Audubon Naturalist Society
8940 Jones Mill Road

Chevy Chase, MD
301-652-9188
www.audubonnaturalist.org
With nearly 350 diverse conservation education programs for all ages, this locale that should not be missed. The facility offers programs throughout the Washington metro area. There is lots of family and special events that are offered throughout the year. Note, the annual Nature Fair, held every May, is a winner with local families.

Black Hill Visitors Center
20926 Lake Ridge Drive

Boyds, MD
301-916-0220
LINK

Brookside Nature Center
1400 Glenallen Avenue
Wheaton, MD
301-946-9071
LINK

Clearwater Nature Center
11000 Thrift Road

Clinton, MD
301-297-4575
LINK
Located within Cosca Regional Park, Clearwater Nature Center offers a variety of interpretive programs hosted by the facility's park naturalists. Environmental education is strongly supported at this facility through interesting exhibits, displays, programs, special events, clubs, trips, and volunteer opportunities. A small indoor pond, live animal exhibits, a lapidary laboratory, and seasonal herb and butterfly gardens are some of the unique components of this facility. Many programs are closely coordinated with the county's public school curriculum, making Clearwater Nature Center a great place for school trips. Info courtesy of Clearwater Nature Center.

Gulf Branch Nature Center
3608 N. Military Road

Arlington, VA
703-228-3403
LINK
Nature center nestled in lovely park setting and staffed with friendly and knowledgeable people. They provide interpretive environmental education programs for all ages and for a wide variety of audiences including small groups.

Hidden Oaks Nature Center
4020 Hummer Road
Annandale, VA
703-941-1065
LINK
Through interactive stations, a new children's corner, and hands on learning activities, parents and children alike will uncover the mysteries of life, from creatures that live underground to the treetop residents. Be sure to visit the indoor turtle pond! Set within 52 acre Annandale Community Park, Hidden Oaks Nature Center is located in the heart of Fairfax County, a few minutes inside the Capital Beltway. Info courtesy of Fairfax County.

Hidden Pond Nature Center
8511 Greeley Boulevard

Springfield, VA
703-451-9588
LINK
Acres of undisturbed woodland, quiet trails, splashing streams and a tranquil pond are just a few of the reasons to visit Hidden Pond Nature Center. Tucked away in Springfield, Hidden Pond is a neighborhood haven filled with wondrous things. Hidden Pond, at 25 acres, lies adjacent to the much larger Pohick Stream Valley Park which boasts over 700 acres. A new 2000-foot trail and bridge has connected the two parks, so that many more neighbors and guests can visit the Hidden Pond Nature Center as well as the pond, streams, wetlands, woods and other quiet places that these preserves have to offer. The nature center staff offers programs for school, youth and scout groups, community organizations and the general public. Activities include guided walks, field trips, workshops, demonstrations and special request programs by reservation on a variety of topics. Info courtesy of Fairfax County.

Huntley Meadows Nature Center
3701 Lockheed Boulevard

Alexandria, VA

703-768-2525
LINK
Nestled in Fairfax County's Hybla Valley, Huntley Meadows Park is a rich, natural island in the suburban sea of Northern Virginia. Its 1,425 acres harbor majestic forests, wildflower-speckled meadows and vast wetlands bursting with life. Some of the best wildlife watching in the Washington metropolitan area is enjoyed here. From the ½ mile wetland boardwalk trail and observation tower, people have excellent views of beavers, frogs, dragonflies and herons. Huntley Meadows is well known as a prime birding spot, with over 200 species identified in the park. Information courtesy of Fairfax County.

Locust Grove Nature Center
7777 Democracy Blvd

Bethesda, MD
301-299-1990

LINK

Locust Grove offers quality programs featuring the natural and cultural history of Montgomery County and the surrounding region. Facility offers forest exhibit, kid’s classes and hiking on many trails. Info courtesy of Montgomery County.

