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.

MOVIES, MUSIC AND MORE: SUMMER FAMILY FUN GUIDE

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:

  • May 28: Jimi Smooth & HitTime (Motown)
  • June 4: Driven to Clarity (Pop Rock)
  • June 11: Rock Creek Kings (Original Rock)
  • June 18: Too Much Talent Band (R&B/Go-Go)
  • June 25: Pebble to Pearl (Soul/R&B)
  • July 2: Shane Gamble & The Pawnshop Hearts (Country)
  • July 9: Hot Cactus (Party Hits)
  • July 16: Secret Society (Feel Good Music)
  • July 23: The HariKaraoke Band (Special Karaoke Band)
  • July 30: So Fetch (2000s Hits)
  • August 6: The JoGo Project (Go-Go/Funk)
  • August 13: DuPont Brass (Big Horns/Electric Soul) August 20: Uncle Jesse (90s Pop)
  • August 27: Pink PaLiSh (Funk/Soul)

SALUTE THE SUNSET– Saturday evenings throughout the summer are military band nights at National Harbor. Bring a chair and enjoy an evening with performing ensembles from a variety of United States military bands at 7pm. See there schedule for a full list!

  • May 10: United States Navy Band Commodores
  • May 17: United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own”
  • May 24: United States Army Rappers
  • May 31: United States Air Force Concert Band
  • June 7: United States Air Force Concert Band
  • June 14: United States Air Force Band Max Impact
  • June 21: United States Air Force Band Airmen of Note Septet
  • June 28: United States Air Force Band Airmen of Note Septet
  • July 2: DC Army National Guard 257th Army Band
  • July 5: United States Air Force Band Air Force Strings
  • July 9: United States Air Force Band “Pershing’s Own”
  • July 12: United States Air Force Band Singing Sergeants
  • July 19: United States Air Force Band “Pershing’s Own”
  • July 26: United States Air Force Band Air Force Strings
  • August 2: United States Air Force Band Air Force Strings
  • August 9: United States Air Force Band Max Impact
  • August 16: United States Air Force Band Airmen of Note
  • August 23: United States Air Force Concert Band
  • August 30: United States Navy Band Sea Chanters
  • September 6: United States Navy Band Country Current
  • September 13: United States Navy Band Latin Ensemble
  • September 19: United States Air Force Band – Air Force Birthday Concert

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES– La Plata Town hall offers concerts are FREE to the public every Friday May 23- August 22, 2025. Be sure to bring blankets & lawn chairs for your seating comfort. Coolers are allowed. A variety of food is available for purchase at each concert.  Pets, tents, shade canopies and alcohol are not allowed. There is a small splash pad on site for kids to run through, so pack a swim suit and towel. 2025 Line-up:

  • May 23: Girl Crush
  • May 30: Steve Potter Blues Band
  • June 6: Quiet Fire
  • June 13: Water’s Edge
  • June 20: Kev Powe Thang
  •  June 27: The Sidleys
  • July 4: No Evening Concert   
  • July 11: 257th Army Band*
  • July 18: Taboo
  • July 25: U.S. Navy Band Commodores*
  • August 1: Pork Donut
  • August 8: U.S. Navy Band Cruisers*
  • August 15: Midnight Sunsets
  • August 22: Bobby McKey’s Dueling Pianos

KIDS SHOWS & PROGRAMS

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.***

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JOYLAND INDOOR PLAY SPACE GUIDE

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!***

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SPRING TIME FOREVER FLOWER ARRANGEMENT

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.***

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GREAT WOLF LODGE WILLIAMSBURG TRAVEL GUIDE

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!***

 

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BUSCH GARDENS 2025 FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL

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…

  • Mexico: Shredded Beef Taco- Marinated Citrus & Soy Shredded Beef, Queso Fresca, Cilantro & Mango Salsa.
  • Mexico: Crispy Shrimp Taco- Sweet chili sauce, mango salsa & cilantro lime slaw.
  • Island Freeze: Bahama Mama- Bacardi® Rum, Pineapple, Orange & Grenadine
  • Hawaii: Coconut & Macadamia Chocolate Tart – Macadamia Nut Crust, Chocolate Ganache & Toasted Coconut.
  • China: Pork Bao- Steamed BBQ Pork Bao

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!***

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SOMD HOMESCHOOL SUPPORT GUIDE

Whether you are new to embarking on your homeschool journey, or are a veteran; it is important to have support, resources, and information at hand so you can embrace the full scope of homeschooling. After five years of homeschooling my three boys; the most important thing to know is that you are not alone in your homeschooling adventure! There are a plethora of supplemental tools including: co-ops, umbrellas, tutors, community programs, and more. This article is here to help SOMD families navigate the many options available, so that you can tailor and design a learning program that works best for your child.

