Robinson Nature Center

If you are looking for a nature center on the lines of the Irvine Nature Center in Owings Mills then you will be disappointed. The inside lacks much that is alive and it is more like a science center. Over the past year they have worked on making the area surrounding it much more interesting to explore. There is a nice walk to the old mill and on to the river. Annie’s garden is very pretty in the spring with carpets of snowdrops. Nothing much has changed inside since it has opened so it’s not worth buying a yearly pass.

Love, love, LOVE this place! Great for play dates or mommy-​and-​me time during the week. Originally came at the suggestion of a friend with my two year old for something to do during the summer. Was so thrilled with the rooms, activities and exhibits that we bought a year membership.
So many wonderful things to do and see, lots of interactive play and great for social interaction for the littles. The staff is incredible, kind, and helpful. Love coming here!

Howard County’s «new» nature center (it’s been open about 5 years) lives up to expectations considering the area it’s located. The building is a beautiful example of architecture made for both visitors, clients, and park staff. Overall it was a pleasant experience, although it somehow feels just short of the size of Patuxent or the style of Watkins. I think it’s the fact that they charge you for visiting here whereas the others are free, which makes it feel not quite worth it.
Inside, there are some lovely exhibits on the history of the area (including environmental impact), the Chesapeake watershed, the seasons and animals of the region, and current environmental programs. The exhibits are nicely done and informative, although repeated use has left the occasional button or slide in disrepair. You could spend quite some time in here just reading every panel, but if you have a little child they will burn through it quite fast.
Inside the building, they have a planetarium (costs extra) and a discovery room, neither of which we used. In addition to the nature center, you’ll find many trails heading off into the nearby woods and rural areas. We did not travel these, so I cannot attest to the information signs or the quality of sights, although I expect them to be similar to other parks.
Admission is $ 5 for adult ($ 3 for teenagers and children), although Wednesdays are free. If you’re a local, you can save some money with the annual passes, which are $ 50 for an entire immediate family (parents and children) for the year. Also check out their schedule of events and programs for a number of unique activities (ranging from free to a few bucks).

Fantastic and soooo modern. Very secluded and Very frank Lloyd wright. Live beehive on first floor (behind glass). Lots of things to do and painted animals. No stuffed creatures. So beautiful and interactive. Great place for picnics and parties. A planetarium on first floor, but didn’t get to check it out. A children’s garden out front and an oyster recycling place you can put used oysters. Lots of paved paths. Very handicap friendly!!! Elevators everywhere and lots of ramps. A liitle dark in nocturnal exhibit, I wound up tripping in there. Only complaint. Nice clean men’s/ women’s/ family bathrooms.

I have been here for a chocolate making class as well as a planetarium exhibit on black holes. It’s a wonderful place with lots to admire; it’s beautiful on the inside as well as the out and the staff are so friendly and knowledgeable. I think it makes a great place for a date night or just a nice place to visit if your up for a quite tour through a nature exhibit. You can learn so many great things about nature here. Guys impress your ladies and do something less routine; how many movie /​dinner nights can you do in a row before you just seem like your running the same plan over and over. The best part about RNC is it’s just near the ²⁹⁄₃₂ merger so it’s super easy to get too.

Free on Wednesdays! $ 5 for adults, $ 3 kids (3 – 17) and under 3 is free on Thurs — Sunday with Monday and Tuesdays closed.
This place is pretty awesome. It’s completely GREEN-​FRIENDLY! The nature center is unique and pretty large on 18 acres of land! They used geothermal heating and air-​conditioning, solar panels, porous paving on the concrete/​parking areas, water conservation methods, etc! Everything you’d want in a truly green house is right in this nature center and the surrounding 18 acres.
There are several walking nature paths surrounding the area. Although I went during the winter months, it was still pretty.
There were interactive exhibits for adults and kids. There was a room filled with activities for little ones for them to explore different things like textures of certain animals, tiny aquariums, etc. I would say for ages 3 – 12. I believe they hold special activities throughout the seasons and you should check the schedule for them. There is a NatureSphere but it wasn’t open on the Wednesday I came but it’s a planetarium. There were also a couple of classrooms downstairs.
This place is neat and worth checking out. even if you don’t have a small one who likes exploring. You’ll still learn about the region of Columbia and what it was like before now. For instance, we have flying nocturnal squrills in
Columbia! And, this region used to be full of bison, elk and black bears. AND once this area was cleared for farming and full of farm land but now the trees are growing back towards a mature forest.