Watkins Regional Park — Attraction in Mitchellville

A Day of Fresh Air and Family Fun at Watkins Regional Park, Upper Marlboro, MD

I recently spent a wonderful day at Watkins Regional Park in Upper Marlboro, MD, and left energized by the scenery, activities, and welcoming atmosphere. It’s the perfect escape for families, friends, or anyone needing a little outdoor time with a lot of heart.

What makes Watkins shine Beautiful, walkable grounds: The park is beautifully maintained with wide, shady paths, scenic views, and inviting open spaces that are ideal for picnics, strolls, or a relaxed jog. Variety of activities: From the spacious playgrounds and splash pads to the picnic areas and tranquil lake, there’s something for every age and interest. It’s easy to spend a full day exploring and then unwinding at a quiet spot. Wildlife and nature: The local wildlife adds a gentle sense of discovery—birdwatching along the trails can be surprisingly meditative and rewarding. Family-friendly layout: Clear signage, well-kept restrooms, and accessible paths make it easy to navigate with kids, strollers, or a group of friends. Community vibe: The park feels like a welcoming community hub—people from the neighborhood come to exercise, gather, and enjoy time outdoors together.

Highlights and must-dos Pack a picnic and enjoy lakefront seating with a breeze. Take a scenic stroll on the trails to spot local birds and admire the landscaping. Bring a frisbee or a ball for a quick game at the open fields. If you’re visiting with kids, make sure to check out the playgrounds and splash zones for a refreshing break.

Practical tips Check the weather and plan for shade and sun exposure with sunscreen and hats. Arrive early for easier parking and a more tranquil experience, especially on weekends. Bring water, snacks, and a light blanket for a comfortable picnic setup. Respect the space: keep trails clean and follow park rules to preserve the beauty for everyone.

Bottom line Watkins Regional Park in Upper Marlboro, MD is a welcoming, versatile outdoor gem perfect for a family day out, a serene solo visit, or a relaxing weekend with friends. It’s easy to spend hours soaking in nature, playing a game, or simply enjoying the sunshine. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a refreshing escape...

I always have a blast and so does my son at this particular Park. June 15th 2019 was their annual Juneteenth celebration. It was my first time going and I had the best time. From the artist on the stage, to the vendors selling they're unique crafts. To the enormous amount of food trucks, and just the great vibe. The park was on it as soon as you came on their premises. They had signs and people to tell you where to go, they also showed you where to park and where the venue was. But all you had to do was Lily's follow the smell of barbecue in the air. I cannot stress enough of how many food trucks there were out there. There was something for everybody, they had ice cream, they had Dunkin Donuts, they had the tender rib, they had this one food truck where I stop and taste it their food. They were from Baltimore but they also had a New Orleans themed restaurant. They had gator bites, and gator sausage. But because I was trying to feed myself and my child I had to wind up with the chicken tenders and french fries. The french fries could have been more in the basket for the amount that they were. The chicken tenders were huge chicken tenders so you definitely got your money from the chicken tenders. But it tastes like they fried it in there Fish Grease instead of chicken grease which is definitely a different taste. And they also had a food truck dedicated to just snow cones it was amazing! I don't care what color you are what culture you are you should at least check this out next year or the year after next. Bring sunscreen or bug spray lawn chairs and...

Snapshots (since I can’t find pics yet on my phone): in my single digits, summer camp brought me to Watkins and the best swing set of any local playground. One of the “older” (teen) helpers showed us a honeysuckle bush and I smelled the intoxicating sweetness up close for the first time. She also knew how to pluck the flower to taste the nectar but I wasn’t that bold. into my teens, Watkins was still the place with the playground and the train and the roosters and the merry-go-round, but then it became the place for fun cookouts at a reserved pavilion. Oh and the Christmas lights where we could get in free if we donated canned food! into adulthood, Watkins has become the space to wander and wonder. To listen to silence and see sunlight filtered through tree branches. It is a place to feel just as small as I did in my single digits and ask the tops of the trees what things they saw when they were only as tall as I am. It’s a place where strangers smile and nod and speak blessings. Where I can show up to discover free events that change the focus of my day and even the direction of my goals. It is open space that opens my mind and clears the clutter.

A treasure. “I ain’t lost, just wandering... round my hometown memories are fresh... round my hometown - ooh the people I’ve met are the wonders...