Watkins Regional Park
Watkins Regional Park
301 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro
Tel: 301-218-6700
Hours:
Mon-Sun : Dawn-Dusk
Size: 794.4 Acres
Amenities
Rentals
- Campsites
- Wonderful World of Watkins
- Special Events & Announcements
- Old Maryland Farm
- Nature Center
- Picnic Shelters
- Art on the Trails
- Garden Plots
- Beekeeper Collective
- Visitor Information
The Watkins Regional Park offers primitive tent camping for small or large groups, no RV’s. There are thirty (30) individual sites and three (3) group sites at the Park. The campsites are open through November. Comfort stations with hot showers are available for use.
The individual campsites are available for groups of six (6) people or less with no more than two (2) adults and are offered on a first come, first served basis.
Reservations must be completed online and canceled at least 48-hours in advance. An after-hours drop box is available for late night, weekend and holiday arrivals.
Fees
- Seniors: $10
- Bi-County Residents: $12
- Sr. Non-County Residents: $13
- Non-County Residents: $20
Wonderful World of Watkins Amusement Complex
The Wonderful World of Watkins C.P. Huntington replica miniature Train and the historic Gustav Dentzel Carousel that was acquired from Chesapeake Beach in 1974 offer a unique and whimsical adventure for the family while enjoying many of the other fine attractions in Watkins Regional Park.
Amusement Complex Guidelines
Please be sure to follow the current guidelines in place:
- We encourage patrons to stay home if they are not feeling well.
- We encourage patrons to pay using credit or debit cards.
- Under 12 months of age are free to ride
- Rides are first come, first served.
- Wait times may vary depending on the volume of patrons.
- No refunds on ticket sales. Tickets are honored throughout the season.
- Checks are not accepted on-site! Organizations needing to pay by a company check are required to contact the Manager at 301-218-6700; Maryland Relay 7-1-1 for customers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability at least 3 weeks prior to the date of the visit to make payment arrangements.
- For safety reasons, a paying adult is required to accompany and supervise anyone under 36 inches tall.
- Please bring your socks and protective gear for roller skating.
- No pets are permitted on rides or mini golf course. (Except service animals)
- Rides are weather sensitive and may be closed during inclement weather conditions. For updated weather-related information, call the Wonderful World of Watkins at (301) 218-6757.
- NO SMOKING ON THE GROUNDS
More Information
- No refunds on ticket sales. Tickets are honored throughout the season.
- For safety reasons, a paying adult is required to accompany and supervise children ages 5 and under on all rides.
- No pets are permitted on rides or mini golf course. (with the exception of service animals)
- Rides are weather sensitive and may be closed during inclement weather conditions. For updated weather-related information, call the Wonderful World of Watkins at (301) 218-6757.
The Chesapeake Carousel
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 its acquisition by M-NCPPC in 1974.
The carousel is open seasonally and provides delightful experiences for the young and the young at heart. The carousel is wheelchair accessible.
Fees
Individual
- Resident*: $3.50
- Non-Resident: $3.75
Group Rate (10 or more)
- Resident*: $31.50
- Non-Resident: $33.75
- We accept cash, and all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express).
- *Those who reside in Prince George’s or Montgomery County. Proof of residency is required.
Events
Wonderful World of Watkins Presents: A Chance to Give Back All Summer!
Donate school supplies to children who are in need. All donations will go to our local shelters and Sheriff’s Department. Donate today and receive one FREE carousel ride or skate session per family!
Collected Items Include: Gently used too new school uniforms, coats, and traditional school supplies. Please be aware that PGCPS requires all bookbags to be clear.
Guidelines
Please be sure to follow the current guidelines in place:
- We encourage patrons to stay home if they are not feeling well.
- We encourage patrons to pay using credit or debit cards.
- Under 3 years of age are free to ride
- Rides are first come, first served.
- Wait times may vary depending on the volume of patrons.
- No refunds on ticket sales. Tickets are honored throughout the season.
