When school’s out for the summer, kids will be home all day. While some parents might send their children to summer camp, that may not be an option for every child — some may be too young, while others might just not want to. And when your child isn’t attending camp, there’s always the risk of them sitting in front of a screen all day because they don’t have anything else to do.
But there are still plenty of fun ways to spend a day in Baltimore, both inside and outside of the Jewish community. Jewish Baltimore-area parents offered their recommendations on things to do with family during the summer. These parents included members of the parents’ resources group Camp Mommy, which is celebrating its second anniversary this year.
UPick Berries at Pearlstone
Throughout late spring and the summer, Pearlstone offers opportunities for guests to pick their own berries from the retreat center’s gardens. Strawberry picking has already ended for the year, but blueberry season has just begun and will likely continue through July.
Pearlstone recommends that prospective berry-pickers arrive early and take part in the UPick program during the week, as weekends tend to be very busy and berries get picked quickly. Pearlstone also suggests that guests bring their own lunch and a picnic blanket, so they can relax on the retreat center’s campus and explore its natural paths once they’re done picking berries.
“We went on a Sunday morning and we even had crafts there, which was a nice surprise,” said local parent Lauren Apt about her experience.
If you really want to be on top of things, you can sign up for text alerts on when fruit is ready to be harvested by texting “UPICK” to (410) 541-5868.
The Paddle
Best for teenagers and adults, this program — hosted by The Soul Center at Beth El Congregation and the B’More SUP paddleboarding collective — is a great opportunity to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. These 90-minute, early-morning classes get participants out on the waters of Sue Creek, as they partake in a short paddle and a yoga class held directly in the creek.
No experience in paddleboarding or yoga is required to attend, but The Soul Center recommends that people register in advance due to the limited number of paddleboards available. The Paddle will be held on June 30, July 28 and Aug. 18 at 9:30 a.m., with tickets costing $45 per person.
Become a Junior Ranger
Maryland’s many national parks offer great views and hiking trails, but some kids might need more involved activities to keep them busy. Local parent Rachel R. Goff noted that national parks like Monocacy National Battlefield and Antietam National Battlefield — as well as some farther out from Maryland like Great Falls Park in Virginia and Kenilworth Aquatic Garden in Washington, D.C. — participate in the National Park Services’ Junior Ranger program.
Kids going to these national parks can download activities online to complete there and share their results with a park ranger to earn an official Junior Ranger patch and certificate.
Goff said that these kinds of programs are a great way to keep kids engaged while out in nature.
“If you have a dog, they can even get ‘Bark Ranger’ badges,” she quipped.
Prince George’s County has a similar Junior Ranger program where participants can complete activities at sites across the county to earn a Junior Ranger patch and a special prize.
Other Popular Suggestions:
“The Fire Museum of Maryland in Lutherville is open Wednesdays through Saturdays all summer long. Kids love the Discovery Room!” — Amy J. Landsman
“The DoodleHatch Interactive Museum is amazing!” — Karen Yosafat Beleck
“There’s a Sunday Funday Fest happening on June 30 held by Craft-Tabulous University. Not necessarily just for the Jewish community, but open to Baltimore as a whole” — Chaya Cohen