HOME SCHOOLING

Here are two important questions to address before diving into homeschooling… What is home schooling? What are the benefits? And How do I get started? Homeschooling simply put is when the parent(s) take full responsibility for educating their children at home instead of sending them to a traditional public or private school.  The homeschooling community began flourishing in the 1970’s, and has grown over the years to become a well established and popular choice. Interestingly, it is estimated that about 3.7 million students grade k-12 homeschooled in the 2024-2025 academic year. There are a number of reason why parents and youth decide to homeschool; according to the NHERI here are some common reasons given for homeschooling:

  • Customize or individualize the curriculum and learning environment for each child. You can tailor homeschooling to the level, pace and interest of your child; helping them learn and grow more effectively.
  • Accomplish more academically than in schools. A lot of time in the traditional classroom setting is busy work. By focusing on core classes at home you can complete more work faster and more efficiently.
  • Use pedagogical approaches other than those typical in institutional schools. You can investigate and use learning objectives, styles and theories that go along with your philosophy of education.
  • Enhance family relationships between children and parents and among siblings. Homeschooling offers a wonderful opportunity for family bonding. Instead of forced relationships in the classroom. Your children are forming relationships with family and friends that will last a life time.
  • Provide guided and reasoned social interactions with youthful peers and adults. There is less fear in questioning the unknown of peer pressure and negative influences that occur in the school setting. This helps your child form more meaningful and intentional relationships.
  • Provide a safer environment for children and youth. With the wide spread of bullying, violence, school shootings, drug and alcohol use, racism, and improper and unhealthy sexuality associated with institutional school setting, parents have less fear and children are safer with the homeschooling option.
  • As an alternative education approach when public or private institutional can not meet the needs of children with special needs and academic challenges.
  • Teach and impart a particular set of values, beliefs, and worldview to children and youth.
  • Home schooling is more affordable than private school in most cases. The average cost of homeschooling is $700-$1,800 per student annually.
  • Academic success ratings are higher amongst homeschooler’s. Homeschooled students score 15-30 percentile points above public-school students on standardized academic achievement tests.
  • Higher college performance ratings. College students who were homeschooled earned higher first-year and fourth-year GPAs when controlling for demographic, pre-college, engagement, and first-term academic factors.

GETTING STARTED

Now that I have your attention for why. The next step is how to get started. Each state has different rules put in place regarding a parent’s ability to homeschool their children and all the laws that they must follow. For Maryland you will want to read over the rules of COMAR to better understand the standards for homeschooling in our state. Here are the links to local homeschool instruction programs by county:

  • Calvert County Public Schools Home Instruction Page- Link
  • Charles County Board of Education Homeschool Page- Link
  • Prince Georges County Public School Homeschool Page- Link
  • St. Mary’s County Public School Home Instruction Page- Link

Since my kids are in Charles, I can speak on this district. You will need to complete a form of intent with the local board of education to inform them of your decision to homeschool any child age 5 until they turn 18. It is a simple process that does not require much time or information. The form only requests basic information regarding name, age, grade  and place of residence of the child you are enrolling in home instruction. In the fall you will complete a simple review form indicating which subjects your child will study and submit it to CCBOE. In the Spring you the choice to have your student take the state assessment, or complete a Spring portfolio review which is usually in person. Don’t be fearful of reviews, you simply show 2-3 samples of work or proof of each subject studied to a review panelist. A Spring completion form will be filled out and you will be given a copy. You can skip the stress of reviewing and join an umbrella. Umbrella’s are an alternative resource to presenting a portfolio review to the county. There are a handful of options in the state of Maryland. A complete list Umbrellas can found here.

CURICULUMS

I want to note that utilizing a curriculum is not a requirement. However, curriculums can be helpful so many homeschool families use them. When choosing a curriculum to use, it is important to know what educational pedagogy and learning style work best for your family. There are a lot of great curriculums out there, so it can be overwhelming to pick the right one. I highly recommend going to a conference or curriculum store to get an idea on which ones to purchase. If you have any homeschooling friends, you could ask them to look at their books. Some companies offer trails or free online versions of their curriculum so you can test them out before making a large investment. Here are a few curriculum choices by type:

CHARLOTTE MASON

The Charlotte Mason style of learn is based on the philosophy of 19th-century British educator, Charlotte Mason. The method emphasizes study of the natural world, the use of oral narration (retelling a story in your own words) and “living books” (high-quality, well-written works of literature, biography, and other writing that engages the reader in a story or narrative) over tests, comprehension questions, and workbooks. Charlotte Mason focuses on providing a wide and deep education in all subjects, with an emphasis on gentle, natural learning progression at the child’s pace. This method values self-paced learning, usually delaying introduction of formal lessons until at least age 6.

CLASSICAL EDUCATION

Classical education gets it roots from the ancient Greek philosophy of the Trivium, meaning three. This style of education is divided into three major sections: Grammar (Elementary), Rhetoric (Middle School), and Logic (High School.) Classical education incorporates memorization and songs into learning for early ages to help them explore subjects, and integrates more discussion and thinking skills as students progress into older grades. An understanding of classic literature, memorization, and Latin are the hallmarks of a Classical education.

TRADITIONAL

This style is what many of us think of when we say “school.” Traditional homeschoolers might lean more towards using textbooks by major publishers, tests and exams, worksheets and workbooks.

UNIT STUDIES

Unit Studies is a style that focuses all subjects around a single theme, concept, topic, or element. Unit studies are sometimes called “thematic units” and this style focuses all subjects on a theme. Unit studies use multisensory learning centered around a single theme, concept, topic, or element. The objective of unit studies is to allow students to delve deep into a topic to obtain mastery of it.

