Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in baltimore, MD

Of Fauna and Fairytales: A Visit to Clark's Elioak Farm

July 20, 2009

If you're as old as I am (or--gasp--even older), and if you've been around these parts since, say, the dawn of time, you may remember The Enchanted Forest, the fairytale-themed amusement park that used to draw the kiddies to Ellicott City.  As far as I know I only visited once, and all I can remember is a dizzy ride on the Mad Teacups, but I know lots and lots of Baltimoreans who have wonderful memories of that place.  Anyway, The Enchanted Forest is long gone, but many of the park's relics, including one of my barely-remembered teacups, have been hauled on over to Clark's Elioak Farm, the petting zoo/playland/produce stand that stands, just behind the castle gate, on Clarksville Pike in Ellicott City.  If you've never been to Clark's Elioak, of if you haven't been since they've added a number of new Enchanted Forest attractions, you really must visit, posthaste.  Snow White, The Three Little Pigs and The Dish and The Spoon are all waiting, and they're wondering, frankly, what's been taking you so long. 

We stopped by on a warm summer's day, a day just perfect for picnicking with the Gingerbread Man and for popping in on The Little Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe.  The kids, from the moment we strolled through the castle gate, were, indeed, enchanted . . . so enchanted that it was nearly impossible to get them to eat the picnic lunch that I'd packed.  They especially grooved on the mouse and cheese slide (these mice, apparently, were the ones that took Cinderella home from the ball), as well as on The Rainbow Bridge, where they were able to look down on real, live frogs.  Every attraction was a hit, though, as they made their way through some of their favorite stories, including "There Was a Crooked Man" and "Goldilocks and the Three Bears."  Then, once they'd pretty thoroughly explored the Enchanted Forest stuff, we moved on to the petting zoo, which was also quite entertaining.  You won't find anything out-of the-ordinary at Clark's Elioak's petting zoo--no camels or buffalo or anything exotic--but the goats and pigs and donkeys will keep the kids happy, even if--and this happened to my daughter--the donkey gets a little bitey.  Pony rides, which are satisfying but none-too-lengthy, are available for two bucks a pop, and hay rides, too, can be had for two dollars.  There's also a pine tree maze, a summer vegetable stand and a gift/snack shop, should you require a cold drink or a little souvenir.  

So what are you waiting for?  Head on down to Clark's Elioak this weekend, and give your kids a taste of the classics! 

 Clark's Elioak Farm - 10500 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City, MD, 410-730-4049

Garden Adventures at Surreybrooke

June 22, 2009

What separates Surreybrooke from other garden centers, and what makes it totally worth the drive up to Frederick County, is its abundance of family-friendly amenities.  Check out the adorable children's garden, complete with animal benches, an evergreen maze and an impossible-to-resist wooden look-out tower; visit any of the three ponds, one of which is home to the most massive frogs I've ever seen; say "awwww" to the precious miniature ponies; picnic at a table or out on the grass, in full view of the nearby mountains; pretend to be a troll or a bear or a princess in a quaint, imagination-inspiring cottage.  Plus, pick up some beautiful, healthy plants for your garden, typically for less than you'd pay at one of those big-box hardware store/garden centers.  And you know what else is awesome aboutSurreybrooke?  Once you're finished with all of your plant-shopping and exploring, you can head on over to neighboring Gambrill State Park, where you'll find rocks for climbing, trails for hiking, and plenty of gorgeous mountain scenery.  Just be sure, if you decide to visit on a baking summer's day, to protect your delicate plant purchases from the heat (or maybe consider hitting Gambrill prior to Surreybrooke).

Surreybrooke - 8537 Hollow Road, Middletown, MD, 301-371-7466  Read more...

Weekend Highlights: 5/22-5/24

May 21, 2009

Guess what?  It's almost weekend time again.  And this weekend is not just any weekend, for it's the unofficial start of the summer season.  So bust out the sunscreen, shimmy into your swimsuit and fire up the barbeque grill.  It's time to get this three-day party started! 

Baltimore Free-Wheelin': Five Great Spots to Take a Bike Ride

May 19, 2009

I learned to ride a bike in the weedy, glassy, busted-up parking lot behind the closed-down Pantry Pride.  It wasn't scenic, but grocery cart ramps and concrete barriers added interest, and I loved to ride in figure-eights around the bases of the mercury vapor lights.  The point of this story?  That kids are highly industrious creatures who, in a pinch and on their bicycles, can find bliss just about anywhere.  But the point of this post?  That some bike-riding spots are better than others, and the best of these lack abandoned plastic milk crates and giant hunks of broken glass.

Eating Out: Five Great Baltimore Picnic Spots

April 28, 2009

There's nothing much better than a picnic in the sunshine, with cold drinks and munchies and a few good friends.  And while I'd hardly call myself a picnic expert, I do make frequent use of my insulated bag and gingham blanket, and I do know some great picnic spots around town.  Following are five picnic areas that never fail us, places where we can relax, take in a nice view, and enjoy a tasty meal.

Play's the Thing: Five More Playgrounds

April 14, 2009

You know what you need today?  Some quality playground recommendations, and I'm just the person to lay them on you.  Several of these parks are places we visit regularly, and a few are spots we haven't hit in some time.  Now that it's springtime and practically warm out, don't you owe it to the kiddies to take them someplace different and fun?  Of course you do.  So here are my suggestions:

Go Fly a Kite!

March 17, 2009

I know, I know--the title really is a total cliche.  But you'll forgive me, I think, when I remind you of some of Baltimore's best kite-flying opportunities, because it is, after all, the middle of March, and you know that you do want to fly a kite.  Right?  So check out some of my favorite kite-flying locations, and please feel free to breeze in (I know!  I'm sorry!) with your own ideas! 

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