Family and Friends Field Trip Destinations
Looking for a new day trip destination? We are so fortunate to live in an area that has so many great museums and landmarks. Here are some ideas for family field trips you can take around our area. We love the Smithsonian museums and all the monuments in D.C., but here are some other great places to visit that are a little smaller and may not be as crowded as the D.C. tourist areas! We've included the websites of the destinations so you can get specific information with directions, hours of operation, admission and what to expect when you get there. These destinations were chosen based on their connections to our units of study in kindergarten. You'll see connections to symbols of the United States, transportation, plants and animals found in Maryland, and how advances in technology have changed the way we live.
Not to be missed!
Watkins Park, Kettering, Maryland
So much to do at this park! They have a nature center with critters inside to see, train, petting zoo, walking trails, and mini-golf from Memorial Day to Labor Day. They also have two playgrounds, one themed Wizard of Oz. This is not to be missed!
This park is easily a day trip, just 40-45 minutes away from Potomac. I'd use the Disney World strategy my sister used with her kids at this park if I were taking kids; go to Epcot before you go to Magic Kingdom. That way, you get to see things other than just rides, and then the big thrill for them is Magic Kingdom. For this park, I'd maybe go to the nature center first, then surprise them with the Wizard of Oz playground.
I've heard nothing but great reviews of this park, so I am including the Yelp listing I found, as well as directions.
https://www.yelp.com/biz/watkins-regional-park-upper-marlboro
So much to do at this park! They have a nature center with critters inside to see, train, petting zoo, walking trails, and mini-golf from Memorial Day to Labor Day. They also have two playgrounds, one themed Wizard of Oz. This is not to be missed!
This park is easily a day trip, just 40-45 minutes away from Potomac. I'd use the Disney World strategy my sister used with her kids at this park if I were taking kids; go to Epcot before you go to Magic Kingdom. That way, you get to see things other than just rides, and then the big thrill for them is Magic Kingdom. For this park, I'd maybe go to the nature center first, then surprise them with the Wizard of Oz playground.
I've heard nothing but great reviews of this park, so I am including the Yelp listing I found, as well as directions.
https://www.yelp.com/biz/watkins-regional-park-upper-marlboro
Washington Family Magazine
Great resource with information for parents, families. Calendar and information about family activities in the Washington metro area. Be sure to bookmark this site!
http://www.washingtonfamily.com/
College Park Airpark Museum, College Park, Maryland
Interactive. Check for special events and activities in the museum. A must see museum for young children.
www.mncppc.org/1593/College-Park-Aviation-Museum
B&O Railroad Museum, Baltimore, Maryland
Historical buildings, hands-on activities, train rides, and of course, lots and lots of trains!
www.borail.org/
Rose Hill Manor, Fredrick, Maryland
Historical manor house, ice house, blacksmith shop, carriage museum, two barns, a log cabin, and much more! Hands on activities. Open daily.
http://www.frederickcountymd.gov/index.aspx?NID=2893
Catoctin Mountain Park, Thurmont, Maryland
Great destination to learn about animals and plants in Maryland. Hiking trails. Beautiful scenery.
http://www.nps.gov/cato/index.htm
The National Aquarium, Baltimore, Maryland
Lots of underwater fun!
http://www.aqua.org/
Wolf Trap Theater in the Woods, Vienna, Virginia
Plays, music and dance performed in the only National Park for the Performing Arts in the country. What a treasure! Check out their calendar soon. Limited ticket availability!
http://www.wolftrap.org/Education.aspx
Glen Echo Park, Bethesda, Maryland
Historic working carousel and buildings. Classes and activities in the arts, literacy, nature.
http://www.glenechopark.org/
Historic Ships, Baltimore Inner Harbor, Baltimore Maryland
Tour historic ships and a submarine, and visit a lighthouse.
http://historicships.org/
American Visionary Museum, Baltimore, Maryland
Unique museum with exhibitions that focus on art, science, humor, philosophy and social justice betterment.
www.avam.org/