The Best 100 Things To Do In Maryland With Kids (2024)

Want to have a great time with your kids? These are the best 100 Things to do in Maryland with Kids! 

Maryland is a fantastic state with so much to offer families. Our family has truly enjoyed exploring Maryland and after over 10 years of challenging ourselves to see and do as much as we can, we have still only barely scratched the surface.

But out of everything we have seen and done, I wanted to share our top 100 things to do in Maryland with Kids. This list is the best of the best. The most iconic places and the best ‘can’t miss’ experiences to add to your Maryland bucket list. And yes… this list is updated at least once a year as we explore more awesome experiences in Maryland!

I am keeping this list pretty streamlined… not a lot of explanation. But I will link to other resources with more in-depth reviews. Also, this list isn’t in rank order because that would just be too hard. How can you even compare, right? 

Related: 50 Perfect Maryland Day Trips!

1. Port Discovery

Climb up the SkyClimber and then slide down 4 stories at Port Discovery Children’s Museum.

2. Maryland Science Center

Dig up dinosaur fossils at the Maryland Science Center.

3. Maryland Zoo

Feed the giraffes at the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore.

Related: Which Zoo is Better for Kids? The National Zoo or the Maryland Zoo?

4. National Aquarium

Descend into the bowels of Shark Alley at the National Aquarium.

Related: 50+ Things for Kids to Do in Baltimore

5. Wizard Of Oz Playground

Run around the rainbow track at the Wizard of Oz Playground at Watkins Regional Park.

Related: Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Prince George’s County Imagination Playgrounds

6. Sophie and Madigan’s Playground

Play on a Princess Castle or Have Tea with Alice at Sophie and Madigan’s Playground

Related: The 10+ Best Playgrounds in Frederick County

7. Angel Park Playground

Play hide and go seek at the Angel Park Playground

8. Annie’s Playground

Get lost in the massive Annie’s Playground (it was renovated in 2023!)

9. Blandair Regional Park

Kids of all ages and abilities will find so many fun adventures at the Blandair Regional Park North Playground (Laura’s Place)

10. Shark Teeth Hunting

Head to Southern Maryland to hunt for Shark Teeth! Our favorite Shark Teeth Beaches are Matoaka Beach, Flag Ponds Nature Park, and Purses Park.

11. the Walkersville Southern Santa Train.

This train has the best Santa we have ever encountered!

Related: The Best Guide to Santa Trains in Maryland and the DC Region

12. the C&O Canal Trail

Ride bikes or just walk along the iconic C&O Canal Trail.

13. Great Falls and the Billy Goat Trail

Scurry up the boulders at the Billy Goat Trail and see the Maryland side of Great Falls.

14. Matoaka Beach

Spend the day enjoying the gorgeous Matoaka Beach and exploring the wild parts of Maryland’s Coast!

15. Flag Ponds Nature Park

Another great Southern Maryland Beach for swimming, sand castles, and shark teeth hunting is Flag Ponds Nature Park.

16. Annmarie Sculpture Garden

Get dressed up and play among the play houses at the Annmarie Sculpture Garden Fairy Lolly.

17. Nature Centers

Visit One Of The Many Spectacular Nature Centers In Maryland!

Related: Check out this guide for the Robinson Nature Center

18. Artsy Partsy

Get creative at Artsy Partsy’s Family Paint Night! (check out these Drop-In Art activities!)

19. Ocean City Boardwalk

Spend an evening on the Ocean City Boardwalk— Thrashers Fries, Trimpers Rides, and Marty’s Playland arcade!

20. Ocean City Beach

Build a huge sand castle and go body surfing at the Ocean City beach (and watch for dolphins!).

Related: These are all the Ocean City Restaurants With Playgrounds

21. Elk Neck State Park

Check out both sections of this Elk Neck State Park. You can hike to the Turkey Point Lighthouse or hang out at the beach!

Related: 20+ Best Things to Do with Kids on Maryland’s Eastern Shore

22. Assateague National Seashore

Track the wild ponies at Assateague Seashore.

23. Greenbrier State Park

Go swimming at Greenbrier State Park sandy beach.

24. Great Wolf Lodge Maryland

Snag a Day Pass or Book a Stay at the Newly Opened Great Wolf Lodge in Perryville!

25. Cunningham Falls State Park

Hike to Cunningham Falls at Cunningham Falls State Park. (check out these great hiking trails for young kids!)

Related: The Best Maryland State Parks for Families

26. Western Maryland Scenic railroad

See fall foliage or hope on the Polar Express aboard the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad.

27. Jellystone Park

Dance with Yogi Bear at Jellystone Park.

28. Ladew Topiary Garden

Take in the amazing azalea bushes at the Ladew Topiary Garden (May is the best). 

29. Children’s Theatre

Go to a fantastic play for kids at the Adventure Theatre MTC at Glen Echo Park Or the Imagination Stage in Bethesda!

