A jewel of a retreat in Prince George?s

Walking or biking through miles of deciduous forest may prove the perfect relaxation after a hectic work week. Watkins is also home to the Watkins Nature Center, the Regional Park miniature train, the Old Maryland Farm and the Watkins Miniature Golf Course. Taken all together and adding five lighted softball fields, two outdoor basketball courts, four lighted outdoor tennis courts and five indoor tennis courts at the Watkins Tennis Bubble, one weekend visit may not be enough.

“Some of the attractions, like the carousel and the miniature train are seasonal, open now only weekends through September,” said Becky Berbig, the park’s office secretary. “But the other attractions [and] the camp grounds are open year round and many people choose to camp when attending a [park] event.”

Indeed, outdoor lovers may want to call Watkins Regional Park “home away from home” at one of its 34 campsites. Here, picnic areas are sheltered, comfort stations are provided, and there is a paved, 1.7-mile circuitous hiker and biker trail and even a playground for the kids.

The idea here is, obviously, to commune with nature.

And what better way than at the Watkins Nature Center? Live animal displays feature native owls, hawks and a variety of reptiles.

Old Maryland Farm is an educational farm facility open to the public. 

“We’ve done a lot of improvements to the park,” Garrity said, referring to the walkway and the Indoor Tennis Bubble.

Berbig is pleased to list the multiple special events going on at the park throughout the year.

“We have a “Kinderfest” the first Sunday in October,” she said, “as well as various charity walkathons.”

Watkins Regional Park