ONLINE PROGRAMS & DISTANT LEARNING

Online and distant learning program vary from program to program. In some cases the student and parent are more responsible for managing the content; while other distant learning programs offer more than just electronic lessons, some offer online instructors who deliver the content and provides grading and progress reports.

FREE

The following are online curriculum resources that are free.

 

CO-OPS

A homeschool Cooperative aka Co-Op is a group of homeschooling families who come together regularly to share educational responsibilities and resources. Simply put, Co-Ops help fill the gaps of homeschooling by providing enriching educational activities or aiding in socialization for homeschooled children.

ANCHOR CHRISTIAN COLLABORATIVE

  • Location: Emmanuel Church- 3800 Old Town Rd. Huntingtown, MD 20639
  • Meeting Days: Tuesday/Thursday
  • Details: Anchor Christian Collaborative strives to serve the Southern Maryland homeschooling community in a way that is honoring to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and encouraging to our families, as we pursue instructing our children in the ways of the Lord. Offering classes and tutorial style programming.
  • Age Range: Elementary and Middle School Programs
  • Cost: $55 per class
  • Email: anchorchristiancollaborative@gmail.com
  • Link

CALVERY GOSPEL HOME EDUCATION

  • Location: Calvary Gospel- 11150 Berry Rd. Waldorf, MD 20603
  • Meeting Days: Wednesdays
  • Details: Academic oversight, classical tutoring, and parent led co-op.
  • Age Range: K-12
  • Cost: $
  • Email: homeeducators@calvarygospel.org
  • Link

CLASSICAL CONVERSATIONS

  • Locations: CC programming exists in all three counties! Charles county has established groups in Accokeek and Waldorf, as well as a interest in starting up in La Plata. Click on link below and search find a community.
  • Details: Classical Conversations is a Christian homeschool tutorial option for Classical Conversations is kids PK through 12th grade. CC provides a core curriculum that follows the classical method of learning. Classical education is a time-tested theory of education that prepares students to think critically, write persuasively, and present confidently from a Biblical worldview. 
  • Age Range: K-12
  • Cost: $$
  • Email: spalmer@classicalconversations.com
  • Link

HARBOR CHRISTIAN COOPERATIVE

  • Location: Dunkirk Baptist Church- 11275 Southern Maryland Blvd. Dunkirk, MD
  • Details: Harbor is about making lasting friendships and growing together. Our heart’s desire is to create a group culture of a committed community. Joining a cooperative is an important decision. Our membership process will help ensure we are a good fit for your family. If you are interested in joining Harbor, we require that you attend an Information Session. These in-person meetings help you gain a clear understanding of Harbor, how the co-op works, and if it will be a good addition to your homeschooling.  
  • Age Range: K-12 (Nursery available for younger siblings)
  • Cost: $225 Family Membership/ Additional Fee Per Class
  • Email: https://www.harborchristiancoop.com/contact-us
  • Link

IMAGINARIUM HOMESCHOOL COMMUNITY

  • Location: Imaginarium – Solomons, MD
  • Details: New to homeschooling? Considering homeschooling? Looking to meet up with other homeschoolers in a safe and fun environment? Look no further! Imaginarium is hosting an online and in-person homeschool community where families can discuss homeschool related questions/topics, set-up play dates at Imaginarium, and find out about homeschool specific events hosted by Imaginarium. We look forward to having you join us!
  • Age Range: Pre-K – 12
  • Cost: $
  • Email: info@imaginariumplay.com
  • Link

P.A.C.E

  • Location: College of Southern Maryland – La Plata Campus
  • Meeting Days: Monday’s
  • Details: PACE is a Christian homeschool co-op. Parents As Christian Educators exists to encourage and support Christian families who are home educating their children in a Bible believing atmosphere. Homeschooling a child is one of the most selfless and admirable endeavors that a parent can undertake. While the rewards are unparalleled, the challenges and concerns can be equally daunting. Although parents are ultimately responsible for the academic education and Christian training of their own children, it is incumbent upon us as Christians to come alongside one another in support of this effort.  In order to provide a safe environment for Bible believing Christian families to educate their children free from the influence of an anti-Biblical culture, Parents As Christian Educators (hereafter referred to as PACE) will provide support and offer social and educational activities with a distinctively Christian perspective to homeschooling families. These activities may include, but are not limited to, group classes, special events, parties, sports, support meetings for parents, newsletter publication, and field trips.
  • Age Range: K-12
  • Cost: $
  • Link

SCBC HOMESCHOOL FELLOWSHIP

  • Location: Southern Calvert Baptist Church- 12140 H.G. Trueman Blvd. Lusby, MD 20657​
  • Meeting Days: Tuesday’s
  • Details: SCBC Homeschool Fellowship is a non-denominational homeschool organization.  We are a group of homeschooling families who join together to enrich families’ homeschool education.  All parents volunteer their time to teach electives and core classes to homeschoolers from kindergarten through high school.  We strive to offer a variety of classes that will challenge and excite our children.  We are not a drop off co-op and all adults are required to participate each week.  We are not designed to replace your home instruction.  Instead, we seek to provide extra activities that make your homeschool experience more fulfilling.
  • Age Range: K-12
  • Cost: $100 Family Registration Fee/ $10-20 Per Class Supply Fee
  • Email: scbchsf@gmail.com
  • Link

