Fun Things to Do With Your Toddler or Preschooler in Annapolis, Baltimore, MD, and D.C.
As a luxury maternity, newborn, and family photographer in the Annapolis and Baltimore, MD, and D.C. areas, I work with many families who have preschoolers and toddlers.
As a mom myself, I know how hard it can be to entertain little ones, so I came up with a few recommendations for things to do in Maryland and DC with your littles!
Here are a few ideas to consider:
- Visit the National Zoo in D.C.: The National Zoo is a great place to spend a day with your little ones. They'll love seeing all the animals up close and personal, and there are plenty of interactive exhibits to keep them entertained. Plus, admission is free!
- Explore the Maryland Science Center in Baltimore: The Maryland Science Center is a fun and educational experience for toddlers. They'll love exploring the interactive exhibits, playing in the Kids Room, and watching the planetarium show.
- Take a trip to the Chesapeake Children's Museum in Annapolis: The Chesapeake Children's Museum is a hands-on learning center for children. They can explore exhibits on nature, culture, and history, as well as participate in hands-on activities like gardening, puppetry, and music.
- Go on a nature hike: The Annapolis, Baltimore, and D.C. areas have plenty of beautiful parks and trails to explore. Take your toddler on a nature hike and let them discover the wonders of the outdoors. Here are some great options for hikes and walks:
*Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis: This park has several hiking trails that are suitable for toddlers, including the Dogwood and Red Maple trails. The trails are easy and relatively short, and there are plenty of opportunities to see wildlife and enjoy the scenery.
*Irvine Nature Center in Owings Mills: This nature center has several toddler-friendly trails, including the Woodland Trail and the Wetland Loop. The trails are short and easy, and there are plenty of interactive exhibits and activities along the way.
*Rock Creek Park in D.C.: This park has several hiking trails that are suitable for toddlers, including the Valley Trail and the Boulder Bridge Loop Trail. The trails are relatively flat and easy, and there are plenty of opportunities to see wildlife and enjoy the scenery.
*Patapsco Valley State Park in Ellicott City: This park has several hiking trails that are suitable for toddlers, including the Grist Mill Trail and the Cascade Trail. The trails are easy and relatively short, and there are plenty of opportunities to see wildlife and enjoy the scenery.
*Cylburn Arboretum in Baltimore: This arboretum has several toddler-friendly trails, including the Nature Loop and the Butterfly Trail. The trails are easy and relatively short, and there are plenty of interactive exhibits and activities along the way.
I've actually done photo shoots at many of these parks!
Want to see some of the photos? Check out my gallery:
- Visit the National Aquarium in Baltimore: The National Aquarium is a great place to learn about marine life. Toddlers will love seeing the fish, sharks, and other sea creatures up close, as well as the interactive exhibits and touch tanks.
- Play at a local playground: There are plenty of playgrounds in the Annapolis, Baltimore, and D.C. areas that are perfect for toddlers. Here are just a few of the many choices:
*Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis: This park has a playground that is suitable for toddlers, with equipment that is designed for younger children.
*Patterson Park in Baltimore: This park also has a playground with fun equipment for young ones.
*National Mall in D.C.: The National Mall has several playgrounds that are great for toddlers, including the one near the Lincoln Memorial and the one near the Washington Monument.
*Rockburn Branch Park in Elkridge: This park has a playground that is fun for preschoolers and toddlers.
*Wheaton Regional Park in Wheaton: This park has a great playground for your little ones.
Enjoying this list so far?
Check out a previous blog post I wrote with tons of fun ideas of things to do with your fam this summer:
- Attend story time at a local library: Many libraries in the area offer storytime for toddlers. This is a great way to introduce your little one to the joys of reading and socializing with other children. Here are some options: (Check each library's website for schedules.)
*Anne Arundel County Public Library in Annapolis: This library offers several story time programs for toddlers, including Baby Time, Toddler Time, and Preschool Time.
*Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore: This library offers several story time programs for toddlers, including Baby Laptime and Toddler Time.
*D.C. Public Library in D.C.: This library offers several story time programs for toddlers, including Baby and Toddler Story Time and Preschool Story Time.
*Baltimore County Public Library in Towson: This library offers several story time programs for toddlers, including Baby Story Time and Toddler Time.
*Howard County Library System in Columbia: This library offers several story time programs for toddlers, including Baby Boost, Toddler Time, and Preschool Picassos.
- Visit a local farm: There are plenty of farms in the area that offer tours and activities for children. Let your toddler pet the animals, pick fresh produce, and learn about farm life. Here are some great options:
*Kinder Farm Park in Millersville: This park has a working farm that is open to visitors, with animals such as cows, goats, pigs, and chickens. There are also several hiking trails and picnic areas.
*Clark's Elioak Farm in Ellicott City: This farm has several animals that are suitable for toddlers to see and interact with, including goats, sheep, horses, and cows. There is also a playground and hayrides.
*Homestead Farm in Poolesville: This farm has a large pumpkin patch and offers pick-your-own fruit, including strawberries, blueberries, and apples. There are also animals such as goats and chickens for toddlers to see.
*Butler's Orchard in Germantown: This farm has a large pumpkin patch and offers pick-your-own fruit, including strawberries, blueberries, and apples. There are also animals such as goats and chickens for toddlers to see, as well as a playground and hayrides.
*Green Meadows Petting Farm in Urbana: This farm has several animals that are suitable for toddlers to see and interact with, including goats, cows, pigs, and sheep. There are also pony rides and hayrides.
There are so many things to do with your toddler or preschooler in the Annapolis, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C. areas. Whether you're looking for educational experiences or just some good old-fashioned fun, there's something for everyone. So get out there and explore, and wear those kiddos out!
While you are here, I’m Amanda, a luxury maternity, newborn, and family photographer in the Washington, D.C., and Baltimore/Annapolis, MD, areas, and I’d love to chat with you about your family’s portrait session needs. Reach out to set up your no-obligation consultation with me, and let’s chat!
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