Accessible Recreational and Leisure Activities for Children in Maryland

May 26, 2022

Fun For Children Of All Abilities

Playtime is essential in promoting healthy development, physically, emotionally and cognitively.  When children play, they are learning! Through play, children understand more about the world around them, develop curiosity and creativity, improve communication and language schools, and promote global motor development. We are all have different interests and abilities, and as such, a variety of play experiences are necessary to meet those different interests and needs.


In the first episode of the Spark A Movement podcast, our guest described the difficultly of finding outdoor recreation parks that would be accessible, inclusive, and interesting to her children. We thought creating a resource that lists inclusive parks and facilities would be helpful for our community members. If you know of a facility or park in Maryland that you would like to add to the list below, please email our staff at team@pmchag.com with "Local Accessible Playgrounds" as the email subject with your suggestions to add to the list below.


Please note, the facilities and parks below are ADA accessible, with most having paved or solid surfaces, inclusive equipment and/or inclusive programming.


Anne Arundel County

Severna Park: The Gym For All Kids

  • Ballenger creek trail
  • Sophie and Madigan's Memorial Park


Frederick County

Frederick:

  • Ballenger Creek Trail
  • Chuckie Cheese
  • C&O Trail
  • Frederick Airport
  • Green Meadows Petting Farm
  • Monocacy Trail
  • Pinecliff Park
  • Sophie and Madigan's Memorial Park
  • Spinners

Middletown: Catoctin Nature Center

Thurmont:

  • Catocin Wildlife Preserve
  • East End Park

Walkersville: Sharon's Dance Studio


Baltimore City

Baltimore:

  • The Maryland Science Center
  • The National Aquarium
  • Port Discovery
  • SkyZone


Carroll County

Mt. Airy:

  • Hailey's Wish Playground
  • Watkins Reginal Park

West Minster:Mt. Airy Bowling


Washington County

Hagerstown:

  • Martin “Marty" L. Snook Memorial Park
  • C&O Trail

Williamsport:

  • Byron Memorial Park


Howard County

Columbia: Blandair Park

Columbia: Bitty and Beau's Coffee Shop

Columbia: AMC Theaters

Ellicott City : Roger Carter Community Center


Montgomery County

Bethesda: Capital Crescent Trail

Gaithersburg:

  • AMC Theaters
  • Longview School Boundless Playground
  • We Rock the Spectrum Gym

Rockville: Regal Cinemas

Potomac: Hadley's Park




July 2, 2025
Getting a selective eater to try new foods is a process. Keep in mind that the goal is to provide your child with the opportunity to be exposed to new foods. Continue to introduce them to unfamiliar foods, have them see that you eat and enjoy them, all the while making sure they have safe foods that they know they can count on. Giving your child permission helps to reduce anxiety around new foods. Inviting your child to be around and try new foods is a very different experience than forcing them to try new foods.
July 1, 2025
With summer here, your kiddos are likely on a constant hunt for snacks. To help them develop healthy eating habits, try spacing meals and snacks about two hours apart. This gives their little tummies time to feel hungry, enjoy a snack, and recognize when they’re full. When kids “graze” throughout the day—eating small amounts here and there—their bodies have a harder time learning to recognize hunger and fullness cues. Grazing can also lead to more frequent choices of less nutritious, grab-and-go snacks. Let's Support Healthier Habits To support healthier habits, pre-plan snack options and post a visual snack “menu” on the fridge. This gives kids structure, helps them feel independent, and encourages better choices. And why not make snack time fun and educational? Try simple food crafts together—it’s a great way to bond with your child(ren), have fun in the kitchen, and explore possible new foods at the same time! UNDER THE SEA: Shark Snack Cups from Mommy's Fabulous Finds Festive treat made with yogurt, jello, cool whip, graham crackers and optional gummy shark Shark Week Bait from Alex Daynes A lighter treat that includes popcorn, white chocolate chips, f ood coloring/sprinkles, Sixlet Candies, gummy sharks, and pretzel goldfish Candy Sushi from Happy Family Recipes Themed snack made with Rice Krispie Treats (butter, marshmallows, vanilla, Rice Krispie Cereal) Fruit Roll-Ups, large Swedish fish, mini Swedish Fish BEACH + ANIMAL THEMES: Beach Bear Dirt Cups from Made To Be A Momma Celebrate summer with pool inspired lounging! Ingredients include: Teddy Grahams, white chocolate pudding, milk, cool whip, graham crackers, gummy life savers Curious George Snack from Mess for Less (tip, Read a Curious George book to go along with this one!) Enjoy a book and a snack with this Curious George inspired snack! Ingredients include: Nutella, s liced bananas, b lueberries, r ice cakes Animal Tracks Snacks from Loreen Leedy Great snack for the outdoorsy kid who enjoys animals! You can use a variety of ingredients including: cheese, crackers, pretzels, cream cheese, almonds and pepperoni FOR THE NATURE LOVER: Nature Snacks : Edible Crafts for Kids - Parties With A Cause A large variety of snacks for nature lover of all kinds including all sorts of flora and fauna options! POPSICLES: Fresh Fruit Popsicles from One Little Project How to Make Fruit Popsicles with Real, Fresh Fruit Strawberry Breakfast Popsicles from Fraiche Living We can imagine all sorts of variations of this recipe! Start with the following simple ingredients: yogurt, fresh strawberries, milk (or your choice) lemon juice and granola Frozen Yogurt Banana Pops from Kalejunkie Such a simple, yet festive recipe that uses ingredients commonly found in the kitchen such as bananas, yogurt and sprinkes! FOOD IMPOSTERS: Pancake Donuts from Balanced with Babies Made with just two ingredients: pancake mix and milk! You will need a fun donut shaped mold for this recipe Breakfast Banana Split - Art From My Table Ingredients include: banana, yogurt, blackberries, raspberries, granola, mini chocolate chips Fruit Cracker Pizzas from Sunshine & Hurricanes Crackers + cream cheese + fruit! Watermelon Rice Krispy Treats from My Heavenly Recipes Festive treat to be shared! Made with butter, marshmallows, R ice Krispies, food coloring and chocolate chips
June 18, 2025
What is kyphosis? Can I prevent it? Can I address the symptoms? Can a physical therapist at the Pediatric Movement Center help? We'll answer all these questions and more it today's blog post!
June 17, 2025
Think your child is "just" clumsy? They may have Developmental Coordination Disorder, DCD, an infrequently known, but very treatable condition that affects 5%-6% of school aged children! Medical specialists, such as pediatric physical therapists, pediatric occupational therapists, and neurologists can help address the underlying nervous system and muscular issues contributing to DCD.
By Brian Snyder June 16, 2025
Bilateral Coordination
June 4, 2025
Exposing children to food through various activities like cooking, coloring and sensory play/projects enhances their understanding of food, leading to healthier eating habits. Try a sensory project, like making snacklaces!
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