SOUTHERN MARYLAND HOMESCHOOL COMMUNITY

  • Location: Multiple Locations
  • Meeting Days: Tuesday/Thursday
  • Details: The Southern Maryland Homeschool Community is a secular and inclusive group that welcomes ALL homeschoolers and is based in Calvert and St. Mary’s Counties. Co-op parents volunteer as teachers in two sessions each school day, with two classes offered each session. Members can choose from 8 different classes each week. Our co-op has group parties, gatherings, and field trips.
  • Age Range: K-12
  • Cost: $150 Membership Fee/Fee per class
  • Email: info@somdhomeschool.org
  • Link

SPEAR

  • Location: South Potomac Church- 4915 Crain Highway, White Plains, MD 20695
  • Meeting Days: Monday’s
  • Details: SPEAR  (South Potomac Educational Alternative Resource) is a Christ-centered homeschool support group serving families of South Potomac Church and the Charles County, Maryland, community. We are approved as an Umbrella School with the Maryland State Board of Education. As space is available, members my enroll with the SPEAR Academy Umbrella Program and receive regular oversight from a peer advisor.
  • Age Range: Nursery – High School
  • Cost: $100 Registration Fee
  • Email: spearbd@gmail.com
  • Link

THE NEIGHBORHOOD CREATIVE ARTS CENTER – EFH CO-OP

  • Location: College of Southern Maryland – La Plata Campus
  • Meeting Days: Tuesday’s
  • Details: EFH offers students the opportunity to shine, both individually and as a member of a team, fostering self-confidence, determination, collaboration, and a love of exploring and learning. Parents are an integral part of our EFH program, assisting with teaching, character development, and field trips. This is not a drop-off program.
  • Age Range: 3-16
  • Cost: $160 per family per term (2 terms)
  • Email: msgeorgia@neighborhoodcreativeartscenter.org
  • Link

WONDER AND BLOOM

  • Location: College of Southern Maryland – La Plata Campus
  • Meeting Days: Wednesday’s
  • Details: WBHC seeks to help homeschool families deliver a rewarding educational experience and social enrichment together with peer and community engagement. We do this by facilitating an inclusive and intersectional homeschool community, welcoming all religious and spiritual backgrounds without promoting faith-based views or practices, and centering LGBTQIA+, neurodivergent, BIPOC, and other marginalized groups. We are a safe and supportive space for Trans and Non-binary youth. We value communication, mutual respect, empathy, and equity in the educational experience.
  • Age Range: K-12
  • Cost: $
  • Email: wonderandbloomhc@gmail.com
  • Link

TUTORIALS, DROP-OFFS & SUPPORT PROGRAMS

ANCESTERAL KNOWLEDGE

  • Location: DC Metro Area
  • Meeting Days: Varies
  • Details: Ancestral Knowledge offers a wide range of topics for all levels of experience on the topics of; nature awareness, primitive technology, and traditional earth based living skills. Ancestral Knowledge is the first of its kind in the DC Metro area to offer educational experiences in this field of knowledge. All of our programs intertwine two methods of teaching; Experiential Education-“learning by doing” and Coyote Teaching-“guiding not giving”. Ancestral Knowledge is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization is operated by a community of naturalists who specialize in ancient life skills and philosophies that support sustainable lifestyles.
  • Age Range: Elementary – High School
  • Cost: $
  • Email: ak@ancestralknowledge.org
  • Link

BREATHE TURORIAL SERVICE

  • Location: Dunkirk, MD
  • Details: BREATHE Tutorial Services is a Homeschool Community with the mission to provide a Christian based educational curriculum enriched with lots of elective class options with Art, Music, and Theater at the heart. Our core values are spelled out in our name: Believe, Rhythm, Education, Art, Theater, Health, and that you are Enough!
  • Age Range: K-12
  • Cost: $
  • Link

CHARLES COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY – ART & SCIENCE CLASSES

  • Location: Charles County Public Library- La Plata and Potomac Branch
  • Week Days: Wednesday & Thursday Options (2PM-3PM)
  • Details: CCPL alternates art & STEM lessons every week throughout the school year. Be sure to register, slots fill fast. Link below takes you to the CCPL calendar where events are listed.
  • Age Range: Elementary – Middle School
  • Cost: FREE
  • Link

COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN MARYLAND – KIDS COLLEGE HOMESCHOOL 

  • Locations: College of Southern Maryland – La Plata, Prince Frederick & Leonardtown Campus’s
  • Meeting Days: La Plata- Friday
  • Details: Inspiring young minds is at the heart of Kids’ & Teen College. We offer dynamic courses in music, theater, dance, and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math). From year-round classes and summer programs to music lessons, tutoring, test prep, and homeschool options—there’s something for every learner. Led by CSM faculty and industry pros, our programs spark curiosity and build confidence for the future. Offers course selections one day a week from 9AM-3PM for 10-12 weeks in both the fall and spring.
  • Age Range: 5-17
  • Cost: $125 per class
  • Email: awarrick@csmd.edu
  • Link

