas of parkland to the public, school children, scouts, and other groups.

08/26/2026

Ready to plan your fall? Montgomery Parks’ fall program registration is now open! Be first to register for fall nature programs! Sign up here: https://mocoparks.org/30iiV2h

08/20/2026

Meet your neighbors around the campfire! Learn a bit about living with local wildlife, roast a marshmallow, play some games, and take a guided evening hike (optional). Marshmallows and roasting sticks provided, bring other treats if you'd like!

🔥 Sat, Aug 22 | 7:30-9:00pm | All Ages | $10

All attendees over 3 must register; no registration required under 3: https://mocoparks.org/4vOuQhi

08/13/2026

Hike through the shady woods to escape the heat. Learn about the forest habitat and its residents. Bring a friend, niece, or grandparent! Hike will be on natural surface trails for approximately 2 miles.

🥾 Thurs, 08/20 | 6:00-7:30pm | Ages 6+ | $10

All attendees must register on Active Montgomery: https://mocoparks.org/4vc2f5T

08/06/2026

Join us for the Little Explorers Program at Brookside Nature Center! Let's read stories, sing songs, and take mini-hikes meant for the youngest legs! Please note: The Little Explorers programs scheduled in the same month will have the same topic and activities.

Sat, Aug 15th | 10:30-11:15am | Ages 18M - 3 Years | $7
Wed, Aug 19 13th | 10:30-11:15am | Ages 18M - 3 Years | $7

Register each child on Active Montgomery, a guardian must attend: https://mocoparks.org/4vsGFui

08/04/2026

It is turtle talk season at Brookside Nature Center! Watch our Eastern box turtles stretch their legs in their outdoor enclosure! Learn about the big role they play in our forests and communities. No registration required!

🐢 Sat, August 8 | 1:30-2:00pm | All Ages | FREE
🐢 Sat, August 22 | 1:30-2:00pm | All Ages | FREE

You can check program status updates at https://mocoparks.org/3IvXn3v

07/30/2026

A warm day is a great time to cool off at the stream! Bring your water shoes and we'll bring the buckets, nets, and other equipment needed to explore and have fun!

💧 Sat, Aug 15 | 2:00-3:00pm | Ages 3+ | $7

Attendees 3+ must register; no registration required under 3: https://mocoparks.org/4v8rSEr

07/23/2026

Join us at Brookside Nature Center for an up-close encounter with one of our animal ambassadors! Why do they live at the nature center? What would their wild counterparts be doing at this time of year? We'll answer these questions and more. No registration required.

👉 Sat, Aug 1 | 1:30-2:00pm | All Ages | FREE

You can check program status updates at https://mocoparks.org/3IvXn3v

07/21/2026

Meet your neighbors around the campfire! Learn a bit about living with local wildlife, roast a marshmallow, play some games, and take a guided evening hike (optional). Marshmallows and roasting sticks provided, bring other treats if you'd like!

🔥 Sat, July 25 | 7:30-9:00pm | All Ages | $10

All attendees over 3 must register; no registration required under 3: https://mocoparks.org/4vENlWq

07/16/2026

“Now Varley! The Bugs!”

Once butterflies leave their chrysalis, they get released into the conservatory for The Butterfly Experience! Now through September 7, you can find yourself surrounded by hundreds of butterflies from all over the world. It’s up to you to determine the diamond of the season! Visit The Butterfly Experience and let us know your choice for this season’s diamond, aka your favorite butterfly, in the comments: https://mocoparks.org/butterfly

Address

1400 Glenallan Avenue
Wheaton, MD
20902

Telephone

(301) 962-1480

Website

http://www.BrooksideNature.org/

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