Spring Programs
Good News!
Money and trees will be saved! There's an easy-to use electronic version of all of our Guides. Scroll down to see LGNC's program offerings, and use the new e-guide to browse all Montgomery Park program offerings.
Locust Grove offers quality programs featuring the natural and cultural history of Montgomery County and the surrounding region. Come visit our forest exhibit and hike one or all of our many trails.
NOTE: During inclement weather, Nature Centers follow Montgomery County Public School closures, delayed openings and early releases. If school is closed due to inclement weather, all children's programs are cancelled. Cancellation of Adult programs is determined on a case-by-case basis. Please call the nature facility to check on adult program status.
To make registration easier
Make note of the course # and register at ParkPASS or click the links below.
NOTE: ANY program attendee who falls in the age range of the program needs to register; this includes adults who fall within the listed ages!! Also, all children must be accompanied by an adult, unless noted otherwise. Questions? Please call 301-765-8660.
Cancellation Information
Locust Grove follows the Montgomery County Public Schools for weather-related closings. If schools are closed, programs that day are canceled. If schools open late, morning programs will be canceled but afternoon programs will go on as scheduled. If schools close early, programs after the closing time will be canceled.
Locust Grove Programs
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March
8-Full Moon Hike
By the light of the full moon, we'll look and listen for night creatures, including spring peepers and wood frogs.
Ages 5-12; $5; 7-8pm
#188049
13-Tuesday in the Park
Join a naturalist at the Cabin John playground off Tuckerman Lane to explore what's happening outside! No registration required.
Ages 1 & up; Free; 11am-12pm
#189499
14-Tot Time! Dirt and Worms
Explore the sights, sounds, textures and movements of the natural world.
Ages 2-4; $5; 10-10:45am
#187999
22-Homeschool Science: Spring in the Pools
In this session, we'll explore amphibian life cycles and seasonal rhythms, and get muddy in the process.
Ages 6-12; $12; 10am-12pm
#188199
27-Tuesday in the Park
Join a naturalist at the Cabin John playground off Tuckerman Lane to explore what's happening outside! No registration required.
Ages 1 & up; Free; 11am-12pm
#189500
28-Tot Time! Frog and Toad
Explore the sights, sounds, textures and movements of the natural world.
Ages 2-4; $5; 10-10:45am
#188002
30-School's Out Hike
Enjoy a moderate hike on Section C of the Billy Goat trail in the Carderock Recreation Area. We'll enjoy stunning views of the Potomac and spring wildflowers.
Ages 6-12; Free; 10am-12pm
#181149
April
3-Cabin John Creek Days (Spring Break): Stream Exploration
Spend part of your Spring Break by going up the creek with us! Use our stream nets to catch water critters living in Cabin John Creek, and microscopes to view them up close Join us anytime between 10am and Noon—we'll be at the creek waiting for you!
Ages 3-12; $5; 10am-12pm
#188200
4-Cabin John Creek Days (Spring Break): Watershed Wildlife
Animals need water just like we do! We'll explore the woods and meadow for birds and mammals that quench their thirst in Cabin John Creek, and look for frogs that need water to lay their eggs.
Ages 3-12; $5; 1-2pm
#188202
5-Cabin John Creek Days (Spring Break): Wetland Amphibians
Visit our wetland in search of amphibian eggs and tadpoles. Learn to monitor frogs and toads by listening for their distinctive calls. Discover the silent salamander's secrets, and figure out whether toads jump or bump!
Ages 3-12; $5 per session; 1-2pm and 2-3pm
#188203/192499
6-Cabin John Creek Days (Spring Break): Community Campfire
Meet us at the creekside fire ring by the giant sycamore tree. Bring a picnic lunch, and we'll provide all you need to roast marshmallows. Join us anytime between 11am and 1pm.
Ages 3-12; $5; 11am-1pm
#188205
10-Tuesday in the Park
Join a naturalist at the Cabin John playground off Tuckerman Lane to explore what's happening outside! No registration required.
Ages 1 & up; Free; 11am-12pm
#189501
11-Tot Time! Bees and Other Pollinators
Explore the sights, sounds, textures and movements of the natural world.
Ages 2-4; $5; 10-10:45am
#188003
13-Friday Foray: Wildflowers at McKee –Beshers
Enjoy the spectacular spring wildflower display at McKee-Beshers as we walk a couple of miles along the C&O Canal towpath.
Ages 18 & up; Free; 10-11:30am
#189349
25-Tot Time! Dinosaurs
Explore the sights, sounds, textures and movements of the natural world.
Ages 2-4; $5; 10-10:45am
#188004
27-Cabin John Night Hike
We'll explore the campground pond at night and hopefully catch the peeper chorus, hear an owl or two, and maybe catch a glimpse of fox or even coyote!
Ages 5-12; $5; 7:30-8:30pm
#188349
May
9-Tot Time! Butterflies
Explore the sights, sounds, textures and movements of the natural world.
Ages 2-4; $5; 10-10:45am
#188005
12-Migratory Bird Day
Come join us as we welcome migratory birds who have made their way back to Locust Grove Nature Center from Central and South America. We'll have a relaxing time watching birds in the meadow, learning about the nesting behavior of familiar backyard birds, and making anti-collision devices to keep our birds safe from windows! Most activities will be self-guided and ongoing.
Ages 2 & up; $5; 10am-12pm
#188499
18-Welcome Back, Bats!
Join us to welcome another group of winged migrants, the bats. Bats are rapidly disappearing from our night skies, so come learn about ways to help them. We need our bats because they consume tons of insects every year!
Ages 5-12; $5; 8- 9pm
#188400
23-Homeschool Science: Insects In-Depth
You know the basics—now learn characteristics of the major insect orders and insect identification. Test your insect ID skills as we catch and release insects in the meadow.
Ages 8-12; $8; 10-11:30am
#189549
30-Tot Time! Spider Time
Explore the sights, sounds, textures and movements of the natural world.
Ages 2-4; $5; 10-10:45am
#188006
Montgomery County Department of Parks