HUMANE SOCIETY – HOMESCHOOL DAYS

  • Location: Humane Society of Charles County- Industrial Park Dr. Waldorf, MD
  • Dates: One Friday per month
  • Details: The Humane Society offers a drop-off program for elementary and middle school aged students. Animals make learning fun! Every session a new animal topic is covers science, art, environment, and more.
  • Age Range: K-8
  • Cost: $25 Per Class/ $180 – All 8 Classes
  • Email: hscchumaneeducation@gmail.com
  • Link

OUR TOWN TUTORIAL

  • Location: College of Southern Maryland- La Plata Campus
  • Meeting Days: Thursdays
  • Details: Our Town Tutorial is for families looking for support while teaching their children at home. Our tutors are Christians who hold strong, traditional convictions. All classes are approached with a biblical worldview.
  • Age Range: K-12
  • Cost: $125 per class per term (2 terms)
  • Email: ourtowntutorial@gmail.com
  • Link

NEWLIFE TUTORIAL

  • Location: 3170 German Chapel Road, Prince Frederick, MD
  • Meeting Days: Drop off Tuesday & Thursday 8:30-2:45
  • Details: We offer organized classes that cover CORE subjects: language arts, history, science, math and Bible while providing guidance to equip parents.
  • Age Range: K-12 (Nursery available for younger siblings)
  • Cost: $25/30 Session
  • Email: tutorial@mynlc.org
  • Link

READING GARDEN

  • Location: Charles County
  • Details: The Reading Garden Club is a parent education + tutoring service providing phonics-focused reading resources for families of young children. Instruction and resources are designed by myself, Director and Head Gardener, Elisabeth Forde.
  • Age Range: Pre-K/ Early Elementary School
  • Cost: $
  • Email: elizabeth@readinggardenclub.com
  • Link

ST MARYS CITY – HOMESCHOOL DAYS

  • Location: Historical St. Mary’s City
  • Details: Historical St. Mary’s City offers programs specifically tailored for homeschool families, featuring interpretive discussions, demonstrations, and interactive activities. Workshop sessions: 10:30 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. & 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
  • Age Range: $10/$8 for members. Additional workshops $7/$5 for members.
  • Link

UPWARD THRIVE ACADEMY

  • Location: 1282 Smallwood Dr. #161, Waldorf, MD 20603
  • Details: Upward Thrive Academy, Inc. (UTA) is a 501(c)(3) human services organization, dedicated to empowering individuals and communities to overcome adversities and function at their highest capacity. UTA’s mission is to promote personal, family, and occupational wellness. We execute this mission by providing educational and vocational training, developmental resources, and community engagement events and activities for people of all ages.
  • Link

LEARNING AND SOCIAL PODS

CHARLES COUNTY SECULAR INCLUSIVE

  • Location: Varies
  • Meetings Days: Varies
  • Details: Facebook Group discription: Easy going inclusive/secular group for homeschool families with teens/tweens in Charles County, MD. Folks are welcome to use the group as a sounding board for questions/concerns, to independently setup virtual events and/or in-person events. The group is designed to support LGBTQ+ and marginalized kids/families. Not exclusively, but we want people to know that the “Inclusive” in the title is a very important aspect.
  • Age Range: Tween/Teen 10-17
  • Email: somdsecularhomeschoolers@gmail.com
  • Link

HOMEGROWN POD

  • Locations: Allens Fresh, MD
  • Meeting Days: Wednesdays
  • Details: Homegrown POD begins our POD day with a Christian devotional followed by three classes of hands-on project based academic enrichment. The school year is organized into 6 week sessions that provide three unit studies per POD day for each age grouped class. The classes are themed inside larger academic areas such as history, science, PE, health, life skills, and creative arts. Every member parent teaches classes in this cooperative and assists in classes they do not lead. Everyone’s hands are needed and the member parent attends the entire POD day with their children. This kind of working together and service to one another is the glue of the sociality within our POD.
  • Email: stephanimorgan@gmail.com
  • Link

SOMD SECULAR HOMESCHOOLERS

  • Location: Members Homes
  • Meetings Days: Wednesdays
  • Details: An educational space that celebrates diversity, encourages critical thinking, and fosters a sense of community among its members. We offer a variety of classes including art, history, and science.
  • Email: somdsecularhomeschoolers@gmail.com
  • Link

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

RESOURCES

The following resources are a list of associations, Facebook pages and websites that are useful.

***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 to families. If you have questions about home organizations or programs, be sure to contact the business directly. The Playful Parent isn’t affiliated with any of the associations or businesses listed.***

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2025 SUMMER CAMP GUIDE

On April 5, 2025, Charles County Parks and Recreation, and The Playful Parent partnered together to host this years annual Summer Camp & Activity Fair. The dream of hosting a summer camp fair came to life for the first time in 2018; this year marks the eighth year  hosting a summer camp fair! A huge thank you goes out CCPR for working so hard to help plan, promote, and pull off such a amazing event. I’m appreciative to all the families who came out to the event, your support means the world to me. Much thanks to the vendors who attended so that families could collect information from a handful of camps and programs. Finally, a huge shout out to the swag bag and door prize donors who helped make the event extra special and fun! Just in case you couldn’t make it out to the event, or if you had information overload; here’s all the information you need to plan out this year’s summer. Please keep in mind that The Playful Parent is a resources page, if you need more information please contact the individual camps or businesses.

