Wheaton Regional Park Reviews

I love this park. It has a wooded area with a number of hiking trails. The wooded area is bordered by a number of special areas with their own entrances from public roads. There is a Sports Complex with outdoor fields, an Ice Skating/Ice Hockey rink, dog park, tennis, etc.
A large picnic area includes a playground and (in season) a Carousel and Mini-Train Ride.
Another area hosts world class Brookside Gardens with walking trails, a conservatory greenhouse, another building serving as a visitor center with classrooms. a Japanese Garden, etc. The gardens have seasonal special activities such as Spring Azaleas, the garden of Holiday Lights, a holiday model train exhibit, a walk through live butterfly exhibit, etc.
Pine Lake, providing fishing opportunities is located about in the middle of the park with access only by walking from the other areas. That area is currently under renovation. Over the many decades I have been visiting, the facility has received upgrades and renovations as needed, always getting better.
A great place for everyone, kids and grownups.
p.s. My daughter's wedding was in the gardens.

The park has everything-dog park, train, picnic tables, carousel. Come here for parties, picnics, walks, or just to be outside. Lots of play areas too with jungle gyms & all kinds of fun stuff for kids. Close by and it's free with the exception of the carousel & train.

I've been playing softball, baseball, tennis and other activities here for 50 years. Great open spaces as well as organized fields and facilities. Ample po raking and right off of Georgia Avenue.

Take advantage of what is closer to you in MD, and your kids will love it: playground, equipments, train, carousel... etc. It is also good for end of the year school picnic.

It had been a long time since I have been. We enjoyed the carousel and the train. That is all the same . The newly remodeled play area seems smaller than what I remember but the kiddos had a great time. Thought they had animals at some point. Not anymore.

Kids will love all of the activities of this huge park. There's a sports center, an outdoor playground, a carousel and probably other things we missed. We attended a cultural festival there. The train ride is great, picnic areas are plentiful and there are stages for musical events. The big playground is a good way to make/keep kids active, and engaged. Parents have to keep a watchful eye as the area is not contained and the more active kids can get into other areas (with strangers) quickly. Be prepared to stay with the kids, or keep up.
Looking forward to checking out the indoor activities. The park has many entrances, so one has to know which area specifically one is going to.

Wheaton Regional Park is a great place for sports. The softball fields are nicely maintained, and the tennis bubble offers year-round play. The grounds are surrounded by woods. It's a lovely space to get away from the hustle.

The carousel and train ride are always fun. Kids always love it.
The playgrounds are new and especially nice.

This park is large, you will probably want to drive to the different sections. Highlights are:

1) Brookside Gardens has a hot house and outside gardens. Early in the morning there are people jogging, families come later. They are always changing the plants. There is a Japanese tea house on the pond.
2) Brookside Nature Center A nature center geared to children and has summer camp programs
3) Children's playground and picnic area, in addition to having lots of things for children to climb on and slide down, there is a carousel and miniature train ride ("...a replica of an 1863 C. P. Huntington engine and passenger cars for a scenic tour through park woods and meadows.")
4) Horseback Riding Stables with rentals and fenced area and horse trails available
5) Wheaton Ice Arena - there are two ice skating rinks, an all year round and a covered (Winter only rink). Skate rentals are available
6) Wheaton Indoor Tennis - An all weather tennis courts in a pressurized housing
7) Wheaton Regional Dog Park An enclosed dog park where you let your dog go free
8) Hiking trails are pleasant but limited, not more than 2 or 3 miles per trail but 11 miles in total of trails

Wheaton Regional Park is a great place to walk. There are many paths around Pine Lake and the dog park/ice rink that provide shade during the summer months. They are rarely crowded and always beautiful. In addition, Brookside Garden, with its pretty landscapes and conservatory, is adjacent. If you have young children, there are a large playground and picnic facilities.

While this is used to be a great evening stroll or walking park, be aware. The recent attacks of gang members on unsuspecting park goers proliferate and congregate in this once peaceful and enjoyable park. I live minutes away from here and I always am very leery walking by myself.....BE CAUTIOUS and ALWAYS GO WITH A GROUP OF 3 OR MORE....hopefully MC Police can do a better job of taking the park back to people that want to enjoy a rather very nice place.

Great park to take a 3-4 mile walk in, go ice-skating, take your dog to a dog park.
Also, right next to Brookside Gardens, an amazing world-class garden, which has such a wonderful variety of vistas and plants and trees.

PROS
* Beautiful green oasis in urban/suburban areas
* An escape from the urban concrete
* Nice shaded shaded trails
* Fantastic hidden and tranquil Pine Lake- I saw someone actually fishing!!
* Walking paths all totally very shaded by dense tall trees
* Access from many points and neighborhoods
* Many numerous activities for younger ages- mini train, baseball, ice skating
* Good for picnicking
* Monitored by Park Police

CONS
* Signage for directions on the trails not the clearest
* More commercialized than Sligo Creek Park
* Frequented by other walkers- many pushing baby carriages
* Mosquitoes at Pine Lake

"I VISITED THIS PLACE"...
... when I came out for my daily 0530am power walk, and expected to wander around streets and neighborhoods and shopping centers, but found an entrance into the woods and was entranced and thrilled to find all the paths in the lush shaded green park of Sligo Creek.

Then, one morning, I happened into thie Wheton Regional Park- more commercialized activities but there is the secret hidden tranquil Pine Lake, which for me was nice and scenis and pleasant to me, that I imagined that I had reached it after hiking two hours in the mountains of Colorado.

TIPS
* Do it and go
* Find and enjoy the Pine Lake

PLEASE enjoy and like my many photos, and mark them as "helpful"- if that was the case (I hope so).

Large park with many hiking trails. Good place to take the kids since they have a lengthy train ride, a carousel, and a new playground (mostly for children older than 5). They also have a lake where fishing is allowed at times. Many community events held there. Can walk to nature center from there.

Visited when the leaves were turning beautiful fall colors.
walked for several hours with my dog. very peaceful.Very few people on the trails and it was extremely relaxing.There ate paved as well as uaved paths.

Clean Bathrooms!! This in itself is a reason to come with children. Great, imaginative, core development play area - one for older elementary children and a tot playground. Some picnic tables (come early to claim one) but lots of grassy area for blankets. In another corner is the train ride, carousel, horseback riding, nature hikes, pond for fishing, etc. A great place tucked away from the hussle and bussle of Georgia Ave. Oh, and great parking.

Caters to numerous outdoor activities for all ages, from young to seniors. From tennis, ice skating, gardens, train ride, butterfly farm, running brooks, deer, horseback riding, Christmas lights, model trains. So much to do and a great place for picnicking. .

