I took a walk this week and was surprised to find such a beautiful and peaceful place so close to home. If your family enjoys hiking, this Chol Hamoed is a perfect time to try Lake Roland Park, formerly Robert E. Lee Park. It is off of Falls Road, at 1000 Lakeside Drive, just a short drive away. The hiking trails are hidden away in the woods but well marked, and some are easier than others. When you walk them, you feel like you are on a vacation far away from home. There is also a nature center and a playground for young children.
My outing reminded me of Chol Hamoed Sukkos, which is a full week this year – many days to fill with family trips. I tried to gather ideas of places to go with young families that are looking for things to do. Here are some of them:
Nova Wild is a drive-through safari zoo located in Vienna, Virginia, about an hour from Pikesville. They are open every day from 10 to 4. Their website is Novawild.org.
Annie’s Playground is a very big playground with lots of climbing structures and activities, including a tree house and a dragon slide. It is about 40 minutes from Pikesville, at 865 Smith Lane, Fallston, MD 21047.
Clarks Elioak Farm is right next to Centennial Park in Ellicott City at 10500 Clarksville Pike 21042. It is a lovely place, with farm animals and other activities for young children. They are open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 to 5 through November 5.
Kreider Farm, where Pride of the Farm milk comes from, offers tours from 9:30 to 1:30. It is in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, about 80 minutes from Pikesville, and you have to make reservations in advance. 1-717-665-5039.
Play N’ Learn is a store that sells playground equipment, but they also are open for children to play on their equipment. They are open Monday to Friday, and reservations have to be made in advance: 9033 Red Branch Road, Columbia, Maryland, 410-992-0992.
Graver Farm has a Fall Fun Fest during the months of September and October with over 60 attractions, including a corn maze, petting and feeding farm animals, and giant slides. Their address is 5501 Detrick Road, Mt. Airy, Maryland 21771. 1-301-865-3515.
Amazing Glaze, close by in Mt. Washington, is fun for families that like crafts and don’t like traveling far. They have all kinds of crafts and walk-ins are welcome, although the projects are rather pricey. 410-532-3144.
Delaware Children’s Museum is about 70 minutes from Pikesville. If you have membership at Port Discovery, you can use that membership here. It is open Wednesday to Sunday, 10 to 5: 550 Justison St., Wilmington, Delaware 19801. It is suitable for younger children.
BWI Trail: Thomas Dixon Aircraft Observation Area is a park near BWI airport where you can get a close view of planes taking off and landing. It is located at 1911 Dorsey Road, Glen Burnie, Maryland 21061. You can also go into the airport itself, where there is an observation area with large windows. You can see the planes, and there are also some exhibits and climbing structures for young children.
Climb Zone Laurel is a fun place to go for children who like physical activity. There are many choices of climbing walls at different difficulty levels. 13200 Mid-Atlantic Blvd., Laurel, Maryland 20708. (See their ad in this publication.)
Go Kart Track is another activity for children who like action. 10907 Pulaski Hwy, White Marsh. (See their ad in this publication.)
Thank you to Chaya Liebes, who told me about a few places in Lancaster, Pennsylvania:
Lancaster Science Factory is a science museum for families with children up to eighth grade. They cover topics such as Light and Vision, Electricity and Magnetism, and Mechanics and Motion. Their 75 exhibits are interactive and meant to be touched. 454 New Holland Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17602. 717-509-6363. If you have membership in the science center in Baltimore, you can use it for this museum.
Tiny Town is a play museum for young children that comprises 11 playhouses where children can pretend play. There are accommodations for parents to relax while watching them play. 533 Janet Avenue, Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17602. 717-947-7350.
North Museum of Nature and Science honors your Science Center membership. Closed on Monday and Tuesday, they have a live animal room, an exhibit about dinosaurs, and an explore nature gallery. 400 College Avenue, Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17603. 717-358-3941.
Thanks to Fallon Saposnik, who provided me with many of these ideas. She runs a WhatsApp group called Camp Mommy, which is all about kid and family friendly activities. The group is especially active at this time of year posting about Chol Hamoed activities. To join, scan the QR code or email fallon144@gmail.com.
