FALL FESTIVALS & COMMUNITY EVENTS

• Aug. 23-Oct.19, 2025 (Weekends) All Day – MD Renaissance Festival in Annapolis- $
• Aug. 30 10AM-6PM- Jousting Tournament @ Christ Church Port Republic- $
• Aug. 30 5PM-9PM- End of Season Bash @ Leonardtown Wharf- FREE
• Sept. 5 5PM-8PM- Art & Entertainment Celebration @Leonardtown Square- FREE
• Sept. 5-7- 10AM-3PM Sidewalk Art Contest in Leonardtown- FREE
• Sept. 5-7 10AM-4PM – Fall Festival Opening Weekend Rolling Acres Farms in Port Republic- $
• Sept. 5 7:30PM- Outdoor Movie Night @Dahlgren Parade Field- FREE
• Sept. 6 10AM-4PM- Indigenous Heritage Day in St. Mary’s City, MD- FREE
• Sept 6-7 10AM-3PM- Fall Fun on the Farm @ Kings Family Farm – $
• Sept. 7- 6PM- Youth & Family Night @ Real Life Mechanicsville- FREE
• Sept. 8 9AM-12AM- Fall Fest Toddler Days @ Rolling Acres Farm- $
• Sept. 10 10AM-12PM- Teddy Bear Picnic @Historic St. Mary’s- $
• Sept. 11-14- All Day- Charles County Fair in La Plata, MD – $
• Sept. 13 9AM-12PM- Meadows Matter: Nature Walk @Port Tobacco River Park-FREE
• Sept 13 3PM- Open House @ Freedom Hill Horse Rescue- FREE
• Sept. 13 7:30PM- Outdoor Movie Bettle Juice @North Beach – FREE
• Sept. 14-15- 10AM-4PM- Harvest Festival at Horsmon Farm in St Leonard, MD- $
• Sept. 17-18- All Day- Fall Homeschool Days @ Mt. Vernon- $
• Sept 18 10AM- Talk Like A Pirate Day @ CCPR Mt. Hope Comm Center – $
• Sept 18-21- All Day at the St. Mary’s County Fair in Leonardtown, MD – $
• Sept. 20 10AM- Art Fest @ Annmarie Gardens- $
• Sept. 20 10AM-3PM Pirate Day @ Calvert Marine Museum- $2
• Sept. 20- 11AM- Kids Pirate Cruise @ Calvert Maarine Museum- $
• Sept. 20- 10AM-3PM- Village Day @ Jefferson Patterson- FREE
• Sept. 22 10AM- Magic School Bus Event @ CCPR Mt. Hope – FREE
• Sept. 24-28 All Day- Calvert County Fair in Prince Frederick, MD – $
• Sept 26 7PM-9PM- Outdoor Movie @ Leonardtown Wharf- FREE
• Sept. 26- 7PM-10PM- Maze Craze in the Moon Light at Rolling Acres Farm- $
• Sept. 27- 11AM-4PM- River Fest in St. Mary’s City- FREE
• Sept. 27- 10AM-2PM- Monarchs & Milkweed at Merkle Wild Life in Upper Marlboro- FREE 
• Oct. 3-30- All Day- Annual Scarecrow Stroll @Leonardtown Square- FREE
• Oct. 4-5- 10AM-5PM- Scarecrow Making @Horsmon Farm- $
• Oct. 5 12PM-1:30PM- Fall Family Day @ Northeast Community Center
• Oct. 5- 1PM-3PM- Annual Tractor Parade @ Leonardtown Square- FREE
• Oct. 6 7:30PM- Full Moon Hike @Battle Creek Cypress Swamp Sanctuary- FREE
• Oct. 7- 4PM- Bat Night Hike @Westlands Over Look Park- FREE
• Oct. 8 10AM-12PM- Little Explorers- Fall Colors @Historic St. Mary’s- $
• Oct. 10- 7PM-10PM- Maze Craze in the Moon Light at Rolling Acres Farm- $
• Oct. 11-12 10AM-5PM- Fairy Magic @Horsmon Farm- $

• Oct. 11- 10AM-4PM- Annual Fall Festival at Zekiah Farms in Waldorf, MD- FREE
• Oct. 12 12PM- Annual Apple Festival @Our Lady of the Wayside- FREE
• Oct. 18 & 19- 10AM-3PM- Colonial Faire and Fall Festival@ Maxwell Hall- FREE
• Oct. 18 10AM-3PM- Village Days @ Jefferson Patterson- FREE
• Oct. 18 4:30PM- Harvest Festival @Dahlgren Naval Base- FREE
• Oct. 24 4PM-6:30PM- Fall Festival @ Chick-fil-A Brandywine- FREE
• Oct. 24- 7PM-10PM- Maze Craze in the Moon Light at Rolling Acres Farm- $
• Oct. 26 10AM-5PM- Tractor Show @Horsmon Farm- $
• Oct. 26- 1PM-4PM- Fall Festival @ Bensville Park – FREE
• Oct. 310- 10:30AM-12:30PM- Fall Festival @Every Day Play n Learn – $3 Per Kid
• Oct. 31 6PM-8PM- Hallelujah Night Family Carnival- FREE
• Nov 1- 2PM-6PM- Fall Festivals @Bethel Baptist Church in La Plata- FREE
• Nov. 1-2- 10AM-5PM- Rage Against the Pumpkin @Horsmon Farm- $
• Nov. 9 1PM- Veteran’s Day Parade @ La Plata Town Hall- FREE

HALLOWEEN HAPPENINGS

• Sept. 13-Oct. 2 All Day- BOO Fest (Weekends-Day) at Six Flags America in Bowie- $
• Sept. 13-Oct. 2 All Day- Fright Fest (Weekends-Night) at Six Flags America in Bowie- $
• Sept. 20-Nov. 2-  (Weekend Only-Day) Great Pumpkin Fest – Kings Dominion- $
• Sept. 20-Nov. 2 (Weekend Only-Night) Halloween Haunt – Kings Dominion- $
• Sept. 21-Oct. 3- (Day) Counts Spooktacular at Busch Gardens  Williamsburg, VA- $
• Oct. 17- Nov. 1- (Friday-Saturday & Halloween)-7:30PM-10PM Vampire Manor- $ 
• Oct. 4 9AM- Monster Market @ Annmarie Gardens- FREE
• Oct. 4 6PM-9PM- Hotel Transylvania Party @ My Gym in Waldorf- $
• Oct. 5 12PM-3PM- Fall Festival @ La Plata Town Hall- FREE
• Oct. 6 6PM- Halloween Monster Mash Dance @CCPR Southern Center- $
• Oct. 10- 5:30PM-9PM- Trunk or Treat & Movie in Huntingtown, MD – FREE
• Oct. 11 10AM- Great Halloween Costume Exchange @CCPR Southern Center- FREE