I start at brook side gardens nature center and hike the trails- usually completing 5-7 mile hikes there. Very peaceful at times. Looking forward to warmer weather....

Great park for a day out. Old fashioned carousel, steam train, amazing playground and wonderful grounds! Don't forget the butterfly exhibit and Japanese lake pavilion.

Wheaton Regional Park is a wonderful place to go with children. Fabulous playground structures to climb, swing, and explore. Nice area geared to younger children, as well as ones appropriate for older ones. Other children abound. Mini train ride and carousel for a nominal fee. Picnic and grilling areas. Long walk or jog around the lake. Proximity and trail access to Brookside Gardens. Bathroom facilities well maintained. Loads of free parking. Children are easily entertained for hours, and will leave reluctantly.

Probably the best park facility in the area, there are excellent ball fields, tennis courts, walking trails and nature paths. Never really crowdedbecause of its size. A great place to play sports, go for a hike and have a bbq picnic.

We have enjoyed the butterfly exhibits several times, and never miss their Winter Wonderland. I never fail to take visitors to visit the rose garden and herb garden, and the spring flowers are magnificent. Between the park and the gardens there is something for everyone.

This is a beautiful place! If you like plants that grow, there is an abundance here from the huge Azaleas to a variety of flowers, roses and a herb garden.

There is a greenhouse that has tropical plants growing to the roof. Little bridges to wind along the way make it so interesting.Once out of the greenhouse, walk the park to see a Gazebo overlooking the pond, then onto the trail to complete the radius of this section of the park.

There are three entrance ways, including the visitor center. This is another section of the park a little more rural with walking trails, ice skating and tennis facilities.

All in all, it is a great place to get some walking in while seeing natures beauty.

This a great place to visit with the whole family. It is a place full of very interesting places such as the butterfly house, the nature centure, the lake, the gardens and more. Also, the train ride and the carousel are a must. I love this place.

Friendly area for young children. Even there is a dpg park here. Nice scinery. Nice sports places. Noce lake

Wheaton Regional has everything...a huge play area with great climbing, hiding, and sliding equipment. You can also take a quiet hike or a run on the trails. There's a small lake (Pine Lake) for fishing, a carousel and a train that weaves around the park. The Ice Rink is part of the park and is open year round. Baseball and softball fields can be found on one end along with tennis courts. Just a great all around park beautifully maintained and imagined. Most of the facilities are free, but there is are reasonable charges for the train and carousel, ice rink and tennis.

A lot of people don't know that there is a merry-go-round and an 1863 C.P. Huntington engine train they can take a ride on. There are trails to walk and birds to see.

This is a great place, I'm going to this park every year with my kids and they love it! There are picnic tables and shelters for rent (if a shelter is not renter you can use it without fees). Also it have a nice lake for fishing with kids, colorful playgrounds and a train to get a ride around the park. Very nice and peaceful place.

Was taken to Wheaton Regional Park and Wheaton mall by my sister. What a great place for both young and old. Swings, slides, picnic tables and a beautiful lake in the midst of it all. Quite serene in the early hours.

This place is a good place for family outdoor activities with young kids and teens plenty to for everyone. Host family picnic kid will love it

I have always loved the variety of the park. There is a Japanese garden where you can stroll. There is a large lake. Always clean and well cared for. You can even visit in the winter

Wheaton park offers many recreational features throughout the year. Brookside Gardens is a beautiful Japanese gardens which is great for plant and landscape photographers or just a peaceful stroll. On a nice day, don't be surprised if you see a wedding photographer working with a bride and groom. In the visitor center you might find a botanical art exhibit and in the greenhouse you might like the indoor plants. Perhaps the annual butterfly exhibit will be open. In the winter, there is the evening light show. Next door there is the nature center. It isn't big, but kids seem to like it. At the Georgia avenue entrance there is the picnic area with a playground, train ride, and carousel for the kids. Another Winter activity is the ice rink. Of course there is easy hiking throughout the park. The park has different entrances for various activities (e.g., the ice rink, the picnic area, and the gardens all have separate entrances.) so plan your visit ahead of time.

This is a great place to go when you have nothing to do, or if you want to get away from all that you have to do. Note that weekends can be crowded.

Everything you need are all there from picnic areas, areas for the kids to play, sports facilities, and a trail path to take walks or running around at your leisure.

We love to take my Mom to Wheaton Regional Park so she can enjoy the flowers and plants, along with the occasional wilflife. She is wheelchair bound and there are plenty of paved trails. We love the azaleas as well as the more native plants. Plenty of heuchara/coral bells and other more subtle surprises. The rose garden is LOVELY with the many varieties of roses and colors. Last time we went we saw a large gaggle or two of geese. Cute goslings!!

The park also has a recreation side for kids. I used to take mine there to enjoy the slides and carousel. There is also a lake for fishing between the two parks. Plenty of hiking trails within the compound and outside along the bridle trails.

Speaking of bridle trails, I believe they rent horses at the stables. Also ice skating (only in the winter??).

Enjoy!

The park has several playgrounds, carousel, train ride through the part, Brookside Gardens, walking paths, ponds, ducks, gazebo and lots of picnic areas and grilles. A wonderful place to spend the day with the family.

We just scratched the surface of this park's potential. It's a little hard to find, as it's in a residential neighborhood, but the park itself is quite large. The main attraction for us was the kid's train and carousel, which each cost $2 per person to ride. The train takes you throughout the park and is an approximately 10 minute ride.

We did have issue with the train operation. It runs every 30 minutes, and we got there at 12:25 to a nearly full train. It was fine that we had to wait for the next one at 1, but we were left waiting until about 1:10 because of a changing of the train operator (though we don't know the actual delay). When you have young children, and things don't operate on time, they can get very antsy.

Plenty of other things to do for the entire family. Definitely pack a picnic basket and make a day of it!

This park has 3 entrances with different activities available for all age groups. My husband and I took a short walk and found lots of green space under trees to speed our blanket and lie down and just relax and talk. Because of plenty of space, there's enough privacy for couples and families to have some quiet without being too isolated. Must-go!

There are so many beautiful and interesting sites. The flowers and trails offer so much. Benches are place throughout the park.

Great location to go for a walk, particularly with your dog(s). Lots of wooded trails to keep out of the sun. Also a dog park. Tons of sports fields as well.

This sure is a surprisingly beautiful garden. There are a lot of signs and some explanation about some plants and flowers. The butterfly garden is fantastic! This sure is a nice relaxing place for family outing! All kinds of rides for the little ones to enjoy the great outdoor better!

