15 Awesome Outdoor Activities in Maryland for Kids
Looking for some outdoor activities to do in Maryland? Being in nature is so relaxing for anyone, but especially for kids. It is essential for their growth and development, especially as they need vitamin D. Going outside and playing also helps get their energy out!
Maryland is home to many family friendly things that can be done outdoors. From visiting state parks, going on amusement park rides, touching small animals at petting zoos, outdoor adventures in Maryland are a blast. Here are some of the best outdoor activities in Maryland for kids!
15 Awesome outdoor activities to do in Maryland with your kids
1. PG County Imagination Playground
Playgrounds are always a good option for outdoor play, especially for little ones. But, in Prince George’s County, they have Imagination Playgrounds with themes and different adventures other than the traditional playground.
Kids love the Wonderful Wizard of Oz playground filled with the yellow brick road and ruby shoe slide or feeling like a queen or king with a castle at that playground. These playgrounds help boost their imaginations while having fun in the sun.
2. Jolly Roger at the Pier
In Ocean City, Head to Jolly Roger at the Pier for a fantastic outdoor amusement park in Maryland. There are plenty of fun amusement park rides and games to enjoy a full day outside! You can find thrilling rides like the Drop and Twist or a roller coaster.
Big and little kids can enjoy a day at Jolly Rogers Amusement Park, although this place is more suitable for older kids and teenagers. Some of the most popular rides at the park include the giant wheel, Hurricane, Slingshot, and Pirate Ship. While here, you can check out some other amazing things to do in Ocean City, Maryland, with kids.
3. Water Parks
Water Parks are the perfect outdoor activities for kids, especially during the summer. In Maryland, you will find some outdoor water parks throughout the state. There are some great ones in Ocean City, Gaithersburg, Chesapeake, and more.
During the hot summer, visit one or many water parks to cool off and enjoy being outdoors. Don’t forget your sunscreen!
4. Pick-Your-Own Farms
Take your kids to a pick-your-own farm during the spring, summer, and fall seasons and get some fresh produce! You will find plenty of great fruits and veggies to enjoy all season long, from apple picking, cherry-picking, strawberry picking, and more!
This will be such a fun experience for kids of all ages. Race to see who can fill their basket the fastest!
Check out some places to go apple picking in Maryland in the fall season.
The Complete Guide to Strawberry Picking in Maryland
5. Ocean City Beach
Why not spend a lovely day at the beach? Ocean City Beach is ten miles long and will create many fun outdoor memories with your kids. Ocean City is a great place to go even during the wintertime, but it makes for a great summer day relaxing in the sun on the sand.
If you cannot head over during the summer season, there are still a ton of things to do during Winter in Maryland.
6. Adventure Park USA
Adventure Park USA is located in Monrovia, Maryland, and has some incredible outdoor adventures during the summer. From roller coasters to go-karts, mini-golf, and gemstone mining, there is something for each child to love at this amusement park!
While the indoor activities are open all year long, the outdoor adventures open during the spring and close during the fall. So, make the most of the summer and go as often as possible!
7. Catoctin Wildlife Preserve and Zoo
Do your kids like to explore different animals? The Catoctin Wildlife Preserve and Zoo is a fantastic experience for kids to see wild animals and learn more about them. Go around exploring the animals and zoo, or go on an exciting safari ride and get closer to the animals. You might even be able to feed them too!
8. Pirate Adventures on the Chesapeake
If your kids love all things related to pirates, take them on this awesome pirates cruise from the Pirate Adventures on the Chesapeake. Your kids will search for hidden treasures, fire off a canon, act like pirates, and much more.
9. Go on a Hike or Nature Walk
Nothing beats taking a nature walk with your kids. This helps teach your children about grounding themselves and enjoying all that comes from being in nature. There are plenty of great hikes around Maryland suitable for kids of all ages.
