Month: November 2024

SCARY STROKES INDOOR MINI GOLF: PLAYFUL PARENT GUIDE

By now I am sure that many of you have heard of Scary Strokes; a indoor miniature golf course located in Waldorf, Maryland. However, you might not know that the entire golf course just got a complete renovation this fall of 2024. The still offers spooktacular fun while incorporating more interactive elements and LED lighting. With winter break coming up soon, and the weather growing colder and colder; I know a lot of families will be looking for some indoor family fun.

Scare Strokes is a 11,500 square foot facility that features a 18 hole indoor glow miniature golf course themed with various family friendly monsters, ghosts and ghouls. At Scary Strokes you can play a round of golf under black-lights. Scary Strokes first opened its doors in 2017. Since than the owners have worked hard to add new and exciting features to the facility. In fact, Scary Strokes doesn’t just offer minigolf but a full arcade with prizes, VR arena and snack bar. My boys love the arcade. Most of the games are setup to swipe a card for game play with the ability to collect points and redeem for a prize. I was pretty impressed with the prize choices offered.

Huge shout out to the owners Doug and Laneta. It’s obvious that the main priority at Scary Strokes is to offer fun and memorable experiences to families. I love that they dreamed of having a family friendly place in Charles County and put it into action. A great amount of time and attention to detail has gone into creating Scary Strokes.  I was taken back by the beautiful hand painted murals that were personally created by a professional mural company called Art Attack. While the theme is a bit spooky, the characters are still whimsical. I think my favorite is  the statue that resembled Count Dracula from Hotel Transylvania.

Like most entertainment facilities, party rooms are available to rent. What I was really impressed with was that the owners understood the importance of making birthdays a stress free and special day. I was really struck by the idea that the birthday kid gets to paint their own golf ball which they can use when they golf at Scary Strokes. It’s also amazing that hosting birthday parties is taken seriously by bringing in the children’s entertainer “The Balloon Nerd” himself to train staff.

INFORMATION

Address: 2960 Technology Pl Suite #106, Waldorf, MD 20601

Website: www.scarystrokes.com

Hours: Wednesday- Thursday 3PM-9PM/ Friday 2PM-12AM/ Saturday 10AM-12AM/ Sunday 10AM-8PM

Cost: 18 Round of Miniature Glow Golf-

  • $13.50- Ages 12 years old and up
  • $11.50- Ages 5 – 11 years old
  • FREE- Ages 3 and under
  • $2 Discount available to military and seniors

Here’s a fun video reel of our play time at Scary Strokes….

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SANTA SIGHTINGS: 2024 PLAYFUL PARENT GUIDE

“Here Comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus, right down Santa Claus Lane,” is playing in my mind as I type out this years article.  After seeing a handful of Santa Breakfasts and Santa Fire Truck Run schedules posted, I decided it’s time to get the Santa Sightings Guide posted.  This guide will highlight Santa sightings for Southern Maryland Family’s. Happy Holidays from The Playful Parent!

BREAKFASTS WITH SANTA & OTHER SANTA EVENTS

See more events by visiting – LINK to Spectacular Holiday Light Displays and Events Guide or LINK to Community Calendar .

VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT RUNS

Seeing Santa drive past our house on a fire truck! The following Fire Departments host Santa run schedule each year. The dates and times will be announced over the next few weeks and I will update this article to keep track of it here!!! Keep in mind inclement weather and emergencies can cause delays or schedule changes.

