Mother-Daughter Getaways Near Baltimore?

June 10, 2024 6:48 AM

My five-year-old daughter and I have ten weeks of summer break stretching out ahead of us. I stay home with her, and much of the break will be spent at swim lessons or running in sprinklers while eating popsicles. However, I'd like to organize a couple of Mother-Daughter overnight trips to break up the routine. Berkeley Springs was a big hit when we went before. We like outdoorsy, but not super challenging, waffles, donuts, lots of downtime, and cool playgrounds. Museums and cultural type destinations would be too much stress - my kid wants to touch EVERYTHING. Any suggestions?
posted by champers to Travel & Transportation around Baltimore, MD (4 answers total)

I grew up in Baltimore and my mom had summers off as a teacher. Some ideas:
-Harpers Ferry (can even be a day trip)
-Blackwater Falls State Park (maybe better if you can do two nights though)
-Luray Caverns/Shenandoah NP (again, would want two nights)
-If she can ride a trike, Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge has a lot of flat bike trails.
-A bit farther - Chincoteague/Assateague has the beach, flat bike trails in marshes, and wild horses.
-Smithsonian Museums in DC - yes, I know you said no museums, but many of these are geared towards children (Natural History, Air & Space, etc.) and are free so it's no big loss if you need to leave without staying long, plus there is also the excellent National Children's Museum (not free). The Folklife Festival is also over the summer, which has a lot of kid friendly elements.
posted by coffeecat at 7:20 AM on June 10 [5 favorites]

Oh I think your kiddo is absolutely the intended patron for the Please Touch Museum in Philly!

Brand new Anna Verna playground on 8 acres of a nature park.
posted by cooker girl at 7:57 AM on June 10 [2 favorites]

How about Longwood Gardens?
posted by TwoStride at 10:21 AM on June 10 [1 favorite]

Rehoboth or Bethany Beach in Delaware? Plenty of arcades, playgrounds, beach, and snacks everywhere you look
posted by jenjenc at 6:50 PM on June 10 [2 favorites]