- Checks are not accepted on-site! Organizations needing to pay by a company check are required to contact the Manager at 301-218-6700; Maryland Relay 7-1-1 for customers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability at least 3 weeks prior to the date of the visit to make payment arrangements.
- For safety reasons, a paying adult must accompany and supervise anyone under 36 inches tall.
- Please bring your socks and protective gear for roller skating.
- No pets are permitted on rides or mini golf course. (Except service animals)
- Rides are weather sensitive and may be closed during inclement weather conditions. For updated weather-related information, call the Wonderful World of Watkins at (301) 218-6757.
- NO SMOKING ON THE GROUNDS
More Info
- No refunds on ticket sales. Tickets are honored throughout the season.
- For safety reasons, a paying adult is required to accompany and supervise children ages 5 and under on all rides.
- No pets are permitted on rides or mini golf course. (with the exception of service animals)
- Rides are weather sensitive and may be closed during inclement weather conditions. For updated weather-related information, call the Wonderful World of Watkins at (301) 218-6757.
Miniature Train
A shiny red and black C.P. Huntington replica miniature locomotive, hand-built by Chance Rides, made its inaugural appearance on the Opening Day of the 2018 Season. The new train is Number 399, meaning it is the 399th one built.
The Number 342 silver and black miniature locomotive that began running in the park in 2005 is alive and well and will be here for future use as a companion to the newer model. The original Number 81 red, white, and blue locomotive that proudly served the park beginning in 1970 will now be on display in the park for photo opportunities.
Bring yourself, and family and friends, out to ride the rails winding through the woodlands offering a close-up view of Old Maryland Farm. Be on the lookout for tree faces and wildlife along the way. The train is wheelchair accessible.
Fees
- Individual
- Resident*: $3.50
- Non-Resident: $3.75
- Group Rate (10 ore more)
- Resident*: $31.50
- Non-Resident: $33.75
We accept cash, and all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express).
*Those who reside in Prince George’s or Montgomery County. Proof of residency is required.
Events
Wonderful World of Watkins Presents: A Chance to Give Back All Summer!
Donate school supplies to children who are in need. All donations will go to our local shelters and Sheriff’s Department. Donate today and receive one FREE carousel ride or skate session per family!
Collected Items Include: Gently used too new school uniforms, coats, and traditional school supplies. Please be aware that PGCPS requires all bookbags to be clear.
Guidelines
Please be sure to follow the current guidelines in place:
- We encourage patrons to stay home if they are not feeling well.
- We encourage patrons to pay using credit or debit cards.
- Under 12 months of age are free to ride
- Rides are first come, first served.
- Wait times may vary depending on the volume of patrons.
- No refunds on ticket sales. Tickets are honored throughout the season.
- Checks are not accepted on-site! Organizations needing to pay by a company check are required to contact the Manager at 301-218-6700; Maryland Relay 7-1-1 for customers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability at least 3 weeks prior to the date of the visit to make payment arrangements.
- For safety reasons, a paying adult is required to accompany and supervise anyone under 36 inches tall.
- Please bring your socks and protective gear for roller skating.
- No pets are permitted on rides or mini golf course. (Except service animals)
- Rides are weather sensitive and may be closed during inclement weather conditions. For updated weather-related information, call the Wonderful World of Watkins at (301) 218-6757.
- NO SMOKING ON THE GROUNDS
More Info
- No refunds on ticket sales. Tickets are honored throughout the season.
- For safety reasons, a paying adult is required to accompany and supervise children ages 5 and under on all rides.
- No pets are permitted on rides or mini golf course. (with the exception of service animals)
- Rides are weather sensitive and may be closed during inclement weather conditions. For updated weather-related information, call the Wonderful World of Watkins at (301) 218-6757.
Miniature Golf
Miniature Golf Course will challenge your putt-putt skills. Bring family and friends to play on the greens of our 18-hole course.
Fees
- Resident*: $6 per person per round
- Non-Resident: $7.50 per person per round
We accept cash, and all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express).
*Those who reside in Prince George’s or Montgomery County. Proof of residency is required.
