Park and Recreation - Prince Georges County MD

Nature Makers Space: Basquiat Inspirations
2026-02-20 16:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York)
Join us for a variety of projects and activities utilizing materials from the natural world. We will embark on a new creative endeavor to make anything from color-changing lemonade to baskets woven out of invasive species. Come explore what your hands can create using natural materials!

Osprey Talk
2026-02-28 13:00 - 15:00
Learn from a naturalist about ospreys and the research and conservation efforts happening around the state to help preserve this remarkable species. Check in at the Visitors Center when you arrive at Patuxent River Park.

Youth Aviators: Pilot Module
2026-03-07 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-03-14 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-03-21 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-03-28 10:00 - 10:30
Take off into the fundamentals of piloting in this session of the Youth Aviators Program. Participants will explore key topics from the Private Pilot FAA Knowledge Exam through interactive lessons, test their knowledge along the way, and connect with experienced pilots. Students will also get hands-on experience using flight simulators. Participants must be able to commit to all four Saturdays of the program.

Crossover Classic
2026-03-20 19:00 - 21:30
Teens will compete in a three-on-three basketball tournament in two age brackets. There will be additional fun activities, such as a dunk contest, mid-court shot competition, video games, food, and music.

Laugh Out Loud at Marlow Heights
2026-03-20 19:00 - 22:00
Get ready to laugh out loud at the LOL Comedy Show, designed just for teens! This high-energy event delivers clean, engaging comedy in a fun and welcoming environment. Featuring professional comedians who know how to connect with the 12–17 age group, the show is packed with humor that’s relatable, appropriate, and entertaining for all.More than just a comedy show, it’s an opportunity for teens to come together, enjoy great vibes, and share an unforgettable evening of laughter with friends.

Join us at Marlow Heights Community Center on March 20 at 7 PM for three hours of fun, connection, and nonstop laughs. Don’t miss it!Featuring Comedians: Baybayent, Nookwitahookup and Ayye Pap.

Teen Vocal Showcase
2026-03-21 18:00 - 21:00
Calling all teen vocalists! Register today to audition for the Teen Vocal Showcase 2026. This vocal performance opportunity is for Prince George’s County pre-teens ages 10 to 12 and teens 13-18. Selected participants will have a chance to perform and complete in a showcase at the historic Public Playhouse for prizes ranging from $500 to $1,000!

Audition Dates:

Audition #1: November 15, 2025, at Suitland High School (5200 Silver Hill Rd., Forestville 20747)

Audition #2: November 22, 2025, at John Addison Concert Hall at Harmony Hall Arts Center (10701 Livingston Rd, Fort Washington, Maryland 20774)

Audition #3: December 13, 2025, at Kentland Community Center (2413 Pinebrook Ave., Landover 20785)

Audition #4: January 3, 2026, at Deerfield Run Community Center (13000 Laurel – Bowie Rd. Laurel, Maryland 20708)

Audition Times:

10 am-3 pm

Five minute slots

Showcase:

Saturday, March 21, 2026, 6 pm–9 pm

Audition Music:

Participants must have music downloaded on an MP4 flash drive or saved on their cell phones. (Please note: Adults will operate cell phones for participants. Cell phones must remain in airplane mode for no interruptions. Secular music is prohibited)

Prize Money

1st Place Winnings $1000

2nd Place Winnings $500

Registration Fee: FREE (must be 18 years old by March 30, 2026, to participate. Attend and show proof of Prince Georges County Public Schools via school ID, school max, etc.)

Teen Vocal Showcase
All participants must provide proof of school by providing school ID and/or License to show proof of age and school attending. All participants must attend Prince Georges County Public Schools/Private Schools.

Name(Required)

First

Last

School Name(Required)Date Of Birth(Required)

MM slash DD slash YYYY

Grade(Required)Please enter a number from 1 to 12.Gender Prefrence(Required)Student Phone Number(Required)Parent Phone Number(Required)Student Email(Required)

Enter Email

Confirm Email

Parent Email(Required)

Enter Email

Confirm Email

Instagram NameGenre Of Music(Required)Who/What Is Your Musical Inspiration(Required)What Do You Want To Be When You Grow Up(Required)How Did You Find Out About UsNumber

Annual Seasonal Career Fair
2026-03-28 10:00 - 14:00
M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County, is a great place to start your career adventure! For more information, visit pgparks.com/careers.

