20 Regional Maryland Area Ideas To Gift An Experience Instead Of Stuff

maryland zoo play areas

Why give toys that you will throw out or give away by next year? These 20 Maryland Regional Ideas to Gift an Experience are way better than stuff!

Have you ever stuffed a few bags full of toys your kid’s loved for 5 minutes and never played with again?

When you think of Christmas, or birthdays, or other gift-giving occasions, do you cringe at the thought of more clutter?

It’s ironic isn’t it? Your kids beg for toys and then don’t play with them. Why? Well, who wouldn’t want super cute Hatchimals or the latest Avengers action figure. Those toys exude cool… but I have a secret to tell you. The cool won’t last. Nope. It is inevitable that within a few weeks (or even a few days), the novelty will wear off and your kids will still be asking for more.

Your kids might think they want every toy they see on Nick Jr., but what they really want is fun.

And the best memories and the most fun aren’t made with the latest gadget. Nope.

Your kids crave connection. They want memories.

The most fun will almost always be in doing something new, instead of acquiring something new. And as a parent who wants to see your kid’s face light up in sheer delight… which would you prefer?

Would you prefer a 20 second flash of excitement before the coolest new toy is cast aside for the next coolest new toy? Or would you like to see your kid try their hand at painting, or see a world class play with them? Or– would you like to go back again and again to see the baby penguins grow up before your eyes.

Here is the good news. The Maryland area has tons of fantastic ideas for giving experiences instead of gifts. Tons.

Below are 20 of the best ideas. Seriously, any one of these ideas would give you tons of memory making, fun experiences that will put a smile on your entire family’s face!

1. Plan Family Friendly Maryland Day Trips in 10 minutes or less!

Making weekend plans with your kiddos should be exciting, not a chore.

Kid Friendly Maryland App

The Kid Friendly Maryland app is like having a local travel BFF in your pocket at all times.

Have confidence making plans and pivoting on the fly after the inevitable toddler meltdown.

The Kid Friendly Maryland APP is a premium membership or subscription that includes almost 1000 activity ideas (and over 600 Kid Friendly restaurant recommendations) organized by county and location within each county for hundreds of day trip combinations and ideas!

Give the app (lifetime access; no subscription) to a parent or caregiver in your life!

More Maryland Day Trip Planning Resources

The Kid Friendly Maryland app is not the only way we can help you plan amazing activities and day trips with your family. You can purchase and download made for mobile day trip itineraries.

Or, if you are unsure what the parent or caregiver you are gifting for would like, we have gift cards too!

2. Why not give a membership to a world class museum?

Maryland Science Center

The Maryland Science Center is fantastic for kids of all ages. We have visited ever since our daughter was 2 years old and every time we end up spending the entire day having fun. 

Here is the Maryland Science Center membership info.

Port Discovery

Port Discovery underwent some HUGE changes in 2019 and the results are amazing!

Memberships pay for themselves in 2 visits. 

Here is the information about memberships.

port discovery

3. For the train lover

Western Maryland Scenic Railroad

If you have a train lover in your family, here are two great options that will give your kids a big smile!

4. If your child loves animals

giraffes maryland zoo

Maryland Zoo in Baltimore

Big changes came to the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore in 2019 too! Construction on the new African Journey habitat finished up and the new African Journey is simply jaw-droppingly good. Plus, did you hear that the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore has two new polar bears? If your kid loves animals, this is the perfect gift to give this year (and seriously.. the Maryland Zoo is probably one of our favorite places ever).

Here are details about Membership costs and benefits.

National Aquarium

This gem in the Inner Harbor is another one of our family’s favorite destinations. There is just something super cool about descending into the Black Tip Reef, seeing the sharks and giant rays swimming past. Or, checking out the dolphin training area, or the jellyfish… or the crocodiles. I could go on.

One great reason to become a member is the exclusive member evenings that happen every month. Seriously, out of all the attractions we have visited in Maryland, the National Aquarium can easily be the busiest. The membership totally pays for itself when you get unfettered access to the touch tanks. Trust me. It is awesome!

Here is more information on member benefits and pricing. 

Catoctin Wildlife Preserve

If you want to support a smaller zoo (but one that is totally amazing), why not get your family a membership to the Catoctin Wildlife Preserve in Thurmont, MD? This small, private zoo is seriously one of our family’s favorite places. There are so many up close animal encounters and memberships are by person, not by family. This is great for smaller families who might not need to pay more. Read our in-depth review of Catoctin here!

Here is the information about their membership options!

Plumpton Park Zoo

Located in Elkton, this is another smaller, private zoo that is absolutely delightful and perfect for families! You can purchase an individual membership or a number of family membership options. Additionally, they offer e-gift cards if you wanted to try the zoo without committing to a membership.

Here is the link for their membership info!

5. For the kid who loves to create art

Artsy Partsy

Located in Pasadena, MD, Artsy Partsy is possibly the most fun art-related venue in Maryland. Artsy Partsy has Family Paint Night every Friday evening, loads of art classes, special paint events, and more. They also sell gift cards.  Woo Hoo!

Artsy Partsy

Paint Your Own Pottery Studios in Maryland: 

Trust me. It’s a thing. And it isn’t just a thing for adults either. Kid-friendly walk-in pottery painting places are all over Maryland. Here are the ones that are highly recommended:

Paint Splatter Studios

Paint Splatter studios are starting to become super popular in Maryland. There are currently three studios (that we know of).

