Kid Adventure (Age 0-2)
- LoveKOPPizza null
- Oct 30, 2023
- 10 min read
Full time mom, part time.... well everything else. So my focus: having fun with my son.
It's easy to do the same things over and over again. It can also be exhausting coming up with new ideas. For both ADULTS and KIDS! We all have busy lives that require our precious gift of attention. So when you have little reprieve from the busyness of life, it can be challenging to start the process of figuring out what to do. Or more likely, the weekend/evening has arrived and you don't have any plans or ideas of what to do! Lucky for me, and my extroverted ways, I enjoy doing it! I'm constantly looking online, social media, and or asking friends, family and random strangers with kids. So let me help!
Below is a list of things we have or want to do with our kiddo (heck most you could do without kids too!!) so we can be active, explore the world, and learn something new!
If you live in the Frederick County/Montgomery County area.... or even the DMV, these are for you :)
And if you have more ideas... please PLEASE add them below.
Let's start..... and in no particular order:
C&O Canal: Potomac, MD.
This is an amazing place for a ton of reasons. Great walking path, hiking spot, museum and place to check out the old locks. Plus on Fridays you can met the mules who pull the boats along the locks. So cool. Does my kid actual know that's their job? Nope. But Reece got to pet a mule and walk along the C&O canal. And see a boat. Super cool.
Green Valley Petting Zoo. Ijamsville, MD.
So many animals and activities. You can spend hours here! And we have.... several times.
Cunningham Falls State Park: Thurmont, MD.
We love this spot. It has a super cute beach (which is EMPTY during the week), playground, water activities and hikes (both easy/short) to the falls:
Homestead Farm: Poolesville, MD.
We LOVE farm stands, farms, and farming fun. This place rocks! For $3 you can get access to the farm for pick your own fruits, veggies and flowers, as well as visit and pet goats, chicken, llamas, and pigs. The farm stand/store is free to access and they sell great produce.
FarmAtHome Produce: Poolesville, MD.
Pick your own strawberries, blueberries and pumpkin patch. We are obsessed with this place. The owner is a long time friend.... from kindergarten! Super COVID friendly. You have to make a reservation so there will NOT be crowds of people. We never miss a season here!
Bulter's Orchard: Germantown, MD.
Pick your own seasonal items and a super cute farm store. We have been coming since I was little. Popular place for events so come prepared! Fun Halloween events too.
Catoctin Mountain Orchard: Thurmont, MD.
Pick your own seasonal items and a cute farm store. We picked flowers for a friend before her wedding. It was a sweet gift. And my husband grabs a homemade cookie every time.
Gaver Farm: Mount Airy, MD.
Similar fun farm activities and produce. Fun holiday themed events.
Summers Farm: Middletown, MD.
Halloween farm fun.
Mayne's Tree Farm: Frederick, MD.
They are best known for their Christmas trees, but also do pick your own pumpkins, strawberries, and other produce. It's all outside, with a cute pop up tent selling a variety of items! Plus in season, they sell fresh grown asparagus. YUM!
Jumbos Pumpkin Patch: Middletown, MD.
Hayrides, pumpkins, animals, cute farm store.
Can you tell we love farms? And since it was just the season, we did a LOT of them.
Magnolia Meadows Farm: Thurmont, MD.
So great to go to different farms. Each place offers something new to explore and discover. Never a boring time with the kiddo.
Larriland Farm: Woodbine, MD.
Pick your own fruits and veggies.
George's Mill Goat Farm: Lovettesville, VA.
Goat milk products and other farm treats. Farm store with an honor policy for payment. Such a sweet location. And best yet, in the spring you can feed, play and hold the baby goats:
Sweet Piedmont Flower Farm: Waterford, VA.
GORGEOUS farm. This farm also partners with a local photographer (and dear friend) for family photos too. It's a great place to do both! Beautiful flower farm for pick your own bouquets:
Or check the farm at this awesome market:
South Mountain Creamery: Middletown, MD.