Ranger Run Club
2026-04-01 14:30 - 15:30
Become part of our Ranger Run Club as you join a Park Ranger for monthly trail, road, or mixed‑terrain runs of varying distances and locations throughout Prince George’s County, with running experience preferred. This month’s three‑mile paved run will take place on the Anacostia River Trail at Bladensburg Waterfront Park; for questions, contact felipa.fontes@pgparks.com or the Park Ranger office at 301‑627‑7755.

Teen Fashion Intensive
2026-04-01 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-04-02 18:30 - 20:30
This spring break, we’re opening the doors to a two-day experience designed just for high school students who are ready to learn, grow, and shine. Our Spring Break Runway & Creative Boot Camp is all about confidence, creativity, and fun — wrapped in a welcoming, supportive environment. Over the course of two days, students will explore Runway & Modeling Basics. We’ll guide them through pose work, posture, stage presence, and beginner-friendly runway etiquette. Choreography & Movement Students will learn simple, exciting routines that help build coordination, expression, and teamwork. In Professional Etiquette, we’ll show them the essentials for thriving in creative spaces, from communication to punctuality. Show Etiquette covers how to prepare backstage, carry themselves onstage, and represent themselves with confidence. Social Media 101 is a fun crash course on creating safe, polished, and professional content in the digital age. This boot camp is designed to be uplifting, engaging, and memorable — a place where students can express themselves freely, meet new friends, and discover new talents while they’re out of school for spring break. We can’t wait to pour into them, empower them, and help their inner star shine. Let’s make this spring break one they’ll never forget! Join us for a fun and uplifting two-day boot camp for high school students.

April 1 and 2 Registration

Beaks, Feet, & Feathers Boat Tour
2026-04-02 12:00 - 13:00
Board a pontoon boat for a quiet, cruise on one of Prince George’s County’s beautiful rivers. Join a naturalist onboard the park pontoon boat to explore all things birds, while cruising down the Anacostia River.

Family Bike Ride
2026-04-03 13:00 - 14:30
Enjoy a guided bicycle tour along the Anacostia River Trail, where you’ll ride at a light to moderate pace, stop at various points to learn about the river, and take advantage of free bike and helmet use, or bring your own, for this low‑impact outdoor adventure. Participants must be able to ride a bike, stay with the group, and come ready to enjoy the fresh air, fitness benefits, and the natural beauty highlighted by your park guide.

Wings of Watkins
2026-04-04 10:30 - 11:00
Come face-to-face with a powerful bird of prey! Learn all about what makes raptors so incredible, then enjoy a thrilling training session and watch a bird take flight in an exciting live demonstration. Parent/chaperone of children attending this program must also be registered to attend.

Tarmac Tour
2026-04-04 11:00 - 12:00
Explore the College Park Airport up close! Enjoy a tour of the airport’s tarmac while learning about the many “firsts” that happened on the airfield and how the airport is used today. This tour lasts about one hour, takes place outdoors, and requires visitors to traverse paved asphalt, grass, and slightly uneven gravel. Participants must be at least 12 years old.

Registration required by April 1, 2026, for the event on April 4.Registration required by April 29, 2026, for the event on May 2.

House Party Jam
2026-04-10 19:00 - 22:00
Come to the ultimate dance inspired by the ‘90s “Pajama Jammie Jam” with a modern twist. Think bold colors, comfy fits, and nonstop music that keeps the party going all night. Slip into your freshest pajamas or loungewear and join us for a night of dancing, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

Sensory-Friendly Days in Nature
2026-04-12 09:00 - 10:30
Beat the crowd and visit the Nature Center off-hours for a special self-paced program for those with sensory processing differences. Each sensory-friendly day will feature a “touch table” of animal artifacts, access to sensory play bins and fidget toys, and a fun, easy craft.

Terrific Turtles of MD
2026-04-12 10:30 - 12:00
Join Naturalist and Herpetologist Hailey Christoph to learn about the different turtle species found in Maryland and how to identify them, including meeting some of the nature center’s ambassador turtles. Weather permitting, you may even head outside to find additional turtles, and by the end of the program you’ll feel like a true turtle expert.

Basic Birding 101
2026-04-14 09:00 - 10:30, 2026-04-18 09:00 - 10:30
Grab your binoculars, or borrow a pair from us, and join our naturalist for a birdwatching adventure during the spring migration season. Enjoy the beauty of nature as you search for the many birds moving through our area.

