Watkins Regional Park: A Practical Family Day Guide

Yes, especially if you want a flexible outing rather than a single attraction. Watkins Regional Park in Upper Marlboro has a playground, trails, Old Maryland Farm, a nature center and picnic space. Its miniature train, carousel and mini golf can make the visit feel like a treat, but those attractions operate seasonally and cost extra. Build your plan around the free areas first, then confirm the paid attractions before you leave home.

The featured image is an original illustration, not a photograph of the park.

Keep costs low: Visit the playground, walk a trail, see Old Maryland Farm and stop at Watkins Nature Center. Farm and nature center admission are free, though individual programs may have fees.

Make rides the main event: Confirm the train and carousel are operating on your date. The official park page lists both as seasonal and weather sensitive. If either is closed, the park still offers other reasons to go.

Prefer a quieter visit: Put the trails and nature center first, then decide whether the busier amusement area fits your group. The park notes that ride lines can be busy during the day and on weekends.

First hour: Start at a playground or take a short trail walk. This gives children time to settle in without depending on a ticketed attraction.

Next stop: See the animals and gardens at Old Maryland Farm. The farm is a short walk from the train station according to PG Parks. It is closed on Mondays, so check its separate hours before including it.

After a break: Bring lunch or use available picnic space, then visit Watkins Nature Center if it is open. If the train or carousel is operating, add one ride near the end. This order makes the day work even if the weather changes.

The official Watkins Regional Park page lists an individual train or carousel ticket at $3.50 for residents of Prince George’s or Montgomery County and $3.75 for nonresidents. Proof of residence is required. Children 11 months and younger ride free. A family with four paying riders taking one train ride and one carousel ride would spend $28 for residents or $30 for nonresidents at those posted prices. That is a planning example, not a package or a promise that both rides will be available.

Mini golf is listed separately at $6 per resident or $7.50 per nonresident per round. Old Maryland Farm has free admission, and the nature center lists free admission with fees for some programs. Prices can change, so verify them directly before you go.

Do not assume so. The park says the rides are seasonal and can close for weather. Its public page also contains an old seasonal reopening notice, so the notice alone is not reliable evidence of current operations. For the ride status and weather updates, PG Parks directs visitors to call 301 218 6757. The main park number is 301 218 6700.

If a ride is essential to your visit, call before making the trip. Check the farm and nature center hours separately because the park’s dawn to dusk hours do not mean every facility is open all day.

Old Maryland Farm is at 351 Watkins Park Drive. Its posted hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; it is closed Monday. It has paved, level paths, but confirm current access conditions if your group has specific mobility needs. The farm is for observing and learning about animals, not a promise of hands on animal encounters.

Watkins Nature Center has live animal displays, exhibits and nature programs. Admission is free, with fees for some programs. Its schedule is separate from the park’s, so check before building it into your plan.

PG Parks describes the train and carousel as wheelchair accessible. Ask the operator about the exact boarding process and whether it works for your needs before making a special trip. Pets are not allowed on the rides or mini golf, except service animals. The park says leash rules are enforced elsewhere.

The park address is 301 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD, and the grounds are posted as open from dawn to dusk. Picnic shelters require permits. The front picnic tables are first come, first served, with a two hour limit and one table per family, according to the park. Bring water, check the weather and allow extra time if you want more than one facility.

For a bigger outing, compare our family weekend getaways in Maryland. If access needs will shape your plans, start with our accessible Maryland weekend trip ideas and confirm details with each operator. Our Maryland vacation budget guide can help you compare free activities with paid extras. Find future local guides in the Prince George’s County section.

This guide was desk researched from PG Parks’ Watkins Regional Park page and PG Parks’ Old Maryland Farm page, checked October 22, 2026. We have not represented this as a firsthand visit. Hours, fees and activity availability should be confirmed with PG Parks. The hero artwork is an illustration, not an onsite photograph.

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