Author: The Playful Parent

The Playful Parent was created in 2016 as a blog to share the joys and craziness of parenting. The founder of The Playful Parent is a full time domestic energizer and has a Bachelors from Marymount University and a Masters in Clinical Counseling from Johns Hopkins University.

RINGING IN THE NEW YEAR FAMILY STYLE

New Years Eve has always been a special holiday to me; as it is also my birthday! I enjoy celebrating the past, and ringing in the new year with family and friends. Here are a few ideas that I hope spark inspiration, and help your family have a memorable New Year celebration.

PARTY PLANNING

MOVE UP THE CLOCK- One of my favorite suggestions is to move up the clock so to speak! It may come as a surprise that celebrating without breaking the bed time routine is an option. If you are a parent with small children staying up until midnight is less than desirable! A family-friendly idea is to counts down to a NOON Years Eve. Our family has tried this out and loves it! We do all the same exciting things, just to 12 noon instead of midnight. Some families have recommended celebrating at 9PM as another alternative.

BALLOON DROP- We usually attend the My Gym Noon Years Eve party and our kids go wild over the balloon drop. This is pretty easy to create at home. You can use a plastic disposable table cloth as a tarp to hold balloons in. Here is a tutorial by Miss Mae’s Day

CONFETTI CRACKERS- Check out these awesome balloon confetti poppers by Little Bins for Little Hands that are a great STEM activity as well as a fun party favor!

COUNT DOWN BALLOON- Each hour leading up to the big moment, pop a balloon to reveal a fun activity. The excitement will build up as you near closer and closer to the big moment! The balloons double as decoration for an added bonus. Check out this tutorial by Twinkle Twinkle Little Party.

CREATE A CRAFT- Kids will have lots of fun designing their star wands and noisemakers to ring in the New Year. Visit Projects with Kids for free printable wand patterns.

PASS THE DICE GAME- Free printable and instructions on how to play this game can be found at Play Party Plan.

WHERE TO RING IN THE HEW YEAR FAMILY STYLE

HAPPY NEW YEAR- ST MARYS LIBRARY

Date: Dec 31, 2025

Time: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Location: St. Mary’s Library’s (Lexington Park, Charlotte Hall & Leonardtown)

Details: All the fun of a new year’s party for our young friends with early bed times! Ring in a happy NOON year with songs crafts and activities and an exciting countdown. Celebration will take place at Charlotte Hall, Leonardtown and Lexington Park Branches. Be sure to register!

Cost: FREE

Event Link 

HAPPY NEW YEAR- CALVERT LIBRARY 

Date: Dec 31, 2025

Time: 11:15AM & 12:15PM

Location: Calvert Library (Fairview, Southern, Twin Beaches and Prince Frederick)

Details: Ring in the new year early with festive story time fun for preschoolers and children.

Cost: FREE

Event Link 

NOON YEARS EVE PARTY- MY GYM WALDORF/ST MARYS

Date: December 31, 2025

Time: 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM

Details: Celebrate the New Year as a family with balloon drop, juice toast, treats & more!
Cost: Lifetime Members $29.99- This event always sells out, be sure to register early!

EVENT LINK

ANNMARIE’S GARDEN IN LIGHTS

Date: December 31, 2025

Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Location: Annmarie Gardens

Details: Celebrate the final evening of 2025 at Annmarie’s gardens in lights show.
Cost: $

LINK

NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY AT SCARY STROKES

Date: December 31, 2025

Time: 6:00PM-9:00PM

Location: Scary Strokes- 2960 Technology Place, Suite 106, Waldorf, MD

Details:  Enjoy unlimited mini-golf, a $10 arcade card, arts and crafts, board games, and a festive balloon drop. Family-friendly fun for all ages. Ticket required.

Event Link

FIRST NIGHT ALEXANDRIA

Date: December 31, 2025

Time: Festivities start at 2:00PM

Location: Alexandria, VA

Details: On Tuesday, December 31, the festivities begin at 2:00 PM with engaging performances for children and a day party for all ages. At 7:30PM, enjoy a spectacular family-friendly fireworks display over the waterfront before diving into an evening of live music, comedy, and more on 12 stages scattered throughout the charming streets of Old Town inside museums, churches, retail spaces, and other unique venues. As the countdown begins, gather for a breathtaking midnight fireworks finale, capping off a magical evening and welcoming 2025 in unforgettable style.

LINK

FIREWORKS AND DRONES DISPLAY

Date: December 31, 2025

Time: 8:00 PM- 12:30AM

Location: The Inner Harbor Amphitheatre – Baltimore, MD

Details: Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts (BOPA) is thrilled to announce New Year’s Eve festivities on December 31, 2025, at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. This year, we’re adding an incredible element to the tradition: a mesmerizing drone show by Image Engineering, experts in laser entertainment. At midnight, the skies will dazzle with a custom drone display alongside fireworks, led by Mayor Brandon M. Scott It’s a fusion of tech and tradition, aligning with Baltimore’s status as a tech hub.

LINK

NOON YEAR’S EVE

Date: December 31, 2025

Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm

Location: Calvert Marine Museum

Details: Enjoy a family friendly celebration with themed crafts, a juggling show, dance party with the Otter mascot, sparkling ginger ale toast, and a confetti blast at noon. Crafts available while supplies last. Members only.

LINK

From our family to yours…Happy New Year!!! May 2026 be full of fun and many blessings.

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BUSCH GARDENS CHRISTMAS TOWN: 2025 PLAYFUL PARENT GUIDE

The holidays are always an extra special time of year. The kids are off from school, and everyone is taking off work to enjoy extra quality time. The stress of everyday life seems to melt away as we bond over traditions. Things like baking cookies, cuddling on the couch while watching Christmas movies and making special visits to see relatives become priorities. It’s the perfect time to take a winter weekend getaway. Our family has visited Christmas town as a holiday tradition for the past 12 years. Christmas Town is our favorite place to visit to get into the holiday spirit. From November 14, 2025, through January 4, 2026, the park has been transformed into a winter wonderland. In addition to five roller coasters and twenty-five rides, guests are treated to spectacular seasonal shows, live holiday music, festive foods and over ten million sparkling lights. Through our years of experience, I hope to share some helpful tips and reasons why you won’t want to miss a trip to Williamsburg this year!

