Things To Do With Kids in Catonsville, MD

Cylburn Arboretum offers 207 acres of natural beauty perfect for families seeking outdoor adventure in Baltimore. Kids can roam freely through gardens, explore winding trails, and discover the historic mansion while parents enjoy the peaceful, well-maintained grounds that encourage curiosity and active play.

Federal Hill Park is a must-visit Baltimore destination where kids can run free on sprawling grassy hills while parents soak in the stunning Inner Harbor views. This historic hilltop gem combines a solid playground, wide open spaces perfect for kite-flying and picnicking, and those iconic skyline photo opportunities that make your Baltimore trip Instagram-worthy.

The Maryland Science Center is a hands-on wonderland where kids can touch, explore, and experiment their way through science. With three floors of interactive exhibits, a state-of-the-art planetarium, an IMAX theater with a five-story screen, and real dinosaur fossils, this Inner Harbor gem keeps children engaged and learning without even realizing it.

This Pikesville Dunkin' is a convenient breakfast and snack stop for families on the go. With classic donuts, bagels, and breakfast sandwiches, it's a quick and budget-friendly option when you need to fuel up kids before school, sports, or weekend adventures around the Pikesville area.

I cannot recommend this venue for family activities. Levindale is actually a Hebrew geriatric center and hospital facility, not a park or children's recreational area. The venue information appears to contain significant errors, as this is a healthcare facility serving elderly residents and patients, not a community park with playgrounds.

Waverly Woods Drive offers Ellicott City families a well-maintained neighborhood park that's perfect for active play and outdoor exploration. The modern playground equipment appeals to various age groups, while the walking trails and open fields provide plenty of space for kids to run, bike, or play ball games without feeling crowded.

The American Visionary Art Museum offers a refreshingly different museum experience where kids can explore wildly imaginative, self-taught art that feels more like stepping into a storybook than a traditional gallery. The whimsical outdoor sculptures and kinetic installations especially captivate young visitors, who delight in the colorful, quirky creations that encourage them to see art in a whole new way.

The National Aquarium in Baltimore is an underwater wonderland that captivates kids of all ages with over 20,000 animals including playful dolphins, mesmerizing jellyfish, and circling sharks. Beyond the sea life, the multi-story rainforest exhibit brings families face-to-face with exotic birds, poison dart frogs, and adorable sloths, making this one of the most diverse aquarium experiences on the East Coast.

Columbia Lakefront Stage offers the perfect blend of outdoor recreation and entertainment for families in downtown Columbia. The scenic Lake Kittamaqundi walking paths, multiple playgrounds, and the beautiful Symphony Woods pavilion create an ideal setting for everything from casual picnics to enjoying free seasonal concerts under the stars.

Port Discovery Children's Museum is Baltimore's premier hands-on learning destination, offering three full floors of interactive exhibits designed to spark curiosity and creativity. From climbing through multi-level structures to creating art masterpieces and engaging in imaginative role-play, kids can explore, discover, and burn energy while parents enjoy the educational value woven into every activity.

Goldberg's New York Bagels is a family-friendly kosher bagel shop in Pikesville that's perfect for a casual breakfast or lunch outing with kids. The welcoming atmosphere and menu full of kid favorites,from plain bagels with cream cheese to breakfast sandwiches,make it an easy, budget-friendly stop where even picky eaters will find something they love.

The Baltimore Museum of Industry transforms Baltimore's manufacturing heritage into an interactive playground where kids can actually touch, operate, and explore real industrial machinery. From printing their own posters on vintage presses to climbing aboard historic ships and exploring a working cannery, children get hands-on experience with the tools and technologies that built America's industrial age.

Toby's Dinner Theatre offers a magical combination of Broadway-quality musicals and a full buffet meal, creating an unforgettable introduction to live theater for children. The intimate theater-in-the-round setup means kids are close to the action, keeping them engaged throughout the show while enjoying a delicious dinner,no need to juggle separate reservations!