RESOURCES AT THIS YEARS FAIR

A TIME TO DANCE

  • Details: Looking for a fun, active and enjoyable summer activity for your little ones? Here at A Time To Dance LLC we are offering 4 weeks of summer dance classes! A Time To Dance is a safe and exciting way for children ages 18 months-18 years old to connect to the art of dance. Camp includes Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Creative Movement, Yoga, Crafts and so much more! Monday-Friday. Spots are limited to 10 kids per week.
  • Ages Range: 18 months – 18 years old
  • Registration- LINK
  • Email: atimetodance22@gmail.com

CAMP ACCOMPLISH- MELWOOD

  • Details: Camp Accomplish offers options for day and overnight camps for kids ages 5-12, as well as several new specialty camp options. Campers enjoy a variety of different activities including swimming, wall climbing, ropes course, archery, creative arts, canoeing, horseback riding, campfires, talent shows and much more.
  • Age Range: 5-12
  • Cost: $500-$1,250
  • Registration- LINK

CAMP ST. CHARLES

  • Details: Nestled on a peninsula on the shores of the Charleston Creek and Wicomico River is a little piece of heaven called Camp St. Charles. Our rustic cabins provide the ideal setting for personal growth, connecting with God and His Creation and unplugging from the busyness of modern life. Camp St. Charles is a place to take a break from cell phones and other electronics and get dirty in the great outdoors! Camp St Charles offers one and two week camp sessions. Parents are encouraged to review the program offerings and their summer schedule to select the best fit for their family.
  • Age Range: 6-13
  • Cost: $980-$1960
  • Phone: 301-934-8799
  • Registration- LINK

CHARLES COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION

  • Details: Join CCPR this summer for an exciting lineup of fun and safe summer camps! From aquatics and specialty themed, to sports and special needs,  CCPR is bound to have something that’s right for you! Camps fill quickly so don’t hesitate – register today!
  • Age Range: Camps available ages 3-15
  • Cost: Affordable varies by camp: $75-$300
  • Phone: 301-932-3470
  • Registration LINK

CRESCENT PIANO

  • Details: This summer learn to create/compose music digitally using your chromebook or laptop! Activities to include:  Keyboard basics for beginners and advanced techniques for seasoned players.  Fundamentals of digital music creation and composition.  Hands-on practice with modern digital tools and software.  Fun group collaborations and mini performances.  Build confidence in your musical abilities. Develop creativity and new skills.  Make new friends who share your passion for music. Perform in our grand showcase at the end of the camp! Limited spots available—register now!
  • Age Range: 5th – 8th Grade
  • Price Range: $249
  • Phone: 301-684-8312
  • Registration- LINK

DISCOVER EARTH CAMP

  • Details: Discover Earth Camp hosts  a variety of topics all centered around earth systems science. Topics include Weather, Climate, Energy, Oceans, Nature, Geology, Environment, Chemistry, Coding and the Arts. This camp will be available through Charles County Parks and Recreation.
  • Age Range: 6-12
  • Registration- LINK

DJ CAMP

  • Details: Master DJ Techniques: Learn to mix and create party-perfect beats!
  • Age Range: 10-17
  • Price Range: Starting at $45
  • Phone: 202-680-3227
  • Registration- LINK

ENTREPRENERIAL KIDZ

  • Details: ENTREPRENEURIAL KIDZ  host various workshops and bootcamps throughout the calendar year. Our program teaches and provides children with the information, skills and practices to start a business.
  • Age Range: 9-14
  • Price Range: $155-$225
  • Phone: 240.292.9053
  • E-Mail: inquiries@entrepreneurial-kidz.com
  • Registration- LINK

FERGUSON FOUNDATION – HARD BARGAIN FARM

  • Details: There’s no better way to spend summer break than at Hard Bargain Farm! Led by our experienced educators, kids will explore the woods, wetlands, and Potomac riverbank, with activities such as canoeing, finding tadpoles, and watching the eagles! Our unique barnyard allows kids to experience life on the farm – get to know our lovable goats, milk a cow, dig in the garden. Your children will spend every day outside exploring nature life on our beautiful 330-acre property in Accokeek, MD.
  • Age Range: 4-13
  • Cost: Half Day $325-$625
  • Phone: 301-292-5665 ext.7310
  • Email: education@fergusonfoundation.org
  • Registration- LINK

ISLAND MUSIC COMPANY

  • Details: Embark on a musical adventure! These 5-Day long camps will give you a glimpse into band dynamics as well as features a live performance at the end of your camp week. Learn how to sing or play along with other musicians. Make decisions within a group setting, prepare for a live performance, and much more.
  • Age Range: 8-17
  • Price Range: $300
  • Phone: 301-478-8614
  • Registration- LINK

KIDS FIRST SWIM SCHOOL

  • Details: At KIDS FIRST Swim Schools, our mission is to teach children how to be safe and confident in the water. We’ve crafted America’s premier training pools, designed specifically for learning. These pools are maintained at a cozy 90 degrees, with depths ranging from 2 to 5 feet—an ideal environment for both instructors and students. We ensure there’s no shivering or goosebumps here, as our warm pools eliminate these common barriers to effective learning. Combined with expert instructors, a trademarked curriculum, and a fun, kid-friendly atmosphere, we create the perfect setting for your child’s aquatic education.
  • Age Range: Age 2 and up
  • Price Range: $20-70 Per Lesson
  • Phone: (301) 638-7946
  • Registration- LINK

