Catoctin Creek Park & Nature Center

Breathtaking views. We went with a couple kids from our children’s class. It was so relaxing. Playground has just enough equipments for kids to enjoy. We did the sensory trail and a short hike to people beach located at lower down through a short trail. A must go on your to-do-list.

Very pretty I love the detail. Has a playground for children. They also have trails, inclusive to the visually impaired. The bird feeders are an amazing feature and I think it adds to the nature aspect. Will return. They also have events which is nice!

This Park is very clean and spacious. it has a lot of trails, and things to do for the kids. Behind the Natural Center is a natural trail with activities along the trail. This Natural Center trail is not dog friendly - no dogs allowed. All other trails are dog friendly. I took the trail that took me to the creek. The creek is nice and peaceful, and I saw a little tiny frog camouflaged into the pebbles. It has a playground for the kids, restrooms, and some ruins.

Do you miss walking on grass? This place offers a little bit of everything. Start behind the visitor's center for a short sensory walk on a shady path. Then head inside the visitors center to see a small, but well stocked reptile exhibit. Your little kids will enjoy splashing on Pebble Beach. It's rocky, so I recommend water shoes. Take a stroll on grassy or paved paths. It's calm and relaxing. There is also a small playground. Picnic tables also available. Bathroom was open and very clean. Loop

Went to a birthday party this past weekend, had a blast! The staff was great, they did great with the kids, showed animals and very informative. The park was just breathtaking this time of year. The kids even found the river and enjoyed every second of it! It was so nice to be able to watch kids have good old fashion fun in the sun!

Great place! We love to take the kids to explore all the Center has to offer. Would highly recommend for those with kiddos:)

We love hiking the easy trails down to the creek, climbing on the playground, and visiting the snakes and turtles in the nature center. Don at the center is wonderful with the kids and will let them touch the snakes etc.

This was a great park to go to on a warm December day. There was plenty of parking, the were 2 portable potties, only one was not locked. I'm sure there were more bathrooms by the nature center but I didn't look plus I'm sure the nature center wasn't open anyways.
The trails are well maintained, there was even a story trail which my kids enjoyed. There is a butterfly garden, some music instruments, you can access the creek which is great for hot summer days I'm sure. There is also a sensory trail. The touch boxes were taken off for obvious reasons. But still a great walk through the woods.
There are pet waste stations around the park.
There is also a big playground and a few picnic areas.

We accidentally stumbled upon Catoctin Creek Park when I put in the wrong directions looking for the Catotcin National Park. But it turned out to be the perfect spot. We first started with lunch in a large pavillion and then decided to walk around. We went into the nature center and my son was in heaven! They have snakes, frogs, spiders and turtles. Additionally there is hiking trails, a wonderful playground and creek for swimming dogs, looking for fish and catching crawfish! This is a must visit if you have young kids or just want to relax outside. IG: @shoptini

Nice area to walk & enjoy nature. The trails are open even when the Nature Center isn't - check the website for the hours.

We went there to attend a birthday party. The route to reach there is so scenic with a nice view of mountains and valley. Place itself is very quite and serene. They have a small section of reptiles, turtles and crabs. Kids really enjoyed it. There is a sensory trail as well.

I brought 8 kids here on a field trip. We stopped in at the nature center to see the animals. They had a nice variety. All clean, large display cases. We played at the playground for a while and had lunch. There are a variety of trails with different things to see and do. We went back to the nature center to use the restroom before leaving and a woman brought out a snake and turtle for the kids to hold. She answered their millions of questions! She even took us in the back to see what they feed the animals and the animals in quarantine that were going to live in the nature center. She was so nice and patient with the kids. Her service alone would bring us back to visit. I wish I would have asked her name, but huge shoutout to the woman working the front desk on 8/10 around 11-2! Thank you for your patience and kindness!

We had our son's 2nd birthday party there and loved it! They have a fridge, microwave, sink, and several tables/chairs available. We chose to have the presentation with small animals and the kids from 2 to 8 were so enthralled; they were able to see and touch the reptiles. Afterwards, there was a craft where they could make turtles out of paper plates and tissue paper. Overall, I would HIGHLY recommend their services for birthday parties - they're also super affordable.

Beautiful quiet park. Lots of walking trails and access to creek to dip your toes. The nature center is nice with a friendly staff. There is also covered pavilions, playground and a sensory trail.

I absolutely love taking my kids to Catoctin Creek Park. Can easily spend a day here! Hike the trails in morning, hit the playground, the pebble beach for a quick dip & then the Nature Center! Lunch under the pavilion. Bathrooms available is a bonus!!

Beautiful and excellent Park to take children on trail and stream walks ! Wonderful Nature center also staffed with knowledgeable friendly people!

A beautiful place to visit, picknic, be in the outdoors without "roughing it". Paved trails make it easy for strolling the little ones around to see all the birds. Activities everywhere for them to experience and the folks in the nature center are perfectly suited to their work. Very kind, considerate and knowledgeable. A great way to spend some time.

Beautiful, well manicured park. Great for kids too. Butterfly garden, musical garden, nature center, and senory trail.

Spectacular and well run nature center. Great parking options and exceptional animal exhibits. Friendly staff as well. Beautiful and free! 5 star all the way!

My blended family and I came here over this last weekend. I was the only one that hadn't been before. I was in complete shock to see barely anyone there but it was such a blessing. I got to enjoy Pebble Beach and it was so relaxing and quiet. I loved every second of the adventure. Even got to meet the bearded dragon and pet a sweet snake. Totally awesome!