The school year is winding down and Summer is upon us. With warmer weather and sunnier days, it's a great time to get outdoors and get moving. Explore some of the ideas below and then grab some friends and family and have some fun!
- Visit State Parks - Enjoy a nature walk in your state park. There are many local parks throughout the state of Maryland and many have programs for kids and families. The Maryland Junior Ranger Program is a fun way to learn about each park and earn a patch. Check out the online activities which can be done to prepare for your visit. Details about Park Quest 2023, a family- friendly program focused on nature activities should be available soon. Look to identify various plants, trees and animals that live in the parks you are exploring. You can even bring a blanket or find a table and have a picnic lunch. Don’t forget to bring water so you can hydrate along the way. Use this link for Maryland State Parks to begin planning your adventure!
- Scavenger Hunt - Scavenger hunts are a lot of fun and will get your brain thinking. Make your own list of things you can find in your neighborhood and challenge friends and family to find them on a walk. Look for pretty flowers, dogs and cats, kids on bikes, fire hydrants, birds, stop signs and people wearing hats. When riding in a car, look for street names for every letter of the alphabet or count cars by color.
- Local festivals or events - There are always a variety of fun activities going on throughout the state of Maryland. Check with local churches, the YMCA and local schools for upcoming events. Libraries have a wonderful summer reading program for all ages. Search your local library's website or plan a visit to find some great books and sign up for the summer reading program while you are there. A simple Google search of “things to do in” (insert the county you want to explore) will lead you to websites you can explore. This Visit Maryland link provides information about Maryland history, ideas of “things to do” and will even help you plan a trip!
- Farmers Markets - Maryland Farmers’ Markets throughout the state will be in full swing by late April/early May. Strolling through a market provides a great opportunity to buy fresh local produce and locally made foods as well as get some fresh air, exercise and sunshine. Check out this link to Maryland’s Best for locations of farms and farmers’ markets as well as locations to find fresh Maryland crabs and seafood.
