Croydon Creek Nature Center

Single-story stone building with large windows and a peaked roof, surrounded by trees and a wooden fence, under a clear blue sky.

A hallway with wooden walls and coats hanging, featuring a curved mosaic wall depicting a red frog, water, and various animals and shells.

Room with large windows, wooden floor, benches, indoor plants, aquariums, display area, and black bird silhouettes hanging from the ceiling.

Croydon Creek Nature Center Exhibit Room

Nature-themed room with aquariums, wooden table and chairs, educational posters, and a mural of trees and grass on the walls.

Croydon Creek Nature Center Discovery Room

Animal Exhibits

Campfire Area and Bird Feeding Observation Station

A wooded trailhead with a signpost, a map board under a shelter, and a large rock surrounded by leafy trees.

John G. Hayes Forest Preserve Trail Head

A modern building with large windows is illuminated at dusk, surrounded by tall grass and trees with autumn foliage.

Features

Just minutes from downtown Rockville, Croydon Creek Nature Center is located within Rockville Civic Center Park and along the edge of the 120-acre John G. Hayes Forest Preserve, a landscape of forest, meadow, and winding creek that supports a variety of native wildlife. The center is free and open to the public and features exhibits on Maryland’s natural habitats, nature-based programs, and volunteer opportunities that connect people of all ages with the outdoors.

From scenic trails and live animal ambassadors to year-round programs and special events, the nature center offers opportunities to explore the natural world in every season.

Trail Map

Themed Parties

School Programs

Scout Programs

Rentals

Volunteer