THINGS TO SEE & DO

CHRISTMAS TOWN EXPRESS: – All Aboard! This is the Christmas Express! Riding the train around the park is always fun for kids. However, it’s even more exciting during Christmas time! Enjoy the view of over a million Christmas Lights on display as you ride around the park listening to holiday music. During the normal season, the train is a mode of transportation around the park. However, during the holidays, the train ride takes you on a trip around the park, departing and arriving in New France.

CATCH A SHOW- There are so many amazing shows available at Christmas Town. This year the following shows are available this season: “Scrooge No More!” at the Globe Theater, “Gloria!” at the Abby Stone Theater, all new “ Christmas Town LIVE! ” at Das Fest Haus and “O’Tannenbaum” Christmas tree display in front in the Fest HausPlaza, “Wise Men” in Italy,  “Twas That Night” ice skating show in France; as well as little side shows like the “Merry Misfits,” “Elmo’s Christmas Wish” and village entertainers in the square. All the shows at Busch Gardens are amazing!  There are so many shows to see that it’s hard to fit them all into one day. We usually pick one or two performances to see, that way we still have time for rides.

LEAVE TIME FOR RIDES- I’m always amazed at all the rides that are open during Christmas Town.  My boys love spending a great deal of time in Sesame Street Forest of Fun and The Land of Dragons. In the Forest of Fun is a great kids coaster called Grover’s Alpine Express. The Sesame section can get crowded in the earlier part of the day, and it’s best to explore towards the end of the night, around 7PM-8PM. Thrill seekers daring to defy gravity will enjoy riding the many rollercoasters:  Loch Ness, Verbolten, Tempesto, DarkCoaster, InvadR, and Alpengeist. For rides that young children can ride alone, be sure to visit Italy and check out Davinci’s Little Glider and Little Balloons. The Der Wirbelwind (swings), Kinder Karussel (carousel), and Der Autobahn (bumper cars) in Germany are always another big hit. Another big hit is the Aeronaut Skyride. Be sure to ride this one at night so you can see the beautiful lights from above.

BUT WAIT THERE’S MORE- There’s more than lights, rides, and shows at Christmas Town, though. There are a lot of really cool shops, and believe it or not, the food options are pretty amazing too. Your options include: Dickens Tavern in England, Ireland’s Grogan Grill, Trapper’s Smoke House, which smells heavenly as you walk through New France, Das Festhaus, where you can watch Up On the House Top while you eat, Dashers Diner in Holiday Hills or Marco Polo’s Market Place, where you can watch Three Wise Men while enjoying a warm meal. My boys loved the donuts available at the coffee/sweet shop when you first enter the park. They downed a half dozen in a second flat. You will also want to splurge and get some hot chocolate. Christmas Town is famous for its rich, creamy, and always hot cocoa!

NEW THIS YEAR- Be sure to check out the brand new coaster “The Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf’s Revenge.” This is a family-friendly, inverted roller coaster that children as small as 42 inches can ride!

TIPS

  • Tickets- I highly recommend seasons passes. They are affordable and can be used all year long. The best part about season passes is it includes parking and discounts on food and shopping. Be on the look out Groupon sometimes has discounts. Busch Gardens also offers specials so check in on their site frequently. Busch Gardens also offers free tickets and discounts to Military and Veterans so be sure to check out their Waves of Honor program.
  • Rides– I love that when you enter the park you can have your child’s height checked. The park lists all the rides they can go on independently or with a chaperone. Use the skyline as fast transportation around the park. Be sure to take the Skyline ride at night so you can see the holiday lights twinkling from above! See the Busch Gardens site for a full list of seasonal rides.
  • Shows– Seeing a show is a great way to keep the kids entertained while staying warm.
  • Dining– The price range for food and beverage are typical for an amusement park.  One thing to keep in mind is that you can purchase refillable cups for fountain drinks and even hot cocoa. Since Busch Gardens is a family friendly park they do allow Snacks from outside the park. We usually pack a few water bottles and snacks for the kids but enjoy dinner at one of the dining halls.
  • Lights– Take time to view the lights displays around the park; be sure to stroll through the “cascade” of lights down the Polar Pathway and Peace on Earth display as you cross the bridge that leads from German to Italy.
  • Dress for the weather– I think one of my biggest pieces of advice is to dress in layers. We usually dress the boys in layered warm clothing with thick socks, coat, hat and gloves. A few shows and Das Festhaus are indoors, mostly everything is outdoors.  Most years when we’ve been it is deceivingly warmer during the day but drops in temperature drastically at night. There are warming stations that you can keep an eye out for too! We’ve gone during heat waves where it feels like spring and other years it feels like visiting the north pole. If you go on a colder day, consider bringing hot hands heat packs for your pockets. A really big life safer is having an extra blanket for the little one in the stroller.
  • Stroller– You can bring your own stroller with you; as there are plenty of places to park and ride. However, if you don’t want to hassle with loading a skyline you can rent a stroller. This way you can park the rented stroller in the designated spots and grab a new one in the next area. They are inexpensive and fit two kids, plus your gear! Since there is a lot of heavy walking you will find little ones can get tired.
  • More on weather– This was the first year that temperatures dropped below 32 degrees! Keep in mind due to safety of roller coaster and ride braking systems, some rides might not be open that usually are. Dark Castle indoor coaster is a great option as it’s a indoor climate controlled coaster. The night we went it snowed earlier in the day and temperatures dropped below 20 degrees. Sadly, the park did close two hours early.
  • Read The Playful Parents Guide: Everything you need to know about visiting Busch Gardens with kids

INFORMATION

Dates: Select dates November 14, 2025 – January 4, 2026

Hours: Park hours vary by day. Check the Busch Gardens Calendar 

Address: 1 Busch Gardens Boulevard, Williamsburg, VA 23185

Website: 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 for guide partners. 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. 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!***
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HAPPY HOWL-IDAY AT GREAT WOLF LODGE

Snowland at Great Wolf Lodge is the perfect place to celebrate the holiday season. Stay warm and cozy this winter break with matching pajamas, hot chocolate, and festive winter activities. The lobby is transformed into a giant snow globe with a huge Christmas tree, twinkling lights and holiday music. Between the nightly free festivities and the water park, it’s feels like a little escape to paradise. This is our third year staying during Snowland, it’s become a favorite family getaway. I hope this guide helps your family plan a fun and stress free family vacation at Great Wolf Lodge.

