There are very few places that cater to young children as well as Columbia, MD does. For those who are interested in keeping a young child occupied, one can find a network of bicycle paths that are fun to walk around. Many of them pass one of the 5
lakes that are stocked with fish and are home to a multitude of wildlife. The lake at Centennial Park is home to the great blue heron, ducks, canadian geese, frogs, deer, foxes, white cattle egrets and green herons. It is always great fun to try count the different species of birds that live at the park too. There are paddle boats to rent if you feel like a lazy ride on the lake. You are also welcome to bring your own kayak or small boat (check the site for size restrictions). Carry a ball and play catch or soccer, have a picnic with burgers from their stand alone grills, while you watch a free concert, or ride your bike through the treed paths. If your child wants to climb the monkey bars, they can choose from one of 170
tot lots in the area. They are all equipped with slides, monkey bars and swings, and some even come with a rock climbing wall. Basket ball courts are located in some of the parks as are tennis courts and outdoor
swimming pools. There is an activity to suit every taste. The daredevils might want to try the
skate park where there are lots of different ramps, walls and pipes for all experience levels. The
miniature golf course is quite challenging, even for the adults. 23
outdoor pools, an
ice rink,
batting cages, and a PGA tour class
golf course, all add to the excitement.
If you are interested in encouraging their creativity, you can have them explore PlayWise Kids, a hands-on learning, activity center. Here they can make believe that they are shopping, play a piano, play house. pretend to be a fireman, do arts and crafts, and play dress-up. There is an area designated specifically for toddlers so that they don’t have to worry about getting hurt by the older kids. If you would prefer to have your toddler learn how to tumble without hurting themselves, why not enroll them in a gym class at MyGym, or K & W Gymnastics Gym, or have them try their hand at rock climbing at Earth Treks. You and your child can learn how to rock climb together and then visit often to build your skills. If your child would rather dance, then Arabesque Dance Studio might be the way to go. Feel like having your child learn discipline while he/she is challenged? They could learn TaeKwonDo from Wilde Lake Karate, or karate at the American Academy of Martial Arts.
It will probably take several trips to see all that there is to do, so plan to spend the day, eat at one of the many restaurants, and have a wonderful time.
