Things to Do

Go Apple Picking in Frederick County

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 of its namesake, the scenic Catoctin Mountain Ridge. Not only …

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Finding Their Rhythm: Help Your Child Choose a Musical Instrument

For the Withers family of Abingdon, the house rule is if you want to live here, you have to learn to play a musical instrument. “We said, ‘We don’t care which instrument. Just pick one you like!’” says Cheri Withers, a mother of two school-aged children. Like many musically inclined families, Cheri and her husband Jared believe that learning to …

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Family Theme Parks That Beat Back Summer Doldrums

Summer is the season for amusement parks, and thankfully the mid-Atlantic region has many. We found 10 that are all within a day’s drive of Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia and everywhere in between. Whether your kids love Cookie Monster, construction vehicles or chocolate, you’ll find a theme park made for them. These destinations are following CDC guidelines for reopening and …

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This Year’s Maryland STEM Festival Celebrates Our Healthcare Heroes

Celebrating Our Health Care Heroes at the Maryland STEM Festival

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 tours, talks, expos, exhibits and performances, kids get the chance …

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Summers Farm Still Trailblazes With Its 25th Anniversary Celebration

Farming is in Teresa Summers’ blood. She has spent the last 25 years diversifying her family’s multigenerational farm into a well-established agritourism landmark in Maryland. Known for its mega mazes and fall festivals, Summers Farm opens Aug. 21 with celebrations to commemorate its 25th anniversary which began with a simple dream. “All I ever wanted was to work the family …

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8 Summer Water Games To Help Kids Beat the Heat

Beat the Heat with These 8 Summer Water Activities

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 A Forest blog uses materials you can find around your …

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South County Family YMCA Set To Open April 2021

Looking for a new place for your family to get active as we head into the summer? Look no farther than Urbana. Frederick County’s newest YMCA will open its doors on Monday, April 5. The facility, which broke ground in late 2019, is located between Urbana Middle School and High School—a convenient location for people living in southern Frederick County.  …

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Arts & Crafts Made Easy

After a year of painting, building and making at home, even the most artistic kids may be feeling less than inspired now. Art subscription boxes, which include everything little artists need to complete a project, are a fun and easy way to jump-start their curiosity and creativity. Plus, what kid doesn’t love receiving mail? Whether you have a preschooler still …

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