• Oct. 17 6PM-8PM- Trunk or Treat @ Matula Elementary School – $2
• Oct. 17 7PM- Frightful Fun Halloween Celebreation @ CCPR Mt. Hope Center- FREE
• Oct. 18 2PM-6PM- Spooky Fall Fest @Shops at Waldorf Center- FREE
• Oct. 18 5PM-8PM- Lost City in Historic St. Mary’s City- $
• Oct. 18 6PM-10PM- Spooktacular Halloween Party Kids Night Out @ MyGym in Waldorf- $
• Oct. 18 10AM-4PM- Halloween in the Garden @Annmarie Garden- $
• Oct. 18 2PM- Annual Fall Festival @ The Shops at Waldorf- FREE
• Oct. 19 1PM-4PM- Monster Mash Bash – Leonardtown- FREE
• Oct. 22 10AM-12PM- Little Explorers: Halloween @ Historic St. Mary’s City- $
• Oct. 22 5:30PM – 7PM – Treats With The Trades @Calvert Career Tech Center- FREE
• Oct. 22 6PM-7PM- Trunk or Treat @ Morningside of House in Waldorf- FREE
• Oct. 23 5:30PM- Trunk or Treat @ William B Wade in Waldorf- FREE
• Oct. 24- 4:30PM- Trunk or Treat @Dental Care on Stanhaven in White Plains- FREE
• Oct. 24 4:30PM-5:30PM- Spooktacular Party @ My Gym in Waldorf- $
• Oct. 24 5PM-7PM- Trunk or Treat @Our Lady Star of the Sea- FREE
• Oct. 24 6PM-7:30PM- Trunk or Treat @Higdon in Newburg- $2
• Oct. 24 6PM-9PM – Halloween @ Hallowing Point Park – FREE
• Oct. 24 6:30PM- Trunk or Treat @ Inspired Day Learning Center- FREE
• Oct. 25 9AM-5PM- Trunk or Treat Vendor Show – Town Market in Leonardtown-FREE
• Oct. 25 10AM Haunted Town at Imaginarium
• Oct. 25- 5:30PM-8PM- Trunk or Treat at Mechanicsville VRS- FREE
• Oct. 25- 10AM-5PM Halloween Blaster Battle @ Charles County Fair Grounds- $
• Oct. 25  12PM-3PM- Trick or Treat Trail in Downtown La Plata- FREE
• Oct. 25 1PM-3PM- Trunk or Treat @ A Place to Grow in Waldorf- FREE
• Oct. 25 3PM- Boo Bash @ North Beach- FREE
• Oct. 25 5PM- Trunk or Treat & Movie Night @SMYO – FREE
• Oct. 25- 5PM-9PM-  Fright Night Haunted Trail @North Point- $20
• Oct. 25- 7PM-8PM- Haunted House@ FCF in Waldorf- $
• Oct. 26 12:30PM-5PM- Harbor Halloween @ National Harbor- FREE
• Oct. 26 1PM-4PM- Trunk or Treat @ Bryans Road VFD- FREE
• Oct. 26- 3PM-6PM- RedRum vs Slashers Roller Derby Bout@ La Plata Fair Grounds- $
• Oct. 26 4PM-8PM Fall Festival at Real Life Church in Mechanicsville, MD – FREE
• Oct. 26 3:30PM- Trunk or Treat @First Baptist Church of Waldorf- FREE
• Oct. 26 6PM-7:30PM- Trunk or Treat @ La Plata HS Key Club- FREE
• Oct. 28 6PM-8PM- Trunk or Treat@ B-Funk in La Plata- FREE
• Oct. 28- 5:30PM- Trunk or Treat@ La Plata Church of Christ- FREE
• Oct. 28- 6PM-8PM- Trunk or Treat@ All American Steak House- FREE
• Oct. 29 5PM-7PM- Trunk or Treat@ Nanjemoy VFD- FREE
• Oct. 29 5:30PM-8PM- Little Ghouls and Goblins Bash @ Port Tobacco Restaurant- FREE
• Oct. 29 6PM-8PM- Trunk or Treat @ Westlake VFD in Waldorf- FREE
• Oct. 29 6PM-8PM- Trunk or Treat @Lackey HS- FREE
• Oct. 29 9:30AM- Halloween Bash @ CCPR Southern Com Center in Lusby- FREE
• Oct. 30 10AM- Halloween Puppy Parade @ Dunkirk Park – FREE
• Oct. 30 4:30PM- Trunk or Treat @Dahlgren MWR Jenkins Road- FREE
• Oct. 30 5PM-7PM- Trunk or Treat @Waldorf Ford- FREE
• Oct. 30 5PM-7PM- Trunk or Treat@ Waldorf Waldorf Toyota- FREE
• Oct. 30 5PM-7PM- Trunk or Treat @Stethem in Pomfret- FREE 
• Oct. 30 6PM-8PM- Trunk or Treat @Charles County Sheriff’s – FREE
• Oct. 31 11AM- Creepy Creatures @North Beach Nature Center – FREE
• Oct. 31 5PM-7PM- Trunk or Treat @ RVFD Trunk or Treat in Ridge – FREE
• Oct. 31 5PM-9PM- Spooktacular @ Melwood – FREE
• Oct. 31- 6PM-8PM- Trunk or Treat at The Church of St. Charles- FREE 
• Oct. 31 6PM-8PM- Trunk or Treat @ Village Green Pavilion in Indian Head- FREE
• Oct. 31 6PM-8PM- Trunk or Treat @ Southern Calvert Baptist in Lusby- FREE
• Oct. 31 6PM-8PM- Trunk or Treat @ Accokeek VFD- FREE
• Oct. 31 6:30PM Trunk or Treat @ First Baptist Church of La Plata – FREE
• Nov. 1 12PM-5PM- Trailer or Treat @ Safe Haven Stables in Charlotte Hall- $5

Nov. 1 5:30PM – 8PM- Trunk or Treat @Newburg VFD- FREE

STORY TIME & CRAFTS

Sept. 7 3PM- Storytime on the Farm @ Mrs. Moo’s in Prince Frederick- FREE

Sept. 19 6PM- Boo Buckets @Kids Art Skool in Prince Frederick- $

Sept 26 5PM- Halloween Nutcracker Craft @ Kids Art Skool in Prince Frederick- $

Oct. 1 6PM-7PM- Step into the Shadows: Unmasking Jack the Ripper @ Waldorf West Library- FREE

Oct. 8 2PM-3PM- Paint Your Own Mini Pumpkin @ CCLP PD Brown Branch- FREE

Oct. 9 2PM-3PM- History of Gourd Art @ CCPL Potomac Branch- FREE

Oct. 11 2PM-3PM- Pumpkin Palooza @ CCPL Potomac Branch- FREE

Oct. 16 6PM- Ghostly Glow Party @ CCPL Potomac Branch – FREE

Oct. 16 5:30PM- Franken Squish @ SCPL Lexington Park Branch- FREE

Oct. 17 3:30PM- STEM Fun Pumpkin Palooza @SCPL Charlotte Hall Branch- FREE

Oct. 18 2PM- Stain Glass Bat @ Calvert Boys and Girls Club- $

Oct. 21 5:30PM- Fall Suncatcher @ CCPL BD Brown – FREE

Oct. 22 3PM- Jekyll & Hyde Escape Room @ SCPL Leonardtown- FREE

Oct. 25 1PM-3PM- Movie & Pumkin Painting @ Classique Atelier- $40

Oct. 25 2:30PM- Make Your Own Potions @ SCPL Charlotte Hall- FREE

Oct. 30 6PM- Spooktacular Halloween Party @ SCPL Lexington Park – FREE

Oct. 30 6PM- Spooktacular Halloween Party @ SCPL Leonardtown- FREE

Oct. 31 2:30PM- Spooktacular Halloween Party @ SCPL Lexington Park – FREE

CREEPY CRAWLY CRAFTS TO DO AT HOME

• Go all out and decorate the house from the inside out!
• Host a glow in the dark Halloween Hunt
• Have a Halloween Scavenger Hunt
• Play a Halloween Game
• Sit back a relax with a Halloween Movie Marathon 
• Host a neighborhood costume Bicycle Parade
• Create a creepy craft
• Experiment with eerie science
• Bake some spooky sweets
• Check out these creative and fun Halloween themed crafts- LINK.

***This annual Halloween Happenings Guide was created to help families plan their fall fun! This article took a lot of time and dedication to create. All information is intellectual property of The Playful Parent. Be sure to share this article with friends and follow The Playful Parent on social media, if you like what you see consider donating to the Non-Profit on Patreon.***

September is already here, and fall officially starts in a few weeks, which means it’s time to plan a trip to the farm to pick the perfect pumpkins, wander through an orchard, or get lost in a corn maze. Over the past few years, our family has been venturing near and far to visit many different farms and festivals. I’ve taken our years of knowledge and experience to offer insight about local farms hosting fall festivities. I hope this guide is helpful to Maryland families and beyond during the 2025 fall season. In addition to this guide, you will find links to individual guides for each farm, so that you know what to expect when you go. Enjoy!

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

MONTPELIER FARMS

• Location: 1720 North Crain Highway, Upper Marlboro, MD
• Phone: 410-320-0464
• Website: www.montpelierfarms.com
• Information: Montpelier Farms  Fall Festival will run September 13-November 2, 2025. September hours Saturday 10AM-9PM/Sunday 10AM-6PM. October hours Friday 5PM-11PM/Saturday 10AM-11PM/Sunday10AM-7PM. Weekday Play  Tuesday-Thursday 1PM-3PM. November Saturday 10AM-9PM/Sunday 10AM-6PM.  Admissions prices are Weekend- $16.95 per person (online) & $29.95 (in-person), Weekday discount available, Kids 2 and under are Free! Fall Festival activities include: 7 acre corn maze, “Jack and the Beanstalk” corn maze, hay rides, petting zoo, pedal karts, cow belly bounce house, pumpkin bounce house, hay & play, kiddie corral, corn tepee, roping range, farm football lounge, “Spookley the square pumpkin” movie screening and bonfires. You add experiences on to your admission including: super mega slide, duck races, animal feed and giant bounce pillow.
• Montpelier Farm Playful Parent Guide

MILLER FARM

• Location: 10140 Piscataway Rd, Clinton, MD 20735
• Phone: 301-297-9370
• Website: www.millerfarms.com
• Information: Miller Farms is a 267 acre farm located in Prince George’s County, Maryland, that has been family owned and operated since 1879. Miller Farm is known for their ice cream and lovely market open year-round. Fall festivities will begin September 27, 2025 and lasts through November 2, 2025 . Hours are Saturday’s and Sunday’s 10AM– 5PM. Tickets will be sold online only!!! ($14.95 per person, Free ages 24 months and under.)
• Miller Farm – Playful Parent Guide

BEYOND

The following farms are beyond Southern Maryland; however, are hands down the BEST farms that we have visited! You won’t want to miss traveling beyond to celebrate fall at any of these farms, I promise!

