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Family and Individual Nature Programs

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Activities are held at Croydon Creek Nature Center, 240-314-8770. Registration is required. There are no registration deadlines unless otherwise noted and you may register for programs up until the day of the event. Programs may be conducted indoors or outside. Please remember to dress for the weather.  Note: For children’s programs, only participating children are charged the fee. For programs that are for All Ages, the fee is per person, including adults.

  

Rock Enroll - Online Recreation Program Registration
  

Interested in exploring the natural world? Then join the Junior Naturalists Club at Croydon Creek! Each month we will investigate new topics and learn the skills to become true naturalists. Participants who complete all 9 courses will earn an official Junior Naturalist t-shirt. Dress for the weather as time will be spent outdoors. 


Junior Naturalists Club

Interested in exploring the natural world? Then join the Junior Naturalists Club at Croydon Creek! Each month we will investigate new topics and learn the skills to become true naturalists. Participants who complete all 9 courses will earn an official Junior Naturalist t-shirt. Dress for the weather as time will be spent outdoors. 

Entomology

Course #DayDateTimeFee (R/NR)
24608

Wednesday

May 14

4 pm-5:30 pm

$12/$14

 

Stream Ecology

Course #DayDateTimeFee (R/NR)
24609

Wednesday

Jun 11

4 pm-5:30 pm

$12/$14

Birding Series

No matter if you are an experienced birder or if you are new to bird watching, come to the Nature Center for an early morning birding hike. Learn about some birds common in this area and go out on the trail and try your hand at watching and identifying birds around Croydon Creek. We have a limited supply of binoculars, so if you have a pair bring them along.
Age: 15+

Course #DayDateTimeFee (R/NR)
24619

Saturday

Apr 12

8 am-9 am

$4/$5

24620

Saturday

May 3

8 am-9 am

$4/$5

 


Tiny Tot Walk - Adult/Child

Terrific Trees  
Trees are important for humans and animals too. Learn about the importance of trees through stories, handson
activities and a craft. Participants will spend time outdoors so dress for the weather!

Course #

DayDateTimeFee (R/NR)
24602

Thursday

May 15

10:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.

$6/$7

 

Cuddly Caterpillars  
Come to the Nature Center and learn about the babies of the insect world - caterpillars! Take a close look at
these creatures through stories, hands-on activities and a craft. Participants will spend time outdoors so dress for the weather!

Course #

DayDateTimeFee (R/NR)
24603

Thursday

Jun 12

10:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.

$6/$7

 


Tyke Hikes

Tree Trek  
Trees are the longest and largest living things on earth. Visit the Nature center to learn more about these amazing organisms through stories, hands-on activities and a craft. Participants will spend time outdoors so dress for the weather!

Course #

DayDateTimeFee (R/NR)

24605

Thursday

May 15

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

$6/$7

Caterpillar Life  
Before they are butterflies, caterpillars munch on plants in the garden. Join us for a closer look at these amazing baby animals through stories, hands-on activities and a craft. Participants will spend time outdoors so dress for the weather!

Course #

DayDateTimeFee (R/NR)

24606

Thursday

Jun 12

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

$6/$7

Croydon Creek Campfire
Gather around the campfire at Croydon Creek Nature Center for stories, snacks, and more. All participants must register in advance.
 

Creatures of the Night  
Ever wonder what is lurking around outside after you go to sleep? Around a campfire we will learn about some
nocturnal creatures. Bring along a blanket or lawn chairs to sit on and enjoy a campfire treat. An adult must accompany children under the age of 10 and all participants must register. Register by: 5/10.
All Ages

Course #

DayDateTimeFee (R/NR)

24616

Saturday

May 17

7 pm-8 pm

$3/$4

 


Spring Hike

Experience spring in full bloom with a naturalist-led hike in the John G. Hayes Forest Preserve. Register by: 5/15.
Age: 16+

Course #

DayDateTimeFee (R/NR)

24622

Sunday

May 18

9:30 am-10:30 am

$4/$5


Outdoor Trips
 

Appalachian Trail Hiking Series 
Familes and individuals catch a glimpse of the area's histor and folklore.  The Maryland section of the Appalacian Trail has been divided into segments for day hikes.  Participants must be able to hike at least two miles over rocky hills without a break and complete the distance indicated.  Earn a certificate and patch after hiking all sections in the series.  For more information, call 240-314-8770.
 

