Guest Post

The Perfect Day Trip to Frederick, MD with Kids

September 17, 2024

Looking for a fun-filled family adventure close to Washington, D.C.? Look no further than Frederick, Maryland! Nestled in the heart of scenic countryside, this charming town offers a perfect mix of outdoor activities, history, and kid-friendly spots. From wandering through vibrant parks to exploring hands-on museums, Frederick has something for kids of all ages. Spend the day making memories with your little ones while discovering everything this town has to offer!

This post is written by guest authors, Glenn VanLandingham. He and his wife Nicole are residents of Frederick, Maryland, and write about all the amazing things to do in the Frederick, Maryland area at EpicFrederick. You can also follow their adventures on their YouTube Channel or Instagram.

For a city that is the second largest in Maryland, Frederick tends to fly under the radar. Because it’s so close to Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, most visitors to the area and travel writers tend to focus on those two metropolises.

But Frederick, Maryland, is a sneaky great town. It makes for a great day trip if you are a DMV resident, or a stop on your itinerary to the mid-Atlantic. There’s a wide variety of things to do in Frederick, for both kids and adults and for all seasons.

For adults, the area offers history, a quaint downtown, and plenty of restaurants, breweries, and wineries. For families, it’s possible to craft a super fun day trip with kids to Frederick, which is what we help you do in this article.

Getting to Frederick, MD

First off, getting to Frederick is easy. It sits at the crossroads of several major interstate highways and state roads. From the Baltimore area, I-70 heads west straight into Frederick. From the Washington D.C. metro (including suburban Maryland and Virginia), take I-270 north directly into downtown.

If you are anywhere in the DMV, Frederick is probably no more than 1 hour away, which is a perfect day trip distance.

So, what are the best things to do with kids in Frederick? We are locals and know the area well, so here are our recommendations!

Visit a Farm with Animals!

Do you kids like petting animals? Of course they do!

To get your family outside, we suggest your first stop be just 10 minutes southeast of Frederick at the Green Meadows Petting Farm. Here, your kids can get up close to farm animals and pet them! There are close to 300 animals at Green Meadows, including llamas, goats, pigs, horses, and much more.

Green Meadows is more than a petting farm. There are activities like hayrides, pig races, slides, and a large play area for your little ones to enjoy. If you visit in the fall, there is a large pumpkin patch to pick-your-own, and Green Meadows has other seasonal events like Easter Egg hunts.

Have Your Kids Take in Some History

Frederick, Maryland, has its share of history, including the Monocacy National Battlefield, the site of a significant Civil War battle. But if you are visiting with kids, we recommend you head to Rose Hill Manor Park and Museum near downtown Frederick. Rose Hill is an excellent place for kids to experience first-hand life in 17th—and 18th-century America.

Rose Hill is an open-air farm exhibition that allows visitors to visit the Manor House (once home to the first elected governor of Maryland) and the surrounding complex, which includes a blacksmith, ice house, log cabin, carriages, and gardens from colonial times. The complex has a museum specifically for children to learn more about colonial times.

Adults will also enjoy it, as the museum is very well done and has a lot of historical information about early Maryland.

Head Downtown for Lunch or Ice Cream!

One of Frederick’s best features is its walkable and characteristic downtown. It’s a place the entire family can enjoy, especially the area around Carroll Creek Park. Carroll Creek has a lovely promenade with bridges, statues, and usually some event happening on weekends.

If your crew is ready for lunch or dinner, there are a plethora of restaurants in Frederick to choose from. With kids, we recommend Maxwell’s for the best burgers, fries, and shakes downtown or Pistarro’s if your crew prefers pizza or Italian. Pistarro’s is only a few blocks from downtown.

If you find yourself ready for ice cream, do not miss the chance to visit South Mountain Creamery in downtown Frederick. South Mountain serves up its award-winning ice cream directly from its farm in Frederick County. It doesn’t get much fresher or more delicious, and the flavors constantly change.

Sailing Through The Winter Solstice

If your trip to Frederick with the kiddos is anytime during winter (November through March), try hitting downtown and Carroll Creek Park after sundown to see the now-infamous Sailing Through the Winter Solstice display. Brightly lit boat exhibits line up on Carroll Creek to create a unique light show. Especially fun during the holidays.