CHERRY CREST FARM

• Location: 150 Cherry Hill Rd. Strasburg, PA
• Phone: 1-866-546-1799
• Website: www.cherrycrestfarm.com
• Information: Cherry Crest was the first farm we ever visited as a family, and is still our favorite farm of all time! Nestled right in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Land; this working farm is the perfect place to harvest family fun. It’s an added bonus that the Pennsylvania Railway runs through the property. You can ride the train to the farm or just enjoy watching the locomotive travel by. This year 2025 season they are open most Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays September 12th through November 1, 2025. With over 50 different activities, it’s almost impossible to see and do everything in one day. My favorite activities for the toddler and preschool aged kiddos is Sprout Ville a tiny town play area, Little Wagon Express and Corn Barn. Favorite activities for school age kids include: Life Size Lincoln Log Cabin Building, Giant Jumping Pillows and Feed Mill a obstacle course for kids. Favorite big kid activities include tractor pull, Apple Blaster Canons, paint ball range and Corny Ball Cade. Favorite family activities include Farm Tour wagon ride, Country Road Carts and Flash Light Adventure Maze.
• Cherry Crest Playful Parent Guide

BELVEDERE PLANTATION

• Location: 1410 Belvedere Dr. Fredericksburg, VA 22408
• Phone: 540-373-4478
• Website: www.belvedereplantation.com
• Information: Belvedere Plantation is a 645 acre heritage farm, built in the 1760s on the historic Rappahannock River near Fredericksburg, Virginia. You are sure to have hours of fun with attractions like a zipline, straw jump, trike track, pumpkin mountain slide, pedal carts, barrel train and jumping pillow. Check out their website for information on events like the Final Flashlight Maze and Pumpkin Pounding Event. Their 2025 season starts September 13th and runs through November 1, 2025. They are open most days Thursday thru Sunday weather contingent. Hours: Thursday & Friday Mornings 10AM-2PM/Friday Evenings 6PM-10PM/ Saturdays 10AM-10PM/Sundays 10AM-6PM/Columbus Day 10AM-6PM. Admission: $17.95-September/$19.95 October (Online Weekdays) and $23.95-September/$26.95 October (Online Weekdays). Tickets purchased at the gate are $5 more.
• Belvedere Plantation-Playful Parent Guide

COX FARM  

• Location: 15621 Braddock Rd Centreville, VA
  Phone: 703-830-4121
• Website: www.coxfarmsva.com
• Information: Cox Farm Fall Festival was closed last year, so I’m happy to announce they are back in business! The Fall Festival is open September 20, 2025 Thursday-Monday through Nov. 9, 2025. The festival is open 10AM to 6PM through October, and 10AM to 5PM November. With a map full of outdoor activities, goat village, and Cornundrum Cornfield Adventure you will need more than one visit to see and do everything. This farm features the awesome six lane wide, 150 foot long dinosaur of a slide. Be sure to check out their website for events and live entertainment schedule. Check out their calendar for prices. Discount days as low as $15 per person and peak time tickets $30 per person.
• Cox Farm Playful Parent Guide

GAVER FARM

• Location: 5501 Detrick Rd. Mt. Airy, Maryland
• Phone: 301-865-3515
• Website: Gaver Farm
• Information: Located in Mt. Airy, Maryland, Gaver Farm is open daily for their Annual Fall Fun Festival, Farm Market, pumpkin picking and pick your own apples starting the beginning September 7, 2024 and running thru October 31, 2024. A few things that make this farm special are their Silo Chute, Apple Cider Donuts, free fudge tasting and Maryland Pride corn maze. Don’t miss out on fun events; First Responder Appreciation Week, Fall Festival, Apple Harvest Festival and more.
• Gaver Farm Playful Parent Guide

GREENSTREET GARDEN

• Location: 391 West Bay Front Rd. Lothian, MD
• Phone: 410-867-9500
• Website: Greenstreet Gardens
• Information: Greenstreet Gardens is a beautiful and serine farm located in Lothian, Maryland. Green Street’s Fall Festival is open September 14 – October 31, 2024 every weekend from 10:30 AM -5 PM. Fieldtrips available for booking Monday through Friday by appointment. Green Street Gardens is family and community friendly and offers an array of fun events this season such as: Hero’s Weekend, Costume Parade and Grandparents weekend. Your little ones are sure to love the giant corn box, cow train and jumbo jumping pillow. General admission starts at $15 per person.
• Greenstreet Garden Playful Parent Guide

SUMMER FARM

• Location: Fredrick, MD
• Website: Summers Farm
• Information: Summers Farm is located in Frederick, Maryland Summers Farm opens the last week of September 18- October 31, 2021 this year with an old-fashioned Harvest Festival featuring a Corn Maze, Pumpkin Patch, more than 30 activities, live weekend music, apple blasting and finger-lickin’ good food. Check out their calendar for fireworks and events schedule.
• Summers Farm Playful Parent Guide

CARNIVALS & FAIRS

MARYLAND RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL

• Date: Saturday’s & Sunday’s August -October 19, 2025  (Weekend Only) 10AM-7PM
• Location:  Maryland Renaissance Festival – 1821 Crownsville Road, Annapolis, MD 21401
• Details: Every one of the nine weekends of the Maryland Renaissance Festival is filled with more than 200 performers entertaining on ten stages, joust tournament field and streets of the 16^th century English village. Seven weekends include additional performers or special guests to create additional themed Special Event Weekends.
• PLAYFUL PARENT RENN FEST GUIDE

CHARLES COUNTY FAIR

• Location: 8440 Fairground Road La Plata, MD
  Date: September 11-14, 2025
• Information: FREE Parking on-site and at the satellite location at the Government building in La Plata. Thursday- Ride All Evening For One Price. Friday- “Kids Day” All Rides Reduced From 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Sunday- Ride 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM For One Price. Cost: Age 11 and over: $10/ Age 10 and under:  Free/ 4 Day Passes: $25.00. All School Children admitted FREE on Friday, September 15th from 9:00AM to 5:00PM. New this year all minors must be accompanied by a chaperone at least 21 years of age.
• Charles County Fair Link

ST MARY’S COUNTY FAIR

• Date: September 18-21, 2025
• Location: 42455 Fairgrounds Rd, Leonardtown, MD 20650
• Cost: $Daily: Adult ticket $7, children 6 to 12 $1, children under 6 free
• Season passes: Adult $10, children 6 to 12 $2. Daily Deals: The rides take from 1 to 5 Carnival tickets. Carnival tickets cost $1 or a strip of 25 tickets costs $20. Friday (kids day) 10:00AM to 5 PM, all rides are 1 ticket (children only). Thursday and Sunday, wristbands are available for $30.  ($5 discount coupon is available at schools, and on-line Click here for coupon)
• St. Mary’s County Fair Link

CALVERT COUNTY FAIR

• Date: September 24- 28, 2025
• Location: 140 Calvert Fair Drive, Prince Frederick, MD 20678
• Information: Cost- $5
• Calvert County Fair Link

FOR MORE FALL FUN SEE THE FALL FESTIVITIES AND HALLOWEEN HAPPENINGS GUIDE- LINK!

***The Playful Parent is 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to providing free resources to the community that advocate learning through play, and promote family bonding. All information and photographs provided are intellectual property of TPP.***

I’m excited to welcome UDLC Play Place to Waldorf. This brand-new indoor play space just opened its doors in August 2025. And in perfect timing for those littles not quite school-aged to have something fun to do. Come take an inside look at this new resource for southern Maryland families.

