Park and Recreation - Prince Georges County MD

Ranger Run Club
2026-04-01 14:30 - 15:30 (America/New_York)
Become part of our Ranger Run Club as you join a Park Ranger for monthly trail, road, or mixed‑terrain runs of varying distances and locations throughout Prince George’s County, with running experience preferred. This month’s three‑mile paved run will take place on the Anacostia River Trail at Bladensburg Waterfront Park; for questions, contact felipa.fontes@pgparks.com or the Park Ranger office at 301‑627‑7755.

Raptor Quest Day
2026-04-02 09:00 - 15:00
Join us on April 2, 2026, for Raptor Quest Day, an exciting program dedicated to owls, hawks, eagles, and other birds of prey, featuring hands‑on raptor‑themed activities and an up‑close keeper talk with some of our resident birds. Weather permitting, we’ll also head out on a guided hike to search for wild raptors with a stop at the Cosca Regional Park playground, so please bring a lunch, a snack, and be prepared to spend most of the day outdoors.

She's Outdoors Series: Fitness Hike
2026-04-11 09:00 - 10:30
Enjoy a naturalist‑led woodland hike as part of the “She’s Outdoors” series for women 18+, taking a brisk three‑mile loop along the natural surface trails at Cosca Regional Park starting from the Nature Center. Be sure to register for the April 11 session, and don’t forget your water and bug spray!

Mindfulness Nature Hike
2026-04-11 14:00 - 15:00, 2026-05-09 14:00 - 15:00
De-stress the natural way by taking a guided mindfulness walk on one of our trails, where you’ll refresh your body, mind, and spirit through calming nature‑based activities. Join us at Clearwater Nature Center for a mindfulness walk or hike led by a certified mindfulness meditation teacher, designed to deepen your connection with the natural world—just wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather.

April Nature Science Club: Lizards & Crocodilians
2026-04-14 10:00 - 11:00
Join us at Watkins Nature Center for monthly science clubs designed for homeschool learners. Through stories, short presentations, guided hikes, and hands‑on activities, participants explore nature alongside peers. April’s theme highlights lizards and crocodilians.

Each age group has its own science club time slot:

• 10 am – 11 am: Nature Friends (ages 4-6)

• 1 pm – 2 pm: Nature Rangers (ages 7-9)

• 2:30 pm – 4 pm: Nature Explorers (ages 10-14)

This is a two‑part program series. Registration covers both program dates: April 14 and April 28. Only the first date is listed here.

Click the registration button for additional details on age groups and program dates.

Outdoor Adventures: Henson Creek Trail, Fort Washington
2026-04-18 10:00 - 17:00
Designed for active adults who want to test their skills, these outings offer a mix of hiking, museums, art, fairs, carnivals, nature, and historic sites, with fees varying depending on trip requirements. Be sure to pack your lunch, reusable water bottle, and snacks, and dress appropriately for the weather.

5K Glow Walk/Run for Autism Acceptance
2026-04-18 19:30 - 21:00
Come dressed in your best glow gear for the 2026 Glow Walk/Run, 5k or 1-mile Fun Run. Raise awareness and acceptance for Autism. Proceeds benefit the YouFit Scholarship Fund, helping send children and youth with disabilities ages 6-21 to M-NCPPC summer camps. This Inclusive fun-walk/run is designed for community members of all abilities and is not a timed race. The event is sensory-friendly and fully accessible.

Paid registration includes a t-shirt, glow gear, and post-race refreshments. Register by Friday, March 20, to be guaranteed your requested shirt size. This is a rain-or-shine event.

Register for Glow Walk

Donate to the YouFit Scholarship Fund

Sponsorships

This event offers businesses an opportunity to connect with the disability community, their families, and a nationally acclaimed parks and recreation agency. As a sponsor, you can expand your client base to a diverse population of over 967,000 residents of Prince George’s County and beyond.

Take advantage of this chance to improve your brand awareness and positively impact Prince George’s County and the disability community. Learn more about the sponsorship on our Donor Portal.

Become a Sponsor

Questions? Email CoreyH.Smith@pgparks.com or call 301-446-3465.

Thank you to our Sponsors

Family Discovery Hike
2026-04-25 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-05-31 10:00 - 11:30
Take a hike with the whole family and enjoy a guided adventure together in nature. Experience the sights and sounds of the outdoors as you explore the trail.

Adult Hike 18+
2026-04-25 14:00 - 15:30, 2026-05-31 14:00 - 15:30
Enjoy a naturalist-led, woodland nature hike. Take a walk with a naturalist on one of the many trails in Cosca Regional Park.