HOWL-IDAYS AT SNOWLAND

It is an extra special treat to stay at Great Wolf Lodge around the holiday season, when the lobby is transformed into a winter wonderland. The atmosphere sets the tone for getting everyone into the holiday spirit. The entire hotel is adorned in lights and festive decorations from November 24, 2025 to January 6, 2026. Kids and the kid at heart will get a thrill out of the nightly snowfall, which is truly magical. The resort offers an array of free activities including: winter howl-i-days story times, frosty fest family dance parties, scavenger hunts, special events like BINGO, arts & crafts and photos with Santa.

REASONS TO STAY ANYTIME OF YEAR

Great Wolf Lodge truly knows how to make every holiday extra special. With four seasonal themes each year: Spring-a-palooza, Summer Fun in the Sun, Howl-o-ween, and Snowland; there’s always something fun going on anytime of year. In addition to annual celebrations they offer a plethora of activities to keep the littles busy.

IN-DOOR WATER PARK- This is probably one of the best features of the hotel. The water park is a great place to have a splashing good time! The water park is HUGE!!! Enjoy the slides: Howling Tornado, Sliding Boarding, River Cannon Run and Alberta Falls and Whopping Hollow. Don’t miss out on the other sections of the water park: Totem Towers, Raccoon Lagoon, Fort Mackenzie, Slap Tail Pond, Hot Springs, Chinook Cove and Cub Paw Pool.

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE- Great Wolf Lodge has something that everyone in the family can enjoy. On campus you will find not only a pool but also: MagiQuest, Ten Paw Bowling Alley, Oliver’s Mining, Northern Light Arcade, Laser Trail, Virtual Frontier, Howl In One Miniature Golf, and Build A Bear. You can purchase activity passes or pay for activities as you go. There’s also a bar if you’d like to order a cocktail and relax. Great Wolf Lodge isn’t just for the kids, its for parents too!

STAY, EAT AND PLAY-The lodge has everything you need on campus so that you can stay and play stress free. From restaurants serving kid friendly food to coffee shop and Kids Club to Magi Quest; everything you need is right on site. They even have a Paw Pass that comes with everything your little one needs to stay entertained for the entire weekend. You can get meal packages or just pick and choose when you want to grab a meal on site. There is a in house Dunkin Donuts, Cafe, Pizza Parlor and Grill.

TIPS

  • Plan for the season you go. If you go during Howl-O-Ween bring a costume to trick or treat in. If you go during Snowland, bring matching family pajamas. Make it special and fun!
  • Enjoy an extended stay at the lodge by sticking around a while on check out day and enjoy more time at the attractions. Check-out is at 11AM, so we usually pack up our car and head back inside for more time at the water park or MagiQuest.
  • Make friends with the staff – I was impressed by the team at GWL; they are amazingly friendly and extremely helpful! Everyone wants to see you having fun safely. I got the sense that the staff really enjoys working with kids. The front desk staff is knowledgeable about the area and local attractions. They can also make suggestions about packages are available at the lodge.
  • Make sure that you sign-up to become a member (which is free) for special rates on rooms. You can also download the app to help navigate and plan out your trip.
  • 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 week day and use Groupon to catch a great deal. Also, if you are military be sure to call and ask about a discount.
  • Great Wolf Lodge provides life jackets to guests for FREE! I like to bring our own because it is what my little one is already familiar with and it helps set them apart visually. I also dress my kids in bright distinctive colors so I can spot them quickly.
  • While beach towels are provided in the water park, they have to stay in the water park. I recommend bringing a robe (beach towel) to stay cozy in while walking up to your room. I like to bring a little cover dress for myself.
  • To make the room extra cozy, I always bring my little ones favorite stuffed animal and blanket.
  • The rooms are extra spacious. Even the standard room fits a family of six comfortably. We splurged and got a upgraded suite with bunk beds. The kids thought it was cool to have their own special cabin.
  • Pack water bottles and snacks. Things can really add up fast. So if you are on a budget bring a long a few things to keep in the room or bring down to the pool. Our room had a microwave, mini fridge and small table to eat at.
  • If you have time to visit Busch Gardens while you are in town I highly recommend it! If you are there during the winter holiday Christmas Town is truly remarkable.

INFORMATION

GREAT WOLF LODGE – WILLIAMSBURG

Address: 549 E Rochambeau Dr, Williamsburg, VA 23188

Phone: 800-551-9653

GREAT WOLF LODGE WEBSITE

*** A discounted rate was provided to write this article. This was not a paid or complementary stay; all information is my own non-bias opinion. All content and photography are property of The Playful Parent.***

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SANTA SIGHTING: 2025 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 year’s 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 highlights Santa sightings for families in Southern Maryland. Happy Holidays from The Playful Parent.

BREAKFASTS WITH SANTA & OTHER SANTA EVENTS

VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT RUNS

The following Fire Departments host annual Santa runs. Many of the local stations have posted their schedules; however, the dates and times of more should be announced soon. I will update this article to keep track of them here! Please note that inclement weather and emergencies can cause delays or schedule changes.

BEL ALTON- Santa is coming to town… December 12-13, 2025! See LINK for full schedule.

BENEDICT VFD- Santa is coming to town! Benedict VFDRS will be escorting Santa through the area and spreading holiday cheer with candy canes for everyone! Escort Times: • Friday & Saturday: Start around 6:30 PM • Sunday: Start around 5:00 PM. Visit the LINK for full details.