MATHNASIUM

  • Details: During the summer, your child’s math skills are in danger of slipping. Summer math tutoring at Mathnasium is the answer. Summer instruction hours available, as well as Summer Chess Club Camp.
  • Age Range: All Ages
  • Price Range: $100-$250
  • Phone: 301-250-1641
  • Registration- LINK

MY GYM

  • Details: When School is OUT, My Gym Camp is IN! Campers will have a blast participating in energizing games & gymnastics, swings & more! Different STEM-based Fun projects Plus fitness activities, games, music, and swings.
  • Age Range: Programs available kids ages 3-12.
  • Phone: 301-932-8000
  • Registration- LINK

READING GARDEN CLUB

  • Details: The Reading Garden Club is a parent education + tutoring service providing phonics-focused reading resources for families of young children. Instruction and resources are designed by myself, Director and Head Gardener, Elisabeth Forde.
  • Age Range: 4-6
  • Phone: 202-679-6641
  • Email: elisabeth@readinggardenclub.com
  • Registration- LINK

SHARRON STUDIO, FLIPS GYM & NINJA ZONE 

  • Details: Sharon’s Studio offers year round dance and gymnastics classes. During the summer they offer three fun programs for kids; Dance Camp, Ninja Camp and Gymnastics Camp July 7-July 31, 2025. Camp sessions include specialized class, craft, snack and games.
  • Age Range: 3 1/2 – 10
  • Cost: Price $45-$150
  • Phone: 301-645-6763
    Email: sharonsflipsandninja@gmail.com
  • Registration- LINK

SKY ZONE – SKY CAMP

  • Details: Ready for an action-packed, sky-high adventure at Sky Camp at Sky Zone Waldorf! Our one-of-a-kind camp offers a unique blend of fun, fitness, and enrichment in a safe, energetic environment that kids of all ages will love. Whether your child is looking to jump, play, or explore new activities, Sky Camp provides an extraordinary experience that will have them coming back for more!
  • Age Range: 6-13 (Campers will be grouped by grade lever.)
  • Cost: $250-260 per camper per week
  • Registration- LINK

SWAG BAGS

The swag bags were awesome this year thanks to:

DOOR PRIZES

A huge thank you to the door prize donations:

CAMPS NOT AT THE FAIR

ARISE ACADEMY CAMP

  • Let your light shine with Arise academy camp. Offering individual tutoring, learning pods, homeschooling, after care and summer camp programs.
  • Email: ariseacademycamp@gmail.com
  • Link

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

  • Details: Beyond the Classroom, Inc. is a nonprofit with the mission to introduce children and young adults to people, places and things that they would not normally or easily have access to in their daily lives. By providing unique, educational and fun experiences, we empower youth to see the world outside of their classroom and neighborhood. Camps available for a variety of ages and interests.
  • Link

COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN MARYLAND (CSM)- KIDS AND TEEN COLLEGE

  • Details: Spark curiosity and unleash your child’s creativity this summer. Kids and Teens College at CSM offers over 350 online and in-person classes tailored to their interests, for ages 5-17. They’ll dive deep into the subjects they’re excited about and discover new passions, with kids their own age, with classes like: cooking with friends, hair care for teens, Roblox, digital art and more!
  • Email: askme@csmd.edu
  • Website LINK

HUMANE SOCIETY OF CHARLES COUNTY

  • Details: The Humane Society of Charles County Summer Camp provides a variety of day camps for children that help to foster a sense of empathy and nurture a desire for stewardship of animals and our environment through fun lessons, crafts, knowledgeable visitors, and live animal interactions. Age Range: 6-12 Years Old
  • Link

FORT WASHINGTON UNITED

  • Details: Weekly themed camps and fieldtrips: Weekly Themes & Field Trips:
    Week 1 (June 23–27): Animal Adventurers – Trip: National Zoo, Week 2 (July 7–11): Environmental Enthusiasts – Trip: Clearwater Nature Center, Week 3 (July 14–18): Robot Wars! – Trip: UMD Robotics Center, Week 4 (July 21–25): Personal Finance for Kids – Trip: American History Museum, Week 5 (July 28–Aug 1): Robots 102 -Trip: UMD Robotics Center, Week 6 (Aug 4–8): Bridge Builders -Trip: Lego Discovery Center, Week 7 (Aug 11–15): Brilliant Brushes – Trip: National Art Museum, Week 8 (Aug 18–22): Computer Programmers -Trip: System Source Computer Museum.
  • Email: fortwashingtonunited@gmail.com
  • Link

GIRL SCOUTS OF AMERICA

  • Details: The Girl Scouts of America offer summer camps and programs all summer long for girls ages 5-17.
  • Email: customercare@gscnc.org
  • Link

GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH AND SCHOOL

  • Details: This summer, your child will embark on an unforgettable journey as we travel the world—without ever leaving Grace Lutheran! Every week, campers will “visit” a different country, diving into its culture, food, games, and traditions. Through exciting activities, hands-on crafts, and engaging lessons, our campers will explore the world in a fun and immersive way!
  • Age Range: 2-10
  • Link