Clark's Elioak Farm is a beloved working farm that combines agricultural charm with whimsical storybook magic. Kids can interact with farm animals in the petting zoo, enjoy pony rides and hayrides, and explore a unique playground featuring original sculptures from Maryland's historic Enchanted Forest theme park, including beloved characters and structures that spark imagination.

Clark's Elioak Farm is a beloved Baltimore-area working farm that combines classic farm activities with whimsical storybook magic. Kids can pet friendly farm animals, take pony and hayride tours, explore the enchanted forest filled with rescued storybook characters from the old Enchanted Forest theme park, and enjoy seasonal festivities like pumpkin picking in fall.

Cinemark Egyptian 24 and XD in Hanover offers families a premier movie-going experience with 24 screens showcasing the latest animated features and family blockbusters. The stadium seating ensures every child gets a great view, while the XD auditorium delivers an immersive big-screen experience that makes special releases truly memorable.

The Pikesville Farmer's Market offers a delightful Tuesday afternoon outing where kids can explore farm-fresh produce, sample local baked goods, and experience where their food comes from. The relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere makes it perfect for introducing children to local farmers, artisans, and the farm-to-table concept while enjoying the outdoors.

The Greater Pikesville Recreation Council is a welcoming community hub that keeps local families active and engaged year-round. From youth sports leagues and creative summer camps to family-friendly community events, this recreation center offers affordable programming designed to get kids moving, learning, and making friends in a safe, supportive environment.

Main Event Columbia is the ultimate indoor entertainment destination where families can experience bowling, laser tag, an extensive arcade, a thrilling gravity ropes course, and billiards all under one roof. With its diverse mix of activities and on-site dining, it's perfect for birthday parties, rainy day adventures, or weekend family fun that keeps kids entertained for hours.

Charm City Cultural Cultivation offers families a hands-on introduction to urban farming right in Baltimore. Kids can explore community gardens, learn where their food comes from through interactive educational programs, and experience sustainable agriculture in action at this welcoming urban farm and farmers market.

Bounce U Columbia is an indoor inflatable wonderland that keeps kids actively entertained no matter what the weather brings. With multiple bounce houses, exciting slides, and challenging obstacle courses all under one roof, it's the perfect solution for burning energy on rainy days, sweltering summer afternoons, or chilly winter weekends.

Urban Pirates transforms the Baltimore Inner Harbor into an interactive adventure where kids become swashbuckling crew members on a real pirate ship. Children dress in pirate costumes, search for hidden treasure, engage in water cannon battles with rival pirates, and help defeat villains,all while cruising the historic waterfront. It's an immersive theatrical experience that keeps kids entertained from boarding to disembarking.

Dave & Buster's Hanover offers the ultimate combination of arcade gaming and family dining under one roof. With hundreds of arcade games, cutting-edge virtual reality experiences, sports simulators, and a full-service restaurant, it's an all-in-one destination where kids can play for hours while parents enjoy quality food and drinks in a lively atmosphere.

Johnny's is a beloved neighborhood diner in Baltimore's Roland Park area that welcomes families with open arms and generous plates. With breakfast served all day and a menu that caters to even the pickiest eaters, this casual spot makes dining out with kids stress-free and affordable, though the atmosphere can get lively during peak hours.

This peaceful lakeside trail offers families a chance to escape into nature without leaving Pikesville. Kids will love spotting turtles, ducks, and other wildlife around the water's edge while walking the scenic path that circles Quarry Lake. It's an ideal spot for an easy nature walk, bringing fishing poles, or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon by the water with little ones who love the outdoors.

Medieval Times Baltimore transports families back to the 11th century for an unforgettable evening of jousting knights, thundering horses, and sword-fighting action,all while enjoying a hearty four-course feast eaten medieval-style (no utensils!). Kids will be mesmerized by the live tournament as knights compete for honor while they cheer for their assigned color-coded champion from arena-style seating.

Patterson Park is a sprawling 155-acre urban oasis in East Baltimore that offers something for every age, making it perfect for full-day family adventures. From splashing in the summer spray park to climbing the historic Pagoda tower for panoramic city views, this beloved neighborhood gem combines classic playground fun with unique attractions like boat rentals on the lake and seasonal ice skating.