Night Hike: Amphibians!
2026-04-25 19:00 - 20:30
Join a naturalist for a nocturnal, nature‑themed hike through the park, exploring Watkins Park after dark in search of elusive nocturnal amphibians while learning about their habitats, lifecycles, and identification. Since this primarily outdoor activity depends on weather, please dress appropriately, wear comfortable shoes, bring a flashlight if you have one, and note that parents or chaperones attending family programs must also be registered.

Club 300 Walk at Patuxent River Park
2026-05-04 08:30 - 10:30
Come out and join the Club 300 Senior Walking Club and park naturalists as we explore beautiful Patuxent River Park!

Meet at the picnic pavilion entrance (second entrance).

Club 300 Senior Walking Club at Watkins Regional Park
2026-05-11 08:30 - 10:30
Come out and join the Club 300 Senior Walking Club and Park Naturalists as we explore beautiful Watkins Regional Park!

Meet at the administration building/tennis bubble parking lot.

Toddler Trail Time
2026-05-13 10:00 - 10:45
Take a hike with your toddler as a naturalist leads you on a themed outdoor adventure where you can explore nature, investigate the environment, and meet new friends. Enjoy a fun blend of physical activity and discovery, and please dress for the weather. Participants will be notified of any weather‑related cancellations.

Club 300 Senior Walking Club at Fairwood Community Park & Birthday Celebration
2026-05-18 10:30 - 12:00
Join the Club 300 Senior Walking Club at Fairwood Community Park. After the walk, gather at the pavilion for the annual Club 300 birthday party celebration with live music and a birthday treat. Bring a blanket or lawn chair to enjoy the show!

She's Outdoors Series: Fitness Hike
2026-05-19 09:00 - 10:30
Enjoy a naturalist‑led woodland hike as part of the “She’s Outdoors” series for women 18+, taking a brisk three‑mile loop along the natural surface trails at Cosca Regional Park starting from the Nature Center. Be sure to register for the May 19 session, and don’t forget your water and bug spray!

Ranger Hiking Spree
2026-05-23 10:00 - 11:00
Enjoy a naturalist‑led woodland hike and explore the beauty of the outdoors. Whether you like hiking, biking, or simply spending time with family, join a self‑paced program that guides you through different parks, trails, and scenic natural sites across the county.

Enchanted Trail Adventure
2026-05-30 10:00 - 11:00
Step into a world of wonder on our Enchanted Trail as you enjoy a magical story, take a short nature walk through the woods, and create your own fairy house using natural materials. This charming outdoor adventure invites young explorers to discover the magic of nature all around them.

29th Annual Jug Bay Run/Walk for Wildlife
2026-11-07 09:00 - 17:00
Registration available starting September 1. Email PGParkRangers@pgparks.com for more info.

Make a Donation

About Jug Bay Run for Wildlife

Together, The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission’s Patuxent River Park and The Maryland Department of Natural Resources Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary comprise over 3,500 acres along the banks of the Patuxent River. The river and its shores are home to an incredible variety of wildlife. By participating in this annual benefit race you will be directly contributing to conservation projects and research aimed at preserving the Patuxent River’s natural wildlife. Proceeds from the run and walk directly support projects, research, conservation, and education in the Patuxent River watershed.

About the Race Course

Run alongside the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Driving Tour of the M-NCPPC/Maryland DNR. This mostly flat, paved, and dirt road course leads runners along the banks of the Patuxent River. Water stations are located along the racecourse. The race starts at 9 am.

10K USATF Certified Race Course #MD18001RT: View the 10K Course Map (PDF)

5K USATF Certified Race Course #MD13004-RT: View the 5K Course Map (PDF)

3K Fun Walk: Walkers can also help wildlife. The 3K walk will start just after the 5K and 10K races.

RACE RESULTS

The 10K and 5K finish line and race results will be officiated by Blue Cheetah Sports Timing.

Trot for a Turkey
2026-11-21 18:00 - 20:00
Registration available starting September 1

Help families in need by running or walking through the beautiful Winter Festival of Lights!

For more than 30 years, visitors to the annual Winter Festival of Lights have been dazzled by twinkling light displays as they drove through Watkins Regional Park. This year, register to walk or run through the almost three-mile course and see the dazzling displays up close. Your registration fee will provide a family in need with a holiday turkey.

GOLDEN TURKEY SPONSOR

Be part of a select group supporting a worthy cause for those in need during the holiday season. With your sponsorship of $500 or more, your logo will be prominently displayed on hundreds of commemorative event shirts. More importantly, your support will truly make a difference.

For information, call the Park Ranger office at 301-627-7755.