Had not been to the park in several years. So decided to take my 4 grandkis ages 6 to 12 to the park. They have enhanced the park with at least one new playground area. The kids loved it but the main problems were the sun and heat. There was no shade over the play area so the grandkids were all hot and miserable after about 10 minutes. I probably picked a bad time of day. It's probably great in the morning or late afternoon. I noticed that the playground areas for younger kids had a lot more shade from trees. We also loved the paved pathways to other park areas like the Brookside Gardens Conservatory. Overall, we had a great time.

It's such a lovely place to visit with family. Little train costs about 1.50 per ride, I think. It's cute around Halloween when they put on a spooky show. We love going to the playground, as it's terrific with challenges for older kids. Nice shady area to hide under in the hot summer days. Close to Brookside Gardens too.

When I want to get away from "the city" atmosphere of Silver Spring I go to Wheaton Regional Park. In the spring and fall especially the foliage is magnificent.

The playground in this park was renovated about three years ago and it is amazing. It has expansive equipment, sandbox, etc.

Great place to go with family for picnic. Take the kids as we did when they were growing up, they had Old McDonalds Farm. Then went back years later with grand kids. Love the train ride. I am especially appreciate the park for taking the gorgeous old Oak Tree that stood on the corner of Layhill and Bel Pre roads and making a monument of it to grace the park entrance. The County brutally and without cause hacked this tree to pieces in the dead 💀 of night actually causing a pile up of cars coming to a complete halt with shocked drivers.the following morning. So yes, visit Wheaton Regional Park
and go touch our tree. Take a stroll, jog, but enjoy.

Wheaton Regional Park is a wonderful destination with so much to offer. There is a Nature Center, beautiful gardens, a lake with a Gazebo over the water and another lake a little bit away. There are walking trails through the gardens and woods, beautiful expansive lawns and on the other side of the park there is a carousel and kids' train, picnic tables and lots and lots of play equipment.
This is a great place for a picnic.

The train and carousel are iconic, and the playground used to be as well. Until they tore it down and replaced it with a pile of garbage. The county needs to fire somebody...

first rate facilities, lots of folks to interact with and a great playground make this a must for summer afternoons. The Ice Arena is always a nice way to enjoy some inter fun and the playground is a perfect gather spot for an outdoor party. Good for birthdays, or just because.

Great walking paths, beautiful in Spring (and all seasons). Easy walking paths. And some more challenging. Generally good parking. Beautiful gardens throughout. Great opportunities for pictures.

So much to recommend: Brookside Gardens - 50+ acres with beautiful display gardens, a conservatory, lectures, special events; the Brookside Nature Center; the playgrounds - for all ages. Carousel and miniature train operate during the summer months. Miles upon miles of trails - some paved, some dirt. You can enjoy as much solitude as you'd like or you can be one of scores who picnic on the ample grounds. We live a mile or two from the Park but never take its splendor for granted. We've gone there with our granddaughter and just by ourselves. The cultural diversity of our lovely County is always on display. Enjoy!

There are team sport venues, a Japanese Garden, a nature center, holiday lights, lots of playground equipment and trails for walking.

Take the grand kids here for a ride on the train or carrosel when the weather is good. Then they can climb on several play structures, and mom and dad can enjoy a beautiful walk around the lake.

When my grandchildren visit with me on the weekends, Wheaton Regional Park is their hangout. The park is clean and well manicured. I love the playground area, which has equipment for all ages. The space is open and accessible. The train ride and carousel (sp) is inexpensive and the kids really enjoys them both. The picnic area is inviting and spacious. Everyone appears to create a safe environment for the kids.

Great for families! They also have a great dog park. It is a fun outing for the whole family to enjoy!

Great all year round, couples, solo, young or teen family. Good for grandparent outings as well. In addition to beautiful park, playgrounds, climbing equipment and a little train, there are covered pavilions making it ideal for birthday parties, group BBQs or family get togethers.

Lots of space, trails, small train for children (and adults) in the summer. Close to Brookside Gardens, a delightful formal park with small lake, gazebo, greenhouse.
A great place to spend an hour or two to relax and take in nature.

Wheaton park and Brrokside garden are always a nice place to visit, situated in fast growing city, provide an escape into nature and calmness

I don't go to main area, but I like the corners of the park, named Northwest Branch park near road 29. I have visited this place all seasons and always love it.
Not to many people are near waterfalls and you can hike miles near river and back to parking lot. I never had problems parking there, even that it say private or something.
Waterfalls are amazing, if you planning to photograph, take tripod.
One of my favorite places to hike in Maryland.

Wheaton Park has a lot more to offer than meets the eye. It's great for biking on the many trails. Go to the Botanical Gardens and spend some time. Walkers who come from Sligo Trail, there are connections, but one needs to check them out.

The last time I visited this Park was 7 years ago, in September 2012. We had picnic at one of the Shed/Shelter and were able to hike to the Brookside Gardens.

It was cold and windy during my visit this time. The Carousel and Miniature Trains were closed and some private Children's Party was going on at the Pavillion. Noted the Bikes for hire near the Carousel, they were not there during my first visit.

This Park will surely be very busy in Spring and Summer time. There are lots to see and do such as picnicking, riding the trains and Carousels, walking/hiking to other areas of the Park such as the Brookside Gardens.

Will come back and visit again when the weather gets warmer!

Wheaton Regional Park is an oasis of green in the near north of DC area. The varied uses available (dog park, soccer fields, ice skating. wonderful gardens, and more) are interwoven with numerous trails and natural respite for the urban-weary. Used by a lot of folks on weekends, the weekday visitor can easily find peace and quiet in the forest or company of various sorts in exercise classes and just plain wandering. Highly recommended for all!

Our dog group has met here several times and we have all had a great time. Even did some barbecuing after our walks. Has great amenities and a nice playground for the kids

Lots to do at this park for kids of all ages. The playground has equipment for different skill levels, the train ride is always fun. Visit the nearby Nature Center which hosts great educational programs and the beautiful Brookside Gardens where you can watch a great blue heron on the pond or stroll the labyrinth for some inner peace.

There is never a season that Wheaton Regional Park doesn't shine. The grounds are impeccably maintained with master gardener aplomb. Although in a densely populated area of Montgomery County, once you start your stroll at the park you are immediately transformed to another time and place of natural beauty. The visitor will be refreshed and restored with each visit.

A very nice place to escape with children. The park is quiet, safe with proper attractions to entertain small children. Best time to visit weekdays at working hours when it is less crowded.

This is a great park if you live in Silver Spring. There is extensive playground equipment of all types. My grandkids like the train and the carousel - pretty much the only things that cost money besides food. You can rent a pavilion for events and they seem to be well used. There are also some trials that go through the park and one that extends well south that starts here.

