Robinson Nature Center

6692 Cedar Lane Columbia, MD 21044 Directions: PDF | Google Maps  Phone: 410-313-0400 Hours: Wed.- Sat., 9 AM-5 PM Sun., Noon-5 PM The Center is closed Mondays & Tuesdays, and will be closed on Wednesday, July 4 2012.
Daily Admission Information*: Adults $5 Children (3-17 yrs) $3 Under 3 FREE * Wednesdays are complimentary for families and individuals. Group visits are subject to admission fees and must be booked in advance. Family, Individual, Senior and other annual passes are available. For more information, see Annual Passes

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. Geothermal heating/air-conditioning, porous paving, solar panels which generate 15% of electric needs, innovative water conservation methods and a host of other features make this building environmentally friendly and 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. Come see for yourself what the center offers:

• Interactive and multisensory exhibits for all ages   
• NatureSphere, a digital planetarium and dome-style theater, with programs and movies 
• Children’s Discovery Room with hands-on activities
• Nature trail with views of the Middle Patuxent River
• Balcony and green rooftop for outdoor nature viewing   
• Classrooms and auditorium with seating for 150 people

Upcoming Special Events:

River Watch Monitoring Event - Sunday, May 20, 2 - 4 PM. Come learn about the amazing Middle Patuxent and how to test water quality in your own backyard. Program is complimentary, but registration is recquired. Space in this program is limited. Call 410-313-0400 to confirm open spots left.

Attention Teachers:

The nature center is now accepting registrations for field trips. Click here for our field trip brochure. Click here for our field trip registration form. 

Spring and Summer Programs:

Robinson Spring programs are wrapping up and Summer programs are beginning! To download or view the Spring 2012 program brochure, click here. To download or view the Summer 2012 program brochure, click here.

To register online, click here.

Upcoming Nature Programs:

Discovery Days program - Saturday, May 19, 11 - 11:30 AM. Complimentary with RNC annual pass or daily admission.  3 - 7 year olds can join us to learn about Dandy Dandelions and what makes them so special. Space is limited to the first 12 children and their parents. No registration required.

Upcoming Planetarium Programs & Full-dome Movies in the NatureSphere: 

Zula Patrol full-dome feature - Saturday, May 19, 11:30 AM – Noon. Tickets are $3 with RNC daily admission or annual pass and are sold at the front desk. This children's movie is appropriate for families with children over the age of 3. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Call 410-313-0400 for more information.

Black Holes full-dome feature - Saturday, May 19, 1:30 - 2 PM. Tickets are $3 with RNC daily admission or annual pass and are sold at the front desk. This movie is best for families with children over the age of 10. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Call 410-313-0400 for more information.

Click  here for details on our full-dome features.

Summer Camps:

The Robinson Nature Center and the Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks offer many different summer camp programs. Registration is open for all of our summer camps. To find out more about those programs, click here. Download and view a brochure that highlights the nature, archeology and astronomy offerings by clicking here. 

Rentals and Birthday Parties:

Click here for Rental Information
Click here for Birthday Party Packages 

In the News

Robinson Nature Center Earns Awards for Excellence in Construction and Sustainability.

Attention Volunteers  

Get information about volunteering for the Robinson Nature Center.

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. Click here to view the Nature Center map.

Check back soon for more information!