Dairy products (Ice Cream!) and animals and daily calf feedings at 3:45pm https://southmountaincreamery.com/visit/calf-feeding/
Rocky Point Creamery: Tuscarora, MD.
Good ice cream, fun things to climb and play on, and gorgeous sunflowers when in season!
Vanish Brewery: Leesburg, VA.
Huge indoor and outdoor space. Kid friendly. Dog friendly. Live music. Need I say more?
Prospect Point Brewery: Jefferson, MD.
Also super kid friendly. Outdoors. Bring a picnic or check out the food truck on site. Games for kids and lots of space to explore.
The Little Towns: Children's Museum. Rockville, MD.
Fun themed rooms for kids to pretend play. And on Tuesday's it is only $15.
Pinstripes: Rockville, MD.
Located in the Pike and Rose area in Rockville, this place can be one of many stops. Pinstripes is an awesome restaurant. And upstairs they offer indoor bocce, as well as the bowling alley. Similar concept of TopGolf. Get good food and drinks brought right to your lane.
Germantown Sports Complex: Germantown, MD.
So many options for playgrounds. And our personal fav in the summer, check out the splash park and mini golf. Cheap and fun. ~$6
Also at the Complex: Germantown, MD.
"Play Time at the Plex"
Kids can run around an outdoor or indoor field with other kids for $3!
Baker Park: Frederick, MD.
Great walking path, playground, tennis courts, pool and free summer time kid concerts:
Indoor Mini Golf: Gaithersburg, MD.
For rainy or cold days... why not be inside and playing?
Java Junction/Train Museum: Gaithersburg, MD.
Grab some coffee, watch the Amtrak trains go by, check out the kid museum.
Summer Kid Concerts: Frederick, MD.
Free. Educational. Fun and outdoors.
Downtown Frederick: Frederick, MD.
You can spend so much time here. From walking the creek, checking out coffee shops, grabbing lunch, Baker Park, cute kid and dog friendly stores. Also events galore. Check social media or the visitor center for details. My personal fav shop with a kiddo: The Dancing Bear. They have a play area in the back and are super warm and welcoming.
Imagination Stage: Rockville, MD.
Theater events for kids of different ages. Check out their schedule to see whats playing.
Library Story Time: Everywhere.
Most libraries have a kid corner too. Games, toys and things to discover. Some libraries also have "discovery rooms" you can reserve for free. They have educational toys that are so fun.
Urbana Indoor Kid Pool- Natelli YMCA: Urbana, MD.
Awesome splash pad, frog slide, buckets that splash and more. Easy to call and reserve a time. Super inexpensive. https://www.ymca.org/locations/natelli-family-y
Outdoor Water Park: Gaithersburg, MD.
Literally google outdoor pools ANYWHERE when it's summer time. It's just plain fun.
Rockville Town Square Fountain: Rockville, MD.
This one is free! Downtown Rockville has an area near the library, by the stage, with water the shoots up for the kids to run and play.
Sofie and Madigan's Playground: Frederick, MD.
All parks are fun. This one is new, rubber matting, huge, and fun for all ages. This picture does it no justice. Just trust me and go. They also offer story time for different aged kids too. Check social media.
Pine Cliffs Park playground: Frederick, MD.
Rubber matting is always WAY better than mulch.
The Frederick Airport: Frederick, MD.
Watch the airplanes and helicopters comes and go. Bring a picnic (several picnic benches available) or check out the restaurant that has views of the runway too.
Aviation Museum: College Park, MD.
What kids don't like airplanes? My husband and FIL had a great time too!
Indoor play at Montgomery Mall: Rockville, MD.
Not been yet. But several friends have recommended it. It's on my list to check out for sure!
Cabin John Park/Nature Trail: Rockville, MD.