6. Great Indoor Play Places

Hyper Kidz

This indoor play place with locations in Columbia and Owings Mills, MD is off the hook awesome for kids any time of the year. When the weather is yucky Hyper Kidz is the best. (it can get crowded too– it is very popular). You can get more information about memberships here (Columbia) or here for the Owings Mills location.

Urban Air Adventure Park

Urban Air Adventure Park now has amazing locations in Laurel, White Marsh, Frederick, Largo (coming soon), and Glen Burnie (coming soon).

The first thing you will see when you enter is this ginormous multi-level tube playground, aerial adventure course, and Sky Liner— which is basically indoor zip lining along a track.. you have to buy an ultimate ticket to ride this.. trust me, it’s worth it! There is a super cool ninja warrior course with tons of different challenges… and that ball pit! You can also battle it out on the battle beam! In addition to all of that there are loads of climbing opportunities, trampolines, dodgeball, and more!

Zava Zone

Another amazing indoor play space, more for older than younger kids.. although younger kids would have plenty to keep them busy too. There are high and low ropes courses, zipline, ninja warrior course, drop slide, pole walking, rock climbing walls and more.

Click here for membership info!

ClimbZone

climb zone

This place rocks! Rock Climbing has never been so much fun! ClimbZone is a popular destination and I would highly recommend making a reservation if you plan to play here. The Maryland location is in Laurel. 

Here is information about memberships.

Kidzville Indoor Playground

Another fantastic newcomer to the indoor play scene is Kidzville Indoor Playground in Catonsville. This indoor playspace even has bumper cars!

Link to purchase a membership here! They also have gift cards!

We Rock The Spectrum in Forest Hill

This is a fantastic indoor play space that welcomes all kids. They are sensory friendly and inclusive of all abilities.

You can purchase a gift card here.

7. Take advantage of the amazing performing arts venues for kids

Children’s Theatre of Annapolis

Both you and your kids will love how accessible the performances at this children’s theatre are. We visited last year for the first time and were blown away by the high quality of their Peter Pan performance. They have holiday performances as well as full blown musicals throughout the season.

Check out what’s playing soon here!

Adventure Theatre MTC

The Adventure Theatre MTC at the historic Glen Echo Park is our absolute favorite theatre venue for kids in Maryland. You can purchase a Flexpass if you want to attend multiple performances (or bring a crowd) or snag individual tickets for upcoming performances. For the 2023-24 season performances include The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, Junie B. Jones Musical, Knuffle Bunny, and more!

Click here for info about the in-person season!

Imagination Stage

This Children’s Theatre venue in Bethesda, MD has excellent children’s productions. The theatre is intimate and they pick shows to produce that really appeal to kids.

Here is information about the current season!

Medieval Times Dinner Theatre

Part performance, part sheer awesomeness. Tickets to Medieval Times will definitely wow your kids, especially if they like horses, huge turkey legs, and lots of noise (I would not recommend for kids with sensory issues).

Check out ticket information here.

medieval times

Toby’s Dinner Theatre

This is an amazing dinner theatre in the round. You can subscribe to the entire season or just get tickets for one show!

Click here for more details.

8. Amusement Parks in the Area

Dutch Wonderland

If your kids are 5 and under this is the absolute best amusement park you can take them to. Pretty much all the rides are kiddie rides, there is an excellent (but not overwhelming) splash area, and the entire park is very manageable for little legs. Plus it isn’t too far from Maryland (about 90 minutes from Baltimore). Note: Their Season Pass combines with Hersheypark for one huge theme park pass. Pretty cool deal!

Here are details about the Season Pass.

Dutch wonderland

Hersheypark

It’s the sweetest place on Earth! Hersheypark is more than just chocolate though. The amusement park is awesome for kids of all ages. There is an incredible splash park, a zoo park, and– of course– Chocolate World. With so much to do, there are plenty of Season Pass options too!

Season Pass Information

Hersheypark Tips

Adventure Park USA

Adventure Park USA is a smaller amusement park but it excels in maximum fun, including great indoor play options for when the weather is not great.

There are always great package options available. 

King’s Dominion

We love King’s Dominion as much as we love Dutch Wonderland. Planet Snoopy is awesome for younger kids and King’s Dominion actually has a Pre-K Pass where kids aged 3-5 are free for the entire season! How cool is that?

Here is more information on Season Pass options and more details about how awesome King’s Dominion is. 

planet snoopy

9. Try an outdoor challenge!

There are so many fun outdoor adventures you can book with your kids in Maryland! Here are some of our favorites!

rail biking traks and yaks

Tracks and Yaks Rail-biking

If you haven’t tried rail-biking before, you simply can’t go wrong with Tracks and Yaks! They have excursions that leave from the Frostburg Train Depot and follow a gorgeous path through the Allegany County forests! In 2023 they also opened up a location in Berlin, MD!

Click here to purchase a gift card!

Outdoor Adventure Course

There are actually quite a few outdoor adventure course venues in Maryland and they are all fantastic. Most include aerial obstacles, confidence builders, and even ziplines! Also, most courses have challenges for younger kids (5-7) and, of course, older kids!

Try Kayaking or Rafting!

Maryland has so many rivers and kayak-friendly water trails. Why not take a family trip and explore one of them! 

10. Ideas for Tween and Teens!

Check out these ideas that are definitely for older kiddos!

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