Happy holidays! How are you going to keep the kids busy during their winter break? We have these suggestions for activities around Montgomery Parks in this special edition of Parks’ Picks for Friday, December 23, 2022, through Monday, January 2, 2023.
Per Montgomery Parks: Get the children outdoors. Burn off some energy at the playground. We have 276 playgrounds, so there is no shortage of something new to explore. Bring a ball and play a game of soccer, football, or basketball. Pack a lunch and snacks and go hiking! Montgomery Parks has 280 miles of both paved and natural surface trails.
Find a playground, field, court, or trail near you with our Parks and Trails Directory(opens in a new tab). Take everyone running, bike riding, walking, roller skating, roller blading, or scootering on our car-free streets. Visit our website for holiday hours for sections of roads closed in our Open Parkways(opens in a new tab)program.
Explore the grounds of our botanical gardens. McCrillis Gardens(opens in a new tab) and Brookside Gardens(opens in a new tab) are open daily from sunrise to sunset. At night, Brookside Gardens transforms into the glittering and glowing Garden of Lights(opens in a new tab). The winter light display is open nightly 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm but closed December 24 and 25. Purchase tickets(opens in a new tab)online.
Take the family ice skating at Cabin John Ice Rink(opens in a new tab)or Wheaton Ice Arena(opens in a new tab). Visit our website for daily public skating schedules at each facility.
Play tennis together! Book a court at our indoor tennis facilities.(opens in a new tab) Your children can challenge other young players at Wheaton Indoor Tennis’ Junior Tennis Winter Clinic(opens in a new tab) on Thursday, December 29, at 12 pm.
Our nature centers offer a variety of programs during winter break. Maydale Nature Classroom still has openings from Storytime at Maydale: “The Gingerbread Baby”(opens in a new tab) on Tuesday, December 27, 10 am, and Winter Scavenger Hunt and Campfire(opens in a new tab) on Thursday, December 30, 10 am.
Celebrate the start of 2023 together in the day on Saturday, December 31, so you can enjoy the evening festivities later. Register for Smokey Bear’s New Year’s Eve Countdown(opens in a new tab) at Maydale Nature Classroom or Happy Noon Year’s Eve(opens in a new tab) at Meadowside Nature Center.
Finally, begin the New Year with a hike at Brookside Nature Center’s New Year’s Day Hike(opens in a new tab) on Sunday, January 1, at 9:30 am. You also can schedule your own First Day Hike by hitting our trails at any time that day.
Remember to visit our website for leaving home and check holiday operating hours(opens in a new tab) for facilities for Friday, December 23, through Monday, January 2.
Recent Stories
Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) and Rockville City Police responded to a collision involving a vehicle into a tree on Sunday, May 5, in Rockville.
Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – Special Victims Investigations Division (SVID) are asking for the public’s assistance in locating Asia Renee Jackson, a missing 14-year-old from Damascus.
Montgomery County Police responded to a shooting in the 18900blk of Mills Choice Rd in Montgomery Village on Saturday, May.
Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded to a collision in the 800blk of Rockville Pike on Sunday, May 5.
FREE Shred Day
Join us at Lafayette Federal Credit Union for a Free Community Shred Day, an event dedicated to helping you protect your privacy and the environment! Bring your old bank statements, bills, medical records, and any other paper documents that need secure disposal, and we'll take care of them on the spot.
Why You Should Come:
Protect Your Privacy: Safely shred sensitive documents to help prevent identity theft.
Eco-Friendly: All shredded material will be recycled, supporting our commitment to sustainability.
Complimentary Breakfast: Enjoy a free breakfast on us--start your day right with good food and good company!
Exciting Giveaways & Prizes: Don't miss out on giveaways and be sure to enter our drawing for a chance to win one of four $100 gift cards.
This event is open to all! It's a fantastic opportunity to clean out those old documents cluttering up your home, safe in the knowledge that they will be disposed of securely. Plus, it's completely free!
Don't miss out on this chance to declutter safely, enjoy some free treats, and possibly win a great prize. We look forward to seeing you there, rain or shine!
For more information, contact us at www.lfcu.events/shred.
FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival
Get ready to experience the vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and infectious rhythms of the Caribbean at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival! Hosted by RHU LLC, this exciting festival is set to take place on May 18, 2024, at the picturesque 16700 Barnesville Rd in Boyds, MD.
Step into a world where the Caribbean spirit comes alive! From 12:00 PM onwards, immerse yourself in a sensory journey that celebrates the unique culture, cuisine, and music of the Caribbean. Whether you're an African American, a Reggae or Soca music enthusiast, a wine lover, or part of the vibrant Caribbean diaspora, this festival promises to delight and captivate you in every way.
Let the enticing aromas of mouthwatering Caribbean dishes tantalize your taste buds. Feast on traditional delicacies prepared by expert chefs, showcasing the rich and diverse culinary heritage of the Caribbean. Indulge in flavorful jerk chicken, succulent seafood, and delectable plantain dishes that will transport you straight to the islands.
Accompanying the culinary extravaganza is a carefully curated selection of premium wines, ensuring the perfect pairing for your palate. Sip on fine wines from renowned vineyards, each sip a reflection of the Caribbean's vibrant spirit. Discover new flavors, expand your wine knowledge, and savor unforgettable moments with every glass.
As the sun sets, get ready to groove to the infectious rhythms of Caribbean music. Feel the pulsating beats of reggae, soca, dancehall, and calypso, moving your body to the lively melodies. Live performances by talented musicians and performers will keep the energy high, ensuring a night of unforgettable entertainment.
Don't miss this opportunity to embrace the Caribbean spirit and celebrate the arrival of spring in style! Tickets are available on AllEvents, so secure your spot today. Join us at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival, where cultures collide and unforgettable memories are made.
LIVE PERFORMANCES By: CULTURE Feat. Kenyatta Hill, EXCO LEVI, IMAGE BAND, RAS LIDJ REGG'GO with Special Guest SUGAR BEAR FROM E.U. & MORE! & MORE!
MUSIC By: DJ ABLAZE, DJ SMALLY & NAJ SUPREME
2 NIGHT Camping packages available: RV/CAMPER $200 | TENTS $150 Starting on Friday May 17 @ 5pm | 30 RV SPACES | 30+ TENT SPACES
KIDS 12 & UNDER FREE!!!