ALL ABOUT UDLC

The owners of UDLC (Ultimate Development Learning Center) are a dynamic duo and no strangers to understanding the community’s need for an indoor play space. As parents and grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Frazier have long dreamed of a place where families can laugh, learn, and play together. Mrs. Frazier has been in the educational and child development field for well over 40 years, so she can put her knowledge and experience into opening the perfect place for littles to play.

SNEAK PEEK 

UDLC Play Place has a Tiny Town or Play Cafe type feel. When you walk inside, you are transported into the child’s world. There are eight tiny town buildings, each with its own name and theme. I love that each building is named after a member of the owner’s family.

Hendrix Fire Station 

Crissy & Rah’s Diner

Juelz Animal Hospital

Zauria’s Place

Cri’s Pizzeria

Zhoi Love Salon

Dough’s Ice Cream Parlor

Bob’s Corner Market

Each pretend shop has all the things needed to make believe. If you are in the Fire Station, expect to find boots, a coat, a hat, and hose to put out a fire. In addition, there is a LEGO wall to promote STEM learning.

Parking lot to park ride along cars.

and a toddler area for tiny explorers.

The center offers tables to accommodate the working parent, as well as benches to sit back and relax. While the play area is designed specifically for the littles, it is also designed for parents to play along as well.

I don’t want to leave out that there is a Party Room available to host birthdays, play dates, homeschool clubs, and more.

TIPS

• Complete the waiver before arriving to save time.
• The more the merrier, go as a group and save. Groups of over 5 or more save 30%.
• No need to worry about socks, UDLC proves socks no additional fee. This is to keep the play space clean.
• Think you’ll be a frequent flier? Membership is available.
• The center is designed for infants and early elementary school age children (6 months up to 10 years of age.)

DETAILS & INFORMATION

Address: 11483 Berry Rd. Waldorf, MD (Off 228 by Wawa)

Website: www.udlcplayplace.com

Phone: 301-500-2006

Open Play Hours:

• Sunday- 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Monday- closed
• Tuesday- 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• Wednesday- 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• Thursday- 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• Friday- 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• Saturday- 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Prices: $22 per kid admission/ No charge to accompanied adult(s).

*** The Playful Parent is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that advocates learning through play and promotes family bonding, all information and photographs are intellectual property of TPP. No monetary payment was made for featuring this attraction. All opinions are my own; I like to share experiences and information so that parents have resources on fun family outings. I hope that these tips help with your planning so that you have a great time during your next trip to UDLC! Thank you UDLC for inviting us to Play, Learn, Grow!***

Make 2025 a sensational summer with this guide full of cheap and free movies, music, and more! Outdoor concerts and festivals are a summertime staple for our family. Starting this month, the following programs are back in full swing in Southern Maryland and across the DMV area. This guide will highlight some low cost and mostly free entertainment options that are family-friendly and welcome children of all ages. Check out the Indoor & Outdoor Activities Guide for even more family-friendly fun. Also, keep checking the community calendar of events for ideas on entertaining little ones. Always check with the event before attending in order to stay connected with weather updates, additional information, reservations, ticketing and details.

MUSIC FESTIVALS & CONCERT SERIES

LEONARDTOWN MUSIC FESTIVAL– Enjoy tunes each month in down to town Leonardtown. Bring a blanket, chairs and cold beverage, and sit back and enjoy the jams. Free concert.

• June 7, 2025 5PM-9PM Robbie Booth at Leonardtown Square
• July 4, 2025 3PM-7PM The Cooper Pennies at Leonardtown Wharf
• August 30, 2025 5PM-9PM- HydraFx at Leonardtown Wharf

MARBURY MUSIC FESTIVAL– June 20th at St. Mary’s College 6PM-9PM Kick off . Juneteenth weekend with an evening of joyous expression and uplifting beats at the Mulberry Music Festival. This year’s lineup includes DUMPSTAPHUNK, Carly Harvey and Kelly Bell Band. The festival will take place outdoors on the sublime Townhouse Green, so pack a few lawn chairs or blankets to cozy up for the performances. Bring your own food, or purchase some from one of the tasty food vendors. Free of charge and open to the public, with fireworks following the show!!

JAZZ IN THE GARDEN- DC’s favorite summer concert series returns with a variety of performances including jazz, Latin fusion, R&B, and more. Concerts take place in the DC Sculpture Garden on Friday’s from May 23 through July 11 (no concert July 4). Registration is offered through a lottery that opens each week on Monday’s at 10:00AM and closes Friday at noon. All lottery entrants are notifies whether they were selected to register the Monday before each program. If selected, you’re welcome to register for up to 4 passes. Registration is required for ages 2 and up. FREE event.

JAZZ IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD– July 11, 2025 4:30PM-7:30PM. Get ready for a summer night of smooth grooves and stunning waterfront views! Kick off the 25th anniversary of the Potomac Jazz & Seafood Festival with a FREE “Jazz in the Neighborhood” concert at the beautiful St. Clement’s Island Museum.

RIVER CONCERT SERIES– St. Mary’s College of Maryland, along with the Chesapeake Orchestra and its Music Director Jeffrey Silberschlag, are proud to announce dates for the 2025 River Concert Series. A Southern Maryland tradition now in its 27th season, this family-friendly music festival, and winner of two Governor’s Awards for Arts, Tourism, and Community Economic Development will be held on the St. Mary’s College Townhouse Green. The programs will be on Friday evenings at 7 p.m. starting on June 27, and continuing until July 25. The concerts and parking are free and open to the public. There are on-site vendors who offer food and beverages for purchase, though you are also welcome to bring your own. Blankets and/or lawn chairs are recommended; but please, leave your pets at home. We love your furry friends, but they are not allowed at the River Concerts.

ROCK THE DOCK SERIES– At 7:00PM on Wednesday’s from Memorial Day to Labor Day, come to Transit Pier at The Wharf (970 Wharf St. SW, Washington, DC) to enjoy free live performances by these talented local artists. This years line up:

ART KIDS– Join art instructor Ms. Ellen Duke Wilson in exploring fine arts through a variety of artistic styles at St. Clements Island. Young artists will expand their understanding of art while learning to sketch, paint, draw, weave, sculpt and more. Students will also reflect on how making art can impact society in positive, impactful ways. At the end of each session, all participants will create an individualized work of art to share with family and community. For ages 7 to 17, pre-registration is required; $5 per child. Materials are provided; bring a light snack. To sign up, call the museum at 301-769-2222 to reserve your child’s spot. 2025 Class Dates: June 24, 25, 26/ July 8, 9, 10/ July 22, 23, 24/August 5, 6, 7.

KIDS SUMMER SHOWS– The Town of La Plata is hosting FREE summer kids shows and fitness programs on select Tuesdays & Thursdays in June, July and August at 10AM. Schedule will be posted soon!

• June 24, 2025 @ 10AM: The Great Zuchinni
• Tuesday, June 24 – Great Zucchini
• Thursday, June 26 – Sparkle and Sass Dance
• No shows the week of July 4th
• Tuesday, July 8 – Eric Energy
• Thursday, July 10 – Sparkle and Sass Dance
• Thursday, July 17 – Movie on the Lawn
• Tuesday, July 22 – Rocknoceros
• Thursday, July 24 – Southern Maryland Martial Arts- FITNESS
• Tuesday, July 29 – Groovy Nate
• Tuesday, August 5 – Blue Sky Puppets
• Thursday, August 7 –  TBD
• Thursday, August 14 – TBD
• Tuesday, August 19 – TBD
• Thursday, August 20 – TBD

MR JON– June 13, 2025- June 20, 2025 from 2PM-3PM at the Lexington Park Library. Join musician Mr. Jon and his puppet friend George the Monkey for a high-energy family concert, and come ready to DANCE! Most seating will be on the floor- feel free to bring a blanket! Space may be limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Summer Performing Arts events are supported in part by a grant from the St. Mary’s County Arts Council. FREE event.

MR JON SENSORY FRIENDLY– June 21, 2025 from 2PM-3PM at the Leonardtown Library. Join musician Mr. Jon and his puppet friend George the Monkey for a low-stress family concert designed especially for kids with sensory sensitivities. We’ll have lower lights and lower volume, several sensory-friendly seating options, a small crowd, and a zero-judgement zone for friends with special sensory needs. Please register each member of your group (adults and kids), so we can keep the audience size small. FREE event.