30. Catoctin Wildlife Preserve

Feed the Zebra and Bison at the Catoctin Wildlife Preserve.

31. Children’s Libraries

Play pretend with your preschooler at Storyville. there are also phenomenal Children’s Libraries in Frederick, Carroll, Cecil, and Hartford Counties.

Related: 100+ FREE Things to Do in Maryland

32. Clark’s Elioak Farm

Get your photo taken at Enchanted Forest and then feed the goats at Clark’s Elioak Farm.

33. All Earth Eco Tours

Book A Kayaking Day Trip With All Earth Eco Tours In Garrett County, MD.

34. Betterton Beach

Spend the Day at Betterton Beach in Kent County! The beach is pristine with zero sea nettles, and there is a fun playground too!

35. Old Line Flower Co.

Pick Tulips At Old Line Flower Co. Actually, there are gorgeous flowers to pick from Spring through Fall.

36. Brookside Gardens

Visit the Butterfly House at Brookside Gardens. Brookside Gardens is also gorgeous for tulips, azaleas, and at Christmas!

37. Board & Brew

Have lunch and play some board games at Board&Brew.

Related: 45+ Kid Friendly Restaurants with Play Areas in Maryland

38. Maryland’s Ice Cream Trail

Check off all 9 stops on the Maryland Ice Cream Trail. Our favorites include Prigel Family Creamery, Misty Meadows Creamery, Rocky Point Creamery, and South Mountain Creamery.

39. Crabtowne USA

Have a crab feast and then play video games at Crabtowne USA. This retro video game arcade is located with the restaurant!

40. Try a Paint Splatter Experience!

There are black light paint splatter studios in Anne Arundel, Howard, and Frederick Counties!

41. The Sunflower Garden

Pick Sunflowers At The Sunflower Garden (Great Photo Ops!) The sunflower-lined driveway is my personal favorite! Check Out The Best Sunflower Fields In Maryland!

42. Clear Meadows Farm

Make the iconic trek to Clear Meadows Farm. This sunflower field ususally blooms in late September and is fabulous.

43. Goldpetal Farms

Get lost in the Goldpetal Farms sunflower mazes. Every year they do such a fantastic job of designing a fun maze. Plus there are zinnias and other fun activities.

44. Point Lookout State Park

Go swimming at the southernmost point of Maryland– Point Lookout— and visit the lighthouse. (Check out these Chesapeake Beaches!) 

45. Calvert Marine Museum

See the otters swim and visit the lighthouse at the Calvert Marine Museum.

46. toby’s Dinner theatre

Indulge in dinner and a show at Toby’s Dinner Theatre. The meal is great and the show is always spectacular!

47. Patapsco Valley State Park

Walk across the swinging bridge and hike to Cascade Falls at Patapsco Valley State Park. There are multiple areas of this park and they are all fantastic.

48. covered bridges

Visit All The Covered Bridges In Maryland (There Are 3 In Frederick County!). Plus there is one in Cecil County and one in Harford County.

49. Shlagel Farms

Pick strawberries at Shlagel Farms and get a strawberry milkshake. (best places to pick strawberries in Maryland)

50. Baugher’s Orchard

Pick Apples At Baugher’s Orchard And Don’t Forget The Cider Donuts And Cider Slushies. (Check Out The Best Places To Pick Apples In Maryland!) 

51. Larriland Farm

Go berry picking at Larriland Farms. Or– any fruit picking, sunflower picking, pumpkin picking.. you get the point.

52. Milburn Orchards

Attend a Summer Harvest Party or the Fall Festival at Milburn Orchards.

53. Double Rock Park

Go Bouldering and Creek Stomping at Double Rock Park

54. High Rock

Check out High Rock (or the equally impressive Pen Mar Park) for the views!

55. Butler’s Orchard

Go pumpkin picking at Butlers Orchard… and don’t forget the caramel apples!

56. Green Meadows Petting Farm

Pet the baby bunnies and chicks at Green Meadows Petting Farm.

Related: The Best Easter Events for Kids in Maryland

57. Adventure Park USA

Ride The Coaster And Play Virtual Gaming At Adventure Park USA. There are so many fun options for indoor play year round, as well as a small amusement park during the summer months!

58. Gaver Farm

Try out the slides and corn crib at Gaver Farm. They really do have the best slides.. and the best apple cider donuts!

59. South Mountain Creamery

Feed the Baby Calves and grab a scoop of ice Cream at South Mountain Creamery

60. Magnolia Meadows Farm

Pick a bouquet of flowers and a pumpkin, pet the horses, and check out the giant transformers at Magnolia Meadows Farm

61. Tire Playgrounds

Check out one of a number of tire playgrounds (Patapsco Valley, Tuckahoe, Calvert Cliffs State Parks). (here is the best playgrounds in Maryland Part 2)

Related: The 8 Waterfalls in Maryland and how to visit them

62. Swallow Falls State Park

Visit Swallow Falls State Park and see Muddy Creek Falls.

