Fun Farm Adventures For Baltimore Kids

Summer is here. School is out.

That means moms and dads need to find some way to keep the I'm-boreds at bay.

Of course there are the traditional summer activities that involve swimming pools, beach vacations, and even putting a super hero sprinkler on the end of the hose and letting the kids go at it!

But, what about trying something new?

Like a fun-farm-venture?!

Maryland is home to hundreds of acres of farmland and tons of them are ready and waiting for you to come on out and learn what marvelous things they have to offer.

Round up the kids, put on their overalls, and head out to one of these local farms to give your kiddos a taste of the rural good life.

It will be worth the drive, especially if you're lucky enough to snag some farm fresh ice cream while you're there!

Baugher's Farm

1236 Baugher Road
Westminster, MD 21158
Hours: Mon. – Fri.: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Sat. & Sun.: 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
(410) 848-5541
http://www.baughers.com/

What we love: The restaurant. And the ice cream. Seriously, the ICE CREAM! There are few things that make a farm trip better than rounding it out with a nice meal and a big scoop of ice cream. Plus, if you have a mommy group that would love to enjoy a farm trip together, Baugher's offers private tours that include all of the best parts of the farm.

What we suggest: Call before you go if you are planning to enjoy the pick-your-own portion of the farm. You don't want to be disappointed with the offerings because of a strange change in weather or something else unavoidable that may have happened with the season's crop.

Spring Meadows Farm

15513 Hanover Pike, Upperco, Md.
Hours: Open daily at 9 a.m. (Saturdays at 8 a.m.)
(410) 239-8505
Reviews, Directions & More Info

What we love: The classic car show they host on Thursday. Great fun for a family of car lovers.

What we suggest: Take your own food if you plan to stay a while. There are plenty of places to enjoy a picnic as long as you pack your own!

Clark's Elioak Farm

10500 State Route 108, Ellicott City, Md.
Hours: Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
$5.00/person (children under 12 mo free)
All rides $2/person
(410) 730-4049

What we love: The novelty of it all is quite exciting for the kids (and for mom and dad too!). It's home to the legendary Enchanted Forest, which means don't be surprised if you stumble across tons of whimsical and vibrantly colorful fairytale characters and their homes. They have a maze that the kids love to romp through and find Sleeping Beauty, Alice in Wonderland, and tons of other storybook friends. We especially loved peering into the home of the Three Bears.

What we suggest: If you have older children (6 and up) skip the train ride and go for the hay ride instead. The train ride will be pleasing to the younger set but is not too thrilling for the bigger kids as it moves slow and only goes around the track once. Also, bring your own food (they have a small store that has snacks and drinks, but no real meals), be prepared to walk (it's not huge, but on a hot summer day it can be exhausting), and get ready to have fun! Animals, rides, and slides galore, this farm is a step up from the traditional produce/dairy farm, and it really is an adventure for all who visit.