  • BEL ALTON- SCHEDULE LINK – Santa is coming!!! December 13, 2024: South Faulkner Road, Sodus Court, Crossover Road, Faulkner Road, Lomax Road, Bel Alton Newtown Road, Bel Alton Estates, Chestnut Grove, Newtown Village, Springhill Newtown Road. December 14, 2024: Fairgrounds Road, Preference Drive, Rolling Hills, Chapel Point Woods, Chapel Point Road, Irving Road and Popes Creek Road.  SCHEDULE LINK
  • BENEDICT VFD- VFD LINK– Santa Is Coming To Town. We will be escorting him through our first due and passing out candy canes. We usually start the escort around 6:30pm. December 20th ~ Maxwell Hall and Teagues Point. December 21st ~ The Neighborhoods off 231 from Eastern Hills to the Benedict Bridge. December 22nd ~ The town of Benedict, Sea Gull Beach and Cedar Beach Neighborhood.
  • BRANDYWINE VFD- SCHEDULE LINK– To kids from 1… to 92🎶, Santa will be leaving the Firehouse approximately 1:00PM all 3 days Saturday 12/7, 12/8 & 12/14. If you missed him, just follow the tracker and the scheduled route to best guess where he might be headed to next.
  • BRYANS ROAD- VFD LINK- Santa comes to town Friday December 20th.
  • CHARLES COUNTY EMS– LINK Has NOT announced a schedule yet.
  • COBB ISLAND- VFD LINK – Announced this week…
  • DENTSVILLE- VFD LINK – Has announced a schedule!!!
  • HUGHESVILLE- VFD LINK–  Santa Run schedule has been posted. Santa can’t wait to see everyone in our community starting November 30, 2024 – December 8, 2024 Friday’s, Saturday’s and Sunday’s. Schedule Link.
  • INDIAN HEAD 10TH DISTRICT- SCHEDULE LINK – Indian Head VFD announced Santa will be on his rounds December 23, 2024 starting at 6PM.
  • LAPLATA VFD – VFD Link– Santa will once again be making his rounds through the La Plata VFD’s response area! Meet us along the routes to see Santa and his firemen. We will be departing the firehouse around 5:00pm and should conclude no later than 9:00pm for most routes.

  • LEONARDTOWN VFD- VFD Link– Friday, December 6- Juniors Court, Villages of Leonardtown, St. Clements Shores. Saturday, December 7 – Single Tree, Satchel Paige Way, Town of Leonardtown, Norris Circle, Academy Hills, Clarks Rest, and Town Run. Friday, December 13- Breton Bay, Avenmar Subdivision, The Mulberries, Knight Road. Saturday, December 14 – Chestnut Hills, Chestnut Ridge, Wilderness Run, Leonardtown Farms, Megan Lane. Saturday, December 21- Hanover Farms, Bird Haven, Horseshoe Court. Sunday, December 22 – Tentative Rain Date if your area was rained out on scheduled date. The communities listed above are the main travel roads/streets in the area. Santa’s Runs will begin around 5:00 each evening and will last until approximately 8:00. Listen for our sirens for a heads up that Santa is coming. If it rains or snows, we will make that night up before Christmas. Santa and the Members of Leonardtown Volunteer Fire Department, we would like to wish you and yours a happy and fire safe Christmas season.
  • MECHANICSVILLE VFD-  VFD LINK– The Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad will be bringing Santa Claus into your Neighborhood through the dates of December 6 to December 14, 2024. Santa will be riding on a big red firetruck sleigh! An Ambulance will occasionally lead, playing Christmas songs on their PA system. Santa Runs will begin between 5:30 – 6:30 PM and may last up until 9:00 PM. Their crews will cover the streets listed on their site.
  • NANJEMOY VFD- VFD LINK- 🎄 Santa’s coming to Nanjemoy! 🎄We will be escorting Santa through Nanjemoy on December 13th & 14th!
  • NEWBURG VFD- NVFD LINK– Schedule is up and Santa is ready to come to town December 14th-15th!
  • PRINCE FREDERICK- PFVFD LINK–PFVFD Santa Runs start December 9th. See image or visit VFD Link for details.
  • POTOMAC HEIGHTS- PHVFD LINK– Santa Claus is coming to town! We are excited to once again escort Santa through our response area on Sunday December 22nd!!! We will begin in Hunters Brooke around 5:15 PM and then proceed to Potomac Heights, Poplar Lane, and the Mt. Aventine area. 🎅
  • SECOND DISTRICT VALLEY LEE VFD- VFD LINK– Santa Run Schedule below. December 9-20, 2024 6PM.
  • SOLOMONS VRD- VFD LINK– Santa Run schedule is up. Check out their events page for each night’s route!!
  • ST CLEMENTS 7th DISTRICT VFD LINK– December 13-18, 2024.
  • TENTH DISTRICT VFD- VFD LINK– Their tentative Santa Run schedule is here. Please understand this schedule is tentative. While we strive to stay on time, it truly depends on how many children we see.
  • WALDORF VFD COMPANY 3-VFD LINK – Just in from the North Pole. Santa will be stopping by the following neighborhoods: December 16 – Huntington, Bannister, Wakefield, and Sentry Woods. December 18 – Carrington, Sheffield, and Glen Eagles. Begins at dusk, and is subject to change due to emergency calls
  • WESTLAKE STATION 12-  VFD LINK – Exciting News: Santa Runs are Back at Station 12! Date and Time: December 14, 2024 starting at 4:30 PM. The exact route will be as follows (to be posted separately): Depart Station 12, turning right onto Smallwood Dr. W. Hampshire Circle, complete loop around the circle. Dorchester Circle, complete loop around the circle. Lancaster Circle, complete loop around the circle. Autumn Hills, Sugarberry St. to Long Leaf Ln. Lexington Dr. from Middletown Rd. to Davis Rd. Davis Rd. past Davis Middle School, North Point High, and continuing to Mill Hill Rd. Route 228 to Bensville Rd. Berry Hill Manor, Grey Run Dr. to Pimpernel Dr., covering both sides of Cottongrass St. Laurel Branch, Laurel Branch Dr. to Valley Dr., turning around at Ridge Rd. Eutaw Forest, Eutaw Forest Dr. to Cedar Run, then to Seven Pines Ln., returning to Eutaw Forest, then Captain House Rd. and Captain Dement Dr. Shady Acres, Elsa Ave. Brentwood, Bancroft Dr. to Linden Grove Dr., Maytide St., and Marylea Ct. Billingsley Rd. to Middletown Rd., returning to Station 12.