It's an older park so be ready to older equipment and mulch. But..... This park has a train ride open on the weekends. And this pig that eats your trash. Weird and creepy.... and been around since I was a kid. So its nostalgic and quirky. Quirky is always a win with kids.
Walkersville Train Ride: Walkersville, MD.
A more legit train ride for the kiddos. Nothing fancy (we've taken amazing train rides in the Colorado mountains. This doesn't compare) but for a kid, this is epic.
Kentlands Lake and playground: Gaithersburg, MD.
The Kentland's area reminds me of downtown Frederick. Shops, walking paths, great food, places to play and a ton of kid friendly stuff. The walking path around the lake is beautiful... especially in Fall. https://www.gaithersburgmd.gov/recreation/parks-fields/kentlands-lakes
Glen Echo Aquarium: Glen Echo, MD.
Just one room with about 20 tanks. You have to make a reservation. Donations requested. It's easy to reserve and we got a same day visit. The staff personally walk around with you and explain everything. Probably more exciting for older kids, but my son loved the animals and I learned a lot about the ecosystem in our area. And a touch tank!!!! Olala.
National Aquarium: Baltimore, MD.
Everyone knows it. Fun. Amazing. All day event.
The Earth, Space and Science Lab: Frederick, MD.
We just found this hidden gem for a Halloween event. They offer educational classes and shows, a ton of live animals and touch tanks. There are activities to learn so much about all kinds of science. 0-2 year olds definitely wont get that full experience but the interactive activities and animals were amazing for my son.
But lets also be real.... 0-2 years old is just as impressed by a pet store. PetSmart has animals so it's like a aquarium... but free. Rick's Fish and Pet in Frederick has been fun for us too. Heck, going to a friend's house who has a cat (and we don't have a cat) is an adventure too.
Same with Zoos....
Smithsonian's National Zoo: Washington DC.
Catoctin Wildlife Preserve: Thurmont, MD.
Lots of animals and things to see! You can spend hours here. My son really got a kick out of feeding the animals and the koi fish.
Dominque Dawes academy: Rockville, MD and Clarksburg, MD.
I haven't been yet but friends have recommended it. They offer a mommy and me style class. So the inner gymnast in me is excited to check it out!
Meland: Gaithersburg, MD.
Another recommendation we haven't checked out.
I made this, Painting: Frederick, MD.
This could be fun.... but also kid art isnt THAT beautiful to display anywhere else but your own home. We've been holding off on this one... but maybe for a grandparent gift?
I mean.... look at this pumpkin. Wow!
The Rio Lakefront: Gaithersburg, MD.
So much to do here too. They have a carousel for $6 and unlimited rides. Plus a playground, lake with water sport activities, shops, boardwalk, and restaurants:
Kentland's Baby Bar: Gaithersburg, MD.
This is a hidden gem for both parents and kids! It is a great (and clean space) for kids to meet other fun kids! They offer kids healthy foods (No just the annoying chicken tenders and pizza most restaurants think kid's only eat), coffees for the adults (who need it), and treats (if that's what you're feeling!) There is an adorable Peter Rabbit themed nook in back with toys, games, and stuffed animals. Also they offer seasonal activities to engage independently or with news friends; like pumpkin painting, holiday cookie decoration, coloring, and more! I've meet strangers who have invited me to other events and/or given me more ideas for fun things to do! This place is a MUST! https://kentlandsbabybar.com/
Rue and Roe: Gaithersburg, MD.
Just down the block from Kentland's Baby Bar. It is a boutique kids clothing store that also runs kid activities. Superrrrr cute stuff (last visit we bought some adorable Hanukkah PJs) plus monthly events to bring kids together. Such a fun way to support a local business and have fun with the kids! And if you love girl clothes.... you'll go nuts.