This is a wonderful FREE park not too far from metro (Glenmont) but with plenty of parking. There is a carousel, train and multiple playground for children to play in and picnic areas that can be reserved. This park is also adjacent to Brookside Gardens which is a must see, as well as number trails. You can spend hours or several visits to this park without getting bored!

I second all the previous reviews. The Brookside Gardens the Nature Center, Japanese Tea House on the lake, the seasonal exhibits in the hothouses, the christmas lights (in season), the butterfly exhibit, the hiking trails, the beautiful greenery and foliage, the choo choo train, the excellent picnic spots and more are all part of this delightful piece of paradise in Montgomery County MD. Have a wedding in the gazebo, smell the herbs and flowers in the Garden for the Blind, play, run around or just relax in this beautiful place. There is also horseback riding for a fee. Appointments are a must. Great weekend hangout.

Wheaton Regional Park has been around a long time. I used to go there with my family often and it still brings fond memories of family time. The park has been kept up nicely through the years and there is plenty to do for all. In the last few years, I've seen many family outings under the picnic shelters where you can cook-out and nothing smells better than burgers on the charcoal. I am not sure if you have to reserve (rent) the shelters or if it is first come, first serve. On a nice day, they are often full.
Nearby, is a large playground, a carousel and a fun miniature train that runs on rails through the woods. It's a nice long ride and even in the hot summer, you have a lot of shade. In October, they hold a great Halloween Train ride!
If you are up for walking, there are tons of trails that intersect each other. Some of them are paved and good for bikes while others are dirt or mulched paths. Pine Lake is a downhill walk from the picnic area and playground but remember you will have to walk back up the hill and it's a pretty good hill. Kids will love the walk and there are paths around the entire lake. Not much to do there except walk or just relax and sit and watch people fishing the stocked pond. If you continue past the lake, you come to ballfields and an ice skating rink. Adjacent to the lake is Brookside Gardens - a large and truly beautiful area filled with flowering plants, small ponds and winding trails. They also have a visitors center and greenhouse. NO DOGS allowed inside the fences here.
On the other side of Brookside Gardens is Brookside Nature Center where you can learn about nature and see some live animals. You would need a full day to enjoy everything and if you want to do it all, plan ahead. Or you can just go to Wheaton Regional Park for a couple hours and enjoy being outside!

The children get to exercise and run every were in the park, we can bring food for lunch and rest, and then keep playing , good parking place for cars and is no to far from my house

Lots of things for kids of all ages to do.
The park is very well kept and shaded in many areas so kids don't get to hoy

There are miles of hiking and running trails in Wheaton Regional Park, through lovely woods, fields, and along a lake. There are both paved and unpaved trails in the park. There is plenty of parking at the Shorefield entrance, where there are also many picnic tables, an enormous playground, and a merry-go-round. Furthermore, you can easily take in the gorgeous Brookside Gardens, where there is almost always something in bloom outside, and always plenty in bloom inside in the greenhouses.

We took granddaughter there to play, but got rained on. Heard train but never got to ride it. Good walking exercise for children and adults alike.

Went with Red Hatters for a picnic lunch, then for a walk to view the lovely gardens. We couldn't find a vacant table, even though we hadn't been told to reserve something. When we called, they just said to find an open table. On a Saturday in June, that's not going to happen, unless you get there super early. Fortunately, we had blankets with us so we just sat on them under a shady tree. The ground was sloped and it was difficult for some of us to get back up, but we had fun anyway. We drove to the gardens, then strolled down the path to see the beautiful varieties of roses. That was very impressive. It was hot out so we didn't walk around as much as we might in the Spring or Fall, but we were able to take pictures of some impressive floral displays. Hope to go back during another season.

I love to walk in Wheaton Regional Park. I start at the pavilion then travel through the gate past the pond, then up and down hills before passing near the skating rink then I loop around a trail that goes down then up a hill before taking the path back to the Nature Center. Then I travel near another pond before returning to the parking lot. It's more than a three mile walk that is both serene and invigorating. I walk at all times of the year and never, ever find it boring. It's truly wonderful to have such a natural retreat so close to a major metropolitan area. Now that's the just the trail & walking. The gardens are magnificent in the spring with the flowers & trees in bloom. And for the Holiday Season in December & early January - the light display is spectacular and worth a visit - you'll love the creativity. I highly recommend this wonderful park in the midst of the busy suburbs of DC.

Great place to enjoy the outdoors. Choose from playgrounds to hiking trails, to riding the train (in season). A stable for horseback riding is nearby and so is Brookside Gardens. This is a great place for a family to get out and enjoy the fresh air.

My grandchildren loved the carousel and train. Smaller play park was good for them. Hot and sunny day, so the larger park was less favorable.

This is a favorite family place in the DC area. The playground is immense and the walking trails take you past beautiful botanical gardens and a man-made lake. You can even reach the Nature Center and there are always nice exhibits.

We really lucked out with perfect weather. Enjoyed a walk in the wood and a stop at the old cabin. The walk was up and down a small hill.
After that a brief stop at the visitors center, would be best to go there first and pick up a map.
Then we walked around the Brookside a Botanical Garden; very enjoyable. Since it was summer there were lots of blooms.
This is a remarkable place in the urban area.

This park has a lot of play equipment for older kids (9-13). It is wooded and has lots of shady areas for picnics. It also connects with Brookside Gardens so you can have two adventures in one. My kids have always loved our outings there.

This large park has probably about 10 miles of trails, some paved and others with a natural surface. Lots of picnic tables and a huge playground for the kids. Even a train!

My daughter in law and I took my grandson here on a Saturday morning. He is 15 months old. He loved the train ride through the park, during which we saw Park police on horseback also. Then on to the beautiful carousel, which we rode twice! They have benches to rest on and vending machines with ice cream-totally awesome trip for all of us!

We love coming here with our grandson. He had his 4th birthday party here. So much for kids to do! There's a miniature train and a carousel as well as playground equipment for children of various ages. The Nature Center is wonderful.

This park is beautiful, multi- faceted, fun for all ages , and most importantly-- free! we spent a few hours here on a gorgeous spring day. there are swings for tots, older kids and even disabled kids. there is a section for small children that includes a sandbox and then there is a part for older kids and adults which boasts three sizes of slides , a series of climbing nets and a large blue climbing pyramid. nearby are benches and grilling facilities. restrooms are adequate and nearby. a short trail brings you to Pine lake and Brookside Gardens, which opens up to a breathtaking series of bridges , rocks, waterways , and fresh growing flowers all within a 10 minute walk. there is an indoor garden, butterfly garden and a cute school garden. you have to see this to believe it! A carousel and train ride are available in the summer and you have to check the website for the butterfly garden hours as well. this is a trip worth it in so many ways. bring drinks, food, and tennis shoes and you'll be set. enjoy!

this is a gem. There are two hot-houses, the large one with a waterfall, a banana tree and always, all year round, plants in full bloom. Spring through fall, the outdoor gardens are just so pleasant to walk through. Sit in the Japanese tea house.