Want More Things to Do in Frederick with Kids

If you have more time, here are a few more activities that are great and can easily be turned into a half or full day excursion.

Adventure Park USA is 10 minutes east of Frederick and is a full-on amusement park with rides, laser tag, mini golf, and all kinds of other games. Families rave about this place, as it’s not as big, crowded, or expensive as the large amusement parks but delivers tons of entertainment value for kids of all ages. The park has a Western theme and many indoor attractions, so it’s fun in all seasons.

Another trendy venue that has become an adventure destination for families all over Maryland is Tree Trekkers. Just outside Frederick, this is a premier zip line and ropes course complex with difficulty levels suited for anyone. Set in a protected forest, Tree Trekkers has a great setup to safely allow your kids to push their boundaries in the trees.

Despite being under the radar, there are a variety of fun things to do in Frederick, MD, including for families with kids. If you’re ready for a change from Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, take a day (or more) and check it out!

DC Scavenger: The National Mall

May 25, 2023

When many think of the nation’s capital city, the National Mall is undoubtedly one of the first areas that comes to mind. The landscaped strip spanning from the US Capitol to the iconic Lincoln Memorial is a national treasure trove chock-full of monuments, memorials, museums, and art installations that help make up the fabric of the capital city and country. It’s been estimated that more than 24 million people visit the National Mall each year: that’s more visitors than the Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Grand Canyon national parks combined.

In this second guest blog post of her DC Scavenger series, local author JoAnn Hill takes us on an active pursuit throughout this national treasure. Below are 4 of 23 clues featured in the National Mall chapter of DC Scavenger. This time no photos are included. Take your Bambinos on a hunt and let us know in the comments if you had luck finding the 4 clues below! Check out JoAnn’s book DC Scavenger to solve and discover more clues and sites around the National Mall and throughout the entire city.

JoAnn Hill is the author of Secret Washington, DC: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure and DC Scavenger, which goes beyond the typical guidebook; it’s an interactive treasure map spanning seventeen distinct neighborhoods throughout the District. If you think you know everything there is to know about DC―even the most weird, wonderful, and obscure parts of it―get ready to embark on an adventurous discovery of DC’s most cherished gems.

National Mall Clue #1
The House that Roy built may trip you out,
Looks to be moving, may cause you to doubt,
Black edges and colors of yellow and red,
This optical illusion may mess with your head.

National Mall Clue #2
Garden named for a gal, a nice reprieve,
Ripley, believe it, you won’t want to leave.
Amble on through, this fountain’s at its core,
Revel in the flowers and plants galore.

National Mall Clue #3
A more recent addition to the Mall,
Tribute to Black life, history, and all.
Learn of stories, culture, present and past,
Museum so huge, walk slowly, not fast.

National Mall Clue #4
A rare tribute here to the women’s role,
Risking their lives when the war took a toll,
We honor these women who gave their all,
Find this touching statue near the famed wall.

DC Scavenger: Georgetown Edition

December 16, 2022

JoAnn Hill, local author of Secret Washington, DC: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure, recently released her second book, DC Scavenger, which goes beyond the typical guidebook; it’s an interactive treasure map spanning across 17 distinct neighborhoods throughout Washington, DC. Here you’ll explore nearly three hundred and fifty of DC’s most cherished wonders by deciphering clever clues and examining ambiguous photos across the city’s four quadrants. Throughout your pursuit you’ll encounter world-renowned monuments and their lesser-known counterparts, innovative artworks promoting activism and celebrating diversity, overlooked historical markers, convivial markets and eateries, and architectural oddities.

JoAnn’s first DC Scavenger blog post takes us to Georgetown. Situated along the Potomac River, the historically quaint neighborhood of Georgetown is one of the city’s most prestigious and cherished areas. Tree-lined, cobblestoned streets, grand homes, charming eateries, and a bevy of chic boutiques have been drawing individuals for centuries. Throughout the years, Georgetown has managed to preserve its historic authenticity, while simultaneously establishing itself as an entertainment and dining destination in and of itself. This neighborhood spree commences along the P Street Bridge and wraps up along the waterfront, one of Georgetown’s premier attractions.

