Rain or Shine Family Time

Sunny Escapes

Waking up to clear skies? Start the day at Oregon Ridge Park, once the site of a 19^th-century iron ore and marble mining operation. Entrepreneurs at that time built an iron-smelting furnace along the Oregon Branch stream to process the iron ore efficiently and economically. The furnace operated from 1844 to 1858 and produced, at its peak, 4,500 tons of pig iron every year.

Today, many local publications have voted Oregon Ridge Park Trails the best in the Baltimore area. The 6-mile trail network is perfect for all levels, from easy walking to moderate hiking, and takes hikers through forest, field, and stream habitats. Time your visit to catch one of the special programs and events throughout the year, like Music in the Woods, Maple Sugaring Weekend, or the Honey Harvest Festival.

Alternatively, check out Patapsco Valley State Park to the south. This network of protected lands along the Patapsco River offers incredible attractions and experiences for folks of all interests and abilities. Activities include mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, or paddling. At the heart of it all is the Patapsco Valley Heritage Area, representative of Maryland’s Piedmont Forest and industrial heritage. Visitors are invited to enjoy and learn about Maryland’s most dramatic river valley, from its natural processes to its beauty and history.

Refuel for lunch at BC Brewery, featuring indoor or outdoor seating, where parents can enjoy a beverage while kids eat and play. Got an energetic bunch? Turn them loose on the state-of-the-art games and activities at Dave & Buster’s, featuring mouthwatering menu items to suit any appetite, plus countless HDTVs with stadium sound for parents to catch a game while enjoying a meal.

Keep the fun going at Rocky Point Beach and Park, at the mouth of the Back and Middle Rivers. Take in an expansive view of the Chesapeake Bay, Hart-Miller Island, Craighill Light, and one of the most pleasant beaches on the upper Chesapeake. The 300-foot beach includes 18 picnic areas with grills, pavilions, a playground, and bathrooms. Feeling the heat? Take a guided water tour with Eastern Watersports, or rent their kayaks, paddleboards, or jet skis to explore on your own. Lessons are also available!

Rainy Day Adventures

Not even rain can dampen family fun in Baltimore County. Spend a drizzly morning at the Fire Museum of Maryland, one of the largest fire museums in America. Founded in 1971, it houses a world-class collection of historic hand engines and horse-drawn, steam-powered, and motorized vehicles. Kids will brighten up when they see The Children’s Discovery Room, featuring hands-on activities and child-sized turnout gear. Future firefighters can even “drive” a real engine! See why visitors rave about the museum, giving it 4.5/5 stars on Tripadvisor. Check the website for up-to-date hours and to arrange tours for children, adults, seniors, and special needs adults.

When the skies are grey, take flight to the Glenn L. Martin Maryland Aviation Museum at the Martin State Airport in Middle River. Browse the exhibit galleries to learn about Glenn L. Martin and the roles women and African Americans played in the history of aviation. Visit their outdoor flight line of 15 aircraft, and be sure to check for monthly special programs like workshops and events highlighting Maryland’s aviation history.

Hunker down for lunch at The Greene Turtle Sports Bar & Grille, the perfect spot for sports lovers to enjoy great food, drinks, and a kids menu in a fun, casual atmosphere. Or swing by Boardwalk Burgers, Fries & Shakes for a taste of the shore. With their world-famous Boardwalk Fries, made-to-order burgers, creamy shakes, and more, you’ll forget all about the rain and feel like you’re enjoying a sunny day at the beach.

Craving a heart-pounding adventure? Spread your wings and prepare for an unforgettable experience at iFLY Indoor Skydiving. Flyers ages 3 to 103 can indoor skydive, from beginners to seasoned pros, and people of all shapes, sizes, and abilities. iFLY’s world-class instructors are experts at making flying for everyone who meets their guidelines.

For an extraordinary mini-golf, laser tag, or laser maze experience, take your little monsters to Monster Mini Golf, where animatronics move, talk, and sometimes tell silly jokes. Blacklights cast an otherworldly glow over hand-painted, locally inspired artwork. Popular music plays and disco balls sparkle under moving concert lighting as you play the 18-hole course and arcade games. It’s a thrilling afternoon that will have your backseat buzzing with excitement all the way home. The 4.5/5-star reviews say it all.

Baltimore County offers adventure and discovery for all ages, filling your day with fun surprises, shareable pics, and treasured memories in any kind of weather.