***Santa Claus runs are being developed and updated as frequently as possible. Remember emergency calls take priority over Santa runs.***

Thank you for following The Playful Parent. All Information in this article is my own non-biased opinion. The Playful Parent is not paid to endorses organizations. All content is property of The Playful Parent. I hope that the resources continue to help and bless your family.  From our family to yours… Happy Holidays!

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SPECTACULAR HOLIDAY LIGHT DISPLAYS & EVENTS: 2024 PLAYFUL PARENT GUIDE

Now that it’s Thanksgiving, the season of holiday’s are officially upon us. I can’t believe I’m already posting one of the most important guides of the year. It seems like just yesterday, I was writing the fall guide. It is an honor and great joy to provide this resource during a time of year when families are excited to get out and enjoy winter festivities. I hope that families find winter festivities, holiday happenings, and lights displays. Here is my gift to the community…Happy Holidays from The Playful Parent!

SPECTACULAR LIGHTS AND DISPLAYS

ANNMARIE GARDENS IN LIGHTS
Date: November 29, 2024 – January 1, 2025 (Closed Dec. 24 & 25/Closed some additional evenings) Open: 5PM-9PM/5PM-8PM Depending on the evening
Place: Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center- Solomon, MD
Price: Members must reserve tickets in advance; $5/person online, $10 at the gate/ NON-MEMBER TICKETS: Reserve tickets in advance – $18 online, $23 at the gate, if not sold out
Information: Walk through the wooded path and enjoy lighted vignettes of famous people, places and works of art. Look for hidden treasures in the trees and green shamrocks in each vignette. Be sure to check out their special events calendar for train display nights, local hero free admission days and Santa Sundays.

B&O RAILROAD- HOLIDAY RIDES
Date: November 29, 2024 – December 31, 2024 (Select Dates)
Place: B&O Railroad in Baltimore, MD
Price: $ Price Depends on train excursion
Information: Nothing is more magical than a holiday train ride. Weather you take an adventure on the Polar Express or visit during the Holiday train display you are sure have a memorable time.

BOTANICAL GARDENS HOLIDAY DISPLAY
Date: November 28, 2024– January 5, 2025 (Closed Christmas Eve & Christmas)
Place: US Botanical Garden- Washington, DC
Price: FREE
Information: The United States Botanic Garden will feature an outdoor holiday display in 2021. Festive adornments, winterberries, lighted trees and shrubs, and conifers and greenery on display. Don’t miss the popular train display!

BROOKESIDE GARDENS GARDEN OF LIGHTS
Date: Garden of Lights will open on November 22, 2024. The exhibit is open every night through January 5, 2025 (Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve and Christmas)
Place: Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallen Ave. Wheaton, MD
Price: $10 per person/ Ages 3 and under FREE
Information: Walk thru this beautiful display of holiday lights that features more than a million colorful lights. Following your walk among the lights, warm up inside the Conservatory and enjoy a colorful display of holiday poinsettias, flowering plants and evergreens.