UNCLE T-RONE–  June 17, 2025 6PM-7PM at the Charles County Library- PD Brown Branch. Come have a blast with Uncle Ty-Rone’s music, comedy, ventriloquism, and puppets! You’ll have tons of fun at this entertaining and educational show about the importance of reading and libraries. Don’t miss out! FREE event, tickets handed out one hour prior to the show. Family event, no large groups or daycares!

SCIENCE HEROES– June 25, 2025 11AM-12PM at the Charles County Library – Potomac Branch. Come see and learn about how science colors our world with the Science Heroes! This program includes hands-on experiments, interactive stories, and fun lessons to get people excited about science and art! FREE event, tickets handed out one hour prior to the show. Family event, no large groups or daycares!

SUMMER FUN! MAGIC WITH BRIAN CURRY– June 26, 2025 at the Dunkirk Fire Department 10AM, 2PM & 6PM Show. Come out for a fun-filled Magical Math Tour! Watch as numbers come to life through exciting tricks and mind-blowing puzzles. This interactive show is perfect for elementary-aged kids who love to learn and be amazed. Get ready for a magical journey where math becomes the star of the show! NOTE: Bring a blanket/towel to sit on. Park at the rear of building. No Daycares please, first come first serve seating, no advanced ticketing. FREE Event.

BOOKS THE REAL MAGIC– July 1, 2025 from 1PM-2PM at the Charles County Library- Potomac Branch. Come spend an afternoon mesmerized by exciting new magic and illusion to bring popular children’s books to life with the captivating show “Books! The Magic is Real!” You’ll get to see characters such as Greg Heffley, Spider-Man, and more! Volunteers will be able to perform incredible feats of magic, so don’t miss out! Free event, tickets handed out one hour prior. Family event, no large groups or daycares!

SPIN, POP, BLOOM!– July 3, 2025 from 2PM-3PM at the Charles County Library- La Plata Branch. Calling all science enthusiasts! Here’s your chance to learn about all sorts of cool science experiments, where you can see the Mad Scientist defy gravity and an explosion of foam! You won’t want to miss it! FREE event, tickets available one hour prior first come first serve. Family event, no large groups or daycares!

SUMMER FUN! MAD SCIENCE!–  July 10, 2025 at Calvert Library Twin Beaches Library Branch. Show times at 10AM , 11AM & 2PM. Come watch Mad Science and their Things That Go Boom show. We’ll learn the four signs of a chemical reaction through foaming and color changing experiments, balloon inflation, and, of course, some things that go boom! No Daycares please, first come first serve seating, no advanced ticketing. FREE Event.

UP, UP AND AWAY!- July 15, 2025 show time at 2PM, presented at the Charles County Library – PD Brown Branch. Calling all science enthusiasts! Here’s your chance to learn more about the way things fly! This program introduces participants to the principles of air and pressure. You can see an exothermic reaction and even watch a hovercraft in action! You won’t want to miss it! FREE event, tickets available one hour prior first come first serve. Family event, no large groups or daycares!

SUMMER FUN MAG PIE– July 19, 2025 shows at 11AM & 12PM at the Prince Frederick Library, join Terry and Greg of Magpie for an unforgettable musical adventure about fish, dolphins, crabs, and other marine life. With guitars, harmonicas, and even a mandolin, they create a fun mix of folk, blues, and tunes that will make you want to sing and clap along. Whether you’re into stories, exciting songs, or just love music that makes you feel good, their show is perfect for kids of all ages!

SUMMER FUN ANDRES 123– July 24, 2025 at 10AM  & 2PM at Calvert County Library Twin Beach Branch. Andrés and Christina are the Latin Grammy-winning music duo 1 2 3 Andrés. Their catchy songs and lively concerts get the whole family dancing and learning, in Spanish and English. FREE kids show.

IT’S A COMEDY ERROR, HON!– July 29, 2025 at 7PM located at Charles County library- Potomac Branch. In It’s The Comedy of Errors, Hon!, not one but two sets of twins separated at birth find themselves in Baltimore, sparking a whirlwind of hilarious, misunderstandings, absurd romantic mix-ups, and heartfelt reunions. Creative director Ian Gallanar’s Baltimore-inspired twist incorporates local landmarks and vibrant personalities, making this a uniquely unforgettable and wildly fun evening of theatre. Program designed for tweens, teens and adults. FREE event!

MOVIES

AMC SUMMER MOVIE CAMP FOR KIDS– The AMC Theater Summer Movie Program will run for 8 weeks starting June 23 through August 13. Every Monday and Wednesday, families can enjoy a kid-friendly movie at participating theaters (Waldorf is NOT participating; next closest for SOMD families is AMC Hoffman in Alexandria, VA is.) They are usually in the mornings. AMC Summer Movie Camp ticket prices at set at $3 plus a convenience fee (when purchasing online). The convenience fee is waived for AMC Stubs A-List and Premiere members and for Premiere GO! The program is pretty popular, so I do recommend getting your movie ticket ahead of time. Check out the 2025 schedule:

• June 23 & 25: The Bad Guys
• June 30 & July 2: Minions: The Rise of Gru
• July 7 & 9: Despicable Me 4
• July 14 & 16: Kung Fu Panda 4
• July 21 & 23: The Wild Robot
• July 28 & 30: Shrek
• August 4 & 6: Migration
• August 11 & 13: The Secret Life of Pets

MOVIES ON THE BEACH – At dusk through out the summer on select Saturday’s, enjoy free movies on the boardwalk at North Beach. Here’s a look at what’s showing on the big screen.

• June 21: Moana 2
• July 12: Wicked
• August 16: Barbie
• September 13: BettleJuice

CAMP FLAGSHIP– Tickets are on sale now for the 2025 Camp Flagship showings at the theater in Prince Frederick, MD! All tickets just $2 (plus booking fees) on Fridays, Saturdays, Mondays & Wednesdays at 10 A.M.

• July 11, 12, 14 & 16: Minions: The Rise of Gru
• July 18, 19, 21 & 23: Kung Fu Panda 4
• July 25, 26, 28 & 30: Puss In Boots: The Last Walk
• August 1, 2, 4 & 6: Shrek
• August 8, 9, 11 & 13: Despicable Me 4

MOVIES IN THE PARK– Bring the whole family for a FREE movie on the Green under the stars and on the big screen! Add more family fun by bringing snacks or a picnic dinner. Don’t forget your blanket or lawn chairs and bug spray, as the event is on the grass! (Weather permitting) * In celebration of Juneteenth, a special movie will be shown on June 19. ** If accessibility accommodations are needed please send an email to Disability Services at least two weeks prior to event. All ages; FREE on the Green (next to the nature center.) Movies start at 7:45PM

• June 19
• June 27
• July 11
• July 18
• July 25

MOVIES ON THE POTOMAC– Located along the edge of the Potomac River, National Harbor offers Movies On The Potomac, free movies on the Plaza during the summer. Films are usually offered Thursday and Sunday evenings. Pack your chairs, grab food to go from one of the delicious dining establishments, and meet at the Plaza’s big screen for free fun!

• May 1st 7pm-9pm: Fool’s Gold
• May 4th 6pm-8pm: Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008)
• May 8th 7pm-9pm: Wicked
• May 11th 6pm-8pm: The Wild Robot
• May 15th 7pm-9pm: Men in Black
• May 18th 6pm-8pm: Moana 2
• May 22nd 7pm-9pm: Shangchi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
• May 25th 6pm-8pm: Big Hero 6
• Jun 1, 2025 6pm-8pm: Elemental
• Jun 8, 2025 6pm-8pm: Mufasa
• Jun 12, 2025 7pm-9pm: Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
• Jun 15, 2025  7pm-9pm: Three Men & a Baby
• Jun 19, 2025 7pm-9pm: Black Panther
• Jun 22, 2025 6pm-8pm: Sonic 3
• Jun 26, 2025 7pm-9pm:  Pelé: Birth of a Legend (2016)
• Jun 29, 2025 6pm-8pm: Paddington in Peru
• July 3, 2025 7pm-9pm: Forrest Gump
• July 6, 2025 7pm-9pm: Kicking & Screaming
• July 10, 2025 7pm-9pm: Fly Me to the Moon
• Jul 13, 2025 6pm-8pm: Dog Man
• Jul 17, 2025 7pm-9pm: Bob Marley: One Love
• Jul 20, 2025 7pm-9pm: Piece by Piece
• Jul 24, 2025 7pm-9pm: Nacho Libre
• Jul 27, 2025 7pm-9pm: Wicked Sing-Along
• Jul 31, 2025 7pm-9pm 6pm-8pm: Captain America: Brave New World
• Aug 3, 2025 6pm-8pm: Snow White (2025)
• Aug 7, 2025 7pm-9pm: The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim
• Aug 10, 2025 6pm-8pm: IF
• Aug 14, 2025 7pm-9pm: Instant Family
• Aug 17, 2025 6pm-8pm: Harold & the Purple Crayon
• Aug 21, 2025 7pm-9pm: Pitch Perfect
• Aug 24, 2025 6pm-8pm: TBA
• Aug 28, 2025 7pm-9pm: King Richard
• Aug 31, 2025 6pm-8pm: Cinderella (2021)
• Sep 4, 2025 7pm-9pm: Lion
• Sep 7, 2025 6pm-8pm: A Minecraft Movie
• Sep 11, 2025 7pm-9pm: Police Academy 2
• Sep 14, 2025 6pm-8pm: The Garfield Movie
• Sep 18, 2025 7pm-9pm: Selena
• Sep 25, 2025 7pm-9pm: TBA
• Sep 28, 2025 6pm-8pm: Dora & the Lost City of Gold

