Robinson Nature Center

Program manager Ellen Saleiro, left, holding Gordy the Terrapin turtle, and center manager Shannon Davis, holding Leo the corn snake, stand in the Discovery Room at Robinson Nature Center.

Annika Dommer and her children Lilia Hermida, 2, and Elian Hermida, 4, look at the pond outside the Robinson Nature Center, which is the winner of the kids’ activity category in Howard County. They live in Elkridge. Barbara Haddock Taylor/Staff photos

Robinson Nature Center

6692 Cedar Lane, Columbia, 410-313-0400, howardcountymd.gov/recreation-parks/robinson-nature-center

A pair of diamondback terrapins in the front lobby of the James & Anne Robinson Nature Center routinely prompt smiles, said Program Manager Ellen Saleiro. The LEED Platinum-certified center is also home to native snakes, amphibians and insects.

“There’s always a lot of joy and a lot of excitement to see those animals,” Saleiro said. “It’s just such a great environment to let your kid be a kid. Let them get dirty. Let them be outside while they’re learning.”

The Robinson Nature Center, a Howard County Department of Recreation & Parks site, is located on 18 acres with hiking trails, next to the Middle Patuxent Environmental Area. It boasts a 50-seat planetarium, two floors of interactive exhibits about the environment and public programming for children as young as one month old.

“It does feel like you’re actually in the tree canopy when you come in the first level,” said Center Manager Shannon Davis. “When you enter our exhibit hall, all your senses can take it in.”

— Abigail Gruskin