Monthly Events by: Confetti Kreations
Fun for both adults and kids. The $10 fee was well worth the price. We went for Halloween and had a blast making witches brew that was both a science lesson and sensory fun. Perfect for all ages. We got to keep the activity, ensuring endless fun again and again at home! Not to mention, Sarah, the owner, has seasonal kid boxes to purchase for families or big parties. We are ordering the holiday boxes for sure! Super idea, especially for those rainy days!!!
Ater Apiary. Lovettesville, MD.
Ok I'm biased about this place, and if you know me, you know why. But I love bees! And so does my son. So check out their year round honey stand. Pair this with a trip to George's Mill Goat farm and lunch in the cute Lovettesville square. Boom! Fun day! https://www.facebook.com/people/Aters-Apiary/100064794677707/
Want more free ideas? Let's go basic (Although nothing basic about the amount of fun my kid has here). My son loves lights, vehicles, fans and people. Lowes, Home Depot, Tractor Supply, Gladhill Tractor is an easy and fun location to visit! AND FREE! We go walk the aisles and often see people with their dogs too. And the holiday section is always an awesome added bonus... especially for Halloween and Christmas.
Also the Dollar Store/Dollar General/Five Below/Michael's craft store is always a win for little toys/activities or just to look around. We often can find an epic ball, fake flower, or craft for $1-$2 that is entertaining for weeks!
Red Gate Walking Path: Rockville, MD.
We've not gone yet, but we had heard this old golf course turned walking trail is a great place to push a stroller and enjoy nature. We will definitely be checking this out soon! https://www.rockvillemd.gov/2311/RedGate-Park-Master-Plan
Gravelly Point Park: Just off the GW Parkway. (DC/VA)
Right by DCA airport. Come watch the airplanes take off and land. Bring a picnic and some outdoor toys.... and you could stay all day!
Thomas A Nixon Jr Aircraft Observation Park: Baltimore, MD.
Right by BWI! This park is even cooler because you can check out the airplanes coming and going... plus there are playgrounds and paved biking trails too!
Kent Island, MD.
Walking paths, waterfront restaurants, boats, food fun and hidden beaches:
Sandy Point State Park: Annapolis, MD
Get away to the beach, without driving to the shore.
Naval Academy Graduation: Blue Angels. Annapolis, MD.
Free! Free parking. Great views of the show! All day fun! Bring food, chairs, music and toys. We went all day and had a blast! (Bring noise blocking headphones for the little ones!!! It's LOUD: https://amzn.to/3Spgkfo)
Top Golf: All over the DMV.
Eat, drink, play golf, or attempt to play golf with friends and family. Always fun!
Another fun free option....
Police Stations: Anywhere!
The policemen and women have always been kind to let us see the cars (and turn on the lights) and get an inside peek too. It also is a great lesson in who keeps our community safe.
The same goes for... Firehouses!
We have stopped at several. They always give us a free hat, let us climb in the trucks, see what's in back of the ambulances and more! It's free... and you can learn about your neighborhood's first responders!
Hiking: Anywhere!
It's free! And kids naturally love nature. Trees, rocks, animals. It's sensory fun. So go anywhere. The C&O Canal is a great place for a flat, shaded experience. Or go somewhere more challenging like a hike on the Appalachian to Washington Monument State Park.
Boats on the Creek: Frederick, MD.
Obviously they are more exciting at night.... but that didn't stop us from enjoying them during the day! Grab a coffee and check them out!
Ok one last activity. Because it wouldn't be LoveKoppizza without... PIZZA!
Make it at home: Fun and cheap and good for all ages.
Or.... get out of the house and check out:
Cugino Forno: Frederick, MD.
Hmmm which gets me thinking.... do I need an indoor/at home activity list too? More thoughts to come. I hope this list was helpful! Enjoy adventuring! And tag us in any you try out because the list! XO
I am not from the MD area, but one summer we visited as many playgrounds as we could...each week finding a new and fun playground to explore was a nice way to spend summer days. Another year, we made a list of all of the public libraries in our county and hit as many as we could! Our favorite find was a library with pet guinea pigs!