Park and Recreation - Prince Georges County MD

Toddler Time at Mount Rainier (October)
2026-10-01 11:00 - 11:45, 2026-10-08 11:00 - 11:45, 2026-10-15 11:00 - 11:45, 2026-10-22 11:00 - 11:45, 2026-10-29 11:00 - 11:45 (America/New_York)
Introduce your toddler to the wonders of nature through hands-on exploration, stories, songs, crafts, and outdoor discovery. Each Toddler Time session features a unique theme focused on animals, plants, habitats, or other natural wonders, helping young learners build curiosity and a connection to the world around them.

Designed for ages 2-5, this fun and interactive program encourages children to learn through play, movement, and their senses.

An adult must accompany each child.

October line-up:– October 1: Eight-legged friends– October 8: Bird migration– October 15: Fall colors– October 22: Morning fog– October 29: Mariposa monarca y el Dia de los Muertos

Watkins Park Farmers Market
2026-10-03 10:00 - 14:00, 2026-10-10 10:00 - 14:00, 2026-10-17 10:00 - 14:00, 2026-10-24 10:00 - 14:00, 2026-10-31 10:00 - 14:00
Come support new growers, explore the fields, and take home something delicious at the Urban Farm Incubator at Watkins Regional Park.

Every Saturday, 10 am-2 pm, from late May to mid-November, you can shop fresh vegetables, fruit, herbs, and flowers grown on-site by ten emerging farm businesses. Expect nutrient‑dense, culturally relevant, all‑natural produce!

DIRECTIONS: Once inside Watkins Regional Park, follow signs for the Urban Farm Incubator and park inside the black deer fence.

The Urban Farm Incubator hosts ten beginner farm businesses growing vegetables, fruit, herbs, and flowers. The Urban Farm Incubator at Watkins Regional Park is a collaboration among ECO City Farms, the Prince George’s Soil Conservation District (PGSCD), Prince George’s Food Equity Council (FEC), The Capital Market, and M-NCPPC, Department of Recreation, Prince George’s County.

This event is held at 601 Watkins Park Drive

For more info, visit https://www.ecoffshoots.org/urban-farm-incubator or email urbanfarmincubator@gmail.com

Adventure Seekers: Birding at Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary
2026-10-03 10:00 - 15:00
Ready for adventure? Join us for a trip to Patuxent River Park!

Each Adventure Seekers trip takes participants ages 8-12 to a new destination for a day of outdoor exploration, discovery, and fun. From hiking trails and canoeing adventures to museums, nature centers, and historic sites, every program offers a unique opportunity to learn, explore, and connect with the world around them.

These guided day trips help young adventurers build confidence, curiosity, and new friendships while discovering the natural and cultural attractions of the DC region.

Participants will meet at Mount Rainier Nature Center to travel to the destination. Transportation is provided via M-NCPPC minibus. Participants should bring a lunch, reusable water bottle, and wear closed-toe shoes.

Gardening for All
2026-10-04 10:30 - 11:30, 2026-10-18 10:30 - 11:30
Gardening for All offers hands-on opportunities to learn about sustainable gardening and landscaping. Each program explores a different topic, from backyard design and seasonal gardening tips to plant uses and supporting native ecosystems. Build practical skills, connect with fellow gardeners, and get inspired in our gardens.

Fall Workshop Line-up:– September 6: Mushrooms in your garden– September 20: Migrating pollinator habitats– October 4: Fall bird habitat– October 18: Fall garden colors– November 1: Fall harvest– November 15: Indigenous garden wisdomProgram Notes:– Free– Open to all skill levels– Please wear weather-appropriate clothing and sun protection.

Forest Bathing
2026-10-06 10:00 - 12:00
Join naturalist and Certified Forest Therapy Guide, Ana Ka’ahanui from Wonder Joy Walks and Capital Nature, for an introduction to forest bathing. “Shinrin-yoku,” or taking in the forest atmosphere with all of your senses, is a way to slow down, unwind and connect to the natural world. Through a series of simple sensory exercises, you will experience the wonders of nature with this relaxing mindfulness practice.

RAIN DATE: Thursday, October 8, 10 am-12 noon

Wellness Nature Hike
2026-10-09 13:00 - 14:00
Looking for a way to relax and escape the daily grind? Join us for a guided nature hike where you’ll de-stress, enjoy the beauty of the outdoors, and reconnect with nature.

Riversdale Harvest Fest
2026-10-17 10:30 - 14:00
Join the Riversdale Historic Site & Museum at Harvest Fest for a fun-filled community day. Learn about seed saving with our Historic Site Gardener, enjoy story time, and then celebrate the harvest with a family scavenger hunt featuring small prizes for participants.

Animal Encounters at Mount Rainier
2026-10-24 11:00 - 12:00
Get up close with reptiles, amphibians, and more in this exciting, hands-on animal experience! Join us at Mount Rainier Nature Center to meet our resident animal ambassadors and discover what makes each species unique.

Through fun, interactive learning, you’ll explore how animals survive in the wild, why their habitats matter, and how we can all help protect the planet they call home.

🐢 Great for families, nature lovers, and curious minds of all ages!

Fall Season Line-up:– September 26: Fall Reptile Behaviors– October 24: Bird Migration Walk– November 28: Fall Mammal Behavior

All participants must be registered through ParksDirect. Note that the program may be canceled if there are insufficient registrations.

Toddler Time at Mount Rainier: Mariposa Monarca y el Dia de los Muertos
2026-10-29 11:00 - 11:45
Introduce your toddler to the wonders of nature through hands-on exploration, stories, songs, crafts, and outdoor discovery. Each Toddler Time session features a unique theme focused on animals, plants, habitats, or other natural wonders, helping young learners build curiosity and a connection to the world around them.Designed for ages 2-5, this fun and interactive program encourages children to learn through play, movement, and their senses.An adult must accompany each child.

Nature Game Night with Elizabeth Hargrave
2026-10-29 18:30 - 21:00
Join us for an incredible evening of classic games, friendly competition, and nature-themed fun featuring special guest Elizabeth Hargrave, creator of the popular game Wingspan. In collaboration with the Mycological Association of Washington, D.C., participants can enjoy a variety of nature-inspired games, including Wingspan, Wyrmspan, and Undergrove, with 12 tables of four players each ready for adventure.

A Magical Night of Wizardry
2026-10-30 19:00 - 22:00
Dear Honored Guest,

We are delighted to inform you that you have been invited to an evening of magic, mystery, and Halloween fun!Join us for enchanted beverages, magical snacks, spellbinding crafts, and a screening of a favorite wizard-inspired film. Brave guests are also invited to journey through the Enchanted Watkins Forest, if you dare.We look forward to welcoming you for a night of wonder and adventure!

For any questions or concerns please email Tristan.Colding@pgparks.com.

Sincerely,Tristan ColdingProfessor of Magical Events