Fort McHenry brings American history to life with thrilling cannon demonstrations, costumed rangers, and the chance to explore the star-shaped fort where Francis Scott Key penned our national anthem during the War of 1812. Kids can walk through soldier barracks, peek into cannons, and enjoy waterfront views of Baltimore Harbor while learning about the famous battle that inspired the Star-Spangled Banner.

Harper's Choice Community Association at Kahler Hall brings professional-quality theater right to your doorstep in Columbia, offering everything from beloved children's theater classics to multicultural performances in an intimate, kid-friendly setting. With a varied seasonal lineup designed specifically with families in mind, this local gem provides an affordable alternative to downtown theater venues while maintaining high production values that keep kids engaged from curtain up to final bow.

Lake Roland Park is a nature lover's paradise just minutes from downtown Baltimore, offering families 500 acres of outdoor adventure. With its gentle hiking trails winding around a scenic lake, spacious playground, paddle boat rentals, and plenty of open space for picnics, it's the perfect spot for families looking to unplug and explore nature together without venturing far from the city.

Cromwell Field Center is a sprawling multi-sport complex in Glen Burnie that offers families plenty of room to play and explore. With well-maintained baseball fields, multiple playgrounds for different ages, paved walking paths, and wide open green spaces, it's an ideal spot for kids to burn energy while parents enjoy the outdoor amenities.

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard is a beloved treat stop in Glen Burnie that offers a refreshing break from summer heat or a sweet reward after school activities. Kids love choosing from the rainbow of Italian ice flavors, creamy frozen custard, or the best of both worlds with a gelati, all served in generous portions that won't break the bank.

This Chick-fil-A location in Glen Burnie offers more than just kid-approved chicken nuggets,it features an indoor playground where little ones can burn energy while parents enjoy a relatively stress-free meal. The combination of quick service, reliable kids meals with healthy sides, and a play area makes it a go-to spot for parents needing a convenient dining option that doubles as entertainment.

The BWI Trail offers families a scenic 12.5-mile paved loop around Baltimore-Washington International Airport that's perfect for bike rides, scooter adventures, and stroller walks. Kids love watching planes take off and land overhead while getting outdoor exercise, making it an exciting alternative to typical neighborhood walks or park paths.

Northwest Regional Park is a fantastic family destination spanning acres of green space in the Pikesville area. With multiple playgrounds catering to different age groups, extensive walking trails perfect for stroller walks or family hikes, and wide-open athletic fields for games, this park offers something for every member of the family. The well-maintained pavilions make it an ideal spot for birthday parties and family gatherings.

AMC Owings Mills 17 offers families a modern movie-going experience with comfortable seating and all the latest family-friendly films. Located conveniently inside Owings Mills Mall, it's perfect for combining a movie with shopping or dining, making it an ideal rainy day activity or weekend entertainment option for the whole family.

BJ's Wholesale Club in Owings Mills transforms everyday shopping into a family outing with its generous free sample stations that kids eagerly hunt down throughout the store. The in-store food court offers quick, budget-friendly meals, while the bulk shopping format lets parents stock up on family essentials while children marvel at the oversized quantities and giant warehouse atmosphere.

This Chick-fil-A location in Owings Mills offers weary parents a double win: reliably kid-friendly meals and an indoor playground where children can burn off energy. The welcoming staff and quick service make it an easy dining choice when you need a hassle-free meal with little ones in tow.

Panera Bread in Owings Mills provides a reliable pit stop for families needing a quick, healthier meal option while out running errands or exploring the area. With dedicated kids meals, free WiFi to keep older children entertained, and a casual atmosphere where a little noise is perfectly acceptable, it's a low-stress dining option when you need something fast but don't want typical fast food.

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard is a family-friendly dessert spot in Owings Mills that offers a refreshing treat any time of year. Kids love choosing from colorful Italian ice flavors, creamy frozen custard, or the signature gelati that combines both, making it an easy and affordable reward after school activities or a sweet ending to weekend adventures.