Are you a homeschooling family in Maryland, looking for engaging and educational day trips? Look no further! We’ve compiled a list of some fantastic opportunities and programs that cater to homeschoolers. From science centers to nature reserves, there’s something for every interest and age group.
Maryland Science Center – Baltimore
Located in Baltimore, the Maryland Science Center offers monthly homeschool programs, providing hands-on science experiences for all ages. Topics range from physics to biology, ensuring an exciting, interactive learning experience. Don’t forget to explore their planetarium, observatory, and IMAX theater!
Maryland Hall – Annapolis
Maryland Hall in Annapolis is a cultural hub offering various arts-based programs for homeschoolers. From pottery and painting to dance and theater, your children can explore their creativity while learning about different art forms.
Crypto Museum – Fort Meade
The Crypto Museum in Fort Meade is a unique destination for homeschoolers interested in cryptography and codebreaking. The museum showcases the history of American cryptology and offers interactive exhibits to engage kids in critical thinking and problem-solving.
Pedal Power – Annapolis
Pedal Power in Annapolis is a bicycling program for kids of all ages. With a focus on safety and skill-building, homeschoolers can participate in guided rides, bike camps, and customized lessons to become confident cyclists while exploring the beautiful Maryland outdoors. If pedaling is your thing, check out Tracks and Yaks below.
Tracks and Yaks – Frostburg
This is a unique experience – pedal along the railroad tracks. See the Brush Tunnel and Helmstetter’s Curve. In Frostburg, Alleghany County, Md.
Jug Bay – Lothian
Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary in Lothian is an excellent destination for homeschoolers to learn about the local ecosystem. The sanctuary offers guided tours, nature workshops, and citizen science programs that teach about wetland ecology, conservation, and wildlife.
John Fishback – Silver Spring
John Fishback Nature Programs in Silver Spring offer environmental education programs and workshops for homeschoolers. Your children can learn about nature through hands-on activities like animal tracking, birdwatching, and plant identification.
Irvine – Owings Mills
Irvine Nature Center in Owings Mills provides various homeschool programs focused on environmental education. From nature hikes to wildlife encounters, children can explore the great outdoors while learning about the natural world.
Accokeek Foundation – Accokeek
Accokeek Foundation in Accokeek is home to Piscataway Park, where homeschoolers can participate in various programs that teach about the area’s cultural and natural history. Programs include farming, gardening, and historical reenactments, offering a well-rounded educational experience. Also in Accokeek: Hard Bargain Farm.
Hard Bargain Farm – Accokeek
Tucked away in Accokeek, MD, Hard Bargain Farm is an educational oasis that engages visitors with the rich natural and cultural heritage of the Potomac River watershed. From the inviting nature trails and captivating wildlife to the charming historic structures, this environmental education center provides an immersive, hands-on learning experience about sustainable farming and local history.
Seneca Schoolhouse – Poolsville
The Seneca Schoolhouse Museum in Poolesville provides a glimpse into the life of a 19th-century one-room schoolhouse. Homeschoolers can participate in interactive programs that explore the history of education and what life was like for students and teachers in the past.
Robinson Nature Center – Columbia
Robinson Nature Center in Columbia offers homeschool programs that cover various environmental topics. From animal adaptations to stream studies, children will learn about the interconnectedness of the natural world through hands-on activities and exploration.
Freetown Farm – Columbia
Freetown Farm in Columbia is a unique destination for homeschoolers to learn about sustainable agriculture, environmental stewardship, and community building. They offer educational programs and volunteer opportunities for children and families to experience the joys of farming, gardening, and healthy living.
Patapsco Valley State Park – Baltimore County and Howard County
Patapsco Valley State Park, extending along 32 miles of the Patapsco River, offers a variety of recreational activities and educational opportunities for homeschoolers. The park’s trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds provide an excellent setting for nature exploration, and the park’s history and ecology can be studied through ranger-led programs. One specific area of Patapsco Valley State Park that is my favorite is Cascade Falls.
B&O Railroad Museum – Baltimore
The B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore is a must-visit for homeschoolers interested in transportation and American history. With a vast collection of historic railroad equipment, the museum offers educational programs and interactive exhibits to engage children in the evolution of rail transportation. You may also like the Hagerstown Round House Museum and Tracks and Yaks.
Hagerstown Round House Museum – Hagerstown
The Hagerstown Roundhouse Museum in Hagerstown, Maryland, has exhibits relating to local railroad history and model railroads.