Long Branch Nature Center
625 S. Carlin Spring Road

Arlington, VA
703-228-6535
www.arlingtonva.us
Nature center nestled in lovely park setting and staffed with friendly and knowledgeable people. They provide interpretive environmental education programs for all ages and for a wide variety of audiences including small groups.

Meadowside Nature Center
5100 Meadowside Lane

Rockville, MD
301-924-4141
LINK
Our programs offer varied subject matter for children and adults. In addition, you can take part in naturalist-led hikes and self-guided exhibits, animal displays and interactive areas. Enjoy our nearly 8 miles of trails. Info courtesy of Montgomery County.

Mt. Ranier Nature Center
4701 31st Street

Mt. Rainier, MD
301-927-2163
LINK
Located inside the Capital Beltway, Mount Rainier Nature/Recreation Center is a unique facility which operates as both a nature center and a recreation center. The facility hosts a variety of nature-related, interpretive programs for visitors of all ages. Programs related to nature study, urban wildlife, urban beautification, and animal care are offered at the center. In addition to the structured programs held at the facility, drop-in visitation at the site affords opportunities to view special displays and exhibits, as well as participate in a variety of community outreach nature programs. The center also hosts special events and interesting trips for residents and visitors of all ages, and is available for birthday parties and room rentals. Mount Rainier Nature/Recreation Center's programs mix fun with education, making nature exciting to experience. Info courtesy of PG County.

Patuxent National Wildlife Visitor Center
10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop

Laurel, MD
301-497-5760
LINK
The National Wildlife Visitor Center is the largest science and environmental education center in the Department of the Interior. Designed to accommodate one million visitors per year, this unique facility seeks to impart to young and old alike an increased knowledge of and appreciation for the earth's vital resources. It highlights the work of professional scientists who strive to improve the condition of wildlife and their habitats. Interactive exhibits focus on global environmental issues, migratory bird studies, habitats, endangered species, creature life cycles and the research tools and techniques used by scientists. The Visitor Center also offers hiking trails, wildlife management demonstration areas, and outdoor education sites for school classes. A large auditorium and meeting rooms can accommodate national and international scientific conferences, environmental meetings, teacher workshops, environmental lectures, and traveling displays. Info courtesy of U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

Rock Creek Nature Center
5200 Glover Road, NW

Washington, DC
202-426-6829
LINK
Today, the Rock Creek Nature Center is the major information center and focal point for activities related to the park's natural and cultural history. Exhibits tell about the park's wildlife and forest, and a library, open to all, has many books on natural history. A Discovery Room will encourage hands-on activities. Visitors can watch the bees at work in the hive, visible through glass panes. Guided nature take place daily. The Nature Center's planetarium provides visitors with the opportunity to view the motion of the stars, constellations, moon, and planets in tonight's night sky. A pre-K program will introduce young learners to tonight's night sky by enabling them to observe the movements of the sun, moon, and stars. Stories about the constellations will peak their imagination and their desire to learn more. Information courtesy of the National Park Service.

Walker Nature Education Center
11450 Glade Drive

Reston VA
703-435-6530
LINK
A 1,300 acres of open space in the heart of Reston. Walker Nature Education Center provides a variety of educational and recreational resources, programs and facilities. Offers the following: 1 mile of loop trails, open air picnic pavilion., wildflower garden, campfire ring, picnic tables, Memorial Sundial , Glade Stream Valley and Snakeden Stream's entrance to 44-acre Lake Audubon. Info courtesy of Reston Association.

Walney Visitors Center
5040 Walney Road

Chantilly, VA
703-631-0013
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/ecl/

Founded by Ellanor C. Lawrence Park. The park features Walney Visitor Center, Middlegate Complex and Cabell's Mill, Walney Pond, various historic ruins, picnic grounds, sports fields and hiking trails, upland and bottomland forest, streams, meadows and a pond. Info courtesy of Fairfax County.