Kids & Family

Kids To Parks Day + Memorial Day Paddle + 2 Bird Tours: MD Events

Explore the great outdoors on Kids to Parks Day. Marylanders can also paddle a creek on Memorial Day weekend or take a bird-watching tour.

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MARYLAND —Spring is here, so it's time to get some fresh air with loved ones. Parents can take their children to a Maryland park on Kids to Parks Day. Residents can also take a Memorial Day weekend paddle or go bird-watching. A fishing fun day and the Maryland Iron Festival are also approaching.

Patch recently partnered with several local organizations to bring you their latest news. This guest contribution comes from National Park Service Chesapeake Gateways and Chesapeake Conservancy. Here's what Jody Hedeman Couser submitted to help you explore the Chesapeake Bay:

"Kids to Parks Day at Great Falls

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Celebrate outdoor play on this national fun holiday celebrated annually on the third Saturday of May. The C&O Canal National Historical Park and the C&O Canal Trust invite kids and their families to come explore Great Falls this year with activities such as scavenger hunts and art projects, photo opportunities, Junior Ranger books, and the many wonders of the C&O Canal. May 20, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., C&O Canal NHP, Potomac, Maryland. More information"

"Memorial Day Weekend Paddle

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If you haven’t started your 2023 summer paddling season yet, this would be a great place to start! Explore the marshes of Otter Point Creek looking for migratory birds, marsh wildflowers and other marsh critters. $15 per person. May 28, 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Anita C. Leight Estuary Center, Abingdon, MD. More information and registration"

"Kenilworth Gardens Bird Walk

Birding is one of many great reasons to visit Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens. Over 250 different species of birds have been spotted at the park which frequently has the highest recorded species count in the District. As the only urban wetland in the nation's capital, the park manages habitat for ground nesting, aquatic and woodland birds. Join a NPS volunteer for a birdwalk along the garden paths and the boardwalk. Beginner and experienced birders are welcome! The walk will be approximately one mile. May 21, 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.; Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens, Washington, D.C. More information"

"Birding the Pocomoke

Tour the marshlands around the Pocomoke-Nassawango with experienced birder Wayne Bell and Pickering Creek Audubon staff. The Pocomoke-Nassawango is the premier site for Forest-Interior Dwelling Species on the Delmarva peninsula. Be on the lookout for prothonotary warbler, American redstart, scarlet tanager, ovenbird, northern parula, Louisiana waterthrush and other warblers, vireos and flycatchers. $25 per person. Van transportation provided, or you can follow along by car. May 18, 6:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; Easton, MD. More information and registration."

"Blackwater Youth Fishing Fun Day

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge is hosting a non-competitive fishing event for youths 15 and under. Fishing takes place at the Hog Range Pond, with fishing poles and bait provided, or you can bring your own. Staff and volunteers will be on hand to help. Enjoy a free hot dog lunch and take-home goodies for the first 100 registrants. Register in advance or day of. June 3, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Hog Range Pond behind the Harriet Tubman Visitor Center, Church Creek, MD. More information"

"Maryland Iron Festival

The fifth annual Maryland Iron Festival will commemorate the state as a center for the craft of iron making, featuring traditional blacksmithing, feats of strength, an artisan and makers market, artisan demonstrations and museum tours. There will be plenty of childrens activities, and food trucks, beverages and a bake sale. You can also walk the Catoctin Furnace African American Cemetery Interpretive Trail and visit the Museum of the Ironworker. Free event. May 20, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and May 21, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Cunningham Falls State Park, Thurmont, MD. Schedule of events and more details"

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