Maryland surprised me with just how many kid-friendly adventures it packs into such a compact state. From the pulse of Baltimore’s historic railroads to peaceful nature walks in tucked-away parks, each place we visited gave our family a chance to bond, laugh, and learn something new together. I remember thinking, "These are the days we’ll look back on when they're older — days full of wide-eyed wonder and sticky fingers from ice cream cones." Whether we were riding a canal boat or playing at a pirate-themed splash pad, every stop felt like a new chapter in a very fun story.
Best Things to Do in Maryland with Kids
Thrills and Laughter at Adventure Park USA
Adventure Park USA felt like a full-throttle joyride from the moment we arrived. The kids ran ahead of us toward the roller coasters, their laughter trailing behind like streamers in the wind. Every corner offered something new: laser tag, bumper cars, mini-golf, and arcade games that kept them gleefully busy while we watched with full hearts. I remember thinking, "This is the kind of day that wears them out—in the best possible way." There was no need for an itinerary here—just the freedom to play, explore, and be loud.
What I Loved Most: Watching our youngest tackle the Skycoaster with a mix of terror and pride, and the way their eyes lit up during the 4D theater ride.
My highlights? We had lunch at the on-site Whistle Stop Smokehouse, where I ordered a pulled pork sandwich smothered in sweet barbecue sauce, with crispy waffle fries and a cold lemonade. It hit the spot after chasing kids between rides.
Travel Tips:
- Location: 11113 West Baldwin Road, Monrovia, MD 21770
- Best For: Ages 5–14, thrill seekers, families with multiple kids
- Hours: Vary seasonally; check their website before visiting
- Cost: Pay-as-you-go or day passes available; budget $25–$40 per child
- Don’t Miss: The Wildcat roller coaster and the ropes course for older kids
Stepping Back in Time at the Babe Ruth Birthplace
Walking through the modest brick row house where Babe Ruth was born felt like brushing up against history. The kids weren’t sure what to expect, but as we moved through the exhibits—old uniforms, black-and-white photos, and personal mementos—they began to connect with the story. I remember thinking, "They may not know the stats, but they’re feeling the legend." It wasn’t just about baseball—it was about dreams, grit, and beginnings that don’t always look like much at first.
What I Loved Most: Seeing the original scorecard and watching the kids try to pitch in the mini exhibit station—it turned a museum into something they could touch and imagine.
My highlights? After our visit, we walked over to Pickles Pub nearby, where I had a crab cake sandwich—crispy on the outside, buttery inside—and we shared loaded tots while chatting about the coolest thing they saw.
Travel Tips:
- Location: 216 Emory Street, Baltimore, MD 21230
- Best For: Kids 7+, baseball fans, budding history lovers
- Hours: Open daily, 10 AM–4 PM
- Cost: Around $10 per adult, discounts for kids
- Don’t Miss: Babe’s bat and glove, the recreated bedroom, and audio clips from his life
All Aboard at the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Museum
From the moment we stepped into the roundhouse, the kids were wide-eyed. Giant steam engines towered above them, and polished brass fixtures glinted under the old skylights. The smell of old wood and steel filled the air, and every train car we explored told a different story. I remember thinking, "This is what it means to learn through wonder." Even I couldn’t help but crawl into a caboose and imagine the clickety-clack of tracks beneath.
What I Loved Most: Watching the kids take turns pretending to be engineers, pulling imaginary levers and calling out, “All aboard!” like seasoned pros.
My highlights? We grabbed lunch at nearby Lexington Market and I had a classic pit beef sandwich with horseradish mayo, thin-sliced onions, and a big pickle on the side. Messy and delicious.
Travel Tips:
- Location: 901 West Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21223
- Best For: All ages, especially toddlers through early teens
- Hours: 10 AM–4 PM most days; closed Mondays
- Cost: ~$20 per adult, $12–$15 per child
- Don’t Miss: The train simulator, the working miniature railway, and actual short train rides
Discovery and Dirt at Bear Branch Nature Center
Bear Branch was the kind of place where shoes got muddy and kids got curious. The trails were short but full of things to notice—turtle tracks, buzzing bees, even a red fox darting into the brush. Inside the center, they could touch animal pelts and explore interactive exhibits. I remember thinking, "This is childhood at its best—hands-on and full of questions." It was quiet, unpretentious, and grounding in all the right ways.
What I Loved Most: Sitting by the pond and watching my kids peer in with their hands cupped, hoping to catch a frog or tadpole just long enough to say hello.
My highlights? We packed a picnic with turkey sandwiches and lemonade, and ate at the tables under a shady tree with wildflowers blooming all around us.
Travel Tips:
- Location: 300 John Owings Road, Westminster, MD 21158
- Best For: Ages 4–12, nature lovers, homeschoolers
- Hours: Limited hours, especially on weekdays—check before you go
- Cost: Free admission
- Don’t Miss: The raptor aviary, butterfly garden, and seasonal programs
Time Travel by Water on the C&O Canal Boat Rides
The canal boat ride felt like a gentle time warp. Pulled by mules along the historic C&O Canal, we listened to the ranger tell stories of canal life in the 1800s, all while trees leaned close to the water and birds flitted overhead. I remember thinking, "There’s something magical about learning like this—drifting through history." The kids were fascinated by the lock demonstration, watching the boat rise and fall like a bathtub with secret powers.
What I Loved Most: The peaceful pace, the way the water reflected the sky, and the awe in their eyes as they stood on a boat pulled by animals instead of motors.
My highlights? After the ride, we stopped by a nearby food truck and I had an herbed chicken wrap with spinach and feta, still warm and packed with flavor.
Travel Tips:
- Location: Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center, Potomac, MD 20854
- Best For: Ages 6+, especially kids who love history or animals
- Hours: Seasonal boat rides; visitor center open year-round
- Cost: ~$8 for kids, $15 for adults; entry to park extra
- Don’t Miss: Lockhouse exhibits and mule photo ops
Playground Paradise at Cabin John Regional Park
Cabin John wasn’t just a park—it was a miniature world of fun. The kids ran from one play structure to the next, climbed like monkeys, zipped down slides, and made fast friends at the splash pad. The train ride through the woods was just long enough to feel like an adventure. I remember thinking, "This is the kind of park we wish existed in every town." There was room to run, space to picnic, and plenty of shade for grown-ups to breathe.
What I Loved Most: Watching our kids giggle on the mini train, waving at squirrels and pretending it was a roller coaster.
My highlights? We brought snacks, but grabbed soft-serve cones from the snack bar—and mine had rainbow sprinkles, because why not?
Travel Tips:
- Location: 7400 Tuckerman Lane, Bethesda, MD 20817
- Best For: All ages; especially toddlers through early teens
- Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk; train seasonal
- Cost: Free park access; train and concessions priced separately
- Don’t Miss: The train ride, Adventure Playground, and tennis center
Final Thoughts
What made our Maryland adventures with kids truly special wasn’t just the activities—it was how each place made learning fun, movement easy, and connection effortless. From steam engines to splash pads, and nature walks to hands-on exhibits, we found places where our kids could explore safely and joyfully. I remember thinking, "These are the days that matter—when we’re not rushing, just discovering." Maryland gave us moments to be curious, silly, quiet, and together—all in one trip. That’s the kind of magic we’ll always chase.
More to Explore
Jump to a Spot...
- • Thrills and Laughter at Adventure Park USA
- • Stepping Back in Time at the Babe Ruth Birthplace
- • All Aboard at the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Museum
- • Discovery and Dirt at Bear Branch Nature Center
- • Time Travel by Water on the C&O Canal Boat Rides
- • Playground Paradise at Cabin John Regional Park