We’ve got a scavenger hunt for you– perfect for the whole family that allows you to explore our city; the exact reason Beltway Bambinos was created. Below are 4 of 23 clues featured in the Georgetown chapter of DC Scavenger. Can you identify the 4 clues? Check out JoAnn’s book DC Scavenger to solve and discover more clues and sites around the Georgetown neighborhood and throughout the entire city.

Georgetown Clue #1
Lovely museum, library, and home,
Its immense grounds so enticing to roam.
Its walls have lots of stories to tell,
Gardens and parks cast a magical spell.

Georgetown Clue #2
Walk over to N, look at the blue wall,
Nosy neighbor and dog are watching us all,
They both look so real, a gal and her pup,
Art’s all around, you just need to look up.

Georgetown Clue #3
How high is the river? Learn by the tide,
A kayaker’s pictured; watch as he glides
Alongside the water at this lovely park,
Is just one of many informational marks.

Georgetown Clue #4
At the center, where people come to meet
Sails and taxis and boats you can greet,
This tower stands right here in the center,
Gathering spot welcomes all to enter!

JoAnn Hill, author of DC Scavenger and Secret Washington, DC: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure, has affectionately called Washington, DC home for over twenty years. She has written extensively about DC living, its food, and her world travels on her blog dcglobejotters.org and other mediums and publications. Through her writing and research, she shares stories and tips that inspire the insatiably curious traveler. When she’s not writing and exploring, you will find her teaching yoga, barre, and group fitness classes, indulging in DC’s culinary and theater scenes, and spending as much time outside as possible being active. JoAnn is the co-founder of Capitol Teachers, a full-service tutoring company servicing the greater DC area. She lives in Washington, DC with her husband Thalamus and dog Jackson.

Disney On Ice guest review

October 11, 2021

Disney On Ice’s Mickey’s Search Party has landed in Fairfax, Virginia with its final show October 11 at 1:00pm, and then will be headed to Baltimore, October 13-17. This previous “On Ice” skeptic says run don’t walk to see this show! Performed in the Eagle Bank Arena on George Mason University’s campus, this magical performance showcases amazing choreography and theatrical talents all tied to the new and not-so-new beloved Disney movies.

The premise of Mickey’s Search Party is that the crowd has to help save Tinkerbell and her magic wand after she has been kidnapped by Captain Hook and his crew of pirates. In order to save Tink, Mickey and his Search Party follow a map that takes the audience along for a ride through multiple Disney classics and characters revealing hidden clues that get us closer to freeing Tinkerbell. The performances are tied to a particular Disney movie, include 1-2 songs, and are each uniquely amazing. The first half of the show includes Beauty and the Beast, Toy Story, Moana, and Coco. After a 15 minute intermission, you get to see Peter Pan, Aladdin, Little Mermaid, and the grande finale Frozen.

I had fully expected to be leaving at intermission given that the start time was 7:00 pm and my almost-four-year-old hasn’t shown a propendency to sit through anything for more than an hour. I am happy to report that no one even thought about leaving until the very end. We, parents, grandparents, and toddler alike were locked in and enjoyed every moment. For the older generation, the classics brought back some much needed nostalgia (some tears may have been shed), while the Toy Story, Moana, and Frozen performances were mind blowing for the tots. High-flying acrobatics, stunts, and your favorite tunes make it impossible to look away.

A few things to keep in mind as you plan: (1) parking is free and a breeze at Eagle Bank Arena, (2) strollers are allowed but there’s a valet inside, (3) for every six souvenir stands selling $35-40 bubble wands and stuffed characters there is one vendor selling actual food so eat before or be prepared to stand in line for a bit (have no fear, beer and wine are available), (4) the only time you can get something from your seat is before the show and during intermission and that’s limited to cotton candy, snow cones , lemonade, and popcorn, and (5) I think the sweet spot for the younger crowd is 3 years and older and there is no age too old to enjoy. If you’re on the fence, just pull the trigger on this trip down nostalgia lane.

For ticket prices and to purchase tickets click here.
*Ticket pricing is subject to change based on market demand.

The Walt Disney Company is neither a sponsor nor endorser of this sweepstakes.

Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience in Washington, DC

October 5, 2021

Washington, DC is one of the lucky cities that get to host the Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience, a hot pop-up showing up in select cities and selling out fast! If this is your first “immersive” experience, do not fear, it really is calm and can be enjoyed if you are 2 or 92. Set in a large warehouse space at the Rhode Island Center, you get to witness the magical and beautiful works of Vincent Van Gogh from floor to two-story ceilings and 360-degree. The whole experience takes about an hour and a half, but if you have smaller children with shorter attention spans, you may be running through it faster than you normally would prefer. The first rooms you enter are more of your typical museum setting with some background on the artist and his art, but it’s mixed with some high-tech non-typical eye catching digital displays. You also get to experience a few life size replicas of paintings including Van Gogh’s “The Bedroom,” where you can actually walk into the art and sit on the bed.

The main event though is the largest room with the digital show display covering every inch of the space with beautiful music (though it could be loud for the youngest kids or those with sound sensitivities). There are bean bags, lounge chairs and benches to relax on with no bad seat. Kids are entertained by the art fluttering on the floor and moving on the walls, but the youngest fans probably won’t be able to stay the entire length of the show. It really is magical to be completely surrounded by famous works like “Starry Night” and “Irises” in this new way where the stars are actually twinkling or the flowers are moving as if in the wind.

You then step into a room where adults and kids alike get to test out their Van Gogh skills with coloring pages that can then be scanned and projected on the wall in a frame. For an extra fee, you can enjoy a “virtual reality experience” that puts you into Van Gogh’s world and paintings just by wearing a headset. A gift shop welcomes you at the end with plenty of “Starry Night” printed trinkets to take home.

Details: The exhibit runs from August 2021 to January 2022.

Tickets for adults start at $39.99 and $19.90 for children (children under 4 are free), with family passes available. More information can be found here.

Weekdays: 10am–8pm
Weekends & holidays: 9am–9pm

Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience is all digital, hands free, and perfect for our socially distant world.

Location: Rhode Island Center – 524 Rhode Island Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002.

Time travel to the Maryland Renaissance Festival

September 29, 2021

Your children’s favorite storybooks of knights, castles, and dragons become a reality when you step inside the magical Maryland Renaissance Festival. Back from a cancelled year due to COVID-19, this beloved festival is back and as fun as ever, running every Saturday and Sunday through October 24 in Crownsville, Maryland. There is enchantment and merriment from the moment you enter the castle gates with likely the largest number of adults dressed in costume that your child has ever seen. Forgot your costume? No problem. You can grab a flower wreath, sword, or a full jester ensemble at every turn. There are plenty of games for young kids like “Drench a Wench” (dunk tank), Crossbow (totally safe), and Rat Toss, an enormous ship that serves as a playground. In addition, there is a climbing wall for the older kids, an exciting long and wavy slide, and a variety of shows that can captivate even the most ardent skeptics. The live jousting and bagpipe music are particularly special treats so make sure to plan your schedule to not miss! The festival itself is spread out over a 27 acre village in the forest so you will get your steps in for the day! Strollers are allowed, but keep in mind that the terrain is not the smoothest to navigate and on a nice day, it can feel packed. Come hungry and enjoy the iconic smoked turkey leg, lots of things on a stick (steak, cheesecake, fried mac & cheese), wraps, chicken tenders, and a host of sweet treats. Plenty of mead and beer to go around too! All ticket sales are online only and nice days will sell out so plan ahead!

Adult tickets are $28, and children (7-15) are $13 and (under 7) are free.

Hours are 10:00am-7:00pm, weekend through October 24, 2021.

Check out all the information here.

Raising Orchids: Practical Strategies for Parents of Neurodiverse Children Online Class

July 6, 2021

This guest post is written by Jen Dryer who is a mother to two children and has previously written an informative piece for Beltway Bambinos which helps parents navigate early intervention resources. She will be co-leading a class again called Raising Orchid Kids: Practical Strategies for Parents of Neurodiverse Children beginning July 22. She will lead the class alongside Gabriele Nicolet, MA, CCC-SLP, a family communication specialist and parent coach and founder of SpeechKids Therapy.

We took the plunge and brought our “orchid child,” who requires many specific conditions (like orchids do to thrive) to stay happy and self-regulated, to the Nats game over Memorial Day weekend. Miraculously, we made it all the way to the bottom of the 8th inning before my son, Max, started emphatically expressing his desire to leave. For any 9 year old child, getting to the 8^th inning is a solid showing, but for Max, who is autistic, it was a fantastic accomplishment. He thoroughly enjoyed the experience, including the tour on which he led me of all the available elevators, and he even asked lots of questions about all the stats. While the Nats ended up losing, we definitely won!