Nature Makers Space: Easter centerpieces
2026-04-17 16:00 - 18:00
Bring out your creative genius as you explore fun projects that build self‑confidence and self‑expression, from making and decorating various crafts to experimenting with natural‑world materials. Together, we’ll embark on imaginative endeavors as we discover what your hands can create using nature’s resources.

Aquatic Employment Fair
2026-04-18 10:00 - 13:00
Looking for a fun and exciting job? Consider a position with the M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County on the Aquatics team. Applicants must be 15 years of age to work for M-NCPPC. Pay starts at $18/hour and more. Come prepared for pre-employment screening. Bring your towel, swimsuit, and goggles.

Get CertifiedM-NCPPC offers FREE* Lifeguard Training to prospective employees. M-NCPPC even offers Lifeguard Prep Swim Lessons for those who need to improve their swimming skills to help pass the Lifeguarding Pre-Test.*If a participant takes a Department Lifeguarding class, does not pass, does not apply, and/or get hired by M-NCPPC, they will have to pay the course fees.

Positions Include:Ramp Guard/Slide Attendant – $18.52Assistant Pool Manager (Must be at least 18) – Earn up to $24.31/hourLifeguard – Earn up to $21.42/hourPool Manager (Must be at least 21) – Earn up to $26.63/hourShallow Water Lifeguard (Glenn Dale Splash Park/summer only) – Earn up to $19.91/hourSwim Lesson Aide – Earn up to $22.57/hourSwim Lesson Instructor – Earn up to $26.63/hourWater Fitness Instructor (salary will depend on certification and experience)

Benefits Include:Flexible schedulesFree uniformsOn-site supervisorsPaid trainingYear-round jobs and promotions

Gardening for All: Direct Sow Crops
2026-04-19 10:30 - 11:30
Connect with sustainable gardening and landscaping as you learn practical tips on backyard design, unique uses of plant materials, and seasonal maintenance while practicing hands‑on skills in our gardens to support the native ecosystem. Please wear outdoor‑appropriate clothing and sun protection, and feel free to call us with any questions.

Dallas Black Dance Theatre (School Groups Only)
2026-04-24 10:30 - 11:45
Middle & High School students can enjoy an abbreviated performance from the acclaimed Dallas Black Dance Theatre (DBDT), including a brief talkback after the show. For nearly 50 years, DBDT has mesmerized audiences with its spellbinding performances and educational programs that bridge cultures and reach diverse communities. Founded in 1976, DBDT is the oldest, continuously operating professional dance company in Dallas. The ensemble, a contemporary modern dance company, consists of experienced, full-time dancers performing a mixed repertory of modern, jazz, ethnic, and spiritual works by nationally and internationally known choreographers. Their repertoire includes works by Alvin Ailey, Elisa Monte, Milton Myers, Asadata Dafora, Matthew Rushing, Christopher L. Huggins, Twyla Tharp, and others. For Grades 7-12. Groups of 20+ can call 301-277-1710 for Group Sales or fill out the online request form.

Animal Encounters: Herp Awakening
2026-04-25 11:00 - 12:00
Come meet the nature center’s live reptiles, amphibians, and birds of prey, and discover how interacting with animals can boost your mood and support mental wellness, while learning about their natural habitats. Our animal friends look forward to greeting you, and classes will be held outdoors.

Night Hike: Amphibians!
2026-04-25 19:00 - 20:30
Join a naturalist for a nocturnal, nature‑themed hike through the park, exploring Watkins Park after dark in search of elusive nocturnal amphibians while learning about their habitats, lifecycles, and identification. Since this primarily outdoor activity depends on weather, please dress appropriately, wear comfortable shoes, bring a flashlight if you have one, and note that parents or chaperones attending family programs must also be registered.

Fishing Trip
2026-04-26 09:00 - 11:30
Learn about casting, handling fish, fishing safety, and fish biology in this beginner‑friendly, weather‑dependent program while enjoying a morning of fishing on the Anacostia River from a pontoon boat. Rods and bait are provided (or you may bring your own), and children under 16 must be accompanied by a registered adult participant.

Get Up, Get Active!
2026-05-01 19:00 - 22:00
Get up! Get active! Join us for a high-energy teen night packed with a live Zumba class and fun, competitive games that will keep you moving, laughing, and hyped all night. Fitness has never been this fun!
