By Gary Bennett
This article appears in the July 2024 issue of Frederick News-Post’s “Prime Time” magazine.
Since day care can be prohibitively expensive for many working parents, grandparents may be called upon, at least temporarily or on a steadier basis, to help with the grandkids. If you’re like me, the mind and spirit are willing, but the body is not so sure.
Don’t worry! As the last days of summer draw near and the weather is still nice, I offer here more than 25 activities (in no order) you can confidently do with the grandkids in and around Frederick.
I guarantee these activities will stave off boredom, while giving you a fighting chance at self-preservation.
Me Land
Tucked into an office park behind Chili’s and Texas Roadhouse off Buckeystown Pike is a hidden gem. This large indoor playground is perfect for rainy days — or overly hot days. The play structure is best for grandkids 2 to 5 who are mostly self-sufficient. Trust me: You won’t want to spend much time in the structure because of the small spaces. Me Land is very cost-friendly.
Francis Scott Key Mall
I know what you’re thinking. The mall? Yes! It’s also a great option for the rainy and too-hot days. Start your visit at the free romping area next to Value City Furniture. Then go to Macy’s or Barnes & Noble and play with the toys that are conveniently laid out for your enjoyment. If your budget allows, visit Z Planet, a kid’s fun center that features rides, games and bouncy houses. It can be pricey, however. Finish off your visit with a treat from Auntie Anne’s or the GTC Rock Shop.
Urban Air Adventure Park
On Ballenger Creek Pike, Urban Air features trampolines, ball pits, play structures and indoor zip-lining. Your kids will love this place, but go early, as it gets crowded in the afternoon and evening. It can be expensive, too, so I would position a visit here as a special treat.
Tree Trekkers
Billed as an outdoor aerial adventure and zip-line park, Tree Trekkers on Old National Pike is best for grandkids that are at least 7 or 8. The ropes courses can be quite challenging and hard work, too. Plus, some of them are very high, which may frighten smaller children. Overall, it’s worth a visit, especially on cool, sunny days.
Adventure Park USA
Frederick’s very own theme park sits just off I-70 near New Market. I recommend going for the outdoor activities on nice days, such as the roller coasters, go-karts and mini-golf. The indoor arcade games can be overwhelming and are not always included with admission. Whistle Stop, their in-house restaurant, has very good barbecue. This can be another expensive outing, however.
Fourth Dimension Fun Center
This indoor fun center and restaurant is in an office park just off Buckeystown Pike about halfway to Adamstown. They feature an impressive video arcade, bowling lanes, laser tag, escape room and other cool attractions. My only complaint is they try to cram too much into their space. It’s also a very welcoming place for adults without the kids or grandkids in tow.
Chuck E. Cheese
This old standby in a shopping center off Buckeystown Pike never fails to delight our 4-year-old grandson. They do a good job keeping the place clean and games updated and age-appropriate. They even trot out Chuck E. himself for a periodic meet and greet. Chuck E. Cheese is best suited for the under-6 crowd, as it gets uncool very fast. Bonus: Their pizza is actually very good!
Burger King in Mew Market
This may seem like an odd choice, but this specific Burger King comes equipped with an outdoor playground and seating area, making it a terrific place to take the grandkids for lunch while you sit comfortably, watching them play while you enjoy your Whopper.
McDonalds in Mount Airy
This is similar to Burger King, except this small play area is inside, making it a desirable destination for lunch with the little ones on rainy days. The play structure is designed for kids ages 2 to 5.
Walkersville Bowling Center
Located in the most unassuming of buildings on the outskirts of Walkersville, this is Frederick’s home for family-friendly duckpin bowling. Remember to ask for bumpers to keep kids’ balls in play. This makes for an unusual but delightful outing. Very budget-friendly.
Warehouse Cinemas weekday matinees
All summer long, you are virtually assured of finding a grandkid-friendly movie during the weekday hours at this impressive theater on the west side of town on the Golden Mile. Matinee prices are affordable, especially on Tuesdays, when everyone pays $7 a ticket.
Frederick’s many parks and playgrounds
Why not tour them all? If you’re not sure where to start, that’s easy. Start at Baker Park.
Wooden slide in Rocky Ridge
Owned by Mount Tabor Lutheran and United Church of Christ, Mount Tabor Park at Rocky Ridge is home of the “big slide.” The grandkids will love sliding down this 40-foot slide into a soft pile of sawdust.
Frederick’s many ice cream parlors
Because who doesn’t like a trip to get ice cream?
Green Meadows Petting Farm
Kids will squeal with delight as you pet all the animals you wish (and even feed some) at this Frederick staple near Urbana.
South Mountain Creamery
This family-owned farm just to the west of Middletown features up-close mingling with cows and calves, fresh ice cream and a nice outdoor play structure. It’s also very budget-friendly.
Fountain Rock Nature Center
Many live critters residing here are just waiting for some attention from the kiddos. Many exhibits are hands-on. Plus, kids will enjoy the playground, pond and historic well and kiln on the grounds.
Earth and Space Science Lab
Located next to Lincoln Elementary School, this Frederick County Public Schools planetarium offers special evening shows for kids that will mesmerize. Best for school-aged children.
Cunningham Falls and Hunting Creek Lake
What a special treat to hike up to the falls and luxuriate in the cool, showering water. Then go to the lake for a canoe rental. This outing is very budget-friendly.
Brunswick Heritage (Railroad) Museum
The kids will love the huge, interactive HO-scale model railroad set.
Frederick County Public Library, et al
Any branch will do. Our grandkids like storytime on weekday mornings at C. Burr Artz Public Library, followed by playing with the free toys available in the Children’s Room. We like to follow up with a snack at Beans & Bagels and a visit to Dancing Bear Toys and Games.
Public Pools
Don’t forget about the Edward P. Thomas Memorial Pool and the William R. Diggs. Memorial Swimming Pool on those hot days when only a dip in cool water will do. Our grandkids love the water shower feature at Thomas and the tiny water slide at Diggs.
Others: Walkersville Southern Railroad, Summerfest Family Theatre at the Baker Park Bandshell stage, Rose Hill Manor, Skate Frederick, Catoctin Wildlife Preserve and local carnivals.
Gary Bennett is a longtime Frederick resident who spends his time hiking, biking, volunteering and providing childcare for grandchildren. He is married and retired from his career as a nonprofit marketing executive.
