Park Quest Kicks Off Outdoor Adventures for 2018

Registration for Popular Annual Program Now Open; 1,000 Slots Available

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has opened registration for Park Quest, the beloved family-based outdoor adventure program in state parks throughout Maryland.

Park Quest aims to engage families in outdoor activities throughout the summer and fall by encouraging them to experience Maryland’s vast cultural, historical and natural resources on public lands and parks.

Through this annual program, 1,000 qualifying teams (usually families) will get an opportunity to complete outdoor excursions at 20 different sites, June 1 through Dec. 1.

“We have revamped Park Quest for 2018, and we’re featuring some entirely new and unique quests for this year’s program,” Maryland Park Service Superintendent Nita Settina said. “These outdoor adventures involve families in pursuits that feature our state’s history, wildlife, natural beauty and recreational activities such as camping, hiking and water sports.”

Among the adventures this year, teams will steal away on the trails to freedom at Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park and Visitor Center, explore Susquehanna State Park and the importance of this river through the ages, discover feathered friends in the habitats of Fair Hill Natural Resource Management Area and much more.

Teams must include at least one member 16 years of age or younger and at least one adult, with a maximum of 10 participants per team. Cost to participate in the program is $10 per team.

Registration is first-come, first-served and will remain open until 1,000 team slots are filled. Families who miss the registration process may still participate in Park Quest, by accessing the Park Quest worksheets on the Maryland Park Service website and paying the appropriate day-use service charges at certain participating state parks.

Another affordable option is the Maryland Park Service Annual Passport, which provides unlimited day-use access to all 75 state parks through the calendar year.

Teams can take advantage of cabin and campsite reservations and spend a night or two under the stars as they explore the state’s network of parks.

Registration and more information for this year’s program can be accessed at the Park Quest webpage.