Port Discovery Children’s Museum – Baltimore
Located in Baltimore, Port Discovery Children’s Museum is an interactive museum that offers a variety of exhibits and programs for children of all ages. With a focus on learning through play, homeschoolers can explore art, science, and imaginative play in a fun and engaging environment.
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Howard County Conservancy – Woodstock
The Howard County Conservancy in Woodstock offers environmental education programs, guided nature walks, and workshops for homeschoolers. Children can learn about local wildlife, habitats, and conservation while exploring scenic trails and natural areas.
Baltimore Museum of Industry – Baltimore
The Baltimore Museum of Industry is a fantastic destination for homeschoolers interested in American manufacturing and commerce history. The museum offers interactive exhibits, workshops, and educational programs that cover various industries, from garment production to canning.
Annapolis Maritime Museum – Annapolis
Located in Annapolis, the Annapolis Maritime Museum offers homeschoolers the chance to learn about the maritime history of the Chesapeake Bay. Programs include boat-building workshops, ecology lessons, and interactive exhibits that explore the region’s rich heritage.
Assateague Island National Seashore – Assateague
Assateague Island National Seashore, located on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, is a great destination for homeschoolers to explore the diverse coastal ecosystem. Enjoy a day at the beach, observe the wild ponies, and participate in ranger-led programs that teach about the island’s natural and cultural history.
National Aquarium – Baltimore
The National Aquarium in Baltimore offers a world-class aquatic experience. Homeschoolers can explore the diverse marine life, attend daily shows and presentations, and participate in educational workshops that teach about marine science and conservation.
Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum – St. Michaels
Located in St. Michaels, the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum offers a unique opportunity for homeschoolers to learn about the maritime heritage of the Chesapeake Bay. Exhibits include historic boats, a working shipyard, and a lighthouse, providing an immersive experience in maritime history.
The Walters Art Museum – Baltimore
The Walters Art Museum in Baltimore offers a comprehensive collection of art spanning from ancient times to the 19th century. With free admission, homeschoolers can explore the museum’s galleries, participate in educational programs, and attend family-friendly events.
Brookside Gardens – Wheaton
Brookside Gardens in Wheaton is a beautiful 50-acre public garden that offers a serene setting for homeschoolers to learn about plants, horticulture, and ecology. Enjoy a stroll through the various themed gardens, participate in educational programs, and explore the seasonal exhibits.
Antietam National Battlefield – Sharpsburg
Located in Sharpsburg, Antietam National Battlefield offers homeschoolers an opportunity to learn about the Civil War and its impact on American history. Explore the battlefield, attend ranger-led programs, and visit the nearby Pry House Field Hospital Museum for a comprehensive educational experience.
Maryland Zoo in Baltimore – Baltimore
The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore provides a fun and educational day trip for homeschoolers. With a focus on conservation and education, the zoo offers a variety of exhibits featuring animals from around the world, as well as educational programs and interactive experiences.
Fort McHenry National Monument – Baltimore
Fort McHenry in Baltimore is an important historical site, known for its role in the War of 1812 and as the inspiration for the national anthem. Homeschoolers can explore the fort, participate in ranger-led programs, and learn about the history of the United States through interactive exhibits.
Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park – Church Creek
Located on the Eastern Shore, the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park offers a unique opportunity for homeschoolers to learn about the life and legacy of Harriet Tubman. Visit the visitor center, explore the scenic landscape, and participate in educational programs highlighting Tubman’s journey and the Underground Railroad. You may also want to visit Button Farm to continue this theme.
Button Farm – Germantown
Button Farm is Maryland’s only living history center depicting 19th-century plantation life. Situated on 40 acres, inside Seneca Creek State Park in Germantown.
Weverton Cliffs – Knoxville
In Knoxville, Maryland, enjoy incredible views and a nice hike.
Adventure Park USA – Monrovia
Adventure Park USA in Monrovia is a family-friendly amusement park that offers a variety of attractions, including go-karts, mini-golf, roller coasters, and arcade games. While not strictly educational, the park provides a fun day trip option for homeschooling families seeking a break from academic activities.
In conclusion, Maryland offers homeschoolers many exciting and educational day trip ideas. By participating in these special programs, children can gain invaluable hands-on experiences while exploring the natural world, science, history, and the arts. So, gather your homeschooling family and embark on a journey of discovery and learning at these beautiful destinations. You may also enjoy my list of activities for kids in Maryland.
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