Camping can seem daunting for parents of young kids, but I'm here to tell you that you can do it. It's an inexpensive getaway full of screen-free fun. There's no better way to get your kids to sleep soundly than a day in the woods. We're lucky to have lots of beautiful campgrounds near the Route One area, including several that are mere minutes … [Read More...]
Weekend Guides
Outdoors

Let’s Go! A Guide to Camping with Kids Around Route One

Hike, Water Play & Dog-Friendly Fun at Rachel Carson Greenway Trail
As folks continue to search for ways to explore the great outdoors in a physically distant manner, we're here to share the good word about a little known trail, close to water (with a WATERFALL) and located just minutes from the Route 1 corridor: The Rachel Carson Greenway Trail in Silver Spring! Where precisely? Located in Burnt Mills West Special … [Read More...]

Get Outside: Cash Lake Trail at Patuxent Research Refuge, Laurel
While we were pretty disappointed that the Cash Lake Trail did not actually lead to any benjamins 🤣, we still highly recommend this mainly flat, 2-miles or so hike that begins at the Patuxent Research Refuge Visitors Center in Laurel. Cash Lake Trail at the Patuxent Research Refuge We went with the family last month and found this trail to be … [Read More...]

Play, Hike & Water Fun at Adelphi Mill Playground
The Adelphi Mill Playground is a fun place for the kids to play, especially on a hot, summer day! Located in Langley Park / Adelphi, Maryland area on the Northwest Branch of the Anacostia River, this Imagination Playground is full of structures reminiscent of when the Mill was a functioning one. (More on this below.) Afterwards, skip stones and … [Read More...]

Franciscan Monastery in Brookland, DC (with or without kids)!
The Franciscan Monastery in Brookland, DC Searching for something different to do with (or without) your guests over the holidays? Then consider exploring the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America in the Brookland neighborhood of Washington, DC (it's free, though donation welcomed). Open to all, the Franciscan Monastery is full … [Read More...]

Frontier Fort Playground: Fun Imagination Playground at Good Luck Community Center
Get out and play during this great fall weather! We recently explored the Frontier Fort Playground at the Good Luck Community Center in Lanham, Maryland and had a great time climbing up, sliding down and hiding amongst this Imagination Playground's fort structures and swing sets. With plenty of parking, a gazebo with picnic tables, ample seating, … [Read More...]

Hike, History & Hops: Family Fun Day Trip to Historic Ellicott City
Searching for an easy, kid-friendly day trip destination from Route 1 and D.C. that combines your love of hiking and history with my love of craft beer? 😉 Then head to Maryland's Historic Ellicott City for a leisurely hike along the #9 Trolley Trail, take the detour to the Benjamin Banneker Historical Park & Museum in Oella for some history … [Read More...]

Wizard of Oz Playground at Upper Marlboro’s Watkins Regional Park!
We loooooove the Wizard of Oz-themed playground at Watkins Regional Park in Upper Marlboro yet! If you haven't checked it out yet, here's a peek at what you've got to look forward to at this truly amazing, huge, colorful and creative playground! Explore Dorothy's Aunty Em & Uncle Henry's Kansas Farm: Slide down Dorothy's Ruby Red … [Read More...]

Exploring DC’s National Arboretum with Kids!
3/4/21 Update from National Arboretum website: "Effective immediately, the outside grounds of the U.S. National Arboretum (USNA) will be open daily to the public from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The National Bonsai & Penjing Museum and Administration Building will continue to be closed to the public." Every season is a good season to explore the … [Read More...]

Take a Hike! Greenbelt Park
Exploring the Great Outdoors at Greenbelt Park! When the warmer weather arrives, we'll all be itching to enjoy the outdoors, amirite?!? Lucky for us, we've got a ton of great, local options to do just that, including nearby Greenbelt Park! With nine miles of trails and three picnic areas, it's a great place to explore the Great … [Read More...]