College Park Aviation Museum in Maryland

Today we met up with friends and took a trip to the College Park Aviation Museum, the oldest continuously running airport in the world. The staff was friendly and gave us a map of the museum that showed all of the “kid friendly” areas in the museum, of which there were many. When we first walked into the exhibit, my son loved looking at the different planes and seeing some planes on the ground while others were suspended in mid-air. There were many electronic displays that explained a breakdown of different parts of the history of flight and a breakdown of the importance of each part of the airplanes. An animatronic Wilbur Wright gave an explanation of a Hangar.

Activities included, a flight simulator, exhibits showing air flow, flight stamps, model plane creating, flying a plane in a wind tunnel and much, much more. There were also several different types of propellers that children could move and interact with as well. Additionally, the museum frequently hosts different aviation events such as building Lego planes which will take place next week. My son particularly enjoyed getting to sit inside one of the planes and pretending to fly all over the museum.

We also got a chance to go outside to a fenced in area that had about 15 wooden planes that children could sit in and drive around in. The fenced in area is right through a glass door in the gift shop and is easy to miss, so keep an eye out for it. There were manual planes that either had foot pedals to ride like a bike or kids could sit in them and be pushed around. As you look through the fence, the runway is right outside with all of the planes lined up. This museum kept us entertained for 2 hours and cost us less than five dollars per person. We had a blast and time “flew” by. This museum is best geared toward children 2-8 but would be enjoyable by anyone that enjoys airplanes and/or history in Maryland.

Website: http://www.collegeparkaviationmuseum.com

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Chesapeake Children's Museum in Annapolis, MD

We ventured out to the Chesapeake Children's Museum today with a bunch of friends, not knowing what to expect. We ended up having a great time. Upon arrival, we were worried based on the appearance of the dilapidated house, but we were pleasantly surprised when we walked in. There were several different rooms that had various important elements that were linked to the Chesapeake bay.
The main room had a 10 foot boat for children to board and "sail" which was parked right near a small wooden dock. There were also many fish tanks that had various animals that can be found in or near the Chesapeake bay. The staff was friendly and we were given permission to take a corn snake out of the cage and hold him, pick up turtles from a small indoor "pond", and look at different types of frogs and geckos. The room also had a train table and tons of different blocks for kids to build various types of structures.
Some of the other rooms included a doctors office with a real (but old) dental chair, a bunch of X-rays, and some microscopes. Literally "stuffed" in the closet was "Stuffee", a 7 foot man who unzips to spill out his various cotton organs. There was also a small kitchen and shopping area, and two different arts and crafts areas that used recycled materials to provide the children a fun way to do projects while saving the environment.
The basement also offered another area to do arts and crafts as well as several bunnies that could be taken out of their cage, and a music area with a piano, bongos, and some other types of drums. While our visit unfortunately was hampered by rain, there are also outdoors nature walks as well as an underground railroad walk that we were told is very educational. Along the nature walk, several different types of wildlife are frequently seen in the surrounding areas. Despite not being the newest or fanciest of attractions, at 3 dollars per person, and after spending several hours having fun with our friends, we are definitely planning a trip back when the weather warms up.

Website: http://www.theccm.org
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Playseum in Bethesda, Maryland

The Playseum is a wonderful new place that just opened up in Bethesda, Maryland. In only a short amount of time, the word has gotten out about this place and every room had tons of children engaged in wonderful activities. The Playseum is a great place to take children ranging from 1-8 years old. The owner was friendly and accommodating in making sure that all of the customers were happy and in the hour and a half that we were there, I did not hear a single child crying. Additionally, there were so many different rooms, toys, and crafts to interact with that children never seemed to be fighting over one particular toy.

The list of rooms included a small radio studio set up by WTOP so that children can be weathermen, a science room (with different activities led by staff), a construction/building room, a creation room with all sorts of art supplies, a kitchen for cooking, a Safeway sponsored grocery store, an animal room, and much, much, more. My 3 year old son enjoyed getting to hold a bunny rabbit, make his own bouncy ball in the science room with staff members teaching a class, and using the pulley system to lift blocks to the ceiling in the bucket that he had filled up.

