Ideas for Family Summer Vacations in Maryland with your Kids
You could spend your summer family vacation in Maryland five years in a row and never get bored of taking the trip to this state. This is because there are five distinct regions of Maryland which each offer their own unique travel experiences for families to enjoy together. You may determine that you want to explore different areas of the country other than Maryland, but you should know a little bit about each of these five areas of the state so you can decide which Maryland trip might be best for your family when you do decide to visit the region.
Capital Region
The capital region of Maryland doesn’t refer to the state capital of Annapolis but instead to the proximity of this portion of Maryland to the capital of our country. Because of its location, a family trip to this part of the state provides an excellent opportunity for a learning experience about the country’s political history. For example, you can visit the hometown of Francis Scott Key (the man who wrote “The Star Spangled Banner”). But there are plenty of non-political things to see and do here as well. Other history can be found in a trip to the famous old German farmhouse which represents the old way of life, a stop at the B&O Railroad Station and a ride on a mule-drawn barge. More modern adventures in Maryland’s Capital Region include NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center and Six Flags America.
Central Maryland
If you want to go instead to the capital of the state, Annapolis, you want to be in Central Maryland. This is also the area which is home to Baltimore, the largest and often most favorite-to-visit city. With its rich diversity of neighborhoods, strong sense of both culture and history and variety of urban activities, Baltimore provides much to do for all families. But other areas of Central Maryland can keep you busy as well. Top family vacation attractions in this portion of the state include the famous Liberty Tree located at St. John’s College, the exhibits at the museum of the U.S. Naval Academy, the baseball history at Babe Ruth Birthplace and Baseball Center, the working farms of Baltimore and Carroll Counties, and the outdoor adventures of Gunpowder Falls State Park.
Eastern Shore
The Eastern Shore is perhaps the most popular family summer vacation destination for those traveling to Maryland. That’s because beaches are what summer is all about! Both you and the kids can enjoy the fun of swimming, building sandcastles and getting hot dogs from the beachside vendors. Ocean City is one of the biggest draws in this area, with its entertainment and activities, rides and adventures for all kids. But there’s also plenty of non-beach activity here as well. Visit the site of the Chestertown Tea Party, check out the animals at the Horsehead Wetlands Center and the Salisbury Zoo, and stop at the birthplace of Harriet Tubman to get� a full vacation here.
Southern Maryland
For some real history, go deeper than the colonial past and political American history of Maryland and explore the pre-colonial and natural history of the area in Southern Maryland. Families who want a summer vacation filled with outdoor activity will enjoy this area. Popular stops include Calvert Cliffs (home to fossil remains), Flag Pond Nature Park, the Maryland Indian Cultural Center, Smallwood State Park and Retreat (where an old plantation has been restored), and Point Lookout (where the Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac River converge).
Western Maryland
Even more so than Southern Maryland, Western Maryland gives your family the chance to spend a summer vacation outdoors together because this is where the Appalachian Mountains come through the state. This means that there is ample opportunity for hiking, picnicking and camping in the area. Visit the highest mountain in the state (Backbone Mountain) for some great Maryland views, go swimming out at Deep Creek Lake, or find one of the many state parks to enjoy a day out in the Maryland sun.
Here are more ideas for Family Vacations in Maryland!
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