BRANDYWINE VFD–  The Brandywine Volunteer Fire Department is excited to announce the official schedule for our 2025 Santa Runs will take place on December 7, 13 & 14, 2025. Santa will depart from the firehouse at 1:00 PM on each scheduled day. Watch their FACEBOOK PAGE– daily for updates related to weather, emergency calls, and—of course—our Live Santa Tracker! Link to page here.

BRYANS ROAD- VFD LINK- Stay tuned for schedule. Usually Santa makes his way around town the weekend before Christmas.

CHARLES COUNTY EMS–On Sat., 12/6/25, Sat., 12/13/25 and Sat., 12/20/25, CCVRS will be bringing Santa to a La Plata neighborhood near you! LINK to Facebook page which should update with more information as the date gets closer.

COBB ISLAND– Is hosting a lunch with Santa and Secret Santa gift ship. Usually Santa makes his rounds thru the neighborhood after the party. Stay tuned to learn more by clicking the VFD LINK.

DENTSVILLE– Has announced Santa will make his rounds on December 5, 7 & 17, 2025. See the VFD LINK for more information.

HUGHESVILLE– Santa checks his list with a thankful heart, reminding those in Hughesville he will be coming town November 28-30, December 5-7 and December 12 & 14, 2025 ! Schedule Link.

INDIAN HEAD 10TH DISTRICT- SCHEDULE LINK – Indian Head VFD Santa will be on his rounds (Usually the 23rd of December each year starting at 6PM.) Still waiting on them to announce the date.

LAPLATA VFD– Santa Season is here with La Plata Volunteer Fire Department! Check out these festive events where you can join us and see Santa:  December 6th – Santa Run/ December 7th – Olde Tyme Holiday Gathering at Town Hall in La Plata/ December 13th – Breakfast with Santa at Town Hall La Plata. December 14th – Hometown Heroes Holiday Event (Sam’s Club) in Waldorf. For more details visit-VFD Link.

LEONARDTOWN VFD- VFD Link– Santa is bringing Christmas Joy to Leonardtown. Sunday November 30th- Juniors court, Villages of Leonardtown, St Clements Shores and Forrest Farms. Friday December 5th- Satchel Paige Way, Meadows at Town run, Single Tree, Clarks Rest, Abell St, Norris Circle, Academy Hills, Downtown Leonardtown. Saturday December 6th- Chestnut Hills, Chestnut Ridge, Wilderness run, Leonardtown Farms, Megan Lane, Horseshoe Court. Friday December 12th- Breton Knolls Ct, Breton Bay,Avenmar subdivision,The Mulberries, Knight Road. Saturday December 13- Hanover Farms, Birdhaven, Dean Forrest. Tentative Rain Date- Saturday December 20th.

MECHANICSVILLE VFD- The Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad will be bringing Santa Claus to your Neighborhood from December 6 thru December 14, 2025. 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 and 6:30 PM and may last until 9:00 PM. Their crews will cover the streets listed on their with a Santa Tracker on the site.

NANJEMOY VFD- VFD LINK- 🎄 Santa’s coming to Nanjemoy! 🎄We will be escorting Santa through Nanjemoy on December 12th &13th.

NEWBURG VFD- Get ready! This Sunday, December 14th at 2:00 PM, Santa Claus will be trading in his sleigh for one of our fire trucks as he rides through the neighborhoods in our first-due area with the Newburg Volunteer Rescue Squad & Fire Department! Click on NVFD LINK for updates.

NORTH BEACH VFD– On December 20th, Santa Claus is Cruisin’ the Town from 1pm to 4 pm LINK

PRINCE FREDERICK- PFVFD Santa Runs start December 8th and run thru December 11th. See image or visit PFVFD LINK– for details.

POTOMAC HEIGHTS– Santa Claus is coming to town! We are excited to once again escort Santa through our response area on Sunday December 18-20, 2025. See the Potomac Heights Facebook Events for nightly locations and details at PHVFD LINK.

SOLOMONS VRD- VFD LINK– Santa Run schedule is up. Check out their events page for each night’s route!!

TENTH DISTRICT VFD- Santa will make his way around town on December 21, 2025. See schedule above or visit  VFD LINK for more information.

WALDORF VFD COMPANY 3–VFD LINK – Waiting for details, still no schedule posted yet.

WESTLAKE STATION 12-  VFD LINK – Open house to see Santa. See flyer or visit there Facebook Event for details.

THANK YOU

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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ICE! GAYLORD NATIONAL: 2025 PLAYFUL PARENT GUIDE

Step into a wonderland of ICE!… You will be dazzled by sculptures carved out of two million pounds of colorful ice by expert artists. This year’s theme is the iconic “The Polar Express™.”  Walk through a frozen extravaganza filled with larger-than-life sculptures, and even plunge down slides made entirely out of ice.  This annual holiday event runs now through January 2, 2026. I hope this guide helps your family plan and prepare for touring ICE!, the coolest attraction around town.

WHAT IS ICE!?

ICE! is a spectacular ice display that showcases colorful, larger-than-life frozen sculptures. You will walk through a self-guided tour of over two million pounds of colorful, hand-carved ice sculptures. After getting the ticket scanned, you walk through an educational section that highlights information on how the display is made and kept.  Be sure to take your time at this exhibit by watching the videos and even trying out the please-touch centers, where the kids can touch the ice to see how cold it is.

After suiting up in your blue parka, you head outside to the photo station where you can get a family photo. At the end of your walk-through of the displays, you can purchase photo packages as keepsakes.

Next, you will be directed to the tents where the magic unfolds. Inside the massive tent, temperatures are set at a chilling nine degrees. So make sure you are bundled up well in order to admire the work of art. To ensure you stay warm, wear a sweater or coat under your parka. Be sure to wear hats, gloves, and thick socks. If you really don’t like the cold, bring along some hot hand packs for extra warmth. The self-guided tour is self-paced. I recommend taking your time to enjoy each display and take pictures. Allowing 30-45 minutes to enjoy the experience is about the time needed. Little ones tend to get cold quickly and might not last as long.