BULL RUN FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Date: The Bull Run Festival of Lights will be open November 15, 2024-January 5, 2025 (Closed Christmas Eve & Christmas)
Place: 7700 Bull Run Dr, Centreville, VA 20121
Price: Tickets are $30 online or $40 at the gate
Information: Every year from November until just after New Year’s Day, you can experience the Bull Run Festival of Lights, 2.5 miles illuminated by holiday light displays. Drive the festival route from the comfort of your car; turn off your headlights and just follow the magical glow.

BUSCH GARDENS CHRISTMAS TOWN
Date: November 15, 2024 -January 5, 2025
Place: Busch Gardens, Williamsburg, VA
Price: Cost of Admission to park/ FREE to Season Pass Holders
Information: Christmas shines brightest at Busch Gardens Christmas Town in Williamsburg, Virginia. The world’s most beautiful theme park is aglow with over 8 million Christmas lights, making it the largest Christmas light display in North America. Enjoy kid-friendly, thrill rides, merry entertainment and dining options. Stay warm with a mug of the park’s signature peppermint fudge hot chocolate, meet Santa Claus in the North Pole and capture an unforgettable memory with a Christmas photo. Most of all, enjoy this most wonderful time of year with friends and family. CHRISTMAS TOWN PLAYFUL PARENT GUIDE

CHRISTMAS ON THE FARM 
Date: Opens December 5- December 22, 2024 (Friday’s/Saturday’s/Sunday’s)
Place: Pop Pop’s Farm
Price: Monday-Wednesday $10/Friday-Sunday $12/ Kids 3 and under FREE
Information: Pop Pop’s Farm is open this week on the following days: Monday 5-8, Tuesday 5-8, Wednesday 5-8m, Friday 3-9, Saturday 11-9, Sunday 11-8. Activities include: They have… Lighted Christmas Trail Walk,  Photo Opportunities,  Kids Arts and Crafts, Certified Letters to Santa, 150’ Lighted Slide, Christmas Store, White Pine Garland, Fraser Fir Mix Wreaths, Holly Wreaths, playground, Feed the Goats. Friday Nights Movie is the Polar Express starting at 5:30 pm. Please bring your own seating.

CHRISTMAS AT THE GAYLORD HOTEL & ICE!
Date: November 15, 2024 – December 28, 2024
Place: National Harbor
Price: $ Pricing depends on package
Information: Discover an incredible holiday getaway with ICE! featuring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™, fan-favorite activities, and live shows for all ages. Click HERE to learn more about our activities. Make unforgettable memories and enjoy exclusive privileges as an overnight resort guest. Or spend a delightful day experiencing dazzling displays, delicious treats, and festive activities.

DARNALL’S CHANCE ANNUAL GINGERBREAD DISPLAY
Date: November 29, 2024 – December 15, 2024 (Friday’s & Sunday’s 12:00PM-5:00PM)
Place: Darnall’s Chance – 14800 Governor Oden Bowie Dr. Upper Marlboro, MD
Price: $2 Per Person
Information: Join us at Darnall’s Chance House Museum for the 25th Annual Gingerbread House Contest and Show! Marvel at the stunning gingerbread creations and cast your vote in the Viewer’s Choice Competition.

DAKOTA’S EQUINE (FLAT IRON FARM) CHRISTMAS
Date: November 29-30/ December 6-7/December 13-14/December 20-23 5PM-8PM
Place: 45850 Flat Iron Farm, Great Mills, MD
Price: FREE admission
Information: Lights display will be partial this year; both horse barns will be open and the local tack shop. Additional fee for photos with Santa, crafts and pony rides.

KINGS DOMINION- WINTER FEST
Date: November  29, 2024- January 4, 2025
Place: 16000 Theme Park Way Doswell, VA
Price: Park Admission Starts at $32 per person/ Season Pass Holders FREE
Information: Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year at Virginia’s premier holiday celebration, WinterFest! Kings Dominion transforms into a winter wonderland with millions of shimmering lights, breathtaking décor, and lavish displays. The Eiffel Tower will become a 300-foot-tall Christmas tree, and the iconic fountain on International Street will become one of the most beautiful and largest ice-skating rinks around. WinterFest is the perfect place to create holiday memories with your family with so many exclusive experiences. Sit back and enjoy one of our live shows while dining on delicious holiday treats and drinks. Take part in a selection of fun Christmas activities to get you in the holiday spirit, and be sure to check out our festive shops and artisan locations to find the perfect Christmas gift.

