Learning how to make apple cider using a traditional hand-crank press and a costumed “witchy paddle” on Little Seneca Lake are among the special activities that will be hosted by the nature centers of Montgomery Parks in October.
The special events schedule will include:
- Cider Pressing. Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 7-8. 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Locust Grove Nature Center, 7777 Democracy Boulevard, Bethesda. Make apple cider using a traditional hand-crank cider press while learning about pollination, the history of cider making and different apple varieties. Programs runs in hour-long increments. All ages. Registration required for everyone 3 and older. $8.
- Daytime Owl Prowl. Thursday, Oct. 12. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Maydale Nature Classroom, 1638 Maydale Drive, Colesville. Designed to teach young children and their caregivers about the wildlife and nature in their own backyards through activities, explorations, games, hikes and take-home crafts. Registration required. Ages 3–5. $6.
- Nature Journaling. Thursday, Oct. 12. 5-6 p.m. and 6-7 p.m. Locust Grove Nature Center, 7777 Democracy Boulevard, Bethesda. Learn how to connect with the natural world through the art and science of nature journaling. Ages 14 and older. Registration required. $7.
- Yoga for Caregivers/Exploration for Kids. Friday, Oct. 13. 10-11:30 a.m. Locust Grove Nature Center, 7777 Democracy Boulevard, Bethesda. An hour of outdoor yoga while little learners explore with a naturalist at the nature center. Registration required for one child and adult 18 and older. $50.
- Campfire Time: Pumpkin Painting. Friday, Oct. 13. 6:30 -8 p.m. Brookside Nature Center, 1400 Glenallan Ave., Wheaton. Celebrate autumn with pumpkin painting. Ages 18 and older. Registration required. $10.
- Night Hike. Saturday, Oct. 14. 7:30-8:30 p.m. Maydale Nature Classroom, 1638 Maydale Drive, Colesville. Hike through the woods, meadows and ponds of Maydale and explore the early fall evening sights and sounds that surround us. Ages 6 and older. Registration required. $3.
- Outdoor Skills: Shelter Building for Women and Non-Binary Individuals. Sunday, Oct. 15. 10 a.m.-noon. Meadowside Nature Center, 5100 Meadowside Lane, Rockville. Learn how to build an outdoor shelter and tips for choosing a site, useful construction materials and the various types of shelters that offer protection from the elements. The workshop is designed to empower beginners in learning practical and fun outdoor skills. Ages 16 and older. Registration required. $20.
- Museum of the Shenandoah Valley. Tuesday, Oct. 17. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Black Hill Nature Programs, 20926 Lake Ridge Drive, Boyds. Go on a trip to the Museum of the Shenandoah in Winchester, Va. Visit the historic Glen Burnie House and explore the gardens and take a hike on the trails. Registration required. $60 ($58 Friends of Black Hill).
- Trail Buddies. Wednesdays Oct. 18 and 25. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Brookside Nature Center, 1400 Glenallan Ave., Wheaton. Discover nature while hiking along the trails in Wheaton Regional Park and meet new trail buddies. Ages 3–6. Registration required. $7.
- Spooky Teen to Adult Trivia Night. Wednesday, Oct. 18. 6-7 p.m. Meadowside Nature Center, 5100 Meadowside Lane, Rockville. Gather around with Quizmaster Jenn as she conducts a spooky nature-themed trivia night. Ages 14 and older. Registration required. Free.
- Not so “Scary” Movie Night. Friday, Oct. 20. 6-7:30 p.m. Meadowside Nature Center, 5100 Meadowside Lane, Rockville. Put on your pajamas and enjoy a not so scary movie night inside the nature center. A snack and craft are included. Ages 7 and older. Registration required. $5.
- Beginning Birding for Everybody! Saturday, Oct. 21. 9-10 a.m. Brookside Nature Center, 1400 Glenallan Ave., Wheaton. Learn birding basics on a frustration-free “flat” bird practice trail. The wildlife pond boardwalk is accessible for all budding birders. Ages 18 and older. Registration required. $7.
- American Sign Language Family Fishing. Saturday, Oct. 21. 10 a.m.-noon. Meadowside Nature Center, 5100 Meadowside Lane, Rockville. Cast your line at this ASL introduction to family fishing with a park naturalist at Lake Needwood All registrants aged 16 and older must have current Maryland fishing license. All ages. Registration required. $12.
- Nature Center Pop-Up. Sunday, Oct. 22. 1-4 p.m. Long Branch Arliss Neighborhood Park, 8810 Garland Ave., Silver Spring. Talk with a naturalist, explore natural objects, ask questions and try out biology-themed activities. All ages. Registration recommended. Free.
- Spooky Skull Hike. Sunday, Oct. 22. 2-4 p.m. Maydale Nature Classroom, 1638 Maydale Drive, Colesville. Start your Halloween festivities with a spooky hike. Find the animal skulls hidden in the woods and use clues to identify them. Get a Halloween treat after identifying all the skulls or for wearing a costume. Registration required. Ages 3–12. $2.
- Sustainability Day: Sunrise Stretch at the Sycamore. Wednesday, Oct. 25. 6-7 a.m. Locust Grove Nature Center, 7777 Democracy Boulevard, Bethesda. Meet the day with slow flow yoga under the grandmother Sycamore Tree. Registration required. Ages 18 and older. $20.
- Web Walk! Thursday, Oct. 26. 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Maydale Nature Classroom, 1638 Maydale Drive, Colesville. Search for spiders, learn more about our eight-legged friends and make your own web. Ages 3–5. Registration required. $6.
- Nocturnal Animal Days. Friday-Sunday, Oct. 27–29. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Locust Grove Nature Center, 7777 Democracy Boulevard, Bethesda. Bats, owls, snakes and insects seem spooky and scary—but really are not. Nocturnal animals have cool adaptations that allow them to master the darkness. Join this spooktacular weekend to celebrate these “superheroes” of the night. Registration required. All ages. Free.
- Witchy Paddle. Saturday, Oct. 28. 5-7:30 p.m. Black Hill Nature Programs, 20926 Lake Ridge Drive, Boyds. A costumed paddle of Little Seneca Lake. Must bring your own boat (or paddleboard, kayak or canoe) and appropriate paddle and safety gear. Meet up at 5 p.m., Witchy Paddle begins at 5:30 p.m. with the campfire at 6:30 p.m. Registration required. Free.