KIDSTREAM, INC

  • Details: KidsSTEAM, Inc. where every kid has a dream. Learn more about their awesome summer camps, tutoring programs, parent workshops and more. KIDSTREAM now provides a range of STEM-based activities for students. There schedule includes an engineering workshop and a Carnival in August, as well as tutoring services and various clubs focused on drones, chess, LEGO, and robotics via BWright Academy. Additionally, KIDSTREAM is launching a STEM-focused private school this fall.
  • Phone: 301-392-7052
  • Link

PORT TOBACCO PLAYERES- CAMP MOCKABEE

  • Details: Join us for a fantastical journey through theatre with daily workshops ranging from acting and choreography to hair and makeup and much more! There are three camps available this summer for elementary, middle and high school aged kids.
  • Website- LINK

SACRED HEART SUMMER CAMP

  • Details:  Sacred Heart Summer Camp is a Catholic day camp located at Archbishop Neale School in La Plata. We run for 6 weeks, and each week our campers get to choose from a wide variety of camps: soccer, dance, art, survival, Minecraft, war games, cooking & baking, theater, and so many more! Our camp runs Monday-Friday from 9am-12noon, but we also offer extended care beginning at 6:30am and ending at 5:30pm.
  • Website- LINK

WALDORF MARTIAL ARTS

  • Details: Camps focuses on physical fitness through organized play and games.  We also have morning and afternoon Karate classes in which students learn skills and drills of Taekwondo (a Korean style of Karate).  Age Range: 6 to 12 year of age
  • Phone: 301-645-1650
  • Link

***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 to families. If you have questions about camps and programs, be sure to contact the business directly. The Playful Parent isn’t affiliated with any of the camps.***

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SUMMER CAMP AND ACTIVITIES FAIR

On April 5, 2025 Charles County Parks and Recreation and The Playful Parent are partnering together to host this years annual Summer Camp & Activity Fair. The dream of hosting a summer camp fair came to life for the first time in 2018; this year marks the eighth year  hosting a summer camp fair! Every year the event grows; I’m hoping that many families will come out and gain information on the summer resources in our community.

EVENT INFO

  • Date: Saturday April 5, 2025
  • Time: 10:30AM – 1:30PM
  • Location: Davis Middle School
  • Details: Plan your 2025 summer with us! In partnership with The Playful Parent, we invite you and your family to come and enjoy an afternoon of fun activities, games, food trucks, and the opportunity to speak with camp representatives from across the region. Swag bags will be given to the first 100 families.
  • Cost: FREE
  • Age Group: Family Friendly- All Ages
  • To register for a table see the following Link
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IMAGINING WITH ME: LOOK INSIDE AND GUIDE

A DREAM IN THE MAKING

Did you know that there’s a new indoor play space right here in Charles County? Well, if you haven’t heard Imagining With Me just opened it’s doors this past weekend! The owner of Imagining With Me is a local mom of two, who loves to travel and explore new and exciting places around the DMV area. She understands all to well the struggle for local Charles County parents to find fun close to home; with traveling to a indoor play spot often taking an hour or longer to drive to. “An hour to an hour in a half isn’t feasible for families with young children,” was a thought that played in her mind and sparked the idea to open her own place. She believed something closer would benefit Southern Maryland families. With a year of planning, and strong motivation; it only took a little over four months of construction to see her dream come to life. This is actually rather fast and impressive! So let’s give the creator of Imagining With Me a huge shout out and thank you!

A PEEK INSIDE

The grand opening took place last weekend. Imagining With Me is located in the St. Charles Towne Center mall right next to Dicks Sporting Goods on the second floor. The space encourages imaginative play, offers opportunities for social interactions and promotes child parent bonding. The play space features eight tiny town type rooms with toys and activities to learn and grow in. These rooms include make believe: grocery store, restaurant, construction site, science lab, doctor’s office, doll house, and toddler room. Many Children’s Museum and Tiny Towns such as the Children’s Museum in Bethesda inspired the creation of Imagining With Me. In addition, there is a party room, making this new spot the perfect location for parties and fundraisers. Once settled in the owner hopes to host story times, homeschool opportunities and more! So be sure to follow them on social media for special events and deals. Imagining With Me is all about family and community! During opening weekend they partnered with the nonprofit Changing Mind Sets to sponsor 20 kids free admission opening weekend. The need for affordable fun was heard. Subscribe to the website and pay only $10 on admission Monday thru Thursdays!

TIPS

  •  Wear socks! Socks are required and cubbies provided for storage of shoes.
  •  Park Upstairs and come in through Dicks.
  • Subscribe and receive discount $10 Admission Monday thru Thursday. ADDITIONAL

INFORMATION

Hours:

  • Monday -Wednesday 11am – 7pm
  • Thursday -Saturday 10am- 7pm
  • Sunday 11am- 6pm

Address: 11110 Mall Cir. Waldorf Maryland 20603 (Park at Dicks Sporting Goods) Cost: $20 kid/$10 Adult and Infant (See special rates for subscribers)

Website: https://www.imaginingwithme.com

Phone: (301)-752-5513

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