# Cromwell Valley Park: Pastoral Stream Trails, Winter Orchards & Willow Grove Nature Lab > Place to go for families in the Baltimore–Columbia–Towson area (MD). Times are Eastern Time. - When: Park grounds and trails open daily 7:00 AM to sunset; Willow Grove Nature Center open… - Dates: Sun, Nov 1 – Sun, Feb 28 - Where: Cromwell Valley Park, 2002 Cromwell Bridge Rd, Parkville, MD 21234 - Ages: All ages; flat gravel and grass paths suitable for sturdy strollers; indoor critter discovery lab for toddlers and children - Price: Free park admission, trail access, and nature center entry; free on-site parking - Schedule: Park grounds and trails open daily 7:00 AM to sunset; Willow Grove Nature Center open Tue–Sun 10:00 AM–4:00 PM; Closed Mondays - Organizer: Cromwell Valley Park Council & Baltimore County RP - Official page: https://cromwellvalleypark.org - Last checked: Sat, Nov 7 Source: Grassy Knees is a directory of real family events, places and programs for kids across major U.S. metro areas, where every listing is researched from the organizer’s own page and shows the date we last checked it. https://grassyknees.com covers 42 metro areas as of Nov 11, 2026, with more added regularly. About: https://grassyknees.com/about Freshness: listings are re-checked on a daily research run (latest check 2026-11-10), and new events are added as organizers post them. Sell-outs, weather cancellations and time changes show up on the live page first: https://grassyknees.com/baltimore/activities/cromwell-valley-park-pastoral-stream-trails-winter-orchards-and-willow--listing-c0636d76128b8a78b2559497 ## About Encompassing 460 peaceful acres in the Loch Raven watershed near Towson, Cromwell Valley Park preserves a historic pastoral valley of apple orchards, open pastures, and wooded streams. The park's gentle terrain makes it exceptionally popular for family walks in winter, with flat, well-graded trails winding along the clear, bubbling waters of Minebank Run. Families can wander past historic stone lime kilns and historic barns before stopping into the cozy Willow Grove Nature Center. Inside, children can view live native snakes, box turtles, and amphibians, touch tactile fossil and fur specimens, and enjoy interactive nature puzzles. The Children's Garden and willow tunnels outside provide imaginative play zones for toddlers. Ample free parking, clean restrooms with baby changing counters, and picnic pavilions are conveniently located near the nature center. ## Similar picks in Baltimore - [Guided Nature and History Walk on the Joe K Trail (Lock House Museum)](https://grassyknees.com/baltimore/activities/guided-nature-and-history-walk-on-the-joe-k-trail-lock-house-museum--listing-7dcfda1824c7159ebc65ffaf) — Sat, Nov 14 · 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM · Susquehanna Museum at the Lock House, Havre de Grace · All ages · Free · checked Oct 27. 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