This year’s ICE! The display theme is The Polar Express™. It feels like you are walking right into this classic holiday film! The carvers do a magnification job of capturing iconic scenes from the movie. I really enjoyed the interactive parts of this year’s display. The peek-a-boo walk through tunnels and immersive photo opportunities are incredibly fun. Climb aboard and have a seat in the hot chocolate scene, or even pull down on Smokey’s bread!

At the halfway point, be sure to  zip down an ice slide. There are slides for both the tiny tots and big kids, or even the kid at heart, so that everyone can participate in this activity. To go fast down the slide, be sure to lie back so the parka glides you down.

End your tour with a gorgeous view of the crystal clear nativity scene. This scene is absolutely breathtaking and really showcases traditional ice sculpting as a work of art.

ICE! INFORMATION & ACTIVITIES

Location: Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center- 201 Waterfront Street, National Harbor, MD

Hours: November through January 2, 2026

Admission: Tickets start at $35 for general admission. Children ages 3 and under are FREE! Going on a weekday earlier in the season rather than on weekends and peek season hours can be cheaper. For 25% off tickets to ICE! featuring The Polar Express use code: ICEPARTNER25.

Website: Link

Activities: Tickets to ICE! includes admission to the display. However, there are other activities available that cost additional money. You can purchase bundles to save money or add activities individually to make your experience unique.

  • Gingerbread House- This fun, sticky and interactive decorating tradition just got even sweeter. Choose from three decorating kits to put together and then meet The Gingerbread Man himself! ($)
  • Mrs. Claus Christmas Tradition- Gather around for warm and cozy fun with the jolliest hostess of all – Mrs. Claus! Delight in the reading of holiday classics and singing of Christmas carols while enjoying cookies and milk. ($)
  • Snowball Blaster- Build and toss real snowballs to boost the power of the snowmaking machines and earn points in this experience at Snow Factory, the mechanized, snowy play space.
  • Snow Flow Mountain Slide- In this mechanized, snow play space you will slide through factory conveyor belts that have frozen solid and ride tubes down a thrilling plummet slide or hilly ice coaster at Snow Factory.

To learn more about each activity see this link.

TIPS FOR ICE!

  • Check out the informative Instagram video for details about ICE! – Link
  • Ways to save- Military Discount are offered, get discount codes by following the Gaylord National Resort Facebook Page or catch a deal on Groupon. You can also purchase Gold pass that include: ICE! display, unlimited Ice Tubbing and Snoopy Scavenger Hunt. You save up to 30% by getting a platinum pass which includes: ICE! display, unlimited Ice Tubbing and Snoopy Scavenger Hunt, Snowball Blast, Gingerbread decorating, Ice Skating and the Mrs. Claus Traditions show. All there is a discount code offered to Playful Parent fans for 25% off tickets to ICE! using code: ICEPARTNER25.
  • Bundle Up- I’m sure it’s obvious that it will be cold. The ice needs to stay frozen! You will be provided with a warm blue parka with a hood. However, I highly recommend you double up by wearing your own jacket, as well as wear a hat, gloves, and scarf. Don’t forget socks, one year one of my boys who dresses himself forgot socks, and he was miserable! Be aware that the parkas do not have pockets, YOU WILL NEED GLOVES! Parkas come as small as size 2T. I recommend baby wearing your smallest baby and get a slightly bigger parka to button over the baby.
  • Dress in Bright Colors- Since every visitor is wearing the same blue parka; you will need a way to set your kids apart. I put my children in bright colored hats to make them more distinctive.
  • Don’t Rush- Over the years I have learned to take my time. If your kids have the attention span for it, visit each exhibit and admire what you see. Engage in conversations about what you see and take photos.
  • Interactive Exhibits- One of my kids favorite part of the adventure is the slide and tunnels. Take your time on these. You can go down the slide as many times as you want. Veterans tips, have one adult stays at the top and the other stay at the bottom to keep an eye on the kids. There is an attendant at the top to help as well.
  • Take Photos- Keep in mind that your camera or phone could freeze. That being said, I would take my camera out periodically to snap a few memorable shots.
  • Take advantage of parking validation. Park in the Gaylord Hotels Self Parking. Just show receipt of attending the event outside the winter village area. They will discount your ticket for three hours and under parking down to $20.
  • Three times a day 7:30PM/8:45PM/9:15PM there is a tree lighting display that is phenomenal. You can watch it up close near the village on the lobby floor. However, I recommend going up to the second level and watching it from the balcony on the ballroom level floor. The view is absolutely stunning. You can also view the Cirque show from a far here. This years evening Cirque show is at 6:30PM. Arrive a few minutes early to grab a spot, than hang around after for the grand finally tree lighting display.
  • Check out the full range of Christmas on the Potomac events at Gaylord National Resort to ensure you hit all the extra activities! Including the gingerbread house display in the lobby.
  • Play Learn & Grow- Before you go watch videos about the making of ICE! – Link Here

BUT WAIT THERE’S MORE…CHRISTMAS ON THE POTOMAC

National Harbor hosts a year-round line up of amazing events and super-fun activities for families — right on the gorgeous waterfront. See the Christmas on the Potomac Calendar for more information, dates and times of weekly events. Mostly every Saturday throughout the holiday you can catch Santa on the Carousel and at the Capital Wheel. As well as, see free movies on Sunday’s, witness the spectacular tree lighting daily and view fireworks on select nights. At The Gaylord be sure to go to the atrium to watch the Christmas Tree light show and stop by the lobby to see the gorgeous gingerbread display.

There are so many scrumptious restaurants. While we were visiting Christmas on the Potomac we ate at Red Stone Grill. The ribs and rotisserie chicken are amazing. Not to mention the kids menu is great and comes with a cool activity to keep the little’s entertained. I also always enjoy the view of the Potomac. Don’t miss out on riding the Capital Wheel for breath taking views and making extra special family memories.