RC LEXINGTON EXCHANGE– Summer starts before you know it! Make plans now for our amazing Summer Movie Series, every Tuesday and Wednesday morning at 10, starting June 17th through August 6th. Tickets are just $1! Every title will have a sensory-friendly, open-caption show available. All titles are available to watch using the TheaterEars app. Tickets are now on sale online or at the theatre! Check out the line up:

• June 17 &18: Dispicable Me: 4
• June 24 & 25: Trolls Band Together
• June 24 & 25: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
• July 1 & 2: The Bad Guys
• July 8 & 9: The Garfield Movie
• July 8 & 9: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
• July 15 & 16: Sonic the Hedgehog 3
• July 22 & 23: Transformers One
• July 22 & 23: Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie
• July 29 & 30: Kung Fu Panda 4
• August 5 & 6: The Wild Robot

SUNSET CINEMA – Join The Shops at Waldorf the 2nd Saturday of each month May through September for a family fun outdoor movie! Movies are FREE and geared for all ages. Gates open at 7:00PM/ Movie will begin about 8:30pm or dusk. Bring Chairs and blankets for seating! This seasons line includes:

• June 14: Sonic: 3
• July 12: Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King
• August 9: Shark Tale
• September 13: The Garfield Movie

XSCAPE THEATERS SUMMER MOVIE SERIES – Xscape Theaters Brandywine 14 is hosting it’s annual summer movie program again this year. While this program was previously free, this small ticket price helps us continue to provide a fantastic movie-going experience for all. Tickets can be purchased in advance online or in person at the theatre. Seating is general admission and not reserved, so please arrive early for the best seating availability. All shows start at 9:30 AM. Doors open at 9:00 AM. The Concession Counter will be open during all shows. A $6.00 Summer Combo (Popcorn & Drink) will be available for purchase until 10:00 AM every show day.

• June 24 & 26: Minions
• July 1 & 3: Minions: The Rise of Gru
• July 8 & 10: The Lego Movie (available soon)
• July 15 & 17: The Secret Life of Pets (available soon)
• July 22 & 24: The SpongeBob Movie 2 (available soon)
• July 29 & 31: Sing (available soon)
• August 5 & 7: Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (available soon)
• August 12 & 14: Migration (available soon)

EVENTS

VILLAGE DAYS– Step back in time and try your hand at an ancient skill with this free, drop-in program. Each month Jefferson Pattereson Park offers the chance to explore a new topic such as fire-making, pottery, or hunting in their Woodland Indian Village. Learn a little about what life was like for Maryland’s first peoples. This event takes place the third Saturday of every month between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. May 17, June 21, July 19,  August 16, September 20, October 18, 2025. FREE Event.

NATURE FEST – This years annual Nature Fest will take place on May 31, 2025 at College of Southern Maryland – La Plata Campus from 10AM -2 PM. Prepare to be amazed, get your hands dirty, and have loads of fun as we learn about the beauties of nature together! FREE Event.

FOR THE LOVE OF ANIMALS- May 31, 2025 11AM-2PM at Summerseat Farm. Join us in celebrating all the animals at Summerseat Farm. Sheep, goats, cows, pigs, rabbits, chickens, donkeys, a horse, and llamas too! FREE (Donations Encouraged)

CHILDREN’S DAY ON THE FARM– June 1, 2025 from 11AM-4PM at Jefferson Pattereson Park & Musesum. Bring the entire family for a day of fun with live performances, crafts, games, wagon rides and food vendors. Check out the demonstrations and exhibits to learn about rural life in the past and today. FREE Event.

FIRST FRIDAYS – LEONARDTOWN– Leonardtown hosts year-round FREE programming every First Friday of the month. Leonardtown’s art galleries, restaurants, cafés, gift shops, antique shops, bookstores, etc. open their doors to showcase local artists and/or serve specials at their establishments. Starting with the month of May each year, Leonardtown First Fridays are extended to Leonardtown First Friday All Weekend Events and continue through October. See the upcoming event themes below! June 6 – June 9, 2025 – First Responder, July 4 – July 6, 2025 – Red, White & Blues, August 1 – August 3, 2025 – Sizzling Sumer, September 5 – September 7, 2025 – ArtWalk.

FIRST FRIDAYS NORTH BEACH– Head to North Beach on the First Friday of each month from May through October! From 6PM-9PM to enjoy DJ music, classic cars, food trucks, beer and wine vendors, small pop-up shops, craft vendors, and free beach access. 2025 First Fridays Dates: June 6, July 11, August 1, September 5, October 3. FREE Event.

JUNETEENTH– June 7, 2025 12PM-6PM at St. Mary’s County Fair Grounds. The Unified Committee For Afro-American Contributions is excited to host the twenty-first annual Juneteenth African American Heritage Celebrations. A free, fun, event for all ages! This year we are featuring the Ni Dembaya African Drum and Dance Ensemble (above), Ms. Story (below), and the band SIXX (below). The event always includes opportunities for learning as well as entertainment with workshops, exhibits, art activities, living history, music, and a variety of vendors. We encourage you to bring your own lawn chairs – seating will be limited. All are welcome to spend the day in the park enjoying live music, speakers, workshops, food, community, and fun. FREE Event.

ARTSFEST– Charles County Arts Alliance presents ArtsFest which will be held on June 14, 2025 at the Indian Head Village Green from 11AM5PM. Come out for a fun filled day full of art, food, music, crafts. FREE Event.

CLASSIC CAR SHOW– June 14, 2025 from 9AM-3PM join Waldorf Shops for a Classics Car Show with DMV Rod’s & Classic’s Car Club. All cars welcome! 100 trophies awarded! Food vendors, live music and raffles. Plus, while here eat, drink and shop at our great retailers and restaurants! FREE Event.

DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL – Help end hunger and enjoy watching the Dragon Boat races in the charming town of North Beach on June 14, 2025 starting at 9:00AM. This festival is an amazing family friendly event that brings our community together as we race to end hunger throughout Southern Maryland!

FLAG DAY- June 14, 2025 6PM-8PM at St. Governmental Lawn in Leonardtown. he Commissioners of St. Mary’s County invite the entire community to attend the 2025 Flag Day Celebration! This event features a procession by various color guards and veteran groups from around the county, a special Flag Day Service, an official Flag Retirement Ceremony, plus hand-held American Flags, food, music, for kids, and more! FREE!

JUNETEENTH– Come out to this years third annual Juneteenth Celebration on June 19, 2025 2:00PM-5:00PM at the Village Green Pavillion in Indian Head, MD. FREE Event.

MUD DAY!– Celebrate International Mud Day with an afternoon of family-friendly muddy mayhem June 21, 2025 from 10AM-4PM. Explore our squishy art projects, play in the mud kitchen, create a terrarium, paint with mud – and cavort in our giant mud pit! From light dabbling to muddy mayhem, you’ll be able to choose the mess factor based on your comfort level. Affordable Event $12 per person/ 2 and under FREE.

FIRE WORKS ON THE BEACH– July 3rd at dusk. Enjoy fireworks on the boardwalk at North Beach.

FOURTH AT THE WHARF– Spend the afternoon at the Leonardtown Wharf for the first-ever Fourth at the Wharf event! On Thursday, July 4th from 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. participate in contests, play games, visit the local Leonardtown vendors and enjoy the FREE concert featuring Midnight Sunsets. 