Events
Wonderful World of Watkins Presents: A Chance to Give Back All Summer!
Donate school supplies to children who are in need. All donations will go to our local shelters and Sheriff’s Department. Donate today and receive one FREE carousel ride or skate session per family!
Collected Items Include: Gently used too new school uniforms, coats, and traditional school supplies. Please be aware that PGCPS requires all bookbags to be clear.
Guidelines
Please be sure to follow the current guidelines in place:
- We encourage patrons to stay home if they are not feeling well.
- We encourage patrons to pay using credit or debit cards.
- Under 3 years of age are free to play
- Games are first come, first served.
- Wait times may vary depending on the volume of patrons.
- No more than six members per game
- 18 wholes per game
- MUST pay $5 for lost balls
- No refunds on ticket sales. Tickets are honored throughout the season.
- Checks are not accepted on-site! Organizations needing to pay by a company check are required to contact the Manager at 301-218-6700; Maryland Relay 7-1-1 for customers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability at least 3 weeks prior to the date of the visit to make payment arrangements.
- For safety reasons, a paying must accompany and supervise anyone under 36 inches tall.
- No pets are permitted on rides or mini golf course. (Except service animals)
- Golf and rides are weather sensitive and may be closed during inclement weather conditions. For updated weather-related information, call the Wonderful World of Watkins at (301) 218-6757.
- NO SMOKING ON THE GROUNDS
More Info
- No refunds on ticket sales. Tickets are honored throughout the season.
- For safety reasons, a paying adult is required to accompany and supervise children ages 5 and under on all rides.
- No pets are permitted on rides or mini golf course. (with the exception of service animals)
- Rides are weather sensitive and may be closed during inclement weather conditions. For updated weather-related information, call the Wonderful World of Watkins at (301) 218-6757.
Birthday Parties
Parties are offered on our outdoor patio on select dates and times during operating hours by permit only.
The maximum group size is 30.
We supply the light decorations – you supply the food, paper products, utensils, etc. (Cookouts are prohibited in this area).
Cost of the party includes:
- Activity booklets
- 3-hour patio reservation
- 6-foot folding table
- (1) wristband per guest good for rides of choice (no more than 30)
Due to environmental concerns, a maximum of 6 helium-filled balloons are allowed which must be deflated or stored in the vehicle after rental.
Children’s Birthday Parties – Permit required!
Fees
Duration: 3 hours – Saturday and Sundays only
May: Sat and Sun 1pm-4 pm
June – September: Saturdays 2 pm-5 pm and Sundays 1 pm-4 pm
- Resident fee*: $325
- Non-Resident fee: $400
*Those who reside in Prince George’s or Montgomery County. Proof of residency is required.
Please note: Arrive 30 minutes early to set up, and clean up 15 minutes before the end of time.
Weather policy: Each family has UP to TWO hours before their event to cancel due to weather-related issues only. Any other cancellation will result in a forfeiture of 50% of the rental fee.
Refund policy: due to high demand for birthday parties no refunds on cancellations or postponements.
A separate $50 refundable security deposit is required for each party.
Rental payment is required at the time of reservation and is non-refundable. At least one week’s notice is required for parties. Personal checks are NOT accepted for payment on reservations made with less than 14 days’ notice.
Events
Wonderful World of Watkins Presents: A Chance to Give Back All Summer!
Donate school supplies to children who are in need. All donations will go to our local shelters and Sheriff’s Department. Donate today and receive one FREE carousel ride or skate session per family!
Collected Items Include: Gently used too new school uniforms, coats, and traditional school supplies. Please be aware that PGCPS requires all bookbags to be clear.
Guidelines
Please be sure to follow the current guidelines in place:
- We encourage patrons to stay home if they are not feeling well.
- We encourage patrons to pay using credit or debit cards.
- Under 12 months of age are free to ride
- Rides are first come, first served.
- Wait times may vary depending on the volume of patrons.
- No refunds on ticket sales. Tickets are honored throughout the season.