AT #4:  Route 40 to Reno Monument
This 7 mile hike is over rocky terrain. Along this beautiful ridge you will see the first monument ever erected to George Washington, South Mountain Inn, and the site of a Civil War battle. Cost includes leadership and transportation.

Register by: 6/12.  Age: 10+
Depart From: Rockville City Hall


Course #

DayDateTimeFee (R/NR)

24625

Sunday

Jun 22

8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

$36/$45
 

Bike the Allegheny Trail
Discover this new hiker-biker path in the beautiful mountains of Southern PA & Western MD. Bike 30 miles along crushed stone path on an old railroad line. Traverse several old railroad tunnels, including newly opened Big Savage Tunnel, and see historic railroad  tations along the way. The last 20 miles is mostly downhill, ending in historic Cumberland. Bring a lunch and flashlight. Cost includes leadership and transportation of you and your bike.

Register by: 6/20. Age: 10+

Course #

DayDateTimeFee (R/NR)

24631 

Saturday

Jun 28

7:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.

$35/$42

 


Bluebird Boxes
 

Bluebirds are valuable birds to have in your yard. They eat lots of insects that humans don’t like. Learn about attracting bluebirds to your yard and put together a bluebird house to take home. If under the age of 12, please bring an adult to supervise you. Bring a hammer. One box per registrant.
Register by: 5/2.
Age: 5+

Course #

DayDateTimeFee (R/NR)

24618

Friday

May 9

4 pm-5 pm

$12/$14

 


Father’s Day Surprise Craft
 

Celebrate Father’s Day by making a gift. Learn about animal  fathers and make a surprise gift you can give your Dad on his special day. If under age 6, bring a non-father adult to help you. Register by: 5/31.
Age: 3-12

Course #

DayDateTimeFee (R/NR)

24611

Saturday

Jun 7

3 pm-4 pm

$7/$9

Animal Care Day
 

Experience a unique, hands-on day camp that allows you to see what our naturalists do on a day-to-day basis caring for our live animals. Hear the stories of Croydon Creek’s fascinating resident animals and go behind the scenes to see what they eat, how their exhibits are maintained, and how we keep them happy and healthy.

Register by 6/30.
Age: 9-14

Course #

DayDateTimeFee (R/NR)

25716

W

Jul 9

9 am-2 pm

$36/$45
 

Safe & Beautiful Yards: Pest Mgmt.
 

Croydon Creek Nature Center will host a special presentation about managing pests in home lawns, landscapes and gardens. Join us to learn how to maintain a beautiful yard while protecting the environment and the health of your family.

Register by 6/9.
Age: 16+

Course #

DayDateTimeFee (R/NR)

25715

Sa

Jun 14

10 am-11 am

$5/$6
 

Destination: Outdoors Pre-Teens

Enjoy a different adventure every day of the week! Each morning head out in a different direction to go hiking,
climbing or swimming. Enjoy outdoor activities with other kids your age. A complete itinerary will be mailed two weeks prior to camp. Note: Participants must bring lunch. Cost includes all equipment, leadership and  transportation. Space is limited, so register early!

Location: Croydon Creek Nature Center
Ages: 9-12  

Course #

DateTimeFee (R/NR)

24273

Aug 4-7

8:30am-4pm

$260/$299

24274

Aug 11-14

8:30am-4pm

$260/$299

24275

Aug 18-21

8:30am-4pm

$260/$299

 

Destination: Outdoors Teens

Enjoy a different adventure every day in this exciting end-of-the-summer program. Each morning you’ll head out in a different direction to go hiking, tubing, climbing or swimming. A complete itinerary will be mailed two weeks prior to camp. Note: Participants must bring lunch. Cost includes all equipment, leadership and transportation. Space is limited, so register early!

Location: Croydon Creek Nature Center
Ages: 12-15

Course #

DateTimeFee (R/NR)

24276

Aug 11-14

8:30am-4pm

$260/$299

24277

Aug 18-21

8:30am-4pm

$260/$299

 

Croydon Creek Nature Center | Directions | Field Trip Program Guide

Nature Notions | Parties at Croydon Creek

Rock Enroll - Online Recreation Program Registration

Croydon Creek Nature Center
852 Avery Road • Rockville, MD 20851
240-314-8770