Top Family Friendly Things to Do
Spend the day lounging on the beach or screaming your heads off on a roller coaster. Get back to nature on a drive-through safari or gaze at distant worlds through the Hubble Space Telescope. In Maryland, the opportunities for family fun are limitless. Many tourism destinations, museums, historic sites and other attractions are offering virtual options for visitors to explore and learn at home. And, to keep all that Maryland offers top of mind, visit Maryland Fun For Everyone for Puzzles, Bingo, Scavenger Hunt and much more.
With 1,500 feet of upward track and a mind-boggling 3,500 feet back down, the Mountain Coaster, open year round, is too cool to miss.
Make a splash in a 126,000-square-foot indoor water park, embark on a gem-hunting adventure at Oliver's Mining Co., use a magic wand to explore the world of MagiQuest, get a “howl-in-one” on a classic mini-golf course, and discover an amazing array of dining options that will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. After an action-packed day, recharge in a cozy wolf- or cabin-themed family-friendly suite.
The beautiful National Aquarium in Baltimore has changed its mission to become one of the premier ocean conservation organizations in the country, but it remains a must-see for all families. From the beautiful Australia: Wild Extremes pavilion to the thrilling Blacktip Reef exhibit, the National Aquarium is fun you can sink your teeth into.
The wild horses of Assateague National Seashore and State Park are one of the few truly unique sites in the world. The majestic horses have been the island’s signature species for centuries, and seeing them frolicking in the dunes for the first time is one of those iconic family memories you’ll never forget.
Rise 180 feet into the air and take in the sights from one of the Capital Wheel’s climate-controlled gondolas. The fantastic view features the Potomac River and skyline of National Harbor out over to the Washington Monument in the Nation’s Capital. The Capital Wheel is a one-of-a-kind ride!
The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore may be one of the oldest zoos in the nation, but it combines that long tradition with exciting, cutting-edge exhibits like Penguin Coast, where the best-dressed animals at the zoo dive, swim and cavort in their naturalistic habitat complete with currents, waves and underwater view ports.
Named one of the Top Five Children’s Museums in the country by Child Magazine, Port Discovery is where fun lives. From live puppet shows to the interactive water tables and the astounding five-story central play structure—the mother of all playgrounds—Port Discovery is a must for families with young kids.
Located deep in the mountains of Maryland, this lush zoo takes families on a genuine safari. Catoctin Wildlife Preserve’s fleet of surplus army trucks will take your family through the park where you can feed the animals from the bed of the big rig.
With exhibits on Maryland’s water culture, historic ships and more, there’s plenty to see at the Calvert Marine Museum, but one toothy exhibit steals the show. The 37-foot-long recreated Megalodon shark skeleton takes a bite out of boredom and makes for a fin-tastic time!
Wonder at the discoveries of the Hubble Space Telescope, get up close to real rockets and space capsules, gaze at the secrets of the universe in the super cool Geodome, and let the kids try on a kid- sized space suit and helmet. Goddard Space Flight Center is out of this world!
With live science demonstrations, hands-on paleontological digs with real dinosaur bones, a first rate children’s room, a massive six-story Imax theater, and a mind-expanding look at the universe through the eye of the Hubble Space Telescope, the Maryland Science Center is home to worlds of fun.
The name "Heavy Metal Playground" may conjure up images of Ozzie Osbourne riding the see-saw with Alex Van Halen, but, somehow, the truth is even cooler! For kids 8 and up (and their big-rig loving parents, too...) the Heavy Metal Playground is a chance to get in and drive all those cool vehicles you've read about in "Good Night, Good Night, Construction Site." Dig holes, stack tires with a giant robotic claw mouth, heck, you can even play Heavy Metal Basketball and show Shaq the real meaning of "Diesel."
With half-hour, 45-minute, and hour-long packages to choose from, you'll get your fill of mighty machine mayhem. Follow the link below and Visit Maryland users get 20 percent off!
Home to the 2014 Canoe Slalom World Championships, ASCI offers world-class instructors and a range of challenges from beginner to Olympian in their man-made white-water facility.
Nothing brings a family together quite like building a sandcastle, and Maryland has lots of great spots to soak in the sun, play in the sand, and make a memory. Ocean City, Assateague and Sandy Point are just a few spots waiting for you to grab your shovel and dig in.
Six Flags America is the Nation's Capital of Thrills offering more than 100 thrilling rides, games, shows and attractions including Hurricane Harbor water park—free with park admission. Get two parks for the price of one! Reserve your tickets now.
Head to Ocean City's boardwalk and set yourself up for people watching with some Thrasher’s famous fries, a big bucket of Fischer’s Popcorn and an ice cream cone from Dumser’s Dairyland. Or get in on the action and ride the classic rides at Trimper’s Rides and Amusements including the 1912 Herschel-Spillman carousel and Pirate’s Cove and the Haunted House, two of the few remaining Bill Tracy haunted houses.
Yar, maties, set sail for swashbucklin’ shenanigans on one of Maryland’s family-friendly pirate ships! Join the crews of Ocean City’s Duckaneer, Baltimore’s Urban Pirates (also in National Harbor) or Pirate Adventures in Annapolis for a rollicking good time. Just leave the landlubbers on shore.
This old-school cool steel coaster is a must for any family of thrill seekers, but Adventure Park USA also has lots more waiting with bumper boats, putt-putt, a ropes course and more, plus it's conveniently located just down the road from Baltimore and D.C.
On the Boardwalk in Ocean City, Ripley’s Believe It or Not has been mystifying families since 1918 and features a giant robotic shark poking through the building.
Splash in the Lost Lagoon Family Activity Pool, drift away on the 1000-foot-long Lazy River, blast down the 45-foot-tall drop on Stealth or thrill up and down the exhilarating Master Blaster water roller coaster.
History comes alive when you stroll through the charming streets of Annapolis with a colonial attired guide on a fascinating walking tour by Watermark. Explore the Chesapeake Bay on an unforgettable journey on a Watermark cruise or yacht charter from Annapolis or Baltimore. Watermark offers families so many ways to immerse in history, culture, and fun, both by land and by water.