63. Wisp Resort

Ride the mountain coaster at Wisp Resort. In the winter months, this is a great place for snowtubing!

64. Patuxent Research Refuge

Patuxent Research Refuge has so many kid friendly trails and a fantastic visitor center too!

65. American Visionary Art Museum

Let your kids press the Fart Button on the Flatulence Post at the American Visionary Art Museum (yes, it’s a real thing). You can also visit the parade pieces from the Kinetic Sculpture Parade.

66. ICE!

Visit ICE! And Christmas On The Potomac At The Gaylord National. 

67. National Harbor

Visit the Capital Wheel at the National Harbor and check out the famous sculpture Awakening.

68. Sail Local Baltimore

Sign up for a private Boat Tour of the Inner Harbor with Sail Local Baltimore!

69. Janes Island State Park

Go on a Kayaking Adventure at Janes Island State Park.

70. Medieval Times

Cheer On Your Favorite Knight At Medieval Times.

71. Chesapeake Pirates

Pretend to be a pirate at Chesapeake Pirates.

72. Maryland Renaissance Festival

Go back in time and eat a giant turkey leg at the Maryland Renaissance Festival. Stick around for the jousting too!

73. Visit an Outdoor Splash Park

Spend the day splashing away at either Splash Mountain or Hurricane Harbor. If you want something less overwhelming, the Splash Park at Germantown Park is a good bet.

74. Harriet Tubman

Reach Out And Shake Harriet Tubman’s Outstretched Hand At The Harriet Tubman Museum And Then Visit the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historic Park (Check Out These Black Owned Kid Friendly Businesses In Maryland!)

75. Papermoon Diner

Play I-Spy While You Wait For Your Food At The Papermoon Diner.

76. Tracks ‘N Yaks

Ride the rails at Tracks ‘N Yaks. Rail-biking is so much fun!

77. Carroll County Arts Council PEEPShow

Marvel at the amazing marshmallow sculptures at the Carroll County Arts Council PEEPShow. (Check out these awesome food festivals in Maryland!) 

78. Rocky Gap State Park

Go camping at Rocky Gap State Park.

79. See an Eastern Shore Sunset

Deale Beach and Crisfield’s Wellington Beach are my personal favorites.

80. Havre De Grace

Visit Havre de Grace for the day and check out the promenade and Lighthouse!

81. Catonsville 4th of July Parade and Fireworks

Set Your Chairs Up And Cheer Loud At The Catonsville 4th Of July Parade. (Here Are The Best Places To See Fireworks In Maryland!)

82. Bengie’s Drive-In

Pull up and enjoy a triple feature at Bengies Drive-In.

83. St. Clements Island State Park

Take the Water Taxi to St. Clements Island State Park, Maryland’s First Landing site.

84. Sandy Point State Park

Float In The Chesapeake Bay At Sandy Point State Park.

Related: 40+ Fall Festivals in Maryland that Totally Rock!

85. Autumn Glory Festival

Go leaf peeping during the Autumn Glory Festival. (Check out the best places to see fall foliage in Maryland!) 

86. Chesapeake Maritime Museum

Check out the Working Shipyard at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum.

87. Rocks State Park

Check out the King and Queen Seat or Kilgore Falls at Rocks State Park.

88. Marty Snook Memorial Park

Visit The Trolls At The Marty Snook Memorial Park In Hagerstown.

89. Aerial Adventure Course

Try an aerial adventure at Terrapin Adventures, Adventure Park at Sandy Spring, or TreeTrekkers.

90. B&O Railroad Museum

Hop In And Out Of The Historic Train Cars At The B&O Railroad Museum.

91. ClimbZone

Scale Mt. Rushmore at ClimbZone. (Check out these indoor play places in Maryland!)

92. Indoor Ninja Courses

Time yourself at the indoor ninja course at Urban Air Adventure Park or ZavaZone

93. historic St. Mary’s City

Go Back To The 17th Century At Historic St. Mary’s City. This is a fantastic living history museum.

94. Antietam National Battlefield

Honor the memory of America’s bloodiest Battle at Antietam National Battlefield

95. Fr. McHenry

See a historic re-enactment at Ft. McHenry. (also lovely for cherry blossoms in the spring!)

96. Mary’s Land Farm

Go Cow Or Lamb Cuddling At Mary’s Land Farm

97. Small charming towns in Maryland

Some of our favorites include Chestertown, Mount Airy, Middletown, Leonardtown, Cumberland, Oakland, and St. Michaels.

98. Lake Needwood at Rock Creek Regional Park

Lake Needwood at Rock Creek Regional Park. This park is home to an incredible lake, the Go Ape Aerial Adventure Park, and a fantastic playground.

99. USS constellation

Take A Tour Of The USS Constellation

100. Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary

Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary is a super cool marshland nature preserve with excellent trails.

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