Here's spot we have been wanting to check out....looks like it opens up to the public again in April:
http://www.ahs.org/meadow

Anyone taken their kids to Rachel Carson Conservation trails?

http://www.montgomeryparks.org/PPSD/ParkTrails/trails_MAPS/Rachel_Carson.shtm

OP here...this is an AWESOME list! Thank you all so much.

Brookside, Meadowside, Locust Grove, Agricultural Farm History Park:
http://www.montgomeryparks.org/nature_centers/

Living Classrooms in Glen Echo

Anonymous wrote:This is a good time to go to Blackwater, before mosquito season.
We have been to Watkins Nature Center as part of a trip to Brookside Gardens. You can walk to the gardens from the nature center parking lot.
Rock Creek Park has a nature center and a nice little loop trail along the creek, best on weekends when Beach Drive is closed. The trail starts from the northwest side of the stables.
I plan to check out Gunston Hall and Mason Neck park nearby.

I think this pp might be confused. Brookside Gardens is close to Brookside Nature Center, but Watkins Nature Center is in a completely different town and county.

We found some cool critters at the Kenilworth Aquatic gardens, but I don't know if any of the waterlilies bloom this early.

Brookside gardens is great, but again, I think the butterfly house (which is the main, curated "nature" attraction) opens in May.

This is a good time to go to Blackwater, before mosquito season.
We have been to Watkins Nature Center as part of a trip to Brookside Gardens. You can walk to the gardens from the nature center parking lot.
Rock Creek Park has a nature center and a nice little loop trail along the creek, best on weekends when Beach Drive is closed. The trail starts from the northwest side of the stables.
I plan to check out Gunston Hall and Mason Neck park nearby.

Watkins Park Nature Center has some birds of prey that are injured that live in cages (they're not "rehabilitated" since they're injured and likely wouldn't survive in the wild) and also has some turtles, owls and other cool things inside. In the park is also a carousel, mini golf, train ride, farm and playground. It's an awesome place that doesn't get enough attention, probably because it's in central PG county.

I've always wanted to do a day outing to Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge (in Cambridge, MD).

These are great suggestions! Please keep them coming

We are fans of Woodend in Chevy Chase...small but perfect for a quick little hike and nice to see in all different seasons.
http://www.audubonnaturalist.org/index.php/about-ans/sanctuaries/woodend-chevy-chase-md

Anonymous wrote:My gang has always enjoyed the 2 mile loop at Huntley Meadows in Alexandria. The nature center is small, but the walk is lovely - through a boardwalk over the marsh area, and then in the woods. Always puts everyone in a good mood. Lots of birds there too.

We also like Huntley Meadows and go there once or twice a year.

My favorite type of outing! I've included some places that are great for a nature lover, but don’t necessarily have nature centers.
Hidden Oaks Nature Center – small but nice programs (Annandale, VA)
Brookside Gardens - (Wheaton, MD)
Huntley Meadows (Alexandria, VA)
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens - has an entry fee (Vienna, VA)
Occoquan Regional Park - let's you rent canoes/kayaks (Lorton, VA)
Pohick Bay Reginal Park - also lets you rent canoes/kayaks (Lorton, VA)
Keniworth Aquatic Gardens - best when flowers are in bloom (Washington, DC)
Mason Neck State Park (Lorton, VA)
Prince William Forest Park
Calvert Cliffs State Park – hunt for fossils and hike, but this place is a little bit of a farther drive

As something different to do - I love getting out on the water for a quiet paddle. Totally different way to observe nature. I call it hiking with my arms .

The post had an article on gardens to visit - http://www.washingtonpost.com/gog/best-bets/best-gardens,102153.html?hpid=z13
Some of them may appeal to your kids – not all are formal gardens.

Many of those parks also have tours or activities that may appeal to your kids.

My gang has always enjoyed the 2 mile loop at Huntley Meadows in Alexandria. The nature center is small, but the walk is lovely - through a boardwalk over the marsh area, and then in the woods. Always puts everyone in a good mood. Lots of birds there too.

national arboretum is great

We are doing a spring break staycation and would love to visit a variety of different nature centers/experiences in the area. We are fairly new so any and all suggestions are welcome. My kids are age 7 and 10 and both are huge nature nuts. Willing to drive and turn a visit into a long day trip if it is really a good spot.

Thanks!