This is the part of spring where you start dreaming up what you are going to do with your summer.  If you are looking for a town with lots to offer families of all ages, we think that you should consider pointing that minivan towards the mountains and Frederick County, Maryland.  Full disclosure: I grew up there but with the veritable wealth of great state parks there, the wonderful and walkable downtown area, and so much history everywhere, why haven’t you visited yet? Then you two could have family memories like these . . . and these. . . and even this . . .

We call this one “Erin, put down the darn camera!” Precious, precious memories all around.

As you can see, Frederick has many splendors on display for all visitors, but sometimes the very best things are right off the beaten path and that’s what I’m sharing today. While you are visiting the lovely Frederick, you should most definitely hit up our new favorite place to run children til they drop, the Catoctin Creek Park and Nature Center. This hidden gem has quickly established itself as a favorite with kids, teens, and adults alike. Tucked in Middletown Valley, the park is an easy drive up alternate route 40. Once you are there, prepare to stay for awhile because nobody is going to want to leave and there is a ton to do. From one awesome climbing structure . . . to the next . . . And with miles of trails surrounding the whole area, including a sensory trail that you actually have to hear, see, taste, and smell to believe, your family will be busy and engaged the whole day. Make sure that even if you have gorgeous weather like we did that you plan on spending a good amount of time at the top notch nature center there. Beautiful inside and out, this nature center has a ton of animals like this one in the newly expanded turtle pond, and your kids can even dress up like their favorite creatures in the excellent learning resource area full of costumes, games, and science enrichment activities. Through Maryland’s Parkquest program, we have visited a lot of state park nature centers. This county park challenges the best of them with its diverse and varied collection of live creatures available for the kids to see, excellent learning resource area, and knowledgable and available staff. We are hard to impress on this front, and we all were wowed! Some other special reasons to love this place:

• The roof of the Catoctin Creek Nature Center is covered in plants. From producing  oxygen to providing additional wildlife habitat and collecting rainfall, this thoughtful “green” feature emphasizes environmental stewardship in action. We love it!
• The playground equipment is 100% recycled.
• They write their own blog to keep their visitors informed and engaged. Check it out!
• They partnered with the Potomac Valley Fly Fishers to offer fishing opportunities at the park too! Yay! Even more outdoor fun!

The bottom line is that you should definitely add this hidden park gem in Frederick, Maryland to your to do list this year. Excellent family fun for everyone!

2 happy nieces makes for one happy aunty!

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