THANK YOU

***Thank you for taking the time to read this article; I hope that it was helpful to your family. The Playful Parent is a non-profit 501c3 that provides free resources to the community. The Playful Parent is NOT paid to promote events or attractions. Discounted or complimentary partnership is always appreciated but not a requirement. All content and photography are intellectual property of The Playful Parent.***

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KINGS DOMINION: TRICKS AND TREATS GUIDE

One of our favorite annual fall traditions is to take the kids to Kings Dominion’s Tricks and Treats Event. Guests of all ages can join the PEANUTS gang for amazing fall fun including: pumpkin decorating, hay mazes, ghostly games, costume parade, trick-or-treating, not-so-scary live entertainment and more! This scare-free festival makes for the perfect fall/ Halloween activity for littles and everyone in the family. Here’s why you don’t want to miss out on The Great Pumpkin Fest at Kings Dominion…

WHAT IS TRICKS AND TREATS

Many readers are probably wondering why I’m recommending to bring small children to a Halloween event at Kings Dominion with such enthusiasm. Most of the time, scary is what comes to mind when associating Halloween and a theme park! However, Kings Dominion has designed their featured fall event “Tricks and Treats” to be all fun and no fear!

Through out the fall every Saturday and Sunday September 20 – November 2, 2025 from 11AM to 6PM, Kings Dominion celebrates the ultimate fall festival, The Great Pumpkin Fest! In addition to everyone’s favorite family rides at Kings Dominion, Guests can participate in a collection of scare-free Halloween activities including: venturing through a hay maze, decorating the perfect pumpkin, watching Halloween-themed live shows and more! Ghosts, goblins, and ghouls are thrilling to adults and some older kids but absolutely terrifying for the little ones! I love that Kings Dominion makes it easy for the entire family to enjoy a Halloween event together no matter what age.

PLAN OUT YOUR DAY

The first thing you want to do after getting through the gates is make your way to the height check station to see what rides your kids go on! Then make your way to Planet Snoopy which is where you will find all the activities and programs for kids.  We spent most of our day in Planet Snoopy riding all the rides and seeing the shows.

  • Rides- Some of our favorite rides that go great with the Halloween theme are the Great Pumpkin Coaster, Boo-Blaster and the Kite Eating Tree. I love that Planet Snoopy is decorated in festival fall fun… As the kids ride on PEANUTS Turnpike and Road Rally the pass by inflatables and other adorable decorations.
  • Trick or Treating- It’s so fun to get dressed up and go from station to station collecting candy.
  • Special Activities- Some the awesome activities only available at The Great Pumpkin Fest include: Halloween-themed live shows where you can jam out to classic music like Monster Mash. At Sally’s Pumpkin Painting Patch you can pick our the perfect pumpkin, decorate it and take it home. Get lost in a mini straw maze at Franklin’s Scarecrow Hollow. Jump on into Pig Pen’s People Washer where your little one can scope and play in a giant corn pit.
  • Photo Opportunities- Be sure to stop in front of the festival decorations for a picture. There are dozens of cute places to capture moments.

When the day is coming to an end, we leave enough time for two last stops. The second to last stop you should make is the treat tail. You can get a bag to walk and round and get filled with treats. This is over by the Driving School ride. I personally like to end the day by picking up a pumpkin before 5 PM. I suggest picking your pumpkin up last, so it’s not a pain to carry around the park all day. We usually do not decorate ours and save it as an activity to do at home.  If you don’t want to stay for “The Haunt” Kings Dominion scary event than you will want to exit the park around 6 PM. At 7 PM things turn terrifying really fast! The music changes, fog comes over the ground and creepy things appear.

TRICKS TO MAKE YOUR EXPERIENCE A TREAT

We have been season pass holders at the park for years now. I have a lot of tips and tricks from attending over the years. Here’s what we’ve learned over time:

  • Speaking of season passes. I highly recommend purchasing seasons passes. Kings Dominion has something fun each session. The summer of course has a full water park open to season pass holders, fall highlights Halloween. Season passes include entry into the park all year round, as well as free parking. Adult season pass holders are also eligible to sign their children ages 3-5 up for a FREE pre-k pass!  It’s definitely a bargain. With Kings Dominion joining Six Flags there are a lot of great deals right now that include joining now and having membership for 2025-2026!
  • Kings Dominion is the first theme park in Virginia to become ADA certified. Be sure to check out The Playful Parent Family Guide to see all the accommodations and tips for visiting this theme park.
  • Be sure to take time to stop and get pictures with the Characters and decorated photo spots so you capture some fond memories.
  • Dress up in costume when you go. Going in costume will make the experience extra special.
  • Don’t forget to pick the perfect pumpkin. It’s great that the cost of admission includes a small pumpkin for the kids.
  • Visit the family center if you have infants and toddlers or even a little one who gets sensory overload. Did you know the family care center has changing tables, wipes, a nursing room with rocking chair and even bottle warmers? Not to mention two calm down rooms. The calm down room has comfy chairs and doors that close to those with sensory needs. There are also family style bathrooms in the family care center that aren’t usually busy because no one really knows about the center.
  • If you plan on staying late (after 6 PM) be sure to get a 2025 No Boo! necklace to give yourself scare immunity from the monsters lurking inside the Halloween Haunt. Wearing this necklace significantly reduces the likelihood of being scared by monsters in scare zones. Cannot be used in any of the mazes.

