The Fairy & Gnome Home Festival at Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center is hands down my family’s favorite event of the year! This was our first time attending the festival; however, it is definitely a new spring time tradition that we won’t miss in years to come. It was truly a magical day of creative play, activities, games and more.
We started our journey on the enchanted Wooded Path and while on our adventure to find gnome homes, we stopped to enjoy activities along the way. There were so many entertaining activities that we could have easily spent more than one day at the festival. From face painting to unicorn rides and whimsical crafts to stories told by a mermaid there was something for everyone. Here are some pictures that highlight our favorite festivities.
Petting Zoo- The kids loved meeting friendly animals that they could pet and feed.
Troll’s Treasure- This was a great sensory activity where kids could search for buried treasure and even take a piece home with them.
Build Your Own Fairy House or Gnome Home- This was our favorite activity. Pales were available to fill with all the natural elements you need to build a Gnome home or Fairy house. It was great to look through the wooded area and see hundreds of hidden homes created by little hands.
Scavenger Hunt- Through out the walking trail there were sculptures, gnome homes and fairy houses to look for. They were even numbered so you could be sure you didn’t miss one. Some were obvious while others were quite hidden.
Fairy Lolly- This is a great place for the kids to get out their energy. It is open through out the year, so I’m sure we will be back through out the summer to play. Loblolly Hollow has a stump jump, sound garden, pinwheel pergola, sandbox and Tee Pee made out of all recycled tree stumps and other natural supplies.
Bubbles- Bubbles may seem basic but there tons more fun when they’re larger than your head and created by a magic wand.
Finding Fairy Friends- it was fun to see little ones dressed up.
Mermaid Tales- We got to meet the Chesapeake Mermaid and listen to her story.
Food- All the best vendors were at the festival. The boys favorite’s were Kona Ice and Calvert Kettle Corn.
EVENTS AT ANNMARIE SCULPTURE GARDEN TO LOOK FORWARD TOO!
There are so many great events at the Garden all year round. Visit their site to learn more about the garden, gallery and upcoming events at http://www.annmariegarden.org. I know we are looking forward to attending the Full STEAM ahead program hosted each month at Annmarie Garden. The Insectival, Flea Market, Summer Camps and Green Expo also look awesome.
VISITOR INFORMATION
Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center
13480 Dowell Road
Dowell, MD 20629
http://www.annmariegarden.org/
Admission:
| Annmarie Members Child (5 & under) Youth (6-17) Adult (18 & up) Senior (65 & older) Military |
FREE FREE $3.00 $5.00 $4.00 $4.00 |
HOURS:
A note about special events: on days that coincide with a special event, garden will follow special event hours.
Sculpture Garden
Daily: 9:00am-5:00pm
(admission to the Sculpture Garden is free every morning from 9-10am; guests who remain beyond 10am must visit the Arts Building and pay the admission fee)
Murray Arts Building
Daily: 10:00am – 5:00pm
April 26, 2017 at 11:16 pm
Aw how cute. The prices are good too! I’d love to bring my family!
April 26, 2017 at 11:20 pm
I just love the fact that this is an outdoor activity and involves kids running around and getting their hands dirty.
April 27, 2017 at 3:37 am
This looks like so much fun. I bet the kids had such a great time. I’m happy to see activities to do outside and enjoy. I think it’s really important for the kids to be out and explore. And the prices are really cheap
April 27, 2017 at 12:42 pm
Wow, the Fairy & Gnome Home Festival at Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center looks so fun for parents or grandparents with small kids. I really like all the neat entertaining activities too.
April 27, 2017 at 7:08 pm
How cute! It looks like you all had a great time!
April 28, 2017 at 7:28 am
What a fun idea for a festival. I would love to take the fam to something like this too.
April 28, 2017 at 8:16 am
This looked so adorable! I love those Cat in the Hat wings! Oh my goodness.
April 29, 2017 at 2:18 am
THIS IS AMAZING!!!!!! This is the best thing I’ve ever seen in my life, It makes me want to jump on a train and go on a cross country trip RIGHT NOW. WOW.
April 29, 2017 at 10:41 am
What a fun event and great gathering for the kids. I love the photos you shared too!
April 29, 2017 at 2:32 pm
Wow, I am sure this was so much fun for the kids. I love the various activities they offer to them too.