Last updated: 9/16/2018
Columbia, Maryland
Address
6692 Cedar Lane
Columbia, MD 21042

Hours

Daily Admission to Trails/Building
Wednesday - Saturday
9 AM - 5 PM
Sunday
12 PM - 5 PM
The Center is closed Mondays & Tuesdays. Also closed Apr 1, Jul 4, Nov 22 & 23, 2018.
Birthday parties are scheduled on the weekends during the following time slots.
Saturday
10 AM - 12 PM & 2 PM - 4 PM
Sunday
11:59 PM - 11:59 PM & 2 PM - 4 PM
Please note that maximum occupancy of the birthday rooms (40 people) is set and enforced by the Office of the Fire Marshal. Any violations could result in fines. If you would like to invite more than 40 guests, please speak to the Rental Coordinator about renting a larger space. If more than 40 guests arrive on the day of your party, only 40 will be permitted to enter the birthday party room.

Admissions

Group visits must be booked in advance.

Family, Individual, Senior and "Friends"-level annual passes are available.

Adults: $5
Children (3-17): $3
Children under 3: Free

Staff

Marisa Olszewski
phone: 410-313-0400
Description

The Robinson Nature Center is a unique nature education facility situated on 18 acres of land adjacent to the Middle Patuxent Environmental Area, which provides over 1,000 acres of forest, meadows and river valley to explore. The three-story center is nestled into a hillside and was designed from the very beginning with energy conservation and sustainability in mind.

It uses the newest proven technologies designed to maximize energy conservation and the use of renewable resources. Geothermal heating/air-conditioning, porous paving, solar panels which will generate 15% of electric needs, innovative water conservation methods, and a host of other features make this building environmentally friendly and, upon certification, one of only three LEED Certified Platinum buildings in the State. This project was made possible through the foresight and generosity of James and Anne Robinson and the James and Anne Robinson Foundation.

Interactive and multisensory exhibits for all ages
NatureSphere, a digital planetarium and dome-style theater, with programs and movies
Two-story “Life of the Forest” exhibit
Children’s Discovery Room with hands-on activities
Classrooms and auditorium with seating for 150 people
Natural and cultural history exhibits
Wildlife viewing area
Balcony and green rooftop for outdoor nature viewing

Trail

The trail is approximately 1 mile of rugged, wooded terrain. It includes a stream crossing, passes along the Middle Patuxent River and guides visitors to the old mill race and ruins of the Simpsonville Mill

Rental Information available.

Facilities
Auditoriums
Lecture Halls
Performance Areas
Services
Rental Packages

The Nature Center offers room rentals and facility package rentals for large events and weddings. Rental requests can be made by calling, 410-313-0400, or visiting the nature center.

Event rentals are permissible Wednesday through Sunday. The nature center is open to the public Wednesday through Saturday 9 AM to 5 PM and Sunday 12 PM to 5 PM. Rentals may not begin earlier than 8 AM or end later than 11 PM.

Robinson Nature Center Gift Shop

The Robinson Nature Center gift shop is open Weds - Sat; 9 AM - 5 PM and Sun; Noon - 5 PM or during special programs and events. Access to the gift shop does not require admission.

We carry a variety of sustainable goods including local honey, science kits, field guides, books, children's toys, puppets, astronomy items and much more. Please stop and buy!

Gift Shop
Special Event Rental
Group Tours
ADA
Wheelchair Accessible
Exhibitions
Museum Events
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