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

Take Me for a Ride: Tilt-a-Whirls, Bumper Cars and Other Fun Attractions

July 28, 2009

There was a time, long before I birthed babies, when I used to enjoy the carnival rides.  I liked the Round-Up, the Yo-Yo, the Matterhorn and the Lariat; I liked the fast, the loud, the bright and the spinning.  Oh, how I loved those rides that got me spinning!  But now just the sight of spinning rides makes me queasy, and when my children ask me to get on the Mad Teacups with them, I sort of-even before I do it-feel as if I'm going to die.  But enough about me and my adult aversions; if you're looking for rides for your adventure-seeking, not-yet-motion-sick children, here are five places where you can find ‘em.  Here's hoping, if you're anything like I am, that your kids are big enough to ride the rides without you.  And if they're not, consider-even if it means paying for an extra admission-taking along a ride buddy who's bigger and braver than you are.  Anyway, have fun!

Maryland Fire Carnivals

Quaint and community-oriented, Maryland's fire carnivals are summertime institutions, all of which benefit fire companies throughout the state.  One of our favorites is the Mt. Airy Carnival, which is held the last weekend in July.  There, you'll find rides, carnie food, live music and fun for every member of the family.

Howard County Fair

Held each year in early to mid-August, the Howard County Fair has become one of our favorite celebrations of summer.  Rides, yes, as well as farm animals and parades and everything you'd expect from a county fair.  And cheap, at least by fair standards.  Look out for ride and admission specials, which occur several times throughout the run of the fair.  There aren't a lot of kiddie rides, but you'll find enough-plus tons of older kid rides-to keep your little one amused.

Ocean City Boardwalk

There's something about the Ocean City boardwalk that both delights and terrifies me.  Because while it's overstimulating to the millionth degree (hence the terror), it's also, perhaps due to its associations with my childhood, oddly comforting and relaxing.  In any case, expect no shortage of rides, kiddie or otherwise, at this noisy, indulgent summertime resort.  The youngest riders will find glee at Trimper's indoor amusement house, a veritable paradise of junior-sized jeeps, bumper cars and Ferris wheels, while the older ones will be drawn to the wilder, crazier outdoor attractions.  Skee-ball, of course, will be a hit with everyone.

Dutch Wonderland

What separates Dutch Wonderland from many other theme parks, including the famous one in nearby Hershey, is its devotion to more innocent, less commercial themes.  At Dutch Wonderland, you'll find rides for kids of all ages, though the younger set is likely to be most happy here.  Lot of rides, lots of food, and lots of entertainment.  Your kids will have a blast here.

Maryland State Fair

If your kids like rides, they'll want to be here at the end of the summer, as rides and all kinds of other fair fare will be on offer for ten or so days in Timonium.  More expensive, yes, than the county fairs, but also more expansive . . . here, you'll find kiddie attractions aplenty, in addition to carnival food (like crabcakes!) that far surpasses what you usually find at these kinds of events.

Whether you love or despise the rides, get out there and take advantage of the summertime fun! 

Daytrip: The Strasburg Railroad

June 08, 2009

I may have mentioned this once or twice or 60 times before, but my son is kind of a train nut.  So much so that he actually pants at the sight of locomotives and squeals with delight when he hears a train's signature woo-woo.  So naturally, given my son's obsession, we've traveled to quite a few destinations in search of the perfect choo-choo high.  And one of our favorite of these is the lovely Strasburg Railroad, in nearby Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. 

Even if no one in your family shares my son's rabid enthusiasm for trains, you'll all enjoy a trip to Strasburg.  Firstly, because the area is beautiful, with low mountains and farmhouses and Amish children walking barefoot; and secondly, because in addition to scenic train rides, there's plenty in and around Strasburg to do.  Climb aboard the train that runs between Strasburg and Paradise (and no, I'm not kidding about the final destination), and be sure to stop, either on the way out or the way back, at the quaint trackside picnic area.  There, you'll find tables and a rustic wooden and metal playground, as well as unspoiled views of Pennsylvania Dutch Country.  A train will be back to pick you up in a little while, announcing its arrival with an echoey whistle.  And if you're lucky--as we were when we last visited--you'll get to share the playground with some German-speaking Amish kids, who will disappear down the tracks when they're finished playing, to a fascinating world of pastures and cows. 

Back at the station, as you might expect, there are restaurants and gift shops, including one shop devoted exclusively to Thomas stuff.  Also, of course, there are trains and train paraphernalia, not to mention ride-on toys and oodles of other tempting goodies.  Finally, if you're interested in seeing an excellent array of toy trains, head on over to the National Toy Train Museum, which is also located in Lancaster County.

Strasburg Railroad - Route 741, Strasburg, PA, 717-687-7522  Read more...

Five Great Day Trips from Charm City

by Laura Stallard Petza

October 14, 2008

As lovely a town as Baltimore is, there are times, naturally, when you and the family want to get away. Following is a list of five fantastic places, all of which are less than an hour away. D.C. Because when's the last time you were there? Take the kids to any of the amazing Smithsonian museums-- Natural History , Air and Space or, like, a million others--and delight in  Read more...