For most families, the thought of taking their child to a professional baseball game evokes an image of a fun, exciting, and positive shared experience. For those of us raising kids whose brains work differently than their typically developing peers, you know the struggle and the stress of worrying about taking your child to an unfamiliar place with all kinds of new sounds, sights, smells and crowds. The image of you and your neurodiverse child at a baseball game might evoke images of meltdowns and overwhelm, and can seem a far cry from the fun, exciting and joy filled image parents of neurotypical children might envision in the same scenario. For those parents who are navigating the challenge of raising a neurodiverse child in a neurotypical world, hopefully our personal win at the game feels inspiring.

Our successful experience at the Nats game did not happen magically. We put a lot of specific preparation and supports into place beforehand to help Max prepare for the experience of going to what, for so many kids, is a simple, fun outing. We planned for Plan B, C and D, and had a slew of strategies at the ready in case Max started to get agitated or melt down. These are exactly the supports and preparation tools that experienced speech and communication therapist Gabriele Nicolet and I teach in our Raising Orchid Kids: Practical Strategies for Parents of Neurodiverse Children class, with the goal of making life less stressful and more joyful for those families, and to help parents find effective avenues to help their neurodiverse child thrive.

I can personally attest to how incredibly helpful it is to find your parenting tribe and get support from experts and others who are on that same path. The work that we have been doing to support parents of neurodiverse kids has been so inspiring to witness, as we’ve helped guide parents toward strategies and insights into how to better support their challenging child and help them thrive and become more independent.

Our next 6-week session of the online livestream Raising Orchids: Practical Strategies for Parents of Neurodiverse Children course starts Thursday, July 22, and runs for 6 consecutive Thursdays from 8:30-9:45pm. For more information or to register, click here. We also offer regular parent support groups for young children, elementary age kids, and teens/tweens run by veteran Orchid Raiser moms for those who just want to connect and find community. For more information or to register for our support groups, click here.

SkySquad jumpstarts summer with airport assistance at an airport near you

June 11, 2021

This guest post is written by Julie Melnick, founder of SkySquad.

This summer, forget about stressing at the airport! SKYSQUAD is now available at Dulles and Reagan Airport in the DC area to help families travel with ease and enjoy their journey. This summer, SkySquad will expand to offer services at BWI and FLL as well! SkySquad can also be found at Cincinnati Northern Kentucky Airport.

Founder Julie Melnick says, “SkySquad is designed to make air travel easier than ever before. Until now, most airport assistance has been reserved for VIPs. SkySquad wants to change that. We are on a mission to improve the airport experience for all; at an affordable price that is accessible for everyone.”

What is SkySquad? SkySquad is a platform which matches travelers with a badged and background checked airport assistant. Traveling has never been easier with a friendly face to meet customers at their car door and help them through security and to the gate. Service is also available for layovers and arrivals. Packages such as “Jetsetter, Globetrotter, Halftime Help, and Welcome Crew” are designed to cater to the everyday traveler. Although customers feel like VIPS; prices start at $49.

Skysquad has had the pleasure of helping many families, including those moving overseas and domestically, as well as those traveling with pets and health issues. Many SkySquad customers are senior parents visiting family, and SkySquad services as a support to greet them upon arrival so that they don’t have to navigate an unfamiliar airport alone.

“Where has this company been all my life? Airports are the worst. These guys make it better. We used them for an international departure and our assistant saved the trip by helping us at the ticketing counter, “ said Brandon Ross, a SkySquad customer.

About SkySquad:

SkySquad’s mission is to provide a stress-free travel experience for families and seniors who benefit from a helping hand from their car door to the plane door. SkySquad was founded by a mom struggling to travel cross country with her own small children. Today, SkySquad offers airport assistance for anyone who needs a helping hand. Assistance is provided by background checked, badged airport employees with a strong knowledge of the airport layout and an unwavering goal of helping others. SkySquad is available at Washington Dulles International Airport,Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, and Cincinnati Northern Kentucky Airport.

For more information about SkySquad, please visit here. Read more from this 2019 post from founder, Julie Melnick.