Another area where he had fun included the music area where a group of children were playing different instruments. One girl was on the piano, my son picked up the guitar, and another girl was playing with the cymbals to form an incredibly cute little band. He also had fun in the puppet show booth, the costume area, and at the train table as well.

This place was affordable at only five dollars per person, and while we had to get home after playing for an hour and a half, we could have spent 3-4 hours there. Also, one of the most important aspects of making any place successful is having a friendly and knowledgeable staff. All of the staff members were smiling, patient, friendly, and outgoing with both the children and the adults. My only complaint is that the place is very small and narrow. The hallways were very crowded and it would be helpful if there were chairs in each room for parents to sit. However, due to the size of the place, there wouldn't have been a place to put them. Additionally, it was slightly aggravating that there was only metered parking one block away. With that said though, we are definitely planning to come back soon.

http://www.playseum.com/
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Explore and More in Gettysburg, PA.

We happened across, what I think, is a best kept secret. It's a place called Explore and More in Gettysburg, PA. Before you gasp, for those of you who live near Silver Spring, MD, it's only 1 1/2 hours away - just long enough for the kids to watch a movie in full on the DVD player. We came across it on a weekend away last summer. It's a lovely little rowhouse that two former preschool teachers transformed into a children's place. It's inexpensive and rarely crowded. Sometimes they are busy with field trips or birthday parties. But you can always call ahead and check on the day you want to go and if none of the above are happening, you practically have the place to yourself! The place is small enough that the children can roam from 1st floor to 2nd floor and back, doing science experiments, creating in the art room, constructing in the building room, being inside a bubble (always a favorite), searching for fossils...there is even a housekeeping area set up with a Civil War time period. There is no fear of losing them or having to follow them every second because of the size and layout of the place. After 3 hours (or more!), they are moaning NOT to go home and need to stay longer. They also have a wonderful big backyard with a huge sandbox and other activities (my husband couldn't stop playing with the digger!). Bring your own snacks or lunch and enjoy eating in the backyard. Metered parking is on the street, never had a problem getting a spot. We love it and the kids do too (even my 11 year old)! http://www.exploreandmore.com/ .
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Sharps Farm in Brookeville Maryland

Sharp’s Farm may not be well known, but it has a lot to offer. Located in Brookville, Maryland, it is only a few minutes past Olney. While it may not look fancy when you first get there, it has many educational programs involving agriculture, pilgrim life, animals and an array of nature related activities.

I participated in the Pilgrim history with my class. In order to learn about the Native Americans and Pilgrims, they set up a variety of stations for us to participate in. We learned about the lives of the Pilgrims and Native Americans and the students loved seeing them act in character. After the Thanksgiving stations, we had the option of a hayride or to pick corn. We chose to pick corn; however, the hayride is a popular choice as long as the weather permits.

Sharp’s Farm has seasonal hours, so be sure to check the website before going. I highly recommend picking an activity that your family will be interested in. It is great for group activities or for individual families, so gather some friends and enjoy an inexpensive, but educational experience! This farm is geared towards children of elementary school age but can be enjoyed by children slightly younger as well.

http://www.sharpfarm.com 

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Shenandoah in Virginia

We stayed at the Big Meadows Lodge in Shenandoah during the beginning of September. The drive is about 2 hours and the vacation offers a variety of relaxing and fun activities for the family. Even the drive is scenic as your car winds up the mountains to your destination. There are a few other lodging areas that you can stay at in the Shenandoah, I can only comment on the Big Meadows.
The Big Meadows offers a few different room options, all pretty basic - no heating/ac but the community lodge area is enjoyable and is always open for families to gather, play games, etc. Things to do in Shenandoah are primarily hikes and nature walks. The hikes and nature walks aren't great for small children, but we managed and were able to take our kids to a waterfall and to the top of a few short peaks. About 45 minutes from the park are a variety of activities for kids of all ages in Luray Caverns. Luray Caverns is beautiful (not cheap) and offers a self-guided tour that is fun for almost all ages. Next to Luray is an automotive museum (free if you have your Luray ticket) and a large Garden Maze which was also a fun time. Luray seems to offer a few other sites but we didn't have time to explore them.

