Even though I am a Virginia native, I love an excuse to leave the state line in search of new adventures.
Of the many times I have been in Rockville, I never knew that Meadowside Nature Center existed. Shame on me, but I guess that before I had a child, going to a nature center wasn’t on the top of my list.
Meadowside Nature Center is a superb gem located in Rock Creek Regional Park.
I find that some nature centers can be lackluster with their offerings, but Meadowside has many choices for those that enjoy reptiles, bird watching, the environment, history, and the outdoors.Â
Let’s start with the indoor fun.
Covered Here:
Meadowside Nature Center
Nature Trails
Events
Hours & When to Go
Good to Know
Getting There
Things to Do Nearby
Meadowside Nature Center
The nature center was busy during our Saturday noontime arrival, mainly in part to a bat day celebration. Yes, an event that requires advance registration to learn and celebrate winged critters.
Legacy of The People
The main foyer has two distinctive areas called Legacy of the People. One section displays a wigwam, dugout canoe and animal skins depicting the life of Eastern Woodland Indian families.
My daughter hopped in the canoe and demonstrated how Native Americans would crush corn.
Another section allows children to experience how Maryland pioneers lived by trying on period clothing, cooking and playing instruments and games.
Legacy of the Land
My daughter’s favorite part of the nature center was the Legacy of the Land exhibit. This new exhibit allows visitors to experience life in the woods inhabited by beavers, deer and with the press of a button, the hoots of an owl.
Follow the trail that leads to a cave. Once inside the cave, children realize it leads to a slide, exiting into a room with relics from the old Muncaster Mill.
What I like about the exhibit is that it gives an explanation of the purpose of the items. It’s both fun and educational for visitors.
Curiosity Corner
If you are looking for a quieter space, hang out with the critters in the Curiosity Corner.
The discovery room is ideal for little ones who want to:
- Play with a giant caterpillar toy
- Build with blocks
- Make words using magnet boards
- Enjoy puzzles
- Puppets
- And books
There is a small table with a microscope to inspect preserved insects and a great view of birds flocking to feeders outside.
As for live animals, there are several kinds of turtles, two corn snakes, Indian Walking Stick insects and Blue Gill fish.
There’s also an Eastern Painted Turtle and small Catfish that share a tank in the main foyer.
The Great Outdoors
Outside is an area for birdwatching where my family saw:
- A Woodpecker
- Cardinal
- Several Blue Jays
- Other species of birds swooping to bird boxes
Use your quiet voice as you follow the Raptor Walkway at the back of the center.
Gaze upon a Black Vulture, Screech Owl, Cooper’s Hawk and American Bald Eagle from their cages.
Children can compare themselves to the wingspan of resident raptors.
A naturalist is on hand every Saturday at 11am to noon to answer questions. It’s pretty neat to see these un-releasable, majestic creatures up close.
Playspace
This outdoor mecca boasts a giant eagle nest, touch table, perching stumps and plenty of open space.
The music wall was a big hit using everyday items to create new sounds.
Nature Trails
Meadowside Nature Center also boasts 8 miles of trails. Print a Scavenger Hunt map online and search for plants and animals native to the area.
Here’s a general trail map of lake Frank and Meadowside Trail.
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Meadowside Nature Center Events
The Nature Center has regular programs with lots of good options for kids and families. There is a small fee, reasonable fee for most of the programs and they do require you to pre-register.
The center also offers different programs from summer camps, scouts, birthday parties and other events based on the interest and age of the kid.
Hours & When to Go
Meadowside Nature Center is closed Sundays and Mondays. They are open Tuesdays to Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Good to Know
- Admission is free unless you are participating in a registered program.
- In addition to regular programs for preschool, Raptor Enrichment and Feeding demonstration, Meadowside is popular for birthday parties, scout badge programs and summer camps.
- The center hosts a free Raptor Festival in May. The day includes seeing the resident birds of prey, expert talks, games, crafts, and more.
Getting There
The Meadowside Nature Center is located at 5100 Meadowside Ln, Rockville, MD.
Things to Do Nearby
- Hike the Underground Railroad Experience Trail (13 minutes)
- See a steam locomotive, caboose and dining car at the Gaithersburg Community Museum (18 minutes)
- Let the kids play at the themed playground and large sand box area at Constitution Gardens Park (18 minutes)
- Take a self-guided tour at the International Latitude Observatory (19 minutes)
- Ride the miniature train and carousel at Brookside Gardens Conservatory (19 minutes)
