MARBURY, Md. — Smallwood State Park’s Discovery Center will host a weekend lineup of free family-friendly programs Thursday, July 16, through Sunday, July 19, at the 628-acre Charles County park known for its Mattawoman Creek waterfront, marina, boat ramps, campground, nature trails and Revolutionary War history.
Smallwood State Park, located at 2750 Sweden Point Road in Marbury, is named for Gen. William Smallwood, a Charles County native and the highest-ranked Marylander in the American Revolutionary War, according to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. The park includes Smallwood’s Retreat, the restored historic home of Smallwood, which is open seasonally, along with picnic areas, pavilions, playgrounds, nature trails, campsites, cabins, a marina and six boat ramps.
The park also offers access to Mattawoman Creek and the Potomac River and is a popular destination for bass fishing and tournament events.
All programs are free, but standard park entry fees apply.
The BayNet will post Smallwood State Park’s weekly Discovery Center programs as they are released, giving families and park visitors a regular look at upcoming activities throughout the summer.
Thursday Programs
The schedule begins Thursday, July 16, with Gentle Yoga from 9:15 to 10 a.m. at the Discovery Center. The low-impact session is suitable for all skill levels and will be held on the back deck overlooking Mattawoman Creek. Participants should bring their own yoga mat or towel.
Also on Thursday, Arts & Crafts will be held from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at the Discovery Center. The activity will recognize World Snake Day by giving participants a chance to create their own paper snake while learning facts about snakes. Organizers said all ages are welcome.
Friday Programs
On Friday, July 17, Tales & Twirls will be held from 9:15 to 10 a.m. at the Discovery Center. The program is designed for children ages 2 to 5 and includes nature-themed stories and movement activities. A parent or guardian must accompany each child.
Later Friday morning, visitors can join a Leaf Scavenger Hunt on Birdwatchers Trail at 10:15 a.m. Participants will meet outside the Discovery Center and use detective gear with Naturalist Liz while searching for leaves along the trail. Closed-toe shoes, socks, long pants, drinking water, sunblock and bug spray are recommended. Binoculars will be provided.
Saturday Programs
Saturday, July 18, begins with Stretch into Saturday from 9:15 to 10 a.m. on the Discovery Center back porch. Participants should bring their own yoga mat or towel.
A Paint the Mattawoman Creek program will follow at 10:15 a.m. at the waterfront picnic area. The beginner-friendly watercolor painting session will overlook Mattawoman Creek and be followed by a casual show-and-tell. Visitors are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair. Painting supplies will be available, though participants may also bring their own travel watercolor set.
Sunday Program
The week’s programs conclude Sunday, July 19, with Arts & Crafts from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Discovery Center. Participants will learn macramé and create a custom keychain. Materials will be provided while supplies last.
Park Hours And Admission
Smallwood State Park is open from 5 a.m. to sunset April through October and from 7 a.m. to sunset November through March.
Smallwood State Park charges $3 per person on weekends and holidays and $3 per vehicle on weekdays. Non-Maryland residents add $2 to the listed fees. Boat launch fees are $10 for in-state visitors and $12 for out-of-state visitors.
Veterans of the U.S. armed forces receive free day-use admission to Maryland state parks with valid identification. The waiver applies to the veteran only unless a per-vehicle charge is in effect. Learn more here.
Discovery Center Summer Visitor Hours
- Sundays — 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Thursdays — 1 to 4 p.m.
- Fridays — 10 a.m. to noon and 1:30 to 4 p.m.
- Saturdays — 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Click here to learn more about Smallwood State Park, including trail maps, camping reservations and marina information. For general park information, call the Smallwood State Park office at 301-743-7613 or email smallwood.statepark@maryland.gov.
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