- Checks are not accepted on-site! Organizations needing to pay by a company check are required to contact the Manager at 301-218-6700; Maryland Relay 7-1-1 for customers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability at least 3 weeks prior to the date of the visit to make payment arrangements.
- For safety reasons, a paying adult is required to accompany and supervise anyone under 36 inches tall.
- Please bring your socks and protective gear for roller skating.
- No pets are permitted on rides or mini golf course. (Except service animals)
- Rides are weather sensitive and may be closed during inclement weather conditions. For updated weather-related information, call the Wonderful World of Watkins at (301) 218-6757.
- NO SMOKING ON THE GROUNDS
More Info
- For details and booking requirements, call (301) 218-6757 or email wso-info@pgparks.com.
- The last day for Birthday Party Bookings on the patio is the last Sunday of September.
- No refunds on ticket sales. Tickets are honored throughout the season.
- Checks are not accepted on-site! Organizations needing to pay by a company check are required to contact the Manager at (301) 218-6700 at least 2 weeks prior to the date of the visit to make payment arrangements.
Watkins Regional Park serves as a host site for various special events and programs created by the County, the Commission, and/ or the Community. To better serve the patrons visiting Watkins on a daily routine basis, we’ve created this web page to keep you abreast of what’s happening in YOUR park!
Please take note of the special events and programs listed below, with the expectation that park amenities may be limited as the volume of traffic will increase on the day of events.
We appreciate your patronage and hope to see you there!
To our Valued Patrons: Your safety and security are our number one priority. As our Park Police and Rangers make their routine checks please stay vigilant, walk in groups, and lock and secure your vehicles
For more information on attractions, wristbands, and general access click here
Upcoming Events
About
Old Maryland Farm is a great place to learn about Maryland farm life! Visitors can interact with agricultural exhibits, farm animals like livestock, and display gardens to get a taste of real a farming experience. Interpretive programs for students visiting the farm are correlated to the Maryland State Curriculum for grades K-12.
Please note: Old Maryland Farm is NOT a petting zoo.
Please follow the link to our Old Maryland Farm page for more information!
Participated in One of our Programs?
Let us know your thoughts by completing this survey.
Watkins Nature Center offers close-up wildlife investigation with its resident live animals, hands-on exhibits, interpretive programs, and special events.
Our live animal displays include insects, amphibians, reptiles, and birds of prey. The nature center also features indoor and outdoor ponds, a songbird feeding area, a butterfly/hummingbird garden, composting area, and an outdoor nest box exhibit.
Our Programs
Our programs attract over 90,000 visitors each year! Some of the programs include:
- Nature Hikes
- Campfires
- Animal Shows Puppet Shows & Crafts
- Summer Day Camps
Specialty programs are offered for school groups, Scout groups, home-school students, and adults. Volunteer opportunities are offered year-round for teens and adults ages 14 and over.
Admission is free, but nominal fees apply for programs.
Shelter, Capacity, & Fees
Shelter Area #0
- Capacity: 100
- Prince George’s/Montgomery County Residents Fee: $250
- Non-Resident Fee: $325
Shelter Area #1
- Capacity: 100
- Prince George’s/Montgomery County Residents Fee: $250
- Non-Resident Fee: $325
Shelter Area #2
- Capacity: 100
- Prince George’s/Montgomery County Residents Fee: $250
- Non-Resident Fee: $325
Shelter Area #3
- Capacity: 100
- Prince George’s/Montgomery County Residents Fee: $250
- Non-Resident Fee: $325
Shelter Area #4
- Capacity: 100
- Prince George’s/Montgomery County Residents Fee: $250
- Non-Resident Fee: $325
Shelter Area #5
- Capacity: 100
- Prince George’s/Montgomery County Residents Fee: $250
- Non-Resident Fee: $325
Shelter Area #6
- Capacity: 100
- Prince George’s/Montgomery County Residents Fee: $250
- Non-Resident Fee:$325
Shelter Area #7
- Capacity: 100
- Prince George’s/Montgomery County Residents Fee: $250
- Non-Resident Fee:$325
Shelter Area #8
- Capacity: 100
- Prince George’s/Montgomery County Residents Fee: $250
- Non-Resident Fee:$325
Shelter Area #9
- Capacity: 100
- Prince George’s/Montgomery County Residents Fee: $250
- Non-Resident Fee:$325
Shelter Area #10
- Capacity: 50
- Prince George’s/Montgomery County Residents Fee: $150
- Non-Resident Fee: N/A
Shelter Area #11
- Capacity: 50
- Prince George’s/Montgomery County Residents Fee: $150
- Non-Resident Fee: N/A
Shelter Area #12
- Capacity: 50
- Prince George’s/Montgomery County Residents Fee: $150
- Non-Resident Fee: N/A
Shelter Area #13
- Capacity: 50
- Prince George’s/Montgomery County Residents Fee: $150
- Non-Resident Fee: N/A
Shelter Area #14
- Capacity: 50
- Prince George’s/Montgomery County Residents Fee: $150
- Non-Resident Fee: N/A
Reservation Details
- Picnic Shelters are reserved from 10 am to 7 pm on Sunday-Saturday.
- Must be a verified Prince George’s or Montgomery County resident at least 21 years of age to reserve.
- Non-residents may reserve certain shelters at Watkins Regional Park or Cosca Regional Park.
- Picnic shelter reservations must be made 72 business hours in advance.
- A $100 security deposit in addition to the rental fee is due at the time of reservation.
- All reservations must be made online via your Parks Direct Account.
- Please call the Park Permits Office with reservation questions at 301-699-2400
Park Permits Office
6600 Kenilworth Avenue suite 100
Riverdale, MD 20737
Prohibited Activity
- Electricity is not available at any of the shelters.
- Amplification or excessive noise is prohibited.
- Moon bounces, dunk tanks, or pony rides are not permitted.
- No sale of merchandise.
- No bands or amplified music.
- No generators or propane.
- For a list of Rules & Regulations, please review a sample Rental Agreement.
Weather Cancellation Policy
No refunds or reschedules will be processed due to rain, snow, or other weather issues.
Through the Art on the Trails program, local artists repurpose materials found along nature trails to create sculptures, totem poles, and other park fixtures that reflect the wildlife and environment of the trail. In the summer of 2015, students and local artists created eight beautiful works of art along our trails to share with the community. Catch a glimpse of the artwork in the slideshow, read about them or discover them as you hike our trails.
Art on Watkins Regional Park
Final Finish
As you stroll through Watkins Regional Park, see if you can discover this lovely sculpture of a horse crossing the finish line with its hooves reared in victory.
Lead artist: Joe Stebbings
Apprentices
- Ameera Westfield
- Amelia Pinn
- Ashley Vauss
- Bunmi Shabi
- Christopher Vargas
- Darnell Terry
- Ellis Alston
- Jasmine Hamilton
- Jason Williams
- Marissa Reynolds
- Rachel Hithon
- Watta Nyalley
- Xavier Fuller
Mare & Foal
Continue walking through the park to find a sculpture head of a young mare, with its majestic mane blowing around her strong neck, with her foal peering underneath.
Lead Artist: Corey Lancaster
Apprentices
- Ameera Westfield
- Amelia Pinn
- Ashley Vauss
- Bunmi Shabi
- Christopher Vargas
- Darnell Terry
- Ellis Alston
- Jasmine Hamilton
- Jason Williams
- Marissa Reynolds
- Rachel Hithon
- Watta Nyalley
- Xavier Fuller
Witch of Watkins
Don’t be frightened when you encounter the Witch of Watkins along the trails! She’ll greet you with a scowling, life-size presence, but she’s simply paying homage to the Wicked Witch of the West in the nearby Wonderful Wizard of Oz Playground.
Lead Artist: Joe Stebbings
Apprentices
- Aleeah Murkey
- Ameera Westfield
- Amelia Pinn
- Ashley Vauss
- Bunmi Shabi
- Christopher Vargas
- Darnell Terry
- Ellis Alston
- Jasmine Hamilton
- Jason Williams
- Marissa Reynolds
- Rachel Hithon
- Watta Nyalley
- Xavier Fuller
Yvonne
This sculpture might make many joggers or walkers stop in their tracks. No need to fret, it’s just Yvonne-a giant sculpture of a Maryland Black Rat snake slithering out of a fallen log!
Lead Artist: Richard Zandler
Apprentices
- Ameera Westfield
- Amelia Pinn
- Ashley Vauss
- Bunmi Shabi
- Christopher Vargas
- Darnell Terry
- Ellis Alston
- Jasmine Hamilton
- Jason Williams
- Marissa Reynolds
- Rachel Hithon
- Watta Nyalley
- Xavier Fuller
Ricky the Rat
If you spot the coy Ricky on the trails, you’ll know he’s oblivious to Yvonne’s methodical sneak attack from across the path.
Lead Artist: Richard Zandler
Apprentices
- Ameera Westfield
- Amelia Pinn
- Ashley Vauss
- Bunmi Shabi
- Christopher Vargas
- Darnell Terry
- Ellis Alston
- Jasmine Hamilton
- Jason Williams
- Marissa Reynolds
- Rachel Hithon
- Watta Nyalley
- Xavier Fuller
Want to grow fresh produce or flowers in a community environment? Check out plot locations where county residents can come together to garden and connect with the environment.
Features
- Plot Size: 20 feet by 20 feet
- Rental Fee: $55 per plot
- Water Provided
- Watkins Regional Park Map
Watkins Regional Park provides a special area set aside for people who want to establish hives in a beautiful natural and agricultural area. This sunny but sheltered location offers an abundance of trees, wildflowers, and agriculture crops for bees’ nectar and pollen needs. The area also offers secure fencing, a large natural water source, and easy parking, making these plots a beekeeper’s dream apiary out yard. Meet and learn from seasoned beekeepers and join the local organizations that meet at the park.
Features
- Plot Size: 25 feet by 25 feet
- Rental Fee: $30 per plot
- Located in a fenced agricultural area at Watkins Regional Park
- Natural water source available nearby for bees
- No potable water is available at beekeeping location
Reservation Requirements
- Registration begins March 15 each year.
- Must have a PARKS DIRECT account and be a Prince George’s or Montgomery County resident age 21 or older.
- Reservations may be made in-person at Watkins Nature Center at 301-218-6702.
- A rental agreement must be signed. If reserving by phone, you will need access to a computer to receive our rental agreement via email. Signatures are electronic and require no printing.
- The full rental fee must be paid at the time of reservation. Cash, credit, and checks are accepted.
Additional Information
Please call Watkins Nature Center at (301) 218-6702.
Please Note:
- Train and Carousel opens Saturday, May 4th 12 pm -5 pm last train ride at 4:45 pm
- Movies in the Park coming in June – Movie titles coming soon!
- BUS Parking, loading, and unloading are located at the Nature Center Parking Lot ONLY– NO BUS PARKING PERMITTED IN ALL OTHER AREAS OF THE PARK
- Walking groups are not permitted to gather in the parking lot or pavilions without a walk/run permit. (walk/run seasons Spring (April/May)and Fall (September/October)
- Walk/run Spring season every Saturday in April-May lot 0-9 will be closed 6 am-12 pm.
- Front picnic tables (by the tennis bubble and administration building) are first come first serve (no longer than 2-hour seating), with no more than one table per family. Park Rangers and Park Police will enforce rules.
- Leash law strictly enforced
- Pavilions MUST be permitted
- No loud music or use of an amplifier
- No moon bounces or private pony rides
- No alcohol, or smoking on park property
- No speeding at 15-20 MPH throughout the park
- Private fitness courses are not permitted on park property (M-NCPPC is not responsible for any injuries or incidents occurring as a result of being a participant in a non-M-NCPPC sponsored or approved program)
- Watkins Administration Building Hours of Operations: Monday-Friday 9 am-5 pm (CLOSED SATURDAY AND SUNDAY)- no public restrooms. Call for more information at 301-218-6700.