Overall, I would recommend Shenandoah for longer periods with older kids and shorter periods with younger kids. Older kids will have more tolerance for all that nature has to offer.
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Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

The most important battle of the Civil War took place in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, a tiny town about 75 miles from Washington, DC. The battlefields at Gettysburg are surrounded by hundreds, if not thousands of monuments which help bring history to life for children and their parents. A must see are some of the unexploded ordinances lodged in buildings within Gettysburg. Each regiment that fought in Gettysburg has a marker at their base location; and it is a great treat to see where our ancestors fought. All of the Civil War’s greats have monuments here such as General Lee, President Abraham Lincoln, General Abner Doubleday (for the baseball fans), General Custard, and many more! Families can spend a few hours at this historical site, but several days could be spent learning about the intimate details of what really took place in our history.

Once at Gettysburg, you can tour yourself, get on a tour bus, or hire a private guide to drive your car and give you a personal tour of the battlefield. Before doing any of the above, the first stop needs to be the new visitor’s center. This is where you can pick up maps, hire the guides, get bus tickets, visit the museum, and just stretch your legs from the 90 minute drive. The self-guided tour is for those with an unlimited amount of time, but you’ll miss out on a lot of the little details that make Gettysburg worth the trip. The official tour bus is about $28 a person, and takes you on a specific route. You cannot skip stops, or stay longer in a place if you want; you are on the tour bus’ schedule. This is a good idea if you’re traveling solo and just want to get the Gettysburg experience quickly.

My recommendation is for the private tour guide. Make sure you hire an official guide from the visitors’ center ticket booth. It is $55 dollars for a two-hour-tour (if you are two or more, it is cost effective too). He will drive you to all of the important spots, so you don’t have to worry about one-way streets, oncoming traffic, as you are trying to see all of the sights. He drives while explaining the history of each location, and its importance during the battle. You can also have your guide look up where your family’s regiment fought, and he’ll take you to their markers (great for pictures). Even if your family didn’t fight, you can request that he take you to other famous individual locations, like Lee’s headquarters, Doubleday’s location, etc. Be sure that you take his advice and get out of the car every once in a while. The Virginia state monument is beautiful, as is the view from Little Round Top (possibly the most important site of the entire battle).

The tour ends where it began, at the visitor’s center. Use this time again to see the museum, watch the video, or just stretch your legs one more time before the drive home.

Website: gettysburg.com/

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Sesame Place in Pennsylvania

 We went to Sesame Place in the beginning of September 2008 and in the beginning of June 2009. Both times were a blast - for both the adults and the kids. In 2008, we went with our 3 year old and 1 year old and basically our 3 year old had a blast and our 1 year old didn't have too much to do, but it was still fun for him. This past June, both our 4 year old and 2 year old had a blast. The parade was really fun! They got to high five some of the Sesame Street characters and a 2 year old who was with us got to dance with some of the characters during the parade.

Aside from the parade, there are shows - The Elmo Show, Big Bird Show, etc. where children get to sit in the audience and watch their favorite characters perform as if they are on TV. In addition to the shows and parade, there are rides in water (where you can get a little wet or soaking wet) and on land, as well as places where you can climb on nets, a carousel, and some rides for younger kids (around age 2 years). The rides in the park are fun for children as well as adults.

Both years, we chose to go on Sundays either after the school year has begun (beginning Sept.) or before the school year has ended (beginning June). We did this to try and avoid the insane summer crowds on Sundays. Also, both times we were part of a group that either we or others organized. The group rate is significantly cheaper than buying tickets at full price. A group is 15 or more people who pay in advance to go on the same date (although they do not have to arrive together in any way or even know one another). For every 9 people you have in your group, you get a free ticket. If you do not want to eat the park food and would like to eat a picnic lunch/dinner, then I recommend that you leave a cooler in your car and park in one of the preferred parking lots near the entrance which are also near picnic tables. Big coolers are not allowed in the park (only small ones are okay).

