Wheaton Regional Park and Brookside Gardens in Maryland
Nestled in Silver Spring, Maryland, Wheaton Regional Park offers various activities catering to all ages and interests. An added feature are trails that seamlessly connect to the enchanting Brookside Gardens, creating a blend of adventure and tranquility just off of the Beltway in Montgomery County. Spanning 500 acres, this park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, featuring an ice skating rink, primitive campsites, a riding stable, fishing spots, and an indoor tennis center. Families, in particular, will find the extensive trails and playgrounds ideal for an afternoon of fun.
Wheaton Regional Park, Maryland
The Shorefield area of Wheaton Regional Park boasts the newly remodeled Adventure Playground, a paradise for children of all ages. With slides ranging from gentle to thrilling, multiple climbing structures including nets and a wall, and a myriad of concrete animals surrounding a sandy play area, kids will find something to try. They can operate a sand digger or perch on a gigantic play animal, making for an engaging and imaginative playtime.
After exhausting their energy at the playground, families can enjoy a leisurely two-mile ride on the miniature train or take a spin on the historic 106-year-old carousel. The carousel, adorned with 33 jumping horses, three zebras, and two chariots, is a nostalgic delight. Please note that tickets are required for the train rides, which operate Tuesday through Sunday and cost $3.50 per person.
Surrounding the playground are lush grassy areas and towering trees, perfect for picnicking or a casual game of frisbee. The park features 11 miles of trails, four of which are stroller accessible, providing ample opportunities for exploration. A pleasant walk from the Shorefield area through the woods leads visitors to Brookside Gardens.
Brookside Gardens, Maryland
Covering 50 acres, Brookside Gardens is a botanical wonderland featuring landscaped aquatic, azalea, butterfly, rose, and Japanese-style gardens. There are several distinct areas: Aquatic Garden, Azalea Garden, Butterfly Garden, Children’s Garden, Rose Garden, Japanese Style Garden, Trial Garden, Rain Garden, and the Woodland Walk. The Formal Gardens areas include a Perennial Garden, Yew Garden, the Maple Terrace, and Fragrance Garden. Brookside Gardens also feature two conservatories for year-round enjoyment. Admission to the gardens is free.
Visitors often spot turtles, butterflies, and colorful birds amidst the vibrant flora. The Brookside Gardens Conservatory, open daily from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, showcases a diverse collection of plants from around the globe, including fragrant varieties like snapdragons, rose-scented geranium, myrtle, and tricolor sage.
A short walk from the conservatory leads to the Brookside Nature Center, open on Wednesday – Friday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, and Saturdays from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Outdoor spaces that include a nature play spaces, ponds, and a log cabin are open daily from dusk to dawn. The nature center, complete with a nearby parking lot, features indoor and outdoor observation areas. It houses a live animal display with rehabilitating creatures and an active beehive, offering educational insights into the lives of bees.
Wheaton Regional Park and Brookside Gardens form a mega-park brimming with adventure and natural beauty, promising an unforgettable experience for every family member.
Quick Information:
Wheaton Regional Park: 2000 Shorefield Rd, Silver Spring, MD. Phone: (301) 495-2595
Brookside Gardens: 1800 Glenallan Ave, Wheaton, MD
Website: [Montgomery Parks](https://www.montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/wheaton-regional-park/)
– Parking: Free
– Restrooms: Available
– Pets: Allowed on a leash in Wheaton Regional Park only; not permitted in Brookside Gardens
Train and Carousel Information:
– Website: [Wheaton Train and Carousel](http://www.wheatontrainandcarousel.org/)
– Train rides: Tuesday – Sunday
– Train tickets: $3.50 per person for the train
– Carousel tickets: $3.50 per person
