Meadowside Nature Center raptor aviary

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Meadowside Nature Center raptor aviary

Photo: John Brighenti from Rockville, MD, United States · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

🦒 Zoo · Rockville

1.5 hours · Free · No reservation needed

age fit
0–1 yr
★ 4.0
1–3 yrs
★ 5.0
3–5 yrs
★ 5.0
5–10 yrs
★ 5.0
  • 🚗
    About 10 min drive
    From Rockville · Parking: Free nature center lot
  • 🍼
    Stroller-friendly
    Flat surfaces — bring the stroller
  • 🌳
    Lots of shade
    Rain-OK · Good on cool days · Fine on cold days
  • ⏱️
    Typical visit: 1.5 hours
    Best seasons: Spring · Summer · Fall · Winter

A free nature center in Rock Creek Regional Park whose outdoor Raptor Aviary houses rescued hawks, owls, and vultures a few feet away behind mesh; inside are live snakes and turtles and an underground-cave discovery area toddlers can crawl into, and the trails out the door lead to Lake Frank.

💡 Tips
Hours are mainly daytime Tuesday through Sunday, so check the website first. The Lake Frank loop is dirt and not for strollers; walk to the shore for a look and come back. Family nature programs ($) run often.

What this place offers

✓free
✓raptors
✓owls
✓indoor discovery area
✓forest trails
✓restrooms
✓lake

Featured in these guides

This weekend's weather in Rockville

Forecast at the destination itself (coast and hills often differ from home)

🌦️
Sat 10/17
Drizzle · 41–62°F · 55% rain
☀️
Sun 10/18
Sunny · 37–59°F · 8% rain

Location

Rockville, Maryland

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