We got to visit the Locust Grove Nature Center in Bethesda recently. Its one of those places that surprises you – the traffic is screaming by on Democracy Boulevard, and Montgomery Mall is just 2 minutes away. But once you head down the foot path and cross the bridge that leads to the Center you would hardly know the traffic was out there. It’s a little oasis in the woods. We have only visited this Nature Center a handful of times, because it is off of our beaten path, but I have really appreciated the creativity of the Naturalists who work there.

Locust Grove

The programs that we have attended have been different – and I mean that in a good way. The Naturalists have very high level of enthusiasm and appreciation for the intelligence (and limits) of small children – and we have always had a good experience. Last year we signed up for one of the Center’s fireside lunches. We got to cook our own lunch – including desert of pineapple and chocolate! – over (or in) the campfire. On another trip we, made our own ice cream with an ice cream ball, and learned about milking cows and the ice cream making process. Fun, educational, and yummy, on both occasions – what is not to like?

Bear

We went by to visit Locust Grove the other day, because we wanted to see the Center’s newest creation. The Center has built a Nature Exploration Area – which is a really cool “natural” playground. It has animals carved out of wooden logs that your child (or you if you are so inclined) can climb on and pretend to ride.

Sand Pit

There is a big sand pit for digging and smashing (and throwing, if your enthusiasm gets the best of you). You can even borrow a bucket of sand trucks from the Nature Center, for excavating.

making music

There is an area for making music with giant wind chimes and hammers.

Blocks

You can also find natural blocks to build interesting structures.

Bug Hunting

You can find bugs and other crawly things under logs. I don’t have a picture, but there is even a table and chairs carved out of logs – you can borrow a bucket with a plastic tea set and have a tea party! There is also an enclosed butterfly garden with picnic tables to eat your lunch. As you can see, even the littlest visitors have a good time playing in the woods.

Hiding

We visited with friends, and the five kids present had a great time – we stayed for hours. It amazes me that there were very few people there – and this has been true every time we have been there – so I will be a booster with this post. Go! Visit! It’s worth your time!

Peek-A-Boo

Details: The Locust Grove Nature Center is located at 7777 Democracy Boulevard in Bethesda, just a short distance from Montgomery Mall. (I won’t comment on the implied contradiction between communing with nature and spending your money on stuff you don’t need … Oh, wait – I just did!) It is not visible from the road, but it shares a parking lot with a tennis center – which is visible – and there is a sign on Democracy Boulevard to tell you are in the right place. You get to the Nature Center by crossing a small bridge and heading down a footpath that heads into the woods. The Center is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm. The Center itself has a room with turtles and snakes, and nature related games, toys, and activities that your kids can play with. The Center loans out a number of activity buckets that you can take outside with you to use in the Nature Exploration Area. You need a license to give to them to borrow these buckets – so that they are sure to get them back.