JULY 4TH CELEBRATION– The Town of La Plata hosts an annual free family fun day on the Fourth of July. Activities include live music, water slides, and air brushed tatoos. Event will be held at Laplata Town Hall on Friday, July 4th from 10AM-1PM. FREE Event.

FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION– This FREE event kicks off at 3:30PM at the Village Green in Indian Head, MD. Event includes live music, food venders, and fire works.

SHARK FEST– July 12, 2025 from 10AM-5PM. RAIN or SHINE! Celebrate all things shark, all day, at CMM! Sharks are one of the world’s most riveting creatures and SHARKFEST is a chance to learn more about them. Guests will be able to view sharks up close while outside at the Corbin Nature Pavilion. While the Discovery Room will be closed to allow the focus to be on the sharks for the day, our younger visitors will still have the opportunity to search for a fossil outside. The museum and grounds will offer opportunities to explore the diversity of sharks and their remarkable history on planet Earth. Learn fascinating ‘sharktoids,’ examine evidence of prehistoric sharks, and make a shark-themed craft. Food, drink, and face painting will be for sale on-site. Complimentary museum passes will not be honored and strollers are not allowed in the museum for SHARKFEST. Museum admission applies; members are FREE.

INSECTIVAL– Insectival is a insect festival! Join Annmarie Gardens on July 19, 2025 from 9AM-1PM for a day of buggy fun as we explore and get creative with the world of insects. Enjoy activities for all ages, meet community groups who love bugs, and have fun roaming the garden, galleries, and indoor classrooms as you explore and have fun with insects! Celebrate these invertebrates and all the wonderful wildlife that depends on them. FREE for members /$8-13 Non-members

FAMILY DAY– July 19, 2025 from at the Patuxent Naval Air Museum is this years fun-filled Family Day! Enjoy hands-on activities, explore exciting exhibits, and make memories with the whole family. Kids 12 & under get in FREE during the event, price is general admission for ages 13 and up.

NATIONAL LIGHTHOUSE WEEKEND– August 2, 2025 at Piney Point Museum. Head to Piney Point from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day for a fun open house weekend in recognition of National Lighthouse Day, which is celebrated at the museum each year on or near August 7th. Enjoy tours of the museum, Potomac River Maritime Exhibit, lighthouse tower, the Keeper’s Quarters, and grounds. FREE ADMISSION: donations encouraged to support the museum’s mission.

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT-  National Night out will take place on Tuesday, August 5th. Check with your local community or neighborhood association for events near you.

YOUTH SHARK TANK– Come out August 23, 2025 1PM-5PM to the Shops at Waldorf Center’s 6th Annual Youth Shark Tank Kidpreneur Competition & Fun Festival! A day of fun for the entire family! Lawn games, moon bounces, petting zoo, corn hole competition, face painting, live music, arts & crafts, food trucks, and of course, a youth entrepreneur market with a shark tank competition. FREE to attend.

FAMILY FEST- September 13, 2025 from 10AM-4PM at Piney Point Lighthouse Museum. Enjoy a full day of family fun along the Potomac and at the lighthouse with live music, food, vendors, displays and a variety of kids and family activities. ADMISSION IS FREE FOR ALL.

***The Playful Parent is a 501(C)(3) Non-profit created to advocate learning through play, and promote family bonding. All content is intellectual property of TPP and information shared is to help provide a non-biased resource for families. If you have questions about programs or events be sure to contact the business directly. The Playful Parent isn’t affiliated with any of the camps.***

Today, the boys and I ventured out to explore the new indoor play space Joyland; which official opened it’s doors last week on May 8, 2025. Centerally located in Brandywine, Maryland, Southern Maryland families have a safe and fun place where children ages 10 and under can play indoors.

The owner is a local mom of two, who saw the need to open a unique indoor place for little ones to play, socialize, and explore! This stellar spot is perfect for playdates, parties, or just a way to exhaust your kiddo’s extra energy.

Joyland is a cosmic play center featuring an outer space-themed indoor play structure, in which little ones can rocket down slides, play galactic games, and engage in imaginative play. The layout provides a place for parents to let gravity sink in, so you sit back and relax while you watch your shooting star zoom around the system. Parents are also welcome to join in the fun and tag along on the adventure.

A designated toddler area offers a soft play structure, slide and ball pit perfect for crawlers, walkers, and pre-school sized kiddos. In this section you will also find Duplo and maze games on the wall, which are perfect for learning through play.

Orbit around the jungle gym, a labyrinth of fun. Obstacles course, swings, make believe play stations, and slides offer hours of entertainment for your young earthling.

Interactive games are what set Joyland apart for my boys. Give gravity a test with the interactive trampoline race to space game. Enjoy hands on experimenting with the giant marble run that sucks ball pit orbs through a Rube Goldberg type maze. Stuff the spaceship tubes with as many balls as possible to see if you can get the spaceship door to open and rain down over head. Toss balls at aliens and other targets on the digital wall.

There are a plethora of neat sensory elements, such as slides that light up like shooting stars, and ride-along elements that spin around like orbiting planets.

TIPS

• Eat a snack before attending your play session; no food or drinks are allowed on site. There’s a Starbucks next door, so grab a little treat before or after your playdate.
• Bring along grippy socks. Any brand is acceptable. If you don’t own any, you can purchase a pair for $3.99. Anyone entering the play zone will need them, this includes both you kid and the supervising adult!
• Be prepared by signing your waiver in advanced! LINK
• There is a two-hour time limit on busy days. Which really is the perfect amount of time for play.
• There are discount options through purchasing a punch card or membership. General admission is $15.99; however, you can grab a ten session punch card for $120 (Which is $12 per visit). Admission includes one child and one adult.
• Joyland is most crowded on Friday’s-Sunday’s. Least crowded Tuesday-Thursday 2:00 PM-4:00 PM.
• If street parking is full, no worries. Just drive around to the back lot to park and walk around on the sidewalk to the front door.
• Three party rooms are available for birthday celebrations of different sizes. Multiple packages are available to meet a variety of budgets and needs. LINK
• Joyland has hopes of hosting storytimes, homeschool sessions and more in the near future, so be sure to follow their social media page. LINK
• Photos don’t do this awesome play zone enough credit, be sure to check it out yourself. Also see the Instagram video for an even more detailed sneak peek look-LINK to video!

JOYLAND INFORMATION

Address: 15814B Robert S. Crain Highway, Brandywine, MD

Hours:

• Monday: Closed
• Tuesdays- Thursday: 12PM – 7PM
• Friday: 12PM – 8PM
• Saturday & Sunday: 10AM – 8PM

Admission: Starting at $15.99 Per Kid (Includes: One Adult)

Phone: (202) 744-2491

Email: info@myjoyland.com

Website: www.myjoyland.com

*** The Playful Parent is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that advocates learning through play and promotes family bonding, all information and photographs are intellectual property of TPP. No monetary payment was made for featuring this attraction. All opinions are my own; I like to share experiences and information so that parents have resources on fun family outings. I hope that these tips help with your planning so that you have a great time during your next trip to Joyland! Thank you you Joyland for inviting us…Play, Learn, Grow!***

For Mother’s Day this year my boys made me the most charming flower arrangements. The new RoseArt Crystal Gem Creations are gorgeous. My kiddos had such a fun time making these DIY crystal floral kits that are easy to build. I love that I can keep their creations on display. Unlike real flowers that wilt these stunning gem-like flowers sparkle and shine all year round. Available in three dazzling styles—Blossoming Bonsai, Blooming Lotus, and Jewel Succulents. These kits are stress-free, snap-together easy and come with gems and stickers for a added crafting experience that’s perfect crafters of all ages. These reminded me a lot the LEGO floral kits and were well receive by my creative kiddos. While the age recommendation is age 8 and up, my older kids helped my pre-schooler complete his arrangement and all had a great time.

• Kit: Crystal Gem Creations Jewel Succulents
• Price Point: $21.99
• Age: 8 and Up
• LINK

***The Playful Parent was not paid to endorse this product.  Information is provided as a resources to promote learning through play. A big thanks to @CraZArt for sending us this amazing new craft kit to review! All photos and information are intellectual property of TPP.***

Williamsburg, Virginia, has always been one of our family’s favorite vacation spots. We usually visit this charming city a handful of times yearly for weekend excursions. We often make time to explore Busch Gardens, Colonial museums, and historical sites. Our top pick for lodging is Great Wolf Lodge. It’s such a fun resort that offers a wide variety of activities for kiddos of all ages. From the indoor water park to the outdoor ropes course, and MagiQuest adventure to arcade gaming, there’s something for everyone in the family. After multiple visits to Great Wolf Lodge, we’ve become experts. This guide is here to help make trip planning stress-free by sharing tips and tricks we have learned over the years.

