In honor of Great Outdoors Month celebrated in June, here are eight fun activities at Wheaton Regional Park located in Silver Spring, Maryland. On this massive 536 acre park, find lush green pastures, horse stables, hiking trails, gardens, miniature train, carousel, toddler playground, playground, picnic areas, and more! Whether you are a plant enthusiast, horse lover, or merely in search of fun outdoor activities, the park has a dose of adventure for everyone.
1. Brookside Gardens
Within Wheaton Regional Park, you’ll find Brookside Gardens at 1800 Glenallan Ave, Wheaton, MD 20902. Name a type of garden, it is likely here. From rose garden, fragrance garden, butterfly garden, to Japanese style garden, this beautiful area covers approximately 50 acres including two conservatories.
Brookside Gardens is the perfect place for a scenic light walk. There is even an outdoor kids play area outside the Nature Center with a climbing structure, musical instruments, stationary wooden train, garden, and more. The whole experience is inspirational.
2. Brookside Nature Center
If you prefer an indoor park activity, the nature center awaits at 1400 Glenallan Ave, Wheaton, MD 20902. Parking is free and ample. Indoor exhibits include a wildlife observation area and children’s discovery room filled with games and toys. The nature center also displays rescued injured local animals, and has an observation bee hive.
Call ahead of your visit to confirm events and exhibits.
3. Miniature Train Ride
Am I appealing to my inner child? Yes! Enjoy a train ride at Wheaton Park at 2002 Shorefield Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20902. There is ample parking and there is a restroom near the train. Purchase a ticket (or a pack) in person for a classic train ride through two miles of the park. See our Guide to Trains in the DMV for more train fun.
4. Ovid Hazen Wells Carousel
Next at Wheaton, take a ride on the gorgeous carousel next to the train station. The same tickets for the train are used for the carousel too! Always check the hours of operation before heading over. One ticket allows for one person. For children that need assistance, parents can ride too. See our Guide to Carousels for more fun.
5. Adventure Playground at Wheaton
At Wheaton Regional Park at 2000 Shorefield Road Wheaton, Maryland 20902, there are two amazing playgrounds (that are listed in our favorite playgrounds). The toddler playground has a sandbox and climbing structure. The bigger kid playground has three large slides, swings, a large mound for running or sliding up and down, and large climbing structure. Both playgrounds have wood chips and trails surrounding them heading to the bathroom, carousel or train, and hiking trails.
6. Riding Stables
At Wheaton Regional Park, find horse stables at 1101 Glenallan Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20902. Watching horses is always a magical pastime activity. Take a walk through the stables, or schedule a riding lesson through the park. They also have summer camp (which is currently full), pony rides, birthday parties, photo shoots, and more!
7. Hike a Trail
Wheaton Regional Park has many stroller and walking friendly trails. Choose a hard or natural park trails. There is plenty of parking and space for everyone. Take a stroll in a wooded area and then have a picnic or a take a scenic walk around a lake. One of our favorite short hikes is near the toddler playground area located at 2000 Shorefield Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20902.
8. Wheaton Ice Arena
This isn’t outside, but it is still worth mentioning. Go ice skating year-round at the Wheaton Ice Arena located at 11717 Orebaugh Ave., Wheaton, MD 20902. The arena is large, has fun events (like the Halloween Bash), has open skate time, and ice skating lessons. Plus, they offer summer camps.
Besides all of this fun, you can also play tennis or enjoy their fun dog-park. The possibilities at Wheaton are amazing and nearly endless.
For more fun outdoor activities, read our guide of 80+ Places to Explore Nature with Kids around the DMV.
How will you commemorate Great Outdoors Month?
