Things To Do With Kids in Ellicott City, MD

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.

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.

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.

The B&O Railroad Museum is a train-lover's paradise featuring one of the most impressive collections of historic locomotives and railcars in North America. Kids can explore real trains up close, climb aboard select railcars, watch intricate model train displays, and enjoy seasonal train rides around the historic roundhouse, making it an unforgettable experience for budding engineers and rail enthusiasts.

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.

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 Maryland Zoo in Baltimore is a historic treasure that delights families with its impressive collection of African elephants, giraffes, and penguins, plus a grizzly bear exhibit that never fails to captivate young visitors. The standout children's zoo with farmyard animals offers hands-on experiences perfect for little ones, making this a destination where kids of all ages can connect with wildlife in meaningful ways.

As Baltimore's largest park, Druid Hill Park offers families an incredible variety of outdoor experiences all in one place. From refreshing splash fountains perfect for hot summer days to peaceful nature trails and expansive green spaces ideal for picnics and play, this urban oasis gives kids room to run, explore, and connect with nature without leaving the city.

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.

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.

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.

Geppi's Entertainment Museum is a nostalgic wonderland where multiple generations connect over beloved pop culture treasures. Parents will love introducing their kids to vintage toys, classic comics, and memorabilia from their own childhood, while children marvel at the evolution of superheroes, cartoons, and entertainment spanning different decades.

Broening Park offers families a perfect blend of waterfront fun and outdoor adventure along the scenic Patapsco River. Kids can watch boats launch from the ramps, try their hand at fishing from accessible spots, and explore the shoreline while parents enjoy beautiful water views. The park's pavilions make it an ideal spot for family picnics with a nautical twist.

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.

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.

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.

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 Charmery in Hampden is a beloved Baltimore ice cream destination where kids can explore adventurous flavors made from scratch with local ingredients. With creative combinations like Old Bay Caramel and Berger Cookie alongside classic favorites, there's something to delight every young palate. The friendly staff often offers samples, making the decision-making process part of the fun.

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 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.

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.

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.

Soldiers Delight Natural Environment Area offers families a chance to explore one of Maryland's most unusual ecosystems,a rare serpentine barrens with open meadows, rocky outcrops, and over 39 rare plant species. With 7 miles of well-marked hiking trails ranging from easy to moderate, kids can learn about unique geology and ecology while spotting colorful wildflowers, butterflies, and wildlife in this 1,900-acre natural wonderland.

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.

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.

Sky Zone Trampoline Park in Owings Mills delivers high-energy fun for the whole family with wall-to-wall trampolines, foam pits, and exciting dodgeball courts. With dedicated toddler zones separating the littlest bouncers from older kids, parents can feel confident that everyone gets age-appropriate active play in this climate-controlled indoor facility that's perfect year-round.

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.

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.

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.

This Chick-fil-A location in Pikesville offers more than just great chicken nuggets,it features an indoor playground that keeps kids entertained while parents enjoy a relaxed meal. The consistently friendly service and clean environment make it a reliable spot for quick family meals, especially when you need to let little ones burn off energy on rainy days.

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 Baskin-Robbins location in the Owings Mills area offers families a quick and sweet treat destination with 31+ ice cream flavors, sundaes, and specialty cakes. It's an ideal spot for celebrating birthdays, rewarding good behavior, or enjoying a simple dessert outing without the fuss of a sit-down restaurant.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Irvine Nature Center offers an ideal blend of indoor and outdoor discovery for young explorers in the Baltimore area. With live animal encounters, interactive exhibits, and miles of scenic nature trails through wooded parkland, kids can get hands-on with environmental learning while burning energy in a beautiful natural setting.

Tastee Diner is a classic Maryland diner that welcomes families with open arms and serves up generous portions of breakfast favorites and comfort food all day. With its nostalgic atmosphere, wallet-friendly prices, and dedicated kids' menu, this local favorite makes dining out with children stress-free and enjoyable.