Lastly, we wore clothes that we would wear to go on the water rides (e.g. swim suits, etc.) and went on the water rides first before lunch. That way, during lunch your clothes have a chance to dry or you could change your clothes then for dry rides, shows, and the parade and not have to carry clothes, towels, etc. with you in the park. Enjoy!
The website is: http://www.sesameplace.com.
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South of the Border in South Carolina

On the way to Florida there is an area called "south of the border". There are souvenir shops /bathrooms/hotels and other attractions to spend time at. There is an arcade for kids as well as a merry-go-round . In the store called the "antique shop and hats around the world" there are riding toys and there are also statues of animals for the kids to look at and take pictures on. Additionally, there was an amusement park right next door with rides like the pirate ship, Ferris wheel, mini golf etc. A lot of people stop here when they drive by and there a lot of signs so you really cant miss it! Also there is a big sombrero that you can ride in to go to the top of a tower (200 feet they said). They call this place, America’s favorite highway oasis!
Website: http://www.thesouthoftheborder.com/
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Brookside Gardens in Maryland

Brookside Gardens has a scenic nature garden with wide paths that are stroller accessible and offers a beautiful place to walk with children. Kids are fascinated by the colorful flowers, the wide open places to run, and the wildlife. There is a gazebo which is on a small lake filled with fish, turtles, and other creatures as well. There is also a butterfly garden, greenhouse, a formal garden (which is great for taking pictures), and a nature center . This botanical garden is free and is good for children of all ages.
Brookside Gardens frequently offers classes and has special events such as the festival of lights (Winter) which shows the park at night with small lights hanging throughout the park. During the winter, they also set up a big model train set near the butterfly house that is fun for younger kids. The only down side to this wonderful place is that you may not eat in the gardens. However, you can eat out in front of the visitors center on a small plot of grass. Brookside Gardens may not be appreciated by younger children, but there are many open spaces to run around.
(note: For young Children, a stroller is a good idea)
Website: http://www.montgomeryparks.org/brookside/
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Wheaton Regional Park in Maryland

Wheaton Regional Park is a great place to go with children from ages 1.5-10 years old. The park is located just outside of Silver Spring, Maryland, and offers many different slides, swings, and things to climb on. However, what really makes this place fun is the merry-go-round ($1.75 per ride) and the 15 minute train ride($1.75 per ride). The train is not only fun because of it being on a train (who doesn't love trains!), but also fun because the route through the woods is scenic and makes the children have a greater appreciation for nature. This park also offers many gazebo's with areas to grill and spend time with family and friends.

Book Recommendations before going to a playground

Please Play Safe! Penguin’s Guide to Playground Safety (Margery Cuyler)

Manners on the playground (Carrie Finn)

King of the Playground (Phyllis Reynolds Naylor)

Website: http://www.montgomeryparks.org/enterprise/park_facilities/trains/wheaton.shtm
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Waterville Valley New Hampshire

Waterville Valley is one of my favorite places in New Hampshire...its about 2 hours from boston and has all sorts of fun family activities year round. I originally went up to Waterville Valley to ski and absolutely love it! Then in the spring and summer went back to hike and camp. There are several hiking options...some much harder than others. Right in the ski resort town is a snowboarding mountain that is used for mountain biking in the summer. You and your bike can ride up the lift and then you bike down the mountain. I dont mountain bike so we took the lift ride up and hiked down (which plenty of people do). It was an easy hike (all downhill of course!) and a lot of fun. My one recommendation would be to wait until mid summer when the snow has had time to thoroughly melt AND the ground has had time to dry. Although playing in the mud was pretty fun too...

