By Isabel Prontes
Maryland is a mid-Atlantic state that borders Washington D.C., Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia and Delaware. There are diverse tourist attractions in Maryland, from
Baltimore and its famous aquarium to various historical and cultural landmarks all over the state (such as the tranquil Assateague Island, not far from the Eastern Shore). If you are planning to visit Maryland with children, there are things for kids to see and do as well.
National Aquarium
Baltimore's National Aquarium is a great place for children to visit, being that it is one of the largest aquariums in the United States. Kids will have a blast seeing the largest array of aquatic life and birds on display, from blue poison dart frogs and snake-necked turtles to yellow-headed Amazon parrots and golden lion tamarins. Kids will also enjoy the dolphin show put on at the aquarium, called "Our Ocean Planet." This is a fun-loving and educational place for kids to visit while in Maryland.
National Aquarium in Baltimore
501 E. Pratt St.
Baltimore, MD 21202
(410) 576-3800
Cabin John Regional Park
Cabin John Regional Park is located in Rockville, Maryland, not far from Washington, D.C. This massive park is a wonderful place for kids to play and work off all of their excess energy. This park has it all: slides, mazes, climbing structures, playhouses, swings, hiking trails, picnic grounds and an ice skating rink. Some other fun attractions include a Cinderella pumpkin carriage, miniature train and both outdoor and indoor tennis courts.
Cabin John Regional Park
7410 Tuckerman Lane
Rockville, MD 20852
(301) 299-0024
Adventure Park USA
Adventure Park USA is the biggest family entertainment complex in all of Maryland. It spans 17 1/2 acres and has a Western-style theme throughout the park. Located in Frederick County, Adventure Park USA is approximately 40 miles north of Washington, D.C. Children will have a fantastic time at this park, engaging in everything from bumper cars and go-karts to miniature golf, arcade games, carousel rides and water wars.
Adventure Park USA
11113 W. Baldwin Rd
New Market, MD 21774
(301) 865-6800
Becraft's Farm
Becraft's Farm is a fun, entertaining location for a family outing with children. This Maryland farm is great for picking your own fruit, including berries, pumpkins, apples, peaches and even vegetables. This is an outdoor activity that kids will enjoy, and it also promotes healthy eating. There are also seasonal activities and programs put on especially for kids, such as hay rides.
Becraft's Farm
14722 New Hampshire Ave.
Silver Spring, MD 20905
(301) 236-4545
Six Flags America Hurricane Harbor
Six Flags American Hurricane Harbor is a water park located in Mitchellville, Maryland. This water park is the perfect place for kids to go on a hot, lazy summer day. With attractions such as a water tree house (spanning five stories), many water slides, large wave pool, splash pool for younger kids, lazy river and inner-tube flume rides, kids of all ages (and their families) will have a blast splashing around at this refreshing water park.
Six Flags America Hurricane Harbor
13710 Central Ave.
Mitchellville, MD 20721
(301) 249-1500
About the Author:
Isabel Prontes is a freelance writer and traveler residing in Manhattan, NY. She has traveled to five continents and counting. Her work has appeared on a number of websites, such as Travels, eHow.com and "Happy Living Magazine." Prontes has a professional background in public relations; she received a bachelor's degree in communication studies from Pace University.