Family Friendly Things to Do in Maryland (Balt/DC metro area)

Family time is so important but sometimes things like the movies and mini-golf can get expensive.  Also, sometimes, I want to do something new and fun that we all will like.   This summer, I did a search of family-friendly things to do that were not too far.  It found myself on many websites and here is a round-up of some of my favorites. I tried to keep them fairly inexpensive for the most part.  I did not add obvious items like amusement parks. I hope you can find something new and fun for your family!   

I linked the titles. I had hoped to give more information per location but I was too busy enjoying these places with my kids! J

1.       National Harbor – Sure there are plenty of places to shop and eat at National Harbor, but there is more than that. During different seasons they have cool experiences. For example, over the summer they have outdoor summer movies on Sundays and in the winter the Gaylord Hotel has a free  light show and it snows inside.  If you want to spend a little money you could take a boat ride to Old Town Alexandria or go see the ICE experience where they build a fantasy land all out of ICE.  ICE is a little pricey but is very cool!

Light Show at the Gaylord
at Nation Harbor

2.       JBarW Ranch Rodeo – JBarW Ranch in Union Bridge hosts rodeos on Saturday Nights in the summer. They have bull riding and other rodeo events that vary depending on the weekend.  We loved it  so much, I posted about it and we have been back every summer.  

 

3.     Pick-your-own fruit Larriland and Baughers Farms – Both farms have experiences that allow you to pick your own fruit. As well, they have various activities throughout the year.
  

4.     Local Library – I know this may sound cheesy, but check the schedule at your local library; they have more than just story-time.  My local library has Lego day and the bubble lady. You may want to check yours out, too. 



5.       Cascade lake – Cascade Lake is Located in Hampstead.  Their website states that they have a beautiful 6-acre lake, nestled among 70 acres of rolling hills and wooded areas. Cascade Lake is a spring fed lake with a gently sloping sandy bottom. It has a large roped-off are for swimming which includes various size waterslides and platforms. All of the swimming areas are guarded by certified lifeguards.   The Spray ‘N” Playground features great wet fun away from the lake. With no standing water, this area is perfect for non-swimmers. Geysers, bubblers, and water tunnels entertain the young and “young at heart.”  Fisherman will enjoy their sport in our stocked lake. The trail around the lake provides many quiet spots to enjoy the peace away from the beach and waterslides.  Scattered throughout the property are picnic tables and charcoal grill for outdoor dining. Other amenities include paddleboats, hot food at our Cascade Cafe, gift shop, and bathhouse.

6.  Beaches - Think smaller than Ocean City for a fun day trip. With the bay and its tributaries, you can find many small beaches that make for a fun afternoon of swimming or having a picnic. Try Matapeake Beach (Eastern Shore), Rocky Gap State Park (Allegany County, Western Maryland), Calvert Cliffs State Park (Calvert County, Southern Maryland), Cunningham Falls State Park (Frederick County),  Breezy Point Beach (Calvert County, Southern Maryland) or one of the many others that may be closer to you.

7.      Check out a Minor League Game: Bowie Baysox ($10 and $7) and Delmarva shorebirds ($8) –These are both great, less expensive options for professional baseball. And, who knows, maybe your favorite player will make it to the big leagues!  



8.     Maryland’s best ice-cream trail – Ice cream straight from a dairy? Um, Yum! According to the website, Maryland has eight dairy farms that offer fresh, delicious on-farm ice cream. Together, they make up the Maryland’s Best Ice Cream Trail. Visit each creamery and get your trail passport stamped by September 15th and you may be named Maryland’s 2014 Ice Cream Trail Blazer.



9.     Summer and fall fairs and carnivals  - Okay, so admittedly, these can get expensive if you give into too many rides and games, but they are often days that are less expensive with deals. These could be a summer splurge.



Fun at the MD Fair




One of the Rides at the Howard County Fair



10.   Holiday lights - There are many outdoor light displays in the area from Thanksgiving  through new year’s eve.  Most are drive through and you pay by the car so they are reasonable for a larger group.  Some offer walk-through and pet nights.  The one’s on 34^th Street in Baltimore are pretty cool.  Finding parking is tough but it is free and you can see the light display on the harbor before or after since it is just a short drive away.  

 11. Go to Assateague Island to see the ponies– When you live this close to the ponies, it seems like one of the Maryland bucket list things that people should try.  I hear that the actual pony swim is pretty crazy, but you can see the ponies on other days. The tour is a little pricey, but you do not have to do it.

12.   The National Zoo - Entrance to the zoo is free so you only have to pay for your metro ride or your parking.  You are allowed to bring a picnic, so you can make it inexpensive if you plan ahead.   I recently went and although we were disappointed that they no longer have giraffes, we were very please with some of the new updates, specifically Amazonia.  

13.   Museums – Living this close to DC, it is easy to forget how lucky we are to see the sights. Many of the museums offer kid friendly sections and they are free! Just remember not to go during the touristy days if you don’t like a crowd.  

 

14.   National Aquarium- This is another one of those things that is pricey, but has deals.  Living so close offers the option to wait and go when you can pay less.  During certain times of the year, you can do the Friday’s after 5 for a reduced price.  They have other deals as well such as military discounts. Here is a post from when we went a while back.

15.   Gardens - If you just want to enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors, try a walk through one of Maryland's beautiful gardens.  Lilypons Water Gardens in Adamstown, near Frederick, Adkins Arboretum on the Eastern Shore and Brookside Gardens in Montgomery county all have a lot to offer. There is a more extensive list on VisitMaryland.

16.   Parks (vehicle cost of $2-6) – The below parks offer playgrounds and much more. Some offer petting zoos, blacksmiths and much more. The fee is typically by the car and is less than $10/car. Check them out!

Kinderfarm Park with animals and blacksmith

Patapsco Valley State Park- Hilton Area Tire park  - Very cool tire park and small hikes

Patapsco Tire Park

Watkins Park with Carousel and Animals

Wheaton Regional Park - Everything from park and  gardens to horseback riding

Robinson Nature Center with Planetarium  - Two cool trips in one.