We ventured into Prince George’s to check out the Watkins Nature Center. Every time we’ve taken the family from Virginia into Prince George’s, we have always been amused at how much we enjoy the county’s parks.
Our memory isn’t too good as we forgot that we attended Watkins Festival of Lights several years ago. While I blame my age on forgetfulness, our family loved the light show and then remembered seeing the same displays during our daytime visit to the park.
This time we intentionally came to visit the Watkins Nature Center and explore the surrounding areas.
Covered Here:
Nature Center
Playground
Mobile Interactive Game
Events & Programs
Birthday Parties
Hours & When to Go
Getting There
Things to Do Nearby
Watkins Nature Center
I told the two naturalists that I didn’t know they had so many different kinds of animals.
There are so many animals here that you don’t need to visit a zoo. At least 28 kinds of animals were counted during my family’s visit.
If you like snakes, there are seven on display. Spread around in different tanks, you’ll see:
- The East African Sand Boa
- Common Black Rat Snake
- Corn Snake
- Grey-Banded
- Eastern & California King Snakes
My husband was entranced by the very inquisitive Ball Python.
Other reptiles include a Yellow-Throated Plated Lizard, Irian Jaya Blue-Tongued Skink, and an Australian Bearded Dragon.
Amphibians include fish, Eastern Grey Tree frogs, Oriental Fire-bellied Toads, and American Toads.
There is a small hut decorated in frog wall coverings, along with tanks and a frog observation area where you can see the pond.
Turtles include the Eastern Box, Yellow-bellied Slider, and Diamondback Terrapin.
I call this next category the creepy insect group. These are animals I have no desire to see, let along get close to!
For your viewing pleasure are a large collection of:
- Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches
- A Rose-Haired Tarantula
- Freshwater Leeches
It’s like Arachnophobia meets Stand By Me. Now pass the pie please!
An unusual find was a pair of African Pygmy Hedgehogs. The sisters are nocturnal creatures meaning they only come out at night. They like to burrow under blankets and in their beds.
Having never seen a hedgehog in person, I begged the naturalist to wake them from their slumber.
I felt bad, but they were so darn cute. It was only right that I contribute to the donation box, especially since admission is free.
Equally unusual was to see a crow who was enjoying a mouse for lunch, a pair of sleeping Eastern Screech Owls, and an inquisitive American Kestrel bird who is the smallest of the falcon family.
Outside is a songbird feeding area, butterfly garden, a neat exhibit of nest boxes used by different wildlife, and a squirrel gym.
The surprise for us was to see four birds of prey.
Also known as raptors, these beauties have an ailment making them unable to be released back into the wild. On display is a Barred Owl, Black Vulture, Red-tailed Hawk, and Harris’ Hawk.
Unfortunately, the cages prevented me from snapping quality pictures.
More Fun for Kids
Inside children can host their own puppet show, play a matching game of the five senses, read books about nature, unveil what hides in a giant tree, what everyday projects are used from trees, learn about the life cycle of frogs, and use binocular to bird watch from the deck of the nature center.
Watkins Nature Center is a large space that has several rooms including a classroom, workshop, and auditorium.
Restrooms have changing stations, a step stool to access the sink, and water fountain.
Playground
You can walk to the playground from the nature center or drive to the parking lot. It’s good for all ages to enjoy.
Mobile Interactive Game
The center is partnering with Agents of Discovery, an educational mobile game for failies that encourages kids learning of the nature and surrounding of Watkins Nature Center. You may check out their page for more details about Agents of Discovery.
READ NEXT: 19 Nature Centers in the DC Area
Events & Programs
There are programs for children, adults, and families at Watkins Nature Center.
Family programs include live animal shows, and creature features. Children’s Programs include puppet shows, nature crafts and cub scout badge workshops. There’s the Small Fry club featuring stories, games, and crafts for the preschool set, and clubs for homeschoolers.
Registration is required and activities require a nominal fee.
Watkins Festival of Lights has already begun setting up their holiday displays which were lit during our visit. On November 22, the park host the 2nd annual Winter Festival of Lights Trot for a Turkey event to help families in need.
Birthday Parties
Residents and non-residents can host their child’s birthday by having a Wild Things Party at Watkins Nature Center. You can even find items for the goody bags in the gift shop.
More information can be found when you visit their website.
Hours & When to Go
Monday: Closed
Tuesday – Sunday: 11:00am to 4:00pm
They are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Getting There
Things to Do Nearby
- Walk 1/8 of a mile from the playground to the Old Maryland Farm. While it is not a petting zoo, you can say hello to a variety of animals.
- Have a fun family time playing tennis at Watkins Tennis Bubble.
- Across from the playground, is the Wonderful World of Watkins Train, Carousel, and Miniature Golf that you can try for a nominal fee.
- Spend a nice afternoon at Watkins Regional Park.
Watkins Regional Park offers many activities, but the real gem of the park is the fabulous Watkins Nature Center. Anytime is a great time to visit to see animals, look at the gardens, and to get outside to become one with nature.
While walking along the trails before leaving the nature center, my family spotted a raccoon and red-shouldered hawk.
Photos by Kathleen Molloy.
