Kid Baltimore | Family Activities with Children in Baltimore, Maryland

Springfield Farms - Spring Update

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Such a beautiful day today. We, no I, decided it was time for a trip back to Springfield Farm. Really, I was avoiding grocery shopping and this sounded like much more fun. So we visited a few animals, ran up a few hills, picked a few dandelions, and still managed to buy dinner -- locally made, and really good Bratwurst. The key lime pie ice cream I picked up for dessert was a huge hit too. Tomorrow morning? Duck egg omelets.

So what's new for this spring at Springfield Farm? Through June, they are hatching Narragansett turkeys for Thanksgiving. Lambs will arrive in July.  And they are hopeful that Miss Petunia, one of the Tamworth pigs, may be pregnant. Hopeful? I'm guessing it's a bit hard to tell with a pig.

Hours are Thursday - Sunday, 10:00 am to 5:30 pm. Make sure you stop by the store to tell them you would like to visit the animals.

410-472-0738

Springfield Farm
16701 Yeoho Rd.
Sparks, MD 21152

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B & O Railroad Museum

Today we headed to the B & O Railroad Museum to check out the trains. I'm sure all of you who travel with little ones can appreciate on-site parking and there is plenty here. I slid my oh-so-cool minivan into a spot close to the entrance next to beautiful train 2705. Okay, maybe beautiful is not the right word, but it has this great type and neat patina. Either way, it makes my minivan look that much less cool, as if it needed any help. The parking lot is surrounded by vintage trains in varying conditions, but all amazing.

We marched inside. Admission here in not particularly cheap. If you are just stopping by to ride trains, you would be better off trying the good ole MTA Light Rail. But if you are looking for trains as art, or if your kids are train-crazy (aren't all 3 year olds) you are in the right spot. The roundhouse has an amazing collection that dates back to the beginning of American railroading. Some of the trains are open for kids to explore. My kids spent way too much time playing at the Thomas the Tank Engine table. It's arguably the least impressive part of the museum, but on Toddler day it's a popular spot. Outside the roundhouse is a wooden train to climb on, a miniature train to watch, and the kiddie train ride. Check the calendar for Toddler Time, when kiddie train rides are operating.

Regular train rides are also included in the price of admission and operate at scheduled times, April through December.

410-752-2490

B & O Railroad Museum
901 W. Pratt Street
Baltimore, MD 21223

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The Anti-Whining Project

I doubt my toddlers whine any more than other 3 year olds, but they have the advantage of being in stereo. They can turn it on and off in a heartbeat too. It's a gift. In fact, they can turn it on and off so fast, that I think it's become a habit more than a sign of frustration. Every time they whine, I stop them, tell them they are whining, and wait until they ask nicely. We do that about a million times a day and all they have learned from it is over-acting. "May I puullleeeaaasse have a snack?"

So, after way too much deliberation about which punishment/reward system I could use and how I might permanently scar their psyches, I opted for this plan:

Every morning they get 5 treasure boxes (color coded, of course). The treasure boxes sit in a row on my window sill where they can see them, but not reach them. If they whine, they lose a box. At the end of the day they get to open whatever remaining treasure boxes they have. Each one contains a super sparkly bead. They get to string the beads on their special necklaces. The next day the boxes are refilled and we start again. When the necklaces are full, the project is done and hopefully the whining will be too.

Day 1 was a little bumpy, and 3 boxes were removed. It made a big impression. By day 3 they both kept all their boxes and I have to say it was one of the least whiny days in a long, long time. Time will tell, but it's a good start.

I'd love to hear what other strategies people have used.

Note: Star boxes and beads are available at Michaels. Various Baltimore locations are listed here.

Oregon Ridge - Music in the Woods

 

The trails at Oregon Ridge, which were too challenging at age 3 seem just perfect at age 3 1/2. What a difference a few months makes. We headed up a great big hill and I watched their little legs run farther and farther away. Fortunately, for now, I can still keep up. We met a nice box turtle along the way. We named him, what else, Mr. Turtle. As we said our goodbyes to Mr. Turtle, my daughter stood firm. "No. I want to stay here and be a turtle. I want you to buy me a shell at the store." How can I argue with logic like that? Personally, I think she made a few good points. It was a lovely spot and a lovely turtle.

This weekend come to Oregon Ridge for  Music in the Woods. Bluegrass, Irish and folk musicians are playing, and there will be plenty of activities to keep those little toes tapping.

410-887-1815

Oregon Ridge Park
13555 Beaver Dam Rd
Cockeysville, MD 21030

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Growing Home

In an effort to increase the tree canopy, Baltimore County and Baltimore City have partnered with local nursery and garden centers to present the "Growing Home Campaign". I like trees. I really, really do. Every year we try and add a few to our yard and now I can get $10 off, just for filling out this coupon and taking it to the register at any participating nursery. Print out as many coupons as you like and plant as many trees as you like (although the program is limited to 10,000 trees). Nice, huh? The kids will get dirty trying to dig the hole, some worms will be claimed as pets and probably be smuggled into the house, but at least I'll have a nice tree. Oh, and an extra $10.

Growing Home Campaign