Part of the reason is so nice is that it its beauty is unexpected. If I had to dive 5 hours to see it I might be disappointed, but coming across it my my neighborhood was such a delightful surprise

The Wheaton indoor sports complex for Soccer was dirty, inside and out. The boys bathroom was absolutely disgusting, and the visual nastiness was accompanied by a kindred smell.

The staff was rude with the COVID waiver process. While I understand that there are modified procedures, we had new kids who were new registrations for our program, and the staff member said they couldn't come in and that we were sent the waiver forms weeks ago. While that was true, this was a new athlete and they weren't in the program weeks ago.

The person told us to "go in" but having never been here, we didn't know how to get into the field itself...which doors to open.

It was just a poor experience. I didn't rate it terrible, because the kids had fun.

This is close to where I live and we visit often. The trees and flowers are displayed very nicely. They also have an indoor building with beautiful flowers arranged in lovely fashion. They decorate the grounds with lights for Christmas displays.

What a lovely park!! They have a train ride & carousel to ride as well! It’s only $4 per ride so $8 for both. The train ride is quite long so definitely don’t pass it up!

The park also has walking trails as well but I was unable to walk the trails on this trip but the trails looked nice, clean & shady. It’s not far from the conservatory, which is free to visit & has a great little gift shop so definitely check that out as well. They have nice, clean restrooms inside the train station & had a refreshment truck available as well as vending machines inside the carousel building.

Wheaton Regional Park has so much to offer. There is a beautiful botanical garden with a conservatory and grounds, a nature center for children, picnic areas, ball fields, an ice rink, a dog run, ball fields, and tennis courts. For children there is a terrific playground as well as, seasonally, a carousel and miniature train.

For the visitor to the area the botanical garden is well worth a visit and, if you have children with you, the carousel and miniature train will entertain them (May through August and weekends in April and September). In addition, from late May through September there is usually a (live) butterfly room in the botanical garden but be sure to check first since this varies from year to year.

I've taken my granddaughters to park to play on playground, ride the carousel, miniature train, go visit the nature center, and gardens. Around Christmas there is the Garden of Lights at the gardens. Also if you like to horseback ride, there is also a riding stable that rents horses. So there is something for just about everybody.

great place to bring family and dog lovers. theres a playground for kids and theres an obstacle course for dogs to train in. lots of trees and lakes and gardens. one of the best nature neigbborhood park I have been to.

Took our grandkids to the Wheaton Regional Park. The main attractions are the playground with awesome tube slides and a blue hill great for sliding. There's also a nice train with sound effects and lasts about 15 minutes as it winds through the forest. It's quite relaxing. There is also an old fashioned carousel which is even fun for the adults. A great outing!

This large park has paths for hiking, tables and grills for picnics, lots of play equipment for kids, and rides on a carrousel and/or a train. These latter rides are extremely popular (the carrousel is a classic and was intended to be sold off in pieces before the community raised fund to prevent that from happening). We take our nearly seven-year-old grandson to this park 2-3 times a year.

Enjoyed a winter walk on a warm day despite repair work because there are so many places to explore here. There's something for everyone - from the playground with a train that operates in season and nearby picnic areas, to the greenhouse and trails through gardens, lakes, and forest. The nature center offers exhibits, trails, and demonstrations. The gardens offer courses while two gift shops specialize in products for enjoying nature. There's a horse stable for riding and boarding horses too. Most importantly the gardens change every season and keep locals going back.

This is my favorite park in the DC area; I live in Silver Spring, so it's easy to take my camera(s) and go there. The park is huge, relatively safe during daylight and early evening. The park also contains Brookside Botanical Gardens (a flower photographer's dream) which, from mid-summer through early fall, features the Wings of Fancy Butterfly and Caterpillar exhibition. The park is perfect for late afternoon or early evening after dinner strolls. The Botanical Gardens feature different varieties of flowers; (allergies notwithstanding) I am especially fond of the roses.

I've been coming here since I was a kid, I'm now 21 years old and I still enjoy coming here. Brookside Garden is a wonderful place to take a romantic walk, in the winter they do sort of Christmasy lights which I always enjoy. The park itself is spacious and wonderful for a family picnic. Though I'm too big for the playgrounds they have, for kids it's a paradise.

We usually go when weather is nice. The train ride is great for the young ones (about $1.25 a ride per person). There is also a carousel that charges the same amount for adults with child. The park playground area is quite big. There is a dedicated area for the little ones and the rest if for older kids (say 5 and over). If you have kiddos of different ages you may need more hands to keep an eye on them if they like see rate areas of the playground. Overall great park and be sure to visit the Butterfly exhibit if you happen to visit when they are open (nay to october?).

I have been many times. The most recent was for a family wedding. The location is lovely for a wedding. It is also a great place to bring children, or just to wander and enjoy a quiet time.

Brookside Gardens and the miniature train are in this large green area referred to as Wheaton Regional Park. The address listed is in Silver Spring but the park is really between Wheaton and Glenmont. We walked from the Wheaton metro and it is a 30 minute walk, but most people come by car. The woods are beautiful and you can really forget you are in the city.

Wheaton Regional Park in Wheaton, Maryland has been an outstanding community staple for decades now. I personally played many fast-pitch softball tournaments on their fabulous baseball diamonds, utilized their picnic area and attended many events over the years. The park is absolutely magnificent and serene and is great for kids. There are all sorts of activities on a year-round basis and I would recommend Wheaton Regional Park to anyone traveling to the Silver Spring/Wheaton, Maryland area.

We had a fun time with the two kids and parents and grandparents. There is lots to do here, we enjoyed the train ride, and playground. The playground is pretty amazing with several different areas for different ages. One of my all time favorite playgrounds. Do not miss this! There are also tables to picnic, so bring a picnic lunch. There is also a carousel which is nice and apparently historic which is cool. I highly recommend for a fun day out with the kids.

It's a big park with a lot of parking spaces, good for picnics, walks and a nice playground for kids. In the summer there's a merry go round. There are picnic tables and public restrooms. If you walk far enough you can visit the Brookside garden, which doesn't allow pets.

I frequent this park for the sense of beauty and serenity it provides. The grounds are exceptionally aesthetic and the greenhouse is well worth visiting. Summer concerts on the lawn and the butterfly exhibit add to the ambiance.