The area has a TON of affordable hotel options too. Ive stayed in the waterville valley townsquare condos, which when divided among 6 people was extremely reasonable. And Ive stayed in the Black Bear Lodge right down the road. Most places offer great weekend packages that include ice skating, use of the fitness center, a free lift ticket, canoeing, paddle boating...all sorts of fun stuff. Come on the right weekend and they might have a chili cook off or some other festival going on.

http://www.waterville.com
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Flume Gorge in New Hampshire

Flume Gorge is a part of Franconia State Park in NH. It is a fairly easy hike, with clearly marked trails...some parts with handrails, steps, and even paved paths. There are incredible photo ops of waterfalls and covered bridges (which are very famous up here in New England although I have yet to really understand why!) I think there is also a bus that will take you to the top if you dont want to hike (or have little kids). We actually got there a little late, around 3pm on a Saturday and thought we'd be too late, but the park was still open and we had plenty of time to wander around. It actually worked out perfectly because the place is apparently extremely crowded on the weekends. It seemed we got there when most people were heading home for the day. The one down side is you do have to pay for tickets...although Im always happy to support state parts so I didnt mind too much. Tickets are $10 for adults, $7 for children and kids 5 and under are free. For more info: http://www.visitnh.gov/flume/index.htm
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Mt. Washington in New Hampshire

In the year 2005 BK (before kids), My wife and I took a road trip up to New Hampshire. While we were up there, we got a chance to drive up Mt. Washington. Mt. Washington is the highest peak in the Northeastern United States at 6,288 ft (1,917 m). The mountain has beautiful views and is known for having erratic weather. While we took the car tour which can be fun for young children, there are also many trails to hike along the way for older children. The car tour comes with a CD to listen to, which guides you through the history of this wonderfully scenic experience.

The one thing that bothered me as a person who fears heights is the fact that there is no guard rail when driving. The ride up the mountain was very pleasant and there were several scenic stop-offs that overlooked many beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. However, being so close to the edge of the mountain on the way down was a bit nerve racking. However, if you do not mind being so high up without a guardrail this was an incredibly scenic and peaceful experience. Next time you are in the New Hampshire area, I highly recommend this beautiful mountain.
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Sandy Point State Park in Maryland

I decided I couldn't let the summer pass without taking my 2 year old son to the beach. I did some quick research, and picked the beach that seemed closest to DC, called Sandy Point State Park, in Annapolis (which of course means it's not too far from Baltimore either). The entrance fee is $4.00 for state residents, and children that come in car seats are admitted free (at least that's what the nice woman at the gate said, I'm not sure if there's an actual age limit). The beach was very clean, inhabited almost entirely by families and had 2 lifeguards per tower, and there were at least 2 towers. The beach was not rocky, the sand was great to play with using buckets and shovels and the water, while murky, seemed reasonably clean. The beach has a fantastic view of the Bridge that leads from Annapolis to eastern Maryland. There were also clean bathrooms with showers and a concession stand that also rented/sold(?) beach supplies. And there was a park with a large jungle gym. I highly recommend.

Read more about Sandy Point State Park here.
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The National Zoo in Washington DC

The National Zoo is a fantastic place to visit with children of all ages all the way through adulthood. It is a very large zoo that has many great exhibits that are both indoors and outdoors. They also constantly look for ways to improve the zoo and make it an experience that will be remembered for years to come. One of the parts that we particularly enjoyed was the petting zoo area. The animals were docile and it was nice to have a section in the zoo that was dedicated to allowing the children to get up close and personal with the animals. Be sure to enjoy your lunch in the shaded picnic areas and bring good shoes as it is a very large and hilly zoo.

The zoo is free and is conveniently located near the Cleveland Park metro station. There is parking on the streets if you have patience and are willing to walk a few blocks, or you can park at the zoo. Parking at the Zoo is $10 for the first hour, $15 for two to three hours, and $20 for more than three hours. If you are a FONZ member, you do not have to pay for parking.

Website: http://nationalzoo.si.edu/default.cfm
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