Best Things To Do With Your Kids Over Winter Break In MD - Bethesda-Chevy Chase, MD Patch

Posted: 28 Dec 2019 05:59 AM PST

BETHESDA, MD — There's nothing quite like having the kids at home over winter break. But let's face it: after a few days off from school, your little ones might get bored (and you'll probably be ready for a change of scenery, too).

Fortunately, there are plenty of things to do in Maryland during the winter. And December and January are poised to be months packed with fun, family-friendly activities.

From spooky ghost tours to high-flying adventures, here's what to see and do with your kids during winter break:

The National Aquarium

Price: Tickets cost $39.95 for adults; $29.95 for ages 3 to 11; and $34.95 for seniors
What to expect: Colorful coral reefs, playful puffins, and free-flying birds

The National Aquarium in Baltimore has consistently been recognized as one of the top aquariums in the country. It's home to more than 20,000 animals representing 800 species of fish, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals. Tickets buy you access to the aquarium's renowned exhibits, science-based education programs, and hands-on field conservation initiatives. Click here for more details.

Wisp Resort

Price: Varies
What to expect: A unique skiing, shopping, and dining experience

Head west to Wisp Resort, Maryland's only four-season ski, golf, and recreational retreat. Located at 296 Marsh Hill Rd. in McHenry, the resort offers 34 slopes, snow tubing, cross country skiing, lodging, dining, and shopping. Click here to learn more.

Brookside Gardens

Price: $25 per car, non-peak; $30 per car, peak
What to expect: Twinkling trees, sparkling fountains, and dazzling winter scenes

Located at 1800 Glenallan Ave. in Wheaton, Brookside Gardens is the perfect, peaceful getaway. The award-winning, 50-acre public display boasts dozens of gorgeous gardens, including the Butterfly Garden, Children's Garden, Rose Garden, Japanese Style Garden, and the Woodland Walk.

During the colder months, Brookside Gardens is home to a dazzling winter wonderland. The display, called Garden of Lights, features more than one million colorful lights that resemble flowers, animals, and other natural elements. Garden of Lights runs through Dec. 31. Click here for more details.

Scenic Western Maryland Railroad

Price: Varies
What to expect: A chance to travel back in time on a classic locomotive

There's something for everyone at Scenic Western Maryland Railroad. When you climb aboard one of their classic trains, you can learn about the state's rich transportation history, enjoy a chef-prepared meal in a vintage dining car, and travel to Frostburg. You'll have an hour to explore the area for an hour before the train heads back to Cumberland. Click here to learn more.

iFly

Price: Starting at $49.95
What to expect: A high-flying adventure with cool photo opps

If letting your kids indoor skydive doesn't make you the coolest parent ever, I don't know what will. At iFly in Gaithersburg, you can experience the thrill of skydiving...without all the risks that come with jumping out a plane at 15,000 feet.

How? A vertical wind tunnel. Once your flight suit is on, you'll be escorted to the wind tunnel by a flight instructor (don't worry: he or she will be there to guide you through the experience). Soon enough, you'll be defying gravity. Click here to learn more.

Howard County Arts Council

Price: Varies
What to expect: Free exhibits, art classes, and inspiring performances

The Arts Council, Howard County's performing and visual arts center, is home to dozens of exciting and inspiring exhibits, performances, and classes. So mark your calendars and check out all that this diverse facility has to offer. Click here to learn more.

The Playroom

Price: $10 for drop-in play, all day
What to expect: Bright foam blocks, small speeding race cars, and lots of laughs

The Playroom is perfect for kids looking for fun and interactive activities. Explore the indoor play set, build towering structures with giant foam blocks, create masterpieces on the magnetic maze wall, and watch race cars speed down ramps. At The Playroom, there are no directions, winners, or losers. All activities are open-ended. Click here for details.

Escapology

Price: $35 per person
What to expect: A heart-pounding race against the clock

You're Robert Montgomerie, the sole remaining heir to a large family fortune who had just been framed for the murder of your grandfather. Before the cops come, you must find a way to prove your innocence.

Now you're a detective aboard the famous trans-European Budapest Express, where a man was murdered. It's up to you to catch the killer before the killer catches you.

In these very different, grim scenarios, your objective is the same: Solve the mystery and escape in 60 minutes or less. Think you can do it?

Located at 11572 Old Georgetown Rd., Escapology offers visitors a chance to find clues, solve puzzles, and pick locks in one of four themed escape rooms. Click here for more details.

Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium

Price: Varies
What to expect: Action-packed games in the state's capital

The open-air stadium, located a short distance from the U.S. Naval Academy's campus, plays host to Navy Midshipmen football and lacrosse games, as well as local, regional, national, and international events. Established in 1959, the state-of-the-art facility has 34,000 seats and is a must-see for kids and adults alike. Click here to learn more.

Frederick Ghost Tours

Price: $11 for adults; $7 for children
What to expect: Chilling tales about the city's history and the dead

Don't believe in the paranormal? That might all change once you embark on one of these ghost tours. Walk through historic Frederick and learn about the city's bloody past. You can choose from a variety of tour options, including: Candlelight Ghost Tours, Historic Mount Olivet Cemetery Tours, and Civil War Discovery Tours. Click here to learn more.

The Maryland Zoo

Price: $21.99 for adults; $17.99 for children; $18.99 for seniors
What to expect: Furry felines, exotic birds, and interactive exhibits

If you're looking for something to do while the kids are out of school, a visit to the Maryland Zoo might be just the ticket.

Penguins, polar bears, African penguins, and other animals are out and about for the winter. So now is a great time to swing by the zoo and learn about hundreds of species. You can even feed some of the animals. Click here for details.

Roundhouse Theatre

Price: Varies
What to expect: A rousing theatrical experience that won't break the bank

It's no secret: We're glued to our smartphones. And between YouTube autoplay, Snapchat streaks, and endless Facebook feeds, we forget to look up and enjoy the beauty that's around us.

So, why not start now? Round up the family, turn off your cellphones, and watch a spellbinding show at the theatre. Click here to learn more.

Monster Mini Golf

Price: Starting at $8.99
What to expect: A fun, glow-in-the dark mini golf course and music

This indoor mini golf course is sure to be a hit with the kids. The monster-themed, glow-in-the-dark course is surrounded by a virtual canvas, which comes alive with witty artwork. While golfing, you can enjoy music, both old and new, from the golf course's internal radio station. Click here to learn more.

College Park Aviation Museum

Price: $5 for adults; $2 for children (free 1 and under); and $4 for seniors
What to expect: Historic aircrafts that tell a story about the airport's unique past

The College Park Aviation Museum was founded in 1909 when Wilbur Wright came here to give flight lessons to military pilots. The 27,000-square-foot facility now boasts historic aircrafts and unique artifacts, as well as hands-on activities for children of all ages. Click here to learn more.

Ice Skating Rink

Price: $9 for adults; $8 for children, and $8 for seniors // skate rentals are $5
What to expect: Laughs, sore bums, and hot cocoa

Strap on those skates, because the outdoor ice skating rink at Rockville Town Square is now open for the 2019-2020 winter season.

The 7,200-square-foot rink — billed as the largest in the Washington-Baltimore region — is open Mondays through Thursdays from noon to 10 p.m., Fridays from noon to 11 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Click here to learn more.

There are plenty of other ice skating rinks in Maryland. Check out Cabin John Ice Rink, Wheaton Ice Rink, Quiet Waters Park, Columbia Ice Rink, and Bowie Ice Rink.

Ripley's Believe It Or Not

Price: $15.99 for adults; $8.99 for children
What to expect: A window into the strange, gross, and beautiful

See all the funny, weird, and downright creepy exhibits at the Ripley's Believe It Or Not. Here, you can pose with the world's tallest man or catch a glimpse of a shrunken head. Curiosity seekers can stop by Ripley's in Ocean City and Baltimore. Click here for more details.

Columbia Horse Center

Price: $20
What to expect: English riding lessons for all levels

Beat the boredom at Columbia Horse Center, where you can learn how to ride a horse for $20. This equestrian facility offers English riding lessons almost every Saturday. Remember to wear pants and hard-soled, closed-toe shoes. A helmet will be provided. Classes are divided by age and ability. Click here to learn more.

Rockwood Manor

Price: Varies
What to expect: A family getaway that requires little travel

Looking for a vacation that isn't too far from home? Check out Rockwood Manor. Located at 11001 MacArthur Blvd. in Potomac, this secluded wooden retreat is less than 30 minutes from places like the National Institute of Health, Westfield Montgomery, and RIO Washingtonian Center.

The iconic manor sits on the shores of the C&O Canal and Potomac River and includes a 30-acre park and 1920s country house.

You can schedule a tour of the manor, book a room, and even schedule meetings and celebrations. Click here for more information.

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