WRP has a lot to offer. Dog park, ice rink, (and some other athletic facility/bldgs I'm not familiar with), walking trails - and best of all - the little train and carousel. My kids love it. We had our daughter's birthday party here and she had a great time. There's an enormous playground and picnic areas... a good, affordable family destination.

Wheaton has a big variety from ice skating in the winter to using the huge playground in the summer. Mini-train trips and a carousel are fun for the kids. Playground is padded with chips for safety and can accommodate a number of classrooms simultaneously. One the garden side, the flowers are beautiful and grounds well groomed with various floral and butterfly displays on certain weeks. Tons of paths, great family place, but also secluded enough for Valentine couples.

This park stretches a bit basically from Randph Road just east of Georgia Avenue down to University Blvd.
I have worked in this area for years, I wouldn't go here. It's in a area with an above avg crime rate, lots of drinking and fighting in this area.
Some areas are dirty, no way I would go.

I love this park my son loves to play in the huge sand box. And they have a icecream truck there and the most important thing there was the train ride you can go on. My son really loves this place. It also has a obstacle courses for your kids to play on and more. If you ever come through here to visit you have to come here with your family.

I have taken my grandchildren there on several occasions. The park has so much to offer. The playground area is amazing! It caters to all ages.
I love the botanical gardens and the light show in the winter.
The ice rink is indoors which makes it so much nicer to skate. The family oriented times and costs are a real plus!

Wheaton Regional Park
Located off Georgia Ave in Silver Spring is a kid friendly: there is a mini train which operate between April 8 to December, the Carousel very entertaining. The picnic area is very pleasant nice, there are a lot to do on the playground. This is a must visit for the children.

Living relatively nearby, I was shocked when I recently came upon this treasure!! I never knew about this gorgeous and breath-taking park until a little while ago. Wheaton regional park is just one of a kind!! I have never seen something as beautiful and gorgeous before. The park has a nice area for young toddlers with sandbox, little slides, swings, climbing are, etc. Then, there's an even bigger area for kids to adults including swings, huge climbing area, 3 different sizes of slides, and an innovative spongy mini mountain to climb. Not only that, but the park also has in the shade a perfect place to sit down, have a get-together, or even a barbecue. There are also trails to hike on with one leading to a lake and another to the scenic gardens !!! These gardens are just MARVELOUS!!!! Especially in the spring or summer, it has all kinds of blossoming flowers with bridges and water that has pretty ducks in it. There is also the butterfly garden not too far away but only open certain times and you have to pay an admission fee. This park has everything a toddler, kid, teen, couple, or elderly person could ever want. GO CHECK IT OUT!

Very nice place to take your dog for a hike thru the woods next to the pond . There is another part where they have play equipment for the kids to play on. Parking is free too.

Your kids will love this park! The train and merry go round are awesome and so are the workers at this park. This park and the grounds are lovely.

My friend and I were in Silver Spring and wanted to go somewhere after dinner. We concluded a park would be nice, given the nice temps. We drove to WRP! Easy to find, clear trails to follow, not too woodsy for folks that aren't nature aficionados, and enough people around to feel comfortable, but also slightly secluded.

We sat around the pond for the remainder of the evening. No benches really, so found a dry-ish log.

Such a great treat!

So glad this park is so close to our home. Had planned to do Haines Point on Sunday afternoon but the Guns 'n Roses concert traffic forced us to go elsewhere. So glad we chose Wheaten Park...all the kids were too!!

Wheaton Regional Park has so much to offer: beautiful trails, lakes, a carousel, playgrounds, picnic areas, a nature center, a cabin from the Civil War era, a train, ice skating, tennis bubbles, a butterfly exhibit, an inside plant area, beautiful flowers and trees, and so much more.

Plenty to do and see at this park, lots of playgrounds, very clean and scenic. Plenty of parking, nice park for walking...one of my favorites!

Wheaton Regional Park is a great place to take your kids, have a party, go Ice Skating, see the Butterflies, take a hike, etc. There are so many things you can do it's hard to list them all. I have lived in this area all my life (60+) and have spent many hours at Wheaton Regional Park with my kids and now my grandkids.

We took our 3 year old grandson to view the wonderful light display. We arrived right at 5:30 when they opened, which was great as it hadn't gotten crowded yet. There is a 25.00 fee per car but since the park is free at all other times we certainly didn't mind paying. This was the best light show that I had seen. Just a reminder that you walk thru this display, no driving allowed. We go to the park at other times of the year and my grandson always has a good time on the play equipment, carousel and train.

I go here frequently with my grandchildren who love the miniature train ride and historic carousel. It's a very very large, well maintained park with a large new playground area that opened a 2-3 years ago and a formal garden in another section of the park. There are easy hiking trails as well and lots of picnic space.

This is the local "BIG" park for us - so we've been here numerous times.

The park itself is quite big, and spread out east of Georgia Ave, near Randolph Road.

Facilities - bathrooms, party rooms.
Activities: Huge playground with areas for Toddlers up to Teens.
Rides: Train and Carousel - open from Memorial Day to Labor Day

Pavilions available to reserve.
There are some large grassy areas, trails and even a pond.

Would recommend: Yes
Would repatronize: Yes - have many times

Recommend: worry less about planting grass seed in flood areas, and more about removing all of the poison ivy from around the large trees in the park. It's everywhere! Including in the train waiting area.

Had a wonderful walk/hike around Pune Lake. Followed by a terrific playground with swings, sandbox, jungle gym, and loads of space to run around. Kiddie train and carousel are huge hits with the kids. Loads of fun.

Wheaton Regional Park is a best-kept-secret kind of place, right outside of DC in the heart of Silver Spring. The park includes a skating rink, horseback riding, a carousel, a miniature train, great playgrounds, and lots of picnic space. Brookside Gardens also includes seasonal attractions like the annual butterfly exhibit and holiday decorations.

This beautiful park is the setting of a huge botanical garden that is ideal for visiting any time of the year!

I love this park, lots to do and see. Playground for the little ones and lots of space for family picnics. The park also has horseback and ice-skating.

Wheaton regional has beautiful gardens as well as a dog park. This is in addition to great playgrounds so there is something for everyone!

Brookside Gardens in the jewel of Wheaton Regional Park. With a conservatory that has a butterfly show from April 17 through September, beautiful gardens, a japanese teahouse, Starting the weekend after Thanksgiving through the weekend after New Year's Day, see the fabulouse light show. Brookside Gardens is not to be missed if you are in Wheaton, Maryland. While there is a nominal charge for the special shows, a alk through the garden is free!

I've enjoyed Wheaton Regional Park off and on for over 30 years.

The walking trail out to Pine Lake, and toward the ice rink and dog park beyond, is a healthy (if level) trek. The play equipment is designed for slightly older kids, with steep slides and cable webbing that gives younger kids trouble. The many pavilions are great for picnics, and the miniature train and antique carousel are phenomenal attractions.

