Summer is the perfect time to get outdoors, explore and enjoy the many wonderful parks, resources and special places to visit for a fantastic family outing. From nature centers, to beaches and beautiful gardens, Maryland offers diverse opportunities to get outside, learn and play.

Nature Centers and Resources

Eden Mill Nature Center
There are programs for families and kids at this Harford County nature center.

Maryland Department of Natural Resources

My DNR
Maryland Department of Natural Resources site for kids. The DNR Explorer’s Club link has information about a variety of outdoor activities and locations.

National Wildlife Visitor Center in the Patuxent Research Refuge
Includes information about hiking trails, public programs and more at this National Wildlife refuge just south of Laurel, Maryland.

Nature Centers in Maryland
List compiled by Wikipedia with links to the websites for each.

Outside in Nature
Many ideas for getting kids outside and enjoying the natural world from the National Wildlife Federation.

Parks and Recreation

National Parks in Maryland
Explore the beauty, brilliance and bountiful spaces and places in parks throughout Maryland.

Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks
Information about parks, programs and activities in the parks in Baltimore City.
For public swimming pools in Baltimore

Baltimore County Recreation and Parks
Listing of parks, gardens, beaches and other outdoor attractions in Baltimore County:

Specific parks and nature centers in Baltimore County:
Cromwell Valley Park
Irvine Nature Center
Oregon Ridge Nature Center
Pearlstone Conference & Retreat Center and Kayam Farm

Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks

Howard County Conservancy

Parks and People Foundation
A foundation dedicated to improving neighborhoods by greening them and motivating youth. Find information here about the Gwynns Falls Trail, youth sports leagues, summer programs and more.

Summer Camp

Tips for Choosing a Summer Camp
Find helpful tips, advice and information for choosing the right summer camp for your children.

Tourism in Maryland

Visit Maryland.org
This site from the Maryland Office of Tourism has links to state, county and national parks, campgrounds and other outdoor information.

Organizations which Connect Kids and Nature

Connecting with Nearby Nature
Age appropriate ideas for connecting kids and nature from Hooked on Nature.
Locally: The Greater Baltimore Children in Nature Community

Children and Nature Network  founded to encourage and support work to reconnect children to nature
Locally: Maryland Partnership for Children in Nature

Blog about Kid Friendly Sites Around Baltimore

Kid Baltimore
This is a blog about kid friendly sites in and around Baltimore with outdoor and nature categories.

Rainy Day Fun and Activities

PBS Parents Rainy Day Fun
Explore some fun activities when the weather is a little gray or rainy.

Bayville
Take a virtual field trip to the Chesapeake Bay

Outdoors Maryland video clips
Video clips that highlight outdoor actives in Maryland