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Over the Rainbow and Beyond at Watkins Regional Park

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Watkins Regional Park in Upper Marlboro, MD, was one of my early parent discoveries. And by parent discovery, I mean it took having a child to realize the place existed, even though I had lived in the area for years. We first start visiting when Owen began toddling around, not long after his first birthday, and it’s been a constant in our rotation of go-to outings since.

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So, the park is far from new to KFDC (as you probably knew if you’ve been reading the blog awhile…I recommend it quite often), but with a new, recently opened Wizard of Oz themed playground, it seems like a perfect time to spotlight one of our favorites.

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When I first heard about the playground, which was replacing an older one, I thought it could either be terribly cheesy or super cute. Luckily, it turned out to be the latter, full of vibrantly colored apparatuses that embrace the story of Dorothy and friends: Children can slide down ruby red slippers, swing over the rainbow, play in and on a farm house, romp down the yellow brick road, and so much more.

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That’s not all there is to do at Watkins — far from it, in fact. Just across the road from the playground are the Chesapeake Carousel, Miniature Train, and Mini golf that open from mid-spring through summer. And just beyond that is Old Maryland Farm, where you can visit chickens, peacocks, turkeys, bunnies, llamas, cows, horses, and ducks.

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A bit further up the road, but still within walking distance is the Watkins Nature Center, one of the best in the area, in my opinion. Inside, rescued birds and reptilian creatures are on view in caged areas and terrariums, along with a small turtle pond. There are also sweet activity areas for puppet shows and bird watching. Outside, you can visit larger rescued birds like owls and hawks and stop by the frog pond and try to spot them hiding among the lily pads. A small amphitheater, where story time sessions and other programs sometimes take place, is a fun place for spontaneous performances when it’s not in use. And short trails nearby that loop through the surrounding woods make for nice easy hikes with the kids.

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Even more, the park is fantastic for birthday parties! Owen and Sasha had a joint bash at the Nature Center, and it was easily one of the best parties they’ve had. We’ve attended many others there and at Old Maryland Farm (which includes a hayride), and they’ve never disappointed. The Carousel area also offers parties during the season, though we’ve never been to one.

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The carousel, train, and golf, which all require a small fee, are only open during the week from Memorial Day weekend until early September and weekends through the end of month beyond that. The rest, though, is open year-round, and even better, it’s all free to explore and enjoy. And I highly recommend you do so.

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Watkins Regional Park is located at 301 Watkins Park Drive in Upper Marlboro, MD. Park hours are dawn to dusk, and admission is free, but some venues within the park have their own hours and fees:
Old Maryland Farm is open Tuesday –  Saturday 10am – 5pm, Sunday 10am – 4pm 
Watkins Nature Center is open Tuesday –  Saturday 10am – 5pm, Sunday 10am – 4pm 
– The Carousel, Train, and Golf are open seasonally – see the website for details.

 

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Filed under All ages, Animals, Birthday Parties, Educational, Exhibit, Farm, Free, Indoor Play, Maryland, Nature, Ongoing, Outdoor, Park, Seasonal, Weekdays, Weekend

Visit Watkins Regional Park Before Rides Close for the Season

Checking out chickens at Watkins' Old Maryland Farm

Checking out chickens at Watkins’ Old Maryland Farm



I’d like to lodge a complaint with Watkins Regional Park, the sprawling recreational oasis in Upper Marlboro, MD:  The Memorial Day to Labor Day schedule of some of their best activities is just not cutting it.  The Chesapeake Carousel and Miniature Train are favorites for many kids, and would probably be enjoyed just as much, if not more, on a beautiful fall or spring day as they are during the summer.

But seeing as an extension of operation is not likely, this is a recommendation (or reminder, to some) to get out to Watkins and take advantage while you can.  While the park is a fantastic place for recreation any time of year, the rides are definitely huge hits with kids.

Besides the seasonal schedule, another complaint about Watkins is that too much really cool stuff is visible right from the parking lot.  Before the car is even in park, the kids are ogling the antique carousel, mini golf course, and big, bright playground, ready to rip open their seat buckles and make a beeline for these bastions of fun.  I have to do some serious corraling to keep them from running into traffic to start enjoying it all as soon as they can.

But once we’re safe out of the lot, there’s nothing to gripe about. The first activities guests encounter are the carousel and 18-hole mini golf course.  Both are open seasonally and can be enjoyed for a minimal fee (all fees listed below).  And those are just the tip of the iceberg; just beyond the carousel is the mini train that takes passengers on rides through the woods, which offer sightings of funny-faced trees and possible glimpses of deer, and by Old Maryland Farm.

The Farm is a field trip in itself.  A short path just beyond the train winds through the woods and lets out into an open space where large cages house chickens, turkeys, geese, peacocks, and rabbits.  In another area there are ponies, llamas, and sheep.  Food is available for purchase in dispensers around the farm, and the birds and animals have no problem eating right from the hand.  Hayrides are a great way to tour the farm and park—like the train, they also go through the woods and offer some fun sightings. But the highlight of a trip to the farm is the pony rides. The schedule is limited, but when timing is right, it’s an inexpensive way to make a kid’s day.

There is even more animal viewing at Watkins Nature Center, where guests can see owls, hawks, reptiles, amphibians, and insects. But the best part is the squirrel gym that showcases squirrels performing tricks and eating corn.

So, all of this stuff is just what’s in one relatively small area compared to the rest of the park.  On the opposite side of the parking lot is a big playground with plenty for the kids to climb on and explore.  And within the park there are miles of hiking and biking trails amid its 850 acres, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, basketball courts, sports fields, picnic areas, and campsites.

Along with everyday fun, Watkins also hosts special events throughout the year, the most popular being the Festival of Lights.  During the holiday season, visitors can drive through the park and view spectacular displays of twinkling characters and colors.  The park is also the site of the annual Juneteenth and Kinderfest celebrations.

Okay, so I do have another complaint about Watkins: There is way too much fun to cover in one day, but given its close proximity and easy drive from the city, it’s not a one-time deal.  But I’m still going to submit a request for an extended schedule.

Useful info:
– The park is open daily from dawn to dusk
– Admission is free, but other activities require a fee
– Carousel and Train: Rides are $1.50 for PG County residents, $1.75 for non-residents.
– Mini Golf: $3.75 per round for PG County residents, $4.50 for non-residents
– Pony Rides: $3 – must be at least 2 years old
– Hayrides: $1/person
– Children under 2 must be accompanied by a paying adult on all rides
– Rides are may be closed due to inclement weather
– Hayrides and pony rides are on an April – August schedule.  If you can make it there before the end of the month, check the website for the daily schedule.
– The carousel, train, and mini-golf are on a Memorial Day to Labor Day schedule.

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Filed under All ages, Animals, Educational, Maryland, Outdoor, Seasonal, Trains