This is an awesome place that many people only see one part of. The Brookside gardens, with the butterfly house in the summer, are always an attraction at any time of the year. Did you know there was a Nature Center right next door? It's hidden in the woods and often overlooked, but there's a lot to see - bee hives, pond, hummingbird garden, woods, children's nature play area. . . on Friday night after sunset, you can sometimes see flying squirrels as they arrive for a snack! In other parts of the park there's a large picnic area with a huge playground, a carousel and a train, there are hiking trails, a pond, even baseball fields, indoor tennis and an ice rink!

So so park. great playground, train is great, a bit crowded, but some areas to get away from people. Some geocaches in the park too.

This regional park provides a great spot for a long quiet walk through woods and around small lakes. The trails are a combination of pavement and packed dirt, and there are very few hills or difficult climbs. The park is connected to Brookside Gardens, which is well worth a visit to meander through its many flower beds and walk around the perimeter with its lakes and gazebos. There are also some exhibits and activities for kids, including a miniature train ride. Given the location (a short ride from downtown Wheaton), it is a nice way to get away from the congestion and traffic.

For me, the highlight is Brookside Gardens--gorgeous in any season, and free. There are playgrounds, picnic tables, playing fields; and nature center (also free) and a miniature train and carousel (small fee). Your dog can run around with others in a fenced dog park, or join you (on a leash) for walks on trails in the woods or around Pine Lake (but not in Brookside Gardens). It's a large park; 2000 Shorefield is the address for the picnic areas, playground, train and carousel; 1400 Glenallan for Brookside Gardens.

Best place to have great time with friends and family members, great for everyone, great place for picnic and outdoor for groups as well! Thanks to Montgomery county!

Wheaton Regional has a huge playground with lots of equipment, a carousel and a little train. There are plenty of places to picnic also. And it's a short walk to beautiful Brookside Gardens.

Wheaton Regional is close by and offers trails to hike/walk the dog or horse back riding. It features a natural path through old oak trees. The park also has miniature train rides, the Ovid Hazen Wells Carousel as well as a path around pine lake. Tickets are $2 and are good for one ride on either the train or carousel. Riders under the age of two years old may ride the train/carousel for no fee with a paying adult.

This is walking distance to our house and we frequent it very often. We use it as a place to get our exercise as the total round trip is 3 miles. They have a hot house with displays that change with the seasons, and outside displays also that chang with the seasons. There is an area overlooking the lake where you can see the fish, frogs, and turtles and snakes which entertain the children. Theree is a monument to the people who died in the shooting attack several years ago in the area which is very touching. They also have a childrens garden and a building which houses an extensive library on plants, a lecture room,art exxhibits and on and on

This park has ample parking, a nice train ride and adventure playground for the kids, several pavilions, and plenty of paths for walking and cycling. There is plenty of nature to be had along the paths, including a lake. Enter from the other side for plenty of sports fields and options. Easy access from main streets.

The miniature train ride is cheap and very nice. The nearby carousal is also nice. good place for whole family

This park has everything all in one location. You can walk the entire park but it is spread out so it may be best to drive from one parking location to another. The park offers a vast variety of activities for all ages both indoors and outdoors. If you wish to go horseback riding they got it. They offer horseback riding on outdoor supervised trails or indoors if the weather is bad. Want to play indoor or outdoor tennis, game on! There are nature trails; baseball fields, a dog park, a sports complex not to mention a fabulous indoor ice rink. They have an actual mini train ride that you can take a scenic tour around the park to an old fashioned carousel just like in the old days. The botanical gardens both indoors and out are absolutely gorgeous. A lot of newlyweds sign up to take their wedding photo's there in the spring and summer months. Wheaton Regional Park has playgrounds, a nature center, picnic areas, a large lake and so much more for persons of all ages to relax and enjoy the day. I don't know of any other park that offers so much all in one area. There is just so much to see and do that you really need to plan ahead on what activities you wish to partake. They even offer indoor and outdoor exhibits throughout the year. Plan on spending a full day for you will want to come back and enjoy the many activities that Wheaton Regional Park has to offer. Google it at: www.montgomeryparks.org

I use the tennis courts, both indoor & outdoor extensively. The gardens are beautiful, the Nature center is nice for kids, plenty of walking paths, nice playground. My complaint is an old one as I no longer have any use for campgrounds but they used to exist & instead of fixing the bathroom like they said they would they got rid of the campgrounds (this is now ancient history)

This huge park is perfect if you want to play baseball or soccer, or bike, strolling through a quiet place to enjoy the silence of nature, having a picnic of just 2 or a large extended family of 30+, or any other outdoor activities. I've been taking my family there for 2 generations. Yes, it has changed as the community around it has become more diverse. Yet, it remains this island where so much is happening, yet you can find places where nothing is happening as well. The famous Brookside Gardens are adjacent to the Park, providing even more opportunity to enjoy nature (and either get married or enjoy watching the parade of weddings in June!) and the beauty of an award-winning truly special place.

The entire park has something for all ages: active and passive; participatory and spectator. The playground is a most unusual meeting place for parents (and grandparents) of young kids in a safe environment for all.

The Wheaton Regional Park is located in Montgomery County just a few minutes from University Blvd. (about 30 minute drive from downtown Washington D.C. It is a county park system which includes Brookside Garden, Brookside Nature Center, Wheaton Riding Stables, the Shorefield Picnic and Playground, and the Athletic Complex. Often, many visitors regard the Shorefield Picnic and Playground as "Region Regional Park because it offers playground for children, mini train, carousel and plenty of picnic area including Pine Lake. The Sign of the park is also located at the Playground on Shorefield Road. Visitors can access to all components of the park through bike path, and hiking path. It is a great park for all type of visitors including animals. It also feature various exhibits all year round. It can be access comfortably by car only.

Wheaton regional park has many trails, an ice rink in the winter, as well as many baseball fields. This very family friendly park features a little train for the little ones to ride around in, plus a beautifully planned playground. A fun outing on the weekend.

This is a great place for the entire family. The trails are nice, the pond is great for kids to try fishing. There is a huge play ground for the kids and the grilling area is spacious. There is even an area you can rent for parties. There is also the Brookside Gardens which are part of the park. This is a must see for any flower/plant lover. It includes a green house with beautiful tropical plants,

for generations,,the gardens,,the nature center..the game fields. walking paths winter light show, butterfly show,,,on and on...one of my family's favorite places.

