If choosing and cutting a Christmas tree isn’t already a family tradition, this year is the ideal time to start. Explore our list of family-friendly farms in Frederick County and beyond offering Christmas trees and festive décor. Not sure what type of tree you’re looking for? All of the …

Discover some fun Frederick-area family events this October and November. Download the PDF from the October/November 2021 issue of Frederick’s Child.

It’s apple-picking season. Head out to a local farm to stock up. We found a few pick-your-own (PYO) farms and orchards in our area that you can explore with your family. Catoctin Mountain Orchard 15036 N. Franklinville Road, Thurmont Founded in 1948, this 100-acre farm is nestled in the slope …

In WalletHub’s new list of best and worst school systems across the country, Maryland ranked in the top 10. To determine the rankings, a team of researchers compared all 50 states and the District of Columbia across 32 metrics of quality and safety. They also took into account performance, funding, …

Little scientists, engineers and mathematicians will have the opportunity to explore their passions when the Maryland STEM Festival returns this fall. This statewide celebration of all things STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) will kick off on Friday, Oct. 15, and run through Nov. 14. Through free hands-on activities, lab …

Maryland’s first trauma-informed psychiatric unit for children and teens experiencing mental health crises opened this week at the University of Maryland Children’s Hospital (UMCH) in Baltimore. The 16-bed inpatient unit, a therapeutic environment featuring curved walls and nature themes, is designed to be safe space for patients ages 5-17 who …

Whether you need fun summer party games or new ideas for staying cool when temperatures soar, the following eight DIY water games will keep your kids refreshed and entertained all summer long. DIY Sprinkler Why buy a sprinkler when you can make your own? This DIY hack from the Housing …

Sunscreen is a year-round necessity to prevent skin damage and skin cancer, but it’s especially important during the summer, when UV rays are the strongest. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends that all kids ages 6 months and older should be lathered in sunscreen whenever they’re outside, whether they’re playing at …

For the past 15 years, parents have turned to U.S. News and World Report’s national rankings of children’s hospitals when searching for specialized pediatric care. To help parents find those services closer to home, this year’s annual list of best children’s hospitals also includes state and regional rankings. In the …

Just in time for spring cleaning, here are local organizations accepting donations.