Laurel sits between Howard, Prince George's and Anne Arundel, so the wildlife refuge, Columbia, Gambrills and Upper Marlboro are all short drives.
Maryland Corn Maze
Gambrills · Anne Arundel · Farm / corn maze
OutdoorSeasonal- Ages: Under 3 free on weekends; 12 mo & under free weekdays
- Cost: General $17.95 online / $19.95 gate
- Hours/season: Fall 2026: Oct 10–18 & Oct 24–31; weekends ~10am–6pm
Official site →Old Maryland Farm (Watkins Regional Park)
Upper Marlboro · Prince George's · Farm
OutdoorFree- Ages: All ages
- Cost: Free
- Hours/season: Tue–Sat 10am–5pm, Sun 10am–4pm
Official site →Watkins Nature Center
Upper Marlboro · Prince George's · Nature center
IndoorFree- Ages: All ages
- Cost: Free
- Hours/season: Tue–Sat 10am–5pm, Sun 10am–4pm
Official site →Robinson Nature Center
Columbia · Howard · Nature center
IndoorOutdoor- Ages: Under 3 free
- Cost: Adults $5, kids 3–17 $3
- Hours/season: Official county page lists both Tue–Sun 9am–5pm and Wed–Sat 9am–5pm / Sun noon–5pm (parking gates); call 410-313-0400
Official site →Vivian C. "Millie" Bailey Park (Lakefront)
Columbia · Howard · Playground
OutdoorFree- Ages: All ages
- Cost: Free
- Stroller/access: Ramp access
- Hours/season: Open daily
Official site →Patuxent Research Refuge – National Wildlife Visitor Center
Laurel · Prince George's · Nature center / trails
IndoorOutdoorFree- Ages: All ages
- Cost: Free
- Hours/season: Visitor center Wed–Sat 10am–4pm; grounds sunrise–sunset
Official site →