TIPS

Download the App- The Great Wolf Lodge app is extremely useful! From making a reservation to ordering food, it is a very handy tool. The app provides useful insight about your stay, such as account information, points, and details about your upcoming stay. The weekly schedule of FREE activities is easy to view to make plans. The hours of the waterpark, dining options, and a map of the resort are also available. During your stay, you can utilize the app to skip lines when it comes to things like ordering food, such as dinner from the Northwoods Pizzeria or breakfast from the Dunkin’ Donuts on campus.

Make the most of your time – One of the biggest perks of staying at a Great Wolf Lodge is that you can start using the waterpark and all of the activities the minute you check in! Even if your room isn’t available until the guaranteed time of 4 PM, you can still splash around in the water park (which typically opens at 9 AM) or participate in the free activities and extra amenities. If you need a place to store your luggage, utilize the bell service or leave your stuff in the car until a room is ready. If a room is available early, they will do their best to get you settled in sooner. Also, remember that you can still enjoy activities and the water park after check-out as well. You have the entire day to stay and play at your leisure. You can utilize the locker rooms if you need to change clothing.

Make the most of your time – One of the biggest perks of staying at a Pack for the water park- I always pack an extra bag to carry down to the water park. I usually keep a waterproof phone case, swim shoes, goggles, water bottles, and a few snacks in the bag. I also pack my son’s floaties. GWL has life vests and puddle jumpers in-house; I just like to bring my own. Fresh, warm beach towels are provided by the lodge. So you don’t need to pack towels.

Take advantage of the FREE activities –Did you know that Great Wolf Lodge offers FREE activities every single day throughout the day that are included with your stay. These activities include storytime, crafts, yoga, bingo, photo opportunities with characters, and a dance party. Be sure to download the app so you can see the daily schedule of events. The dance party was so much fun! We learned so many fun line dances. Extra hint: pre-pack a cheap battery-operated bubble wand from the store. The ones on-site light up and are super cool, but a little pricey.

Extra amenities- My kids love, love, love the extra activities that have an additional fee. Their top favorites are MagiQuest, Ten Pin bowling, Glow-in-the-dark mini golf (NEW!), and laser tag. The most cost-effective way to go is to purchase a pass. There are a few options available: paw pass, pup pass, and wolf pass.

Did you know- One thing I’m not sure people know about or take advantage of is the swimsuit water evaporator located in the poolside locker rooms. The spinner removes most of the moisture from your bathing suit, so when you hang it to dry, it dries quickly. I usually pack extra hooks to hang our suits on the shower curtain pole.

Comfort from home- I usually bring robes for the kids to wear to the pool to stay warm. We also usually pack the kids’ favorite stuffed animal and blanket for comfort. I also pack a battery-operated night light since we have a kiddo afraid of the dark. In addition, if you get a cabin with a bunk bed, there’s no door. For privacy, you can bring a tension rod to hang an extra sheet over. One other thing I bring is a foldable hamper; this way, the kids throw their dirty clothing in one spot.

Don’t be afraid to step off site- While GWL provides everything you need from stay to play and food to fun, we tend to step out to partake in our favorite spots that we like to visit while in town. Williamsburg is rich with history. We enjoy visiting Colonial Williamsburg, the American Revolution Museum, and Jamestown. As theme park fanatics, we always make time to visit Busch Gardens Williamsburg while in town too. We have food favorites too. Emily’s Donuts and Colonial Pancakes are our go-to breakfast spots. Traditionally, we make room for Food for Thought and Sals by Victor for dinner.

Save money- the three best tips I can share about booking a room is to go during off-peak season, reserve a room on a weekday day and book in advance with deals posted on the GWL social media page. Also, if you are military, you can use the code HEROES.

*** The Playful Parent is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that advocates learning through play and promotes family bonding. All information and photographs are the intellectual property of TPP. No monetary payment was made for featuring this attraction. All opinions are my own; I like to share experiences and information so that parents have resources on fun family outings. I hope that these tips help with your planning so that you have a great time during your next Williamsburg Visit! Thank you for reading…Play, Learn, Grow!***

For a special Mother’s Day treat, our family spent the weekend in Williamsburg, Virginia. Now that our kids are a little older, the hubby and I were able to enjoy the relaxing and flavorful Food & Wine Festival at Busch Gardens this year. As we traveled around the world so to speak, we got to taste test cuisine from different countries, all while the kiddos were amused by their favorite rides. We would grab a sampling and then sit back to watch and wave at the kids on their rides.

WHAT IS FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL

If you havent heard of or participated in Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival, then heres a little about this event. Food & Wine Festival is available in the park Thursdays through Sundays (Plus Memorial Day Monday) now through June 22, 2025.  Guests are invited to explore over 150 international flavors at 18 themed food and beverage locations throughout the park, including new menus inspired by China and Poland. With over 80 new tastes and exclusive wine and liquor tastings, every visit offers a new adventure for culinary explorers. With a Busch Gardens Membership, families can visit again and again to enjoy all the different experiences each weekend.

WHAT’S NEW THIS YEAR

This year, the festival welcomes a wide array of new delights at the globally inspired markets. Plus, guests can enjoy live entertainment, award-winning shows and world-class attractions as they journey through Virginia’s largest spring food and wine festival, only at the World’s Most Beautiful Theme Park.

At the China location, guests can partake in these ALL-NEW flavorful delights:

• NEW Dumpling Trio– Three traditional Chinese dishes, including Shrimp Sui Mai, Steamed BBQ Pork Bao and a Vegetable Jiaozi

• NEW Panda Dessert Bun – A sweet bao bun served with coconut caramel dipping sauce

The Poland location features various new tastes, including:

• NEW Kielbasa – Smoked sausage featuring bacon, sauerkraut and brown mustard
• NEW Kolaczki – Raspberry and apricot filled cookies
• NEW Pierogies – Potato and cheese-filled dumpling, topped with caramelized onion jam and sour cream

Returning locations offer new and exciting bites, such as:

• NEW Bruschetta – Italian bread, topped with garlic, tomato, basil and parmesan
• NEW Caribbean Shrimp Salad – A refreshing salad doused in a key lime vinaigrette, located at Jamaica

• NEW Mint Chocolate Crème Brûlée– Found at the Herbal Infusion location, this sweet dish is the park’s twist on a popular dessert

Local beers and wines for every palette, like:

• NEW Governor’s White Reisling – Perfect for summer, this semi-dry white wine is from The Williamsburg Winery

• NEW Liquid Escape – A bright lemongrass summer ale brewed by The Virginia Beer Co®

• NEW Sheep Mullet – From Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, this double India pale ale offers bold, fruit-forward flavors

Guests can sip on ALL-NEW refreshing cocktails while exploring the world’s most beautiful theme park, including:

• NEW Big Bad Mule – Jägermeister®, Tito’s® vodka, lime and ginger
• NEW Mad Dog Shooter – Tito’s® vodka, raspberry and hot sauce
• NEW Passion Fruit Margarita – Juarez® tequila and passionfruit

A complete guide to this year’s Food & Wine Festival can be found online at https://buschgardens.com/williamsburg/events/food-festival/menus/

BEST WAY TO SAVOR AND SIP

Sip, sample and save with a Food & Wine Festival sampler lanyard. Guests can embark on their culinary journey with a 10-sample lanyard starting at only $70.00 or extend the savings of over 20 percent with the fan-favorite 15-sampler.

THIS YEARS TOP FAVORITES

After trying a handful of foods and beverages, the top five favorites this year were…

PARK INFO

BUSCH GARDENS WILLIAMSBURG

Address: 1 Busch Gardens Blvd, Williamsburg, VA 23185

Phone: (757) 229-4386

Website: Link

Hours: Park hours vary, most days the park opens at 10AM and closes between 8PM-10PM depending on the day. For more details see the calendar for hours.

For more information and a full Summer Family Guide vist the Link

***The Playful Parent does not receive payment for featuring attractions. All opinions are my own; I like to share experiences and information so that parents have resources on fun family outings. Discounted or complimentary tickets are an advantage but not a requirement. The Playful Parent is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that advocates learning through play and promotes family bonding, all information and photographs are intellectual property of TPP. I hope that these tips help with your planning so that you have a great time during your next Busch Gardens Williamsburg Visit! Thank you for reading…Play, Learn, Grow!***