Maryland’s Top 10 Family Attractions

Maryland’s coastal location in the heart of the Eastern Seaboard has made it a popular destination throughout American history. It is one of the first 13 colonies, and it played a vital role in the formation of the country as well as in its fight for independence from Great Britain.

The state’s history also included being the location where “The Star Spangled Banner” was written and where the Mason-Dixon line from the Civil War era originated.

While the state has served as a cultural and political hub for the country over the years, it also has a wonderful family environment that makes it ideal to consider for your next vacation.

It boasts an extensive range of family attractions that everyone will love, and there is always something to do in the state regardless of your interests or the time of year.

Make sure you are covered for any family vacations that you are looking to take this summer by using our free quote tool above!

Top 10 Family Attractions in Maryland

With a closer look at what you and your loved ones can do on your trip through the beautiful state of Maryland, you may decide to start planning an amazing getaway soon. These are some of the top family attractions that you should explore soon while you are in Maryland.

#1 – Adventure Sports Center International

If you and your family have an adventure in mind for your next vacation, a trip to Adventure Sports Center International in McHenry is a great idea. This outdoor natural area offers everything from river boarding and inflatable kayaking to hiking, rock climbing, rappelling, geocaching, and more.

These are fully-guided activities, but because of the active nature of the activities, the venue is most well-suited for those who have older children and teens.

#2 – Maryland Science Center

The Maryland Science Center in Baltimore is a fun destination that teaches you and your children about the world around you with interactive activities and exhibits.

The weather, kinetic energy, astronomy, ecosystems, and other scientific topics are thoroughly covered in fun ways that your family will love.

The Maryland Science Center even has an IMAX theater and a planetarium to add more fun and excitement to your day in Baltimore.

#3 – Catoctin Wildlife Preserve and Zoo

 

Located in Thurmont, the Catoctin Wildlife Preserve and Zoo is a venue that focuses on teaching visitors of all ages about wildlife, including their needs, their habitats, and more. The preserve and zoo feature animals from Africa, Australia, exotic islands, and other distant locations around the globe.

You can take a wildlife safari through the park for an up-close experience with the animals, and some animals are also featured in a petting zoo area for further interaction. While this is an outdoor venue, it is open year-round.

#4 – The Ocean City Boardwalk

If you are planning a family trip to the beach this year, you may want to stop by the famous Ocean City Boardwalk for outdoor fun. This coastal location boasts amusement park-style rides designed for all ages as well as games of chance that will captivate you and your loved ones for hours.

You can stroll down the Boardwalk enjoying fresh air and sunshine, stopping at restaurants and snack shops, exploring retail stores, and more. This is the perfect way to spend a few hours or even a full day while you are at the coast.

#5 – The National Aquarium

Situated in Baltimore, the National Aquarium is an educational venue that is designed to teach you and your loved ones more about the underwater ecosystems around the world. There is a wide range of displays and exhibits that feature aquatic life from coral reef systems, freshwater lakes, and more.

There are also educational shows and interactive activities for you to enjoy. Because the exhibits change periodically, the National Aquarium is a great place to visit repeatedly each time you are in the Baltimore area.

#6 – Assateague Island National Seashore

The Assateague Island National Seashore is the perfect place to take your family when you want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life and get back in touch with nature.

You can camp onsite in the park just a short walk from a beautiful beach.

During the day, enjoy horseback riding, fishing, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and guided expeditions to learn more about the local area.

#7 – The NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

If you are interested in astronomy and the space program, a trip to the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center is a necessity.

At this venue, you and your family members can learn more about different missions that have received national attention over the years, and you can learn about current space exploration programs that are actively being worked on.

There are guided programs, interactive displays, exhibits, and more that you can explore, making this a fun destination for all ages to visit. The venue is open year-round.

#8 – The Maryland Zoo

You and your family can spend a full day learning more about animals from around the world when you visit the Maryland Zoo.

This zoo features an extensive range of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds from most continents.

It also boasts special conservation programs, physical fitness programs, and special events periodically that can help you to be more active in the wildlife arena in different ways.

Concessions are available. Because this is an indoor and outdoor venue, it is wise to dress for the weather and to wear comfortable walking shoes. Plan to spend at least several hours at the zoo to explore all that it offers fully.

#9 – Six Flags America

For a fun-filled day that you and your children will not soon forget, head to Six Flags America in the Baltimore area.

At Six Flags America, you can ride thrilling roller coasters and enjoy live performances and shows throughout the day.

Hurricane Harbor, a popular water park area, is open during the summer months as well. Some rides and features have height and weight restrictions, so learn more about the attractions before you arrive.

#10 – Jolly Rogers Splash Mountain Waterpark

When you need a break from the beach on your Ocean City trip, head to Jolly Rogers Splash Mountain Waterpark to beat the heat. This seasonal venue offers towering water slides, a wave pool, a kiddie splash area, a lazy river, extreme water rides, and much more.

There are height restrictions for some rides, but there are ample fun features for even the smallest visitors to enjoy. Concessions are available throughout the park to add to your enjoyment throughout the day.

Safety for Families while Traveling

You can spend many fun-filled days or even weeks exploring all of the fun attractions that are located at all corners of the state.

A road trip is a great way to get to know more about Maryland with your loved ones, but you need to take steps to stay safe while on the road with your children.

– Review Your Coverage

The last thing you may want to think about when you are on a road trip with your family is the possibility of being in an accident, but such events can and do occur.

Insurance coverage can help you to pay for accident-related expenses, and it may even pay for a rental car while your own vehicle is in the shop.

Spend time reviewing your coverage before you start on a road trip in Maryland, and make any updates necessary to ensure that you have the full amount of coverage that you need.

Shopping online for low rates is also a smart idea because it saves time and effort.

When you shop for new rates from leading insurance providers every six months, you can rest assured that you will have the right coverage for your needs at the best price available. Reviewing at least three to four policies is a smart idea.

– Follow Safety Tips

Another important step to take before you begin a road trip involves vehicle maintenance.

Take your car to a local service station for an oil change, to check the tires, and to ensure that the vehicle is otherwise in great condition. In addition, follow these safety tips when driving in Maryland:

• Check your car seats and booster seats to ensure that they are well-suited for your children’s current needs
• Ensure that your car seats are properly fastened in the car
• Stock your car with an emergency kit
• Bring ample sunscreen regardless of the season
• Before walking away from your car, get in the habit of checking the backseat to confirm that nobody has unintentionally been left in the vehicle

Don’t miss out on our free insurance comparison tool below to make sure you aren’t paying too much for coverage!