Over the years I have taken each of my granddaughter's for one on one time with much enjoyment. They each have opened up and shared their joy on the carousel and the train. We have captured each visit with merry-go round photo's, and ice cream while waiting for the train to pull into the station. The train ride allows you to enjoy the beautiful grounds surrounding the park. Memories are terrific and the pace of these rides are laid back and each child asks for the next time we can go back and share Wheaton regional park again.

One section of the park is the Brookside Gardens, which I love to ramble in. There are seasonal flowers, and Japanese pavilion, many trees--really accessible near major arteries but the park feels secluded and far from the traffic.

I love this park. It is well maintained, and the kids area is large enough for a ton of kids. We have had several family cook outs in the park, and it has always been fun. The Halloween train is awesome too.

This park offers so many activities, trails, and space to explore. I love to run the hilly trails which weave through areas with a pond, gardens, dog park, skating rinks, play areas, rideable train, carousel, and much more. The park is well maintained and have quite a few convenient access points by car, by bike, or on foot. The gardens are well maintained with year-long flora and sites of interest.

This is one of the best parks in the Silver Spring area! It has a huge playground for kids, one of the best maintained with the most variety I have seen in the greater DC region. There is also a formal garden area a short walk away with a duck pound, island, and rose garden which is lovely for couples who want a quite walk around to relax. There is also a small chessboard that was installed by a family in honor of someone and it wonderful to sit and play a game or two surrounded by trees and flowers.

It's a nice regional park. If you're in silver spring and want to walk around then go. Good, easy trails, some formal gardens

At any given time of the year, Brookside Gardens abound with flowers in bloom, memorable and picturesque views by the ponds and grounds, and the ducks, geese, and herons join walkers as they stroll through meticulous and gloriously crafted trails. Peace, tranquility, and calm abound and reenergize the spirit as one walks through the Gardens and enjoy the views, the visitors, listen to music, and just be.

Our mycological association often has fungi identification forays in Spring and Fall at Wheaton Regional Park. Although our use of the forests and fields is focused, we do observe all the various venues and attractions for families that make it so popular for groups with kids.

Huge park - so many things to do here. But we went on a Monday and the attractions were closed. Our grandson did enjoy the playground area a lot and we hope to come back again with him when the other things are open.

I have been walking my dogs here for a decade. It's my favorite place to chill out. Even though the park is wedged between several major roads, you'd never know it once you're in the woods.

I love this park. If you have a family please visit because it is one of the few places in Silver Spring that has large open spaces for children to run around in. They also have a lovely light event at Christmas.

My grandchildren love this park... unusual playground apparatus, twisty slides, plus a train and merry-go-round. Could use more playground stuff for the toddler set.

We bring our almost 5-yr-old frequently to this park. It has something for every developmental stage (until probably in their early tweens), and a great addition is that it has a functioning and clean-ish bathroom until pretty late into the winter. The walking path is beautiful, too, and has a nature center. We also stop by at H Mart that is right by the park for an easy picnic lunch.

We spent a whole day here while visiting family. We took our 4 year old granddaughter and had a wonderful time. There is so much for the children to do. Playgrounds with lots of equipment for them to play on. There is a lovely train ride and a carousel. There are also lovely picnic areas. There is also a lovely botanical garden with a small lake and a butterfly house with the most beautiful butterflies. Definitely worth a visit.

Lots of space to play and playground equipment for children. The highlight of the park is a small gauge train ride and a vintage carousel.

This park is huge with so many different attraction and activities that its just plain mind bending all the fun activities you can accomplish in this totally family activity park.

This regional park is completely surrounded by residential area which tends to be medium density garden apartments and single homes.(except for a spur connection to Northwest Branch park),

Its multiple faces appear depending on which entrance you use. From Georgian Ave. you pass a shopping center (where you could obtain pizza, Ice cream, or take-away grocery food) and enter the playground / picnic side. This is also where the station for the small scale train ride is.
From Arcola Rd you enter the sports area: several top grade baseball fields, a tennis bubble, soccer/lacrosse field, and an ice rink.
Take Randolph Rd or Kemp Mill Rd to entrances on Glenallan Ave to access the Nature Center and Brookville Gardens.
All sections are connected by walkways through the wooded area and makes for pleasant walks/strolls. The equestrian center offer the riding lessons and trail rides on dedicated trail into NW Branch park.

I go here often for runs. I haven't been inside the greenhouse or nature center, but I can say that the paths are well maintained and the setting is picturesque.

If you like gardens, woods, nighttime light adventures, nature and butterflies, a visit to Brookside Gardens welcomes all ages of folks every season of the year. There is a pathway for walkers or wheelchairs, there's a children's garden, a most wonderful fregrence garden, a rose garden, a gazebo overlooking a pond, a pathway around a lake and through the woods and scheduled activities to numerous to list. This magical place is a part of Wheaton Regional Park. It's free and there's plenty of parking.

Walking trails, picnic tables, great botanical garden, dog park, excellent playground, merry-go-round, train ride, ice skating rink, horseback riding, tennis bubble and ball fields, Wheaton Park has all these attractions. There are several entrances, but all are connected with walking trails. A lake sits in the center.

We are huge fans of Brookside Gardens, part of the Wheaton Regional Park. These recently renovated gardens have a large greenhouse with ever changing exhibits, huge ponds, several Japanese pavilions, children's gardens, two shops, a library, and areas where public training courses in gardening, gardening festivals, and plant sales occur. This is a large and gorgeous park with ever changing plantings, many wooded areas with walkways, pond overlooks with chances to view fish and turtles, wild ducks and geese, and many other attractions. The splendid rose garden all by itself is worth the trip there. Free to the public, parking is rather limited. The area is linked to the Brookside Nature Center, which has taxidermied animal exhibits plus some live reptiles and animals, a small library, and nature experts on hand to answer questions. There is also a linked children's play area via a pathway from Brookside Gardens, as well as a nearby public riding stable.

Wheaton Regional Parks also boast an ice rink, a number of sports stadiums and playing fields. As we are nature rather than sports buffs, I know less about them.

If you go to Wheaton Regional Park, you should know that the nearby Wheaton Regional Library right on Georgia Avenue boosts a huge public bookstore on their ground floor, where many hardbacks are $1.00 and many paperbacks are 50 cents. The range of titles is impressive, as they come not only from Montgomery Libraries, but also from private estates. This may be the DC areas best bookstore. It is certainly the most diverse and cheapest.

The park is very big with stuff for all ages and activity levels.
There are a few different parking lots at different points around the park.

It has a nice Nature Center, Botanical gardens (multiple green-houses by the parking area) beautifully landscaped trails through the outdoor garden, hiking trails, the kids park with carousel and mini train, Ice Rink and more. It is an inexpensive way to spend time as a family or anyone that just needs a place to spend some time.

There are both things to do for free and other items that cost a nominal fee.