You can explore some waterfalls, see some of the best lakes in Maryland for vacation, and be surrounded by peaceful nature for a few hours.
Here are some great state parks to go hiking in Maryland; some include but are not limited to:
Falls State Park, Calvert cliffs state park, South mountain state park, etc.
Maryland is also home to many beautiful National parks, perfect for a day trip of hiking or a more extended visit.
10. Visit a Petting Zoo
Petting Zoos are especially fun for younger children. Kids love to feed and pet the animals and can do this simple activity for hours! There are plenty of great petting zoos all over Maryland, making this one of the best outdoor activities for kids in Maryland!
Farms and petting zoos are educational experiences and give kids hands-on experience learning about different animals and how to care for them. In addition, many of these petting zoos and farms allow you to do some great summer/ fall activities like pumpkin picking, apple picking, and strawberry picking.
You can also enjoy petting zoos during the fall festivals and when you go to the pumpkin patches. These are the perfect fall activity for the entire family.
11. Go Ziplining
For children five years and older, take them on a rope course and ziplining at The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring. There is a junior course that will be tons of fun for your younger children and night climbing parties perfect for your teenagers.
With over 14 courses, you’ll be able to find ones for the entire family to do together to strengthen your trust and relationship with each other, all the while being outdoors in a forest.
12. Get your thrill on at Six Flags America
Six Flags America is another amusement park located in Bowie, Maryland, and is extremely fun to visit with kids. It is not as expensive as most amusement parks but is full of activities to do all day long. This is one of the many reasons to visit Six Flags with your kids.
Younger kids will love spinning on the Teacups while the older kids go on thrilling adrenaline-pumping rides. But, of course, this is a huge park, so one trip won’t be enough to do everything you want!
13. Assateague Island
Assateague Island is another great outdoor activity in Maryland for kids and the entire family. You can do about anything here, including horseback riding, biking, hiking, crabbing, fishing, kayaking, and much more! You can even camp out on the beach here too!
They even have some fun programs for kids too. For example, your child can become a junior or space tech ranger. If you have a fourth-grader, they get a free America the Beautiful pass for the whole family!
14. Antietam National Battlefield
If you’re looking for a history lesson your kids will never forget, take them to Antietam national battlefield. Watch out, though; this historical monument in Maryland is the site of one of the bloodiest battles during the Civil War. It’s also home to fantastic scenery, so make sure to bring your camera!
There are plenty of things to see and do at Antietam national battlefield. First, be sure to walk the 1.5-mile tour route, which takes you past the most important landmarks. You can also visit the visitor center, the museum, and the theater. Kids will love the interactive exhibits!
15. Blackwater national wildlife refuge
You can head over to Blackwater national wildlife refuge during the fall season. The Wildlife drive allows you to see fantastic colorful foliage and wildlife along the way. Plus, while at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, you may be able to spot some bald eagles.
16. Robinson Nature center
If you’re looking for a fun day out with the kids, Robinson Nature center is a great option. Located in Maryland, the center offers plenty of activities to keep your little ones entertained, from nature walks and hikes to educational programs and exhibits.
If your kids love nature, check out some amazing nature centers in Maryland.
Some fun posts on things to do Outdoor in Maryland
19 Great State Parks in Maryland to visit with Kids
23 Fantastic National Parks in Maryland to visit with Kids
19 Breathtaking Places to Go Kayaking in Maryland With Kids
18 Best Places to See Fall Foliage in Maryland
The Best Chesapeake Beaches in Maryland
Final thoughts on things to do Outdoor in Maryland
There are plenty of fun things to do in Maryland with kids, from amusement parks and water parks to shopping malls and nature centers. So no matter what your family is into, you’re sure to find something to enjoy in this great state.
Being outside with your kids will always lead to a fun family time. There are so many things to do outside that are fun, safe, and family-friendly for kids of all ages. So enjoy any of these outdoor activities in Maryland for kids the next time the sun is out shining!
