NOTE: Address & parking logistics will be sent after registration.

Tour Guide: Ryan Colliton, vegetation ecology & management unit leader, Montgomery Parks

Rachel Carson was a pioneering environmentalist who called Montgomery County home. Explore her namesake park to learn how Montgomery Parks’ restoration projects protect these natural habitats. Journey through colorful meadows housing rare plants and discover a prime example of a chestnut oak forest. Prepare for this active hike with sturdy shoes and a water bottle!

Delight in an outdoor production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream where rom-com antics meet supernatural magic. Follow four couples through the human and fairy realms where true love is tested by Puck’s mischievous ploys. Bring a picnic or enjoy a meal from an on-site food truck.

*Rain date: Thursday | July 11 | 7:00 – 8:45 pm

Join us each Tuesday evening in June for a series of musical performances set in the beauty of the Gardens! Admission is free, and no registration is required. Bring your friends and family, and don’t forget your chairs, blankets, and picnics (allowed in the Gardens on concert evenings only). Food trucks will also be available for your dining pleasure. No registration required.

This new series aims to fill the gap between theory and practice. Tours of home gardens will serve as real-world case studies of landscape projects. Onsite discussions with homeowners and Brookside Gardens staff will offer applicable lessons in design and maintenance. Plant lists provided for each Field Lab.

Let's round up some fishing fun! No fishing experience or gear needed. We will provide a quick lesson and be on hand to assist participants as they fish. Prizes will be given in a variety of categories. Adaptive equipment through Fishing Has No Boundaries including wrist saver rods, rod holders, and seated rod holders are available with two weeks’ notice. Parent participation is required. Only one fishing line in the water per child. Fee includes a tee-shirt. Located at the fishing pond in Kings Local Park, 23715 Clarksburg Rd., Clarksburg, MD 20871. Registration required. Registration begins on Monday, April 15 at 6:30AM.

There is nothing like being at a campfire under the stars. Join a naturalist for themed songs, stories, games, and of course, s’mores around a fire. Bring a blanket if it’s chilly. Meet at the campfire area by Shelter F on Parking Lot 3, in Black Hill Regional Park. Registration required for all attending. FOBH $5

Fishing is fun for the whole family and for all abilities! We'll show you how to set up a simple bobber rig, bait your hook, and give you some tips on casting. We'll provide the bait and rigging supplies; you just need to catch the fish! We have fishing poles you can borrow, but if you have your own bring it along. Anglers of all abilities are welcome. All registrants 16 and over must have a current MD fishing license. Meet at the pontoon boat dock by the boat rentals. Registration required. Please register only those planning to fish. FOBH $11

Let's go fishin'! We'll provide poles and bait, then see what we can catch off the dock at Little Seneca Lake. Meet at the pontoon boat dock by the boat rentals. Registration required. FOBH $6

Girls belong in nature, enjoying outdoor adventures! Join us for a girl-centered Nature Girls Club. There are three in-person sessions with a Park Naturalist that will focus on exploring nature, trying out outdoor skills, and nature journaling. Meetings are monthly. Registration required.

Toddlers of all abilities are invited to explore the exciting natural world in and around the Discovery Center. Families will explore at their own pace using nature play prompts that will remain out for the duration of the program. All ages are welcome but prompts and materials are geared towards children aged one to three. Registration required.

Do you dream of building forts in the woods, or climbing a tree? Maybe you want to learn about woodland critters or create some art in the woods. Join us for a time to explore the woods how you want to. We’ll supply some materials and a space to create and explore, you supply the imagination and sense of adventure! Drop in at our campfire circle area any time during the program to join in on the fun. Meet at the campfire area by Shelter F on Parking Lot 3, in Black Hill Regional Park. Registration required.

What lives in a stream? Wade into the water and use nets to see what insects, fish, frogs, and other animals we can find. Please wear boots or closed-toe shoes that you don't mind getting wet (no flip-flops, please!). All children must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at the gravel Boat Launch parking lot on Black Hill Road. Registration required. FOBH $7

Come play in our backyard! Dance and run through sprinklers. Make bubbles with giant bubble wands. Splash in water play stations designed for the littlest of revelers. This is what summer is all about! Bring sunscreen, a towel and a change of clothes.

Let’s go outside and hike to improve fitness, play in nature, and experience the great outdoors as a family. You will meet a naturalist at the meet up spot and set out on a trail that will have nature play and fun learning prompts along the way. These hikes are designed for adults with young children. Most trails are not stroller accessible, so you’ll need a backpack or carrier for younger kids and non-walkers. Please register everyone attending no later than 24 hours before the hike so we can contact you with the hike's location and other important information.

Toddlers of all abilities are invited to explore nature in our Urban Parks. Families will explore at their own pace using nature play prompts and materials to help you explore the exciting natural world around the urban park with your toddler. Siblings are welcome, too. Join us at 13905 Stilt St, Boyds, MD 20841.

Want to join the 45 million other bird-watching Americans, but don’t know where to start? We’ll start with the basics of bird identification and go over how to select and use binoculars. Then we’ll go do some birding! If you have your own binoculars, please bring them along. And be sure to dress for the weather. Meet at the Discovery Center. FOBH $11

Drop by the Discovery Center and have some fun! We'll have easy-to-make seasonal crafts that you can make and take home. Today we'll be making a froggy craft. Registration required – please register only those making the craft. Stop in anytime during program hours!

Join a naturalist for a night hike and firefly search at Black Hill Regional Park. Bring your bug boxes for catching these awesome insects. Meet at the Discovery Center for a brief talk, and then we'll head out into the twilight. FOBH $7

Go on a treasure hunt! People have hidden boxes with handmade stamps around the park. Stop inside the Discovery Center anytime during program hours to get an introduction to letterboxing and the tools to participate, then head out on your own for an adventure! Every letterbox has a list of clues to find it. Collect the stamps and leave your mark in the box. Registration required.

Stop by the Discovery Center Information Desk to pick up a themed pack and start exploring Black Hill Regional Park. Let your curiosity lead you as you follow the activities. No registration required; drop in anytime during program hours. Supplies are limited and loaned out first come, first served. One pack per family. Please return packs by 3 pm.