Robinson Nature Center
6692 Cedar Lane Columbia, MD 21044 Directions:
Mon-Tues: Closed; Wed- Sat: 9am-5pm; Sun: Noon-5pm
$$
hikes, indoor-activities
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Robinson Nature Center is easily one of the best nature centers in the Baltimore region. Both the indoor and outdoor exhibits are informative as well as impressive.
The first thing you’ll see when you get there is a huge wildflower garden that is situated next to the parking lot. We recommend taking a stroll along the paved walking path through Wildflower Way and observing the wide array of butterflies that feed on the nectar of the flowers. If you’re in the mood for some hiking, you can follow the Sycamore Stroll and learn about some of the native trees and forest life from the informative plaques that are placed along the trail. If it’s a hot day, you can follow the Lookout Loop and Oak Overlook trails to get to the Middle Patuxent River.
The best part about the trails is that they are all very short (.5 miles or less), which makes them perfect for families that include little people. Besides Wildflower Way, none of the trails are paved. We would recommend a baby carrier for infants or hand holding for toddlers as there are lots of roots that can pose a tripping hazard.
If the kids have energy left after your hike, check out Nature Place. It’s a large nature playground where kids can climb logs, build with wooden blocks, and swing from branches.
The outdoor activities could fill a whole day on their own, but the nature center is not to be missed. If you’re going with kids, make sure to stop off in the Discovery Room. Kids can try on animal costumes, see some live animals and use magnifying glasses to inspect artifacts from nature. They even have a touch tank that is open Saturdays from 10:30-11:30 am and 2-3 pm as well as Sunday from 2-3pm (Call ahead to ensure that the touch tank will be open as this activity is contingent on volunteer availability).
The Discovery Room is really just the tip of the iceberg of what Robinson has to offer, though. The nature center also offers exhibits where families can learn how to protect the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, see Native American artifacts, learn about how grist mills used to turn grain into flour, explore the mysteries of space and see a real live honey bee hive.
While all of the exhibits were interesting, the favorite of our group was the Life of the Forest Exhibit. This exhibit allows you to immerse yourself in life on the forest floor. See animal models, hear the calls of forest wildlife and learn facts about what really goes on in nature. Be sure not to miss the nighttime forest where you’ll be immersed in the pitch black world of nocturnal creatures.
Robinson also features a digital planetarium and full-dome movie theater called The Nature Sphere. Shows and showtimes vary but they do offer family friendly programming for parents and children ages 3-8 for an additional $3 ticket per person. (Check the website for current programming.)
Admission to the nature center is $5 per adult, $3 per child and free for children under 3. There is no food available for sale but there is a lovely patio with tables where you can eat food from home. Robinson Nature Center is about 30-45 minutes from Baltimore, depending on your location but it’s definitely worth the drive.
I can’t overstate how impressed we were with our visit to this facility. If you’re in the Baltimore area and you’re looking for a great way to spend a day, Robinson Nature Center is a great choice!