INFORMATION

Address: 16000 Theme Park Way, Doswell, VA 23047

Hours: Weekends September 20- November 2, 2025

Cost: Day Pass start at $49/Season Pass Available/ Children 3 and under FREE

Website: https://www.kingsdominion.com

Playful Parent Guide: Visiting Kings Dominion with Kids Guide

***The Playful Parent was not paid to promote Kings Dominion, sharing information and my unbiased opinion about our family’s favorite spots around the DMV area is an honor. I want to thank Kings Dominion for inviting us out for the day, so we could get all the information to write this guide and help parents plan their trip to Tricks and Treats Festival. All content and photos from the article are intellectual property of The Playful Parent protected by the DCMA.***

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BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN WHAT EXISTS AND WHAT’S POSSIBLE

Accessibility Bridge Corporation hosted an event this week to help bridge the gap between what exists and what’s possible. The event offered not only a movie preview of an enlightening documentary film called The Ride Ahead, but also awareness, networking, and fundraising opportunities. In attendance, there was the superintendent of CCPS, representative from CC Parks and rec, day care providers, board members from CC Chamber of commerce, CCPS staff, and disability advocates; all with the common vision to see the growth of advocacy and accessibility in our county and beyond.

ABOUT ACCESSIBILITY BRIDGE CORPORATION

Accessibility Bridge Corporation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to promote the inclusion of individuals with disabilities by providing resources that focus on reducing barriers, increasing access, and enabling individuals with disabilities to engage in their desired aspects of life. This organization’s biggest initiative is to partner with organizations to build capacity to support individuals with disabilities by helping them design programs, implement strategies, and monitor results. Our goal is to foster inclusive environments for all. Programming includes:

  • Educational Equity: Accessibility Bridge’s Educational Equity Program is designed to provide educational resources for students with autism and/or intellectual impairments that will assist in bridging the gap in the educational divide.
  • Mental Wellness Programs: People with disabilities encounter structural and ideological barriers, with societal stigma contributing to poor mental health. The CDC reports that adults with disabilities experience frequent mental distress nearly five times more often than those without disabilities. Accessibility Bridge is pleased to collaborate with The SonRise Project, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that hosts a weekly Sunday support group call. This group facilitates open dialogue among parents caring for black children, regarding teen and young adult mental health. Offered free of charge via Zoom, the group provides a camera-free environment, enabling parents who may be experiencing challenges to access comfort and support.
  • Athletic Initiative: The goal of the Brick 44 Athletic Initiative is to bring awareness, resources, and support to competitive athletes with disabilities. Participation in athletic activities is the context in which people form friendships, develop skills and competencies, express creativity, achieve mental and physical health, and determine meaning and purpose in life.
  • Caring Cards Project: ABC is dedicated to empowering and encouraging people with disabilities and one way we accomplish this is through the Caring Card Project! Volunteer by sending cards filled with kindness, cheer, and gift cards if you would like! The Caring Card Project connects people across the United States in a thoughtful and meaningful way. Please join ABC in embracing our friends and reminding them that they matter and are loved.
  • Autism Programs: The Autism outreach programs aim to increase understanding and acceptance of individuals with autism within the community by offering education, resources, and support. Our resources focus on raising acceptance and awareness, providing training for professionals and community members, and connecting individuals with autism and their families with necessary services.
  • Hidden Disability Sunflower Initiative: Some disabilities or chronic illnesses are not obvious to others, which can cause confusion or skepticism about a person’s need for support. People may sometimes judge disability based only on appearance. The Hidden
  • Disabilities Sunflower initiative was established to foster inclusivity, acceptance, and understanding. This symbol enables individuals to voluntarily indicate that they have a hidden disability. Wearing the Sunflower signifies that the individual may need additional support, patience, or consideration.

To learn more please visit, https://accessibilitybridge.com.

THE RIDE AHEAD

The film The Ride Ahead follows Samuel Habib, whose goals are pretty typical for a 21-year-old. Moving out of his family’s New Hampshire home. College. Establishing his career. Dating. Sex. Yet every rite of passage is fraught with challenges. Unexpected seizures and uncontrollable movements caused by his rare genetic disorder. Friends’ homes that are inaccessible to his wheelchair. His labored speech and use of a communication device are barriers to a social life. He craves more independence and a family of his own one day. “But no one tells you how to be an adult,” he says, “let alone an adult with a disability.” Samuel is determined to avoid the statistical realities: unemployment, isolation, institutionalization. A turning point comes when he starts talking to disabled adults, who have been through all he is going through now. And when he begins to channel their insights, a roadmap for himself, and for other young adults like him, begins to take shape. Be sure to check out this awesome initiative at https://www.rideaheadfilm.com.

***This movie is not available for public viewing. If you’d like to collaborate with Accessibility Bridge for a screening or discussion, please reach out to Dee Sapp at dsapp@accessibilitybridge.com.***

MY TAKE AWAY

I highly recommend watching this film to gain a better understanding of the joys and challenges that individuals with disabilities face on a daily basis. Even while growing up in a neuro-diverse home, and having a career in the field of mental health, I felt the film had a big impact. Through programs like the ADA, things have come a long way for individuals with disabilities. However, after watching this film, I can tell we have a long way to go still. Advocacy, accessibility and services are needed to support these individuals with continuing education programs in the high education setting, and with professional development in the workplace. As a community, we can be better voices for ableism, independence and relationship building. We need to stand up to make sure playgrounds, public buildings and sidewalks are available in our community so we can all play, learn and grow together.

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2025 SOMD FALL FESTIVITIES AND HALLOWEEN HAPPENINGS GUIDE

I know I’m not alone in feeling like the summer swam by too quickly and autumn is arriving too fast. Believe it or not, many farms are opening this weekend, fall festivals are beginning, and even trunk or treating events are scheduled. To stay ahead of things…Here is a lengthy list that will continue to grow as October approaches. Please check back frequently, as this article will be updated regularly.

FALL FESTIVALS & COMMUNITY EVENTS

HALLOWEEN HAPPENINGS

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

***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.***

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2025 MARYLAND FALL GUIDE: PUMPKIN PATCHES, FARMS AND FALL FESTIVALS

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!

