FAMILY FUN Famly Fun for Everyone Round up the kids and start making memories on a Maryland adventure. W BY JIM MEYER Whether your family craves a ride on a roller coaster or waterslides, a day at the National Aquarium or zoo (we’ve got five great ones, so make it a month’s worth of Sundays), a visit to great children’s museums, an outdoor adventure, sandcastle construction projects, or some of the best ice cream you’ll ever have, Maryland has more perfect spots for family fun than a dozen dalmatians. Cutting-Edge Coasters, Classic Rides, and Wet, Wild Fun Six Flags America in Upper Marlboro is Maryland’s undisputed king of coasters with Apocalypse, BATWING, and the SUPERMAN: Ride of Steel hypercoaster, with its 205-foot drop and virtual reality that takes you into the skies of Metropolis with Superman himself. Trimper’s Rides on the boardwalk in Ocean City has been a Maryland family staple since 1893, and while they’ve got their own coasters and great thrill rides, this is the place for your little ones to make that unforgettable first ride on the beautiful 1912 carousel. When the mercury rises, Jolly Roger has a bit of welcome chill to go with their thrills. Rightfully famous for theme park rides in both of its Ocean City locations and the biggest go-cart track on the East Coast, Jolly Roger’s Splash Mountain waterpark will quench your family’s thirst for fun Get Into the Swing Tighten those family ties at one of these ropes courses. Terrapin Adventures in Savage Mill, Upward Enterprises in Frederick and Go Ape in Sandy Spring are world-class aerial ropes courses, and the Flying Squirrel Canopy Tour and new Chipmunk Challenge Course at Wisp Resort are perfect for your tiny Tarzans and junior Janes. Go Wild at Top Zoos The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore is home to more than 2,000 animals in naturalistic exhibits like the new African penguin exhibit where these best-dressed birds glide through currents and leap through waves. At the Plumpton Park Zoo in Rising Sun you can hand feed Jimmie the Giraffe. The Salisbury Zoo makes for a perfect break on the way to the beach or an adventure all its own. In Thurmont, don’t miss the Catoctin Wildlife Preserve and Zoo. Kiddie Cousteaus will love the Calvert Marine Museum with its giant megalodon shark skeleton and frolicsome river otters. Ferris Wheel, Ocean City boardwalk DESTINATION MARYLAND ✥ 29
Maryland Official Visitors Guide 2017: Page 29