KRIS KRINGLE MARKET
Date: December 13-15, 2024
Place: Charles County Fair Grounds- La Plata, MD
Price: $5 Admission /Ages 10 & Under FREE (Donations benefit the SOMD Food Bank)
Information: Modeled after the famous markets in Germany, this annual event at the fairgrounds offers light displays, holiday food, handmade crafts from local artists/crafters, children activities, shopping, music, and much more. Fireworks Saturday 6PM

LIGHTS ON THE BAY
Date: Opens November 24, 2024 – January 1, 2025 -Monday-Thursday 6pm – 10pm and Friday-Sunday 5pm – 10pm (nightly, including holidays)
Place: Sandy Point State Park
Price: $20 Per Car
Information: Head to Sandy Point State Park from November 24th to January 1st. Not only will you see Christmas lights, but 3D glasses are available for purchase to make your experience even more amazing.

ROLLING ACRES CHRISTMAS WEEKEND SPACTACULAR 
Date: November 29- December 1, 2024
Place: Rolling Acres Farms- 3305 St. Leonard Road Port Republic, MD
Price: Admission $5 Online/$7 Gate- Ticket Link
Information: Come enjoy the holidays lights and music. Plus snap a couple of great pictures while you’re here. Fun activities and crafts for the littles.

SOMD HOLLY JOLLY LIGHTS TRAIL
Date: Map Published December 11, 2024
Place: All over Southern Maryland
Price: FREE
Information: ENJOY CHRISTMAS lights this holiday season. Register your home if you have a lights display up. Registration is Nov. 27- Dec 8, 2024. Routes for the trail will be available starting Dec. 11th. The community will be able to vote for their favorite light display. You will find a map of the residential home lights displays by visiting their site  www.somdxmaslights.com

ST CLEMENETS CHRISTMAS DOLLS AND TRAINS EXHIBIT
Date: December 1, 2024– January 5, 2025 (12:00 PM – 4:00 PM) *Closed Christmas Eve & Christmas*
Place: St. Clements Island Museum, 38370 Point Breeze Road, Coltons Point, MD
Price:  $3 Adults/$2 Military/ $1.50 Kids/ FREE Children 5 and under.
Information: Enjoy a holiday exhibit of antique and collectible dolls, trains and toys in this festive holiday display inside the museum. This event is a fun visitor experience where you can see a very unique Christmas Exhibit in the museum setting.

SYMPHONY OF LIGHTS 
Date: November 29, 2024- January 4, 2025
Place: 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy. Columbia, MD
Price: The price is $25 per vehicle, except for walk-thru nights
Information: The Symphony of Lights has been a time-honored Howard County holiday tradition enjoyed by many for over 25 years. Set in historic Merriweather Post Pavilion and made up of more than 300,000 bulbs, this family-oriented spectacular is a dazzling display of larger-than-life animated and stationary holiday light creations. With the addition of new lights (and a 150 foot screen!), your time through our refreshed course guarantees a night to remember.

WINTER FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS AT WATKINS REGIONAL PARK
Date: November  29, 2024- January 1, 2025
Place: Watkins Regional Park, 301 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro, Maryland
Price: $15 Per Car Advanced Purchase/$20 Per Car On-site (Free admission November 29 & December 25 in appreciation to the residents of Prince George’s County for their year-round support of the Department of Parks and Recreation programs! Make a difference this season! Please bring canned goods for donation to local Food Banks.)
Information: Join in celebrating the 30th anniversary of Watkins Park’s Winter Festival of Lights by driving thru a spectacular holiday display of more than one million lights and one of the tallest tree displays in Maryland. Participants are encouraged to bring a canned or nonperishable good to be donated to a local food bank.

SPECTACULAR SHOWS  & PERFORMANCES

Check out these spectacular shows coming to the stage this holiday season! Be sure to make reservations as tickets to some shows will sell out fast.

WINTER EVENTS

This is a list of all the holiday festivals and events I have found in our area. I will continue to add to this list and keep it updated. Some of these events are weather contingent or require advanced ticketing, so always check event sites before attending. The best way to stay up to date with planning your family fun is by using the calendar for detailed information and event links.

***Stay tuned more events getting added soon, taking a Thanksgiving break with family.***

Thank you for following The Playful Parent. All Information in this article is my own non-biased opinion. The Playful Parent is not paid to endorses organizations. All content is property of The Playful Parent. I hope that the resources continue to help and bless your family.  From our family to yours… Happy Holidays!

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