General Information: 301-218-6700; TTY 301-218-6768
Picnic area reservations or athletic field permits: 301-918-8111; TTY 301-918-8123
Campground permits: 301-218-6870
Old Maryland Farm: 301-218-6770; TTY 301-218-6768
Watkins Tennis Bubble or outdoor tennis: 301-218-6870; TTY 301-218-6768
Watkins Nature Center: 301-218-6702; TTY 301-699-2544

Seasonal facilities - Chesapeake Carousel, train, miniature golf course: 301-218-6757; TTY 301-218-6768

Seasonal Facilities Summer Hours of Operation:
Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend, Tuesday-Sunday, 10 am-7 pm*
Open weekends only in September
(*Rides are weather sensitive and may be closed during inclement weather conditions. Ticket sales end at 6:45 pm.)

2008 Ticket Prices (Cash, Visa, Mastercard only)

Train or Carousel    Individual    Group Rate (10 or more)	Resident* $1.25 $1.00		Non-Resident $1.50 $1.20
Mini Golf	Resident* $3.50 person per round		Non-Resident $4.25
*Resident: those who reside in Prince George's or Montgomery County. Proof of residency required.

Located within Watkins Regional Park, the Chesapeake Carousel is believed to have been constructed by Gustav Dentzel at the turn of the century. The carousel operated at Chesapeake Beach through 1972. Restoration has been ongoing since it's acquisition by M-NCPPC in 1974; it was re-opened to the public here in July 1977. The carousel is open seasonally, and provides delightful experiences for the young and the young-at-heart. Contact staff at the number above to learn more about the carousel's days and hours of operation, or fees.

More information about the Chesapeake Carousel

Other Resources:

Visitors to Watkins Regional Park this summer will surely delight in the recent addition to Watkins Summer Operations. A shiny silver and black C.P. Huntington replica miniature Locomotive made its inaugural appearance at the 25th Anniversary Celebration of Kinderfest in the park. This marks the beginning of a new era of fun on the rails for young and old alike.

For the history buffs, the replica miniature trains and locomotives have been hand built in Wichita, Kansas by Chance Rides, Inc. for amusement parks around the globe since the early 1960's. The red, white and blue locomotive has proudly served the park since 1970. It was Number 81, meaning the 81st one built. The new locomotive is Number 342, the 342nd one built. For the sentimental patrons out there, you can rest easy. Old faithful Number 81 is alive and well in storage for future use and a companion to the newer model.

We invite you to bring yourself, family and friends out to take a ride on the rails this summer and enjoy this recent addition to Watkins Summer Operations.

Children's Birthday Parties are offered on the outdoor patio (adjacent to the train station) from 11:30 am-1:30 pm or from 3:30-5:30 pm, Tuesday through Sundays. Maximum group size is 30. We supply the basic decorations and you supply the food. (Cookouts are prohibited in this area) Cost: $75 Residents* ($90 non Residents). Payment is required at time of reservation and is non-refundable. At least one week's notice required; personal checks not accepted for payment on reservations made with less than 14 days notice. Cost includes: balloons, party hats, mini train or carousel sticker book and 2 hour patio reservation. Tickets to ride the train and carousel may be purchased the day of the party at the group rate; golf is a flat fee. Call 301-218-6757 for details.

Regional Parks · Cosca Regional Park · Fairland Regional Park · Walker Mill Regional Park · Watkins Regional Park
Countywide Parks · Aquasco Farm · Billingsley Point · Cedar haven Fishing Area · Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Driving Tour · Clyde Watson Boating Area · Fran Uhler Natural Area · Governor Bridge Natural Area & Canoe Launch · Jug Bay Natural Area · Mount Calvert Historical & Archaeological Park · Patuxent River 4-H Center · Patuxent River Park · Patuxent River Scenic Trail at Queen Anne · Patuxent Rural Life Museums · Queen Anne Fishing Area & Canoe Launch
Trails · Fitness trails · Anacostia Tributary Trail System · Henson Creek Trail · WB&A Trail System · tips for trail safety