Locust Grove Nature Center

This small park is a hidden gem with it's "secret garden" tucked away inside Cabin John Regional Park in Bethesda. (No entry fee)

The Nature Center has a life size oak tree and animal exhibit and windows in the round room make for a nice wildlife observation area. The park houses two snakes- Houdini, a Black Rat snake and Seeker, a Corn snake. Not very exciting but it's something...

Outside, each level of the terraced area has a different theme - a wildlife observation area with a pond where you can look for tadpoles and frogs; a "Naturalist Garden" with flowers attracting butterflies in the Spring and Summer, (Watch out for Poison Ivy! Stay on the paths and you'll be fine.); the "Betsy Dotson Memorial" shade garden (http://www.montgomeryparks.org/nature_centers/locust/documents/betsy-dotson-memorial-garden-brochure.pdf); and the "Nature Exploration" kids area which has a sand pit, things that encourage climbing and a small footbridge.

There are trails around the Nature Center, and in the Upper Meadow you can find lots of butterflies, birds and even turtles crossing the paths, while in the Lower Meadow you may see bats (depending on the time of day) and look in the creeks for crayfish, minnows or beaver activity.

Great little park to spend the afternoon or to make S'mores by a campfire. Older kids will probably get bored quickly while the younger ones would probably like playing in the sand-pit! The park's Nature Center, Picnic Area and Campfire Rings are available for rent at a reasonable price.

I suggest closed toed shoes because there's more dirt/sand than grass here, and don't forget to bring bug repellent!

http://www.montgomeryparks.org/nature_centers/locust/index.shtm