Summer is a time to make memories.

Sometimes it feels as though the school year starts just a little too soon. At least it feels that way for most kids. From the adult’s perspective, summer can sometimes be a whirlwind. You might have a bunch of different deadlines for work, or you may feel like you can’t keep up with all the playdates your children want to go on.

No matter how busy the summer gets, be sure to take the time to back up and make those memories with your children. You won’t regret it! Promise.

If you’re looking for fun ways to make memories this summer, here are five fun activities for families to add to your summer to-do list before school starts again. There are many unique activities right here in Waldorf for you and your children can explore!

1. Outdoor Adventure at Cedarville State Forest

This state forest is located right on