CALVERT COUNTY

HORSMON FARM

  • Location: 1865 Horsmon Farm Ln. St. Leonard, MD
  • Phone: 443-532-5761
  • Website: www.horsmonfarm.com
  • Information: Horsmon Farm fall festival will run September 20- November 21 this 2025 season. Fall festivities includes: pick your own pumpkin patch, wagon ride, corn maze, farm animals, farm trail, corn pit, sand pit with dirt diggers, tug-o-war and hop balls. Don’t forget to check out their website for special events each weekend including; scarecrow making, tractor weekend and more. If you are looking for a place to pick up beautiful flowers this is the place, their mums are gorgeous and home grown. Purchase your tickets in advanced online. Hours are Fridays 11AM-5PM, Saturdays & Sundays 10AM-5PM and weekday fieldtrips by reservation. Admission is $12 Kids (with small pumpkin/ $10 Adult/FREE Ages 2 and under. 10% discount offered to larger families of four or more, first responders and military.
  • Horsmon Playful Parent Guide Link 

JACK’S PRODUCE & LINDA’S GREENHOUSE

  • Location: 2925 Yoes Corner Rd. Port Republic, MD
  • Phone: 443- 295-8634
  • Website: www.jakesproducemd.com
  • Information: Jacks Produce is open weekends September – November from 9AM-5PM. In the fall, take a stroll through the pumpkin patch as you stop to pick up your produce. There are pumpkins of all shapes, sizes, and colors; there is something for everyone. Corn maze, corn pit, wagon rides and more available. Admission is $5 per person/2 and under FREE.

ROLLING ACRES FARM

  • Location: 3305 St. Leonard Road Port Republic, MD 20676
  • Phone: 443-532-7891
  • Website: www.myrollingacresfarm.com
  • Information: Rolling Hills Farm opening weekend is September 5, 2025. Rolling Acres is open daily Monday-Sunday 10AM-6PM through November 2, 2025. Activities include: maze, petting zoo, jumbo jump pillow, pumpkin patch, petal cars, tire mountain and corn pit.  Admission is $12 per person/FREE Ages 2 and under/ Families of 4 or more $10 per person.
  • Rolling Acres Playful Parent Guide Link

SPIDER HALL

  • Location: 3915 Hallowing Point Rd, Prince Frederick
  • Phone: 410-610-0094
  • Website: www.facebook.com/SpiderHallFarm
  • Information: Exciting news…Spider Hall is back and open every weekend in October for the 2025 Fall season. Activities will include: hayrides, sorghum maze, jump pad, pick your own pumpkins and more! Stay tuned for details coming soon. This farm usually hosts great events such as movie nights, tractor treat and apple day.  Admission $12 per person/ 2 and under FREE.
  • Spider Hall Playful Parent Guide

CHARLES COUNTY

POP POP’S GREENHOUSE

  • Location: 13340 Rock Point Rd Newburg, MD 20664
  • Website: www.poppopsgreenhouse.com
  • Information: Open weekends Saturday & Sunday throughout October. Opening Day is Saturday October 4th!!! Saturday hours are 10am-6pm. Open Sunday at 10am and close at 5pm. Admission is $12 per person, 2 years and under are FREE.
  • Pop Pop’s Greenhouse Playful Parent Guide

SERENITY FARM 

  • Location: 6932 Serenity Farm Rd. Benedict, MD
  • Phone: (301) 399-1634
  • Website: https://serenityfarmatbenedict.com
  • Information: Every fall, Serenity Farm hosts annual Harvest Day weekends, a chance to come and pick a pumpkin, take a hayride, and interact with adorable animals in the Petting Farm! Please check their 2025 calendar for updates, they are scheduled October 11, 12, 18 & 19. Ticket price $15 per person, 4 and under are admitted for FREE. Ticket price includes: pumpkin, petting pen, and hayride. Harvest House is open with apples, pumpkins, apple cider, mulling spices, and apple butter and many fall items. Weather dependent.

SHLAGEL FARMS

  • Location: 12850 Shlagel Rd. Waldorf MD 20601
  • Phone: (301) 645-4554
  • Website: www.shlagelfarms.com
  • Information: Shlagel Farms is open for general admission on the weekends September 28th- the month of October during the hours set 10 AM – 5 PM, and field trips and private groups Monday through Friday during the month of October by appointment.  Admission is $11 per person, children ages 2 and under are free. Shlagel farm is quaint, more of a educational farm for fieldtrips or spot to pick a pumpkin. They offer a wagon ride, petting zoo, and pumpkin patch. For fieldtrips and groups email Info@ShlagelFarms.com for more information.

ZEKIAH FARMS

  • Location: 5235 Bryantown Rd, Waldorf, MD
  • Phone: (240) 216-4065
  • Website: ww.zekiahfarms3.com
  • Information: Zekiah Farms is well known for their market that sells organic meat, fresh produce and local honey. This year they will be hosting a Fall Festival on October 11, 2025 10AM-4PM with live music, food trucks and lots of fun activities. Admission is FREE to all.
  • Event Link

ST MARY’S COUNTY

BOWLES FARM

  • Location: 22880 Budd’s Creek Rd. Clements, MD
  • Phone: 301-475-2139
  • Website: www.bowlesfarms.com
  • Information: Bowles Farm annual fall festivities will be on weekends September 27 – October 26, 2025. Hours of operation are Saturdays 10AM-6PM and Sundays 10AM-5PM. Friday’s are available for fieldtrips by appointment, group rate applies. Admission is $15 per person, free for children ages 3 and younger, $13 for groups of 15 or more. Kids of all age will enjoy the amazing corn maze, pumpkin patch, straw jumping pit, children’s play area, wagon rides and more. Be sure to check out their calendar for amazing events such as tractor races and more.
  • Bowles Playful Parent Guide

FORREST HALL FARM AND ORCHARD

T AND A FARM 

  • Location: 18281 St. Jerome’s Neck Rd, Dameron
  • Phone: 301-872-5003
  • Website: T and A Farm
  • Information: T&A Farm is new to the list last year. Activities include: pumpkin patch, hay maze, wagon rides, farm animals, play area and more. Be sure to check their page for family fun events. Hours and pricing information coming soon. Last years hours Thursday-Friday 4PM-6PM/ Saturday & Sunday 10AM-6PM.

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 16th 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.***

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UDLC PLAY PLACE: PLAYFUL PARENT GUIDE

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!***

 

 

 

 

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