Please be advised that a water main break at Watkins Regional Park has resulted in a partial water service interruption. Crews are working to address the issue. An update will be provided once repairs are completed and water service has been restored. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience and understanding.
Service Notice: Wonderful World of Watkins Train Temporarily Out of Service
Schedule Update: Wonderful World of Watkins Open Weekends Only
Please be advised that Wonderful World of Watkins (WWOW) at Watkins Regional Park is now open on weekends only through Sunday, September 27, 2026. We encourage visitors to confirm operating hours before planning their visit. Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to welcoming you on the weekends!
Come dressed in your favorite Halloween costume and Trek through our family-friendly haunted trail filled with spooky games, roaming entertainment, creepy scenes, and Halloween surprises around every corner!
Enjoy an evening of magic, mystery, and Halloween fun! Join us for enchanted beverages, magical snacks, spellbinding crafts, and a screening of a favorite wizard-inspired film.
This event runs from November 28 through January 1, from 5-9:30 pm nightly. From the comfort of your own car, bring the family to experience dazzling scenes that celebrate the magic of the holiday season!
Watkins Regional Park offers primitive camping accommodations for both small and large groups. Our camping season runs from March 1 through November 15. Campers may check in beginning Thursday at 12 noon, and check-out is Monday by 11 am. Please note that the campground is closed Monday at 11 am through Wednesday.
We offer 27 individual campsites for small groups, each accommodating up to eight people (maximum of two tents per site). There are also four group sites available, each able to host up to 30 campers. Campers have access to a comfort station with hot showers.
Please note that we do not offer RV camping, and our campsites do not have electricity or RV hook-ups. However, Class B and Class C camper vans are permitted.
Reservations must be made online. A Parks Direct account is required to make a reservation.
Campground Pricing
Individual Sites: up to eight people (two tents)
Bi-county Residents (Prince George’s and Montgomery County) – $16 Non-County/Out of State Residents – $21
The Wonderful World of Watkins is closed for the season. See you in Spring 2026!
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. (No tap, Apple Pay, or Samsung Pay)
Kids eleven months and under are free to ride. Twelve months/one year and up must purchase an admission ticket.
Amusement lines are first come, first served.
Wait times may vary. There is a heavy volume during the week from 10 am-3 pm and all day on the weekends.
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 three 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.
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 five 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 (ten 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 twelve months (eleven months and below) of age are free to ride.
Rides are first come, first served.
Wait times may vary. There is a heavy volume during the week from 10 am-3 pm and all day on the weekends.
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 three 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.
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 five 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 (ten 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 twelve months (eleven months and below) of age are free to ride.
Rides are first come, first served.
Wait times may vary. There is a heavy volume during the week from 10 am-3 pm and all day on the weekends.
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 three 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.
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 five 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 twelve months (eleven months and below) of age are free to play
Games are first come, first served.
Wait times may vary. There is a heavy volume during the week from 10 am-3 pm and all day on the weekends.
No more than six members per game.
18 holes 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 three 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 five 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
Three-hour patio reservation
Six-foot folding table
Ten all-access wristbands (additional can be purchased for $5 each; max purchase is 30). Wristbands are valid during the party time only.
Vinyl balloons (Due to environmental concerns, a maximum of six self-provided helium-filled balloons are allowed per rental which must be deflated or stored in the vehicle after rental.)
Children’s Birthday Parties – Permit required!
Fees and Dates
Rental Dates 2025 WEEKENDS ONLY (Saturday and Sunday)
Spring: May 3-23 (No parties Memorial Day weekend May 24-25)
Saturday & Sunday: 1-4 pm
Summer: May 30-August 24 (No parties on holiday weekends (Juneteenth & July 4)
Saturday: 2-5 pm
Sunday: 1-4 pm
Fall: August 25-September 28 (No parties on Labor Day weekend)
Saturday: 2-5 pm
Sunday: 1-4 pm
Resident fee*: $195
Non-Resident fee: $225
*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 twelve months of age are free to ride.
Rides are first come, first served.
Wait times may vary. There is a heavy volume during the week from 10 am-3 pm and all day on the weekends.
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 three 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.
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.
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 two weeks prior to the date of the visit to make payment arrangements.
Old Maryland Farm
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!
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Nature Center
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 adults and teens ages 14 and over.
Admission is free, but nominal fees apply for programs.
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.
Art on the Trails
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.
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
Garden Plots
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.
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.
Visitor Information
Please Note:
Train and Carousel opens Saturday, May 4, 12 noon-5 pm; last train ride daily is at 4:45 pm.
Movies in the Park coming in June – Movie titles coming soon!
Bus parking, loading, and unloading may occur at the Nature Center Parking Lot only. Bus parking is forbidden 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 are 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 noon.
Front picnic tables (by the Watkins Tennis Bubble and administration building) are first-come, first-serve (no longer than two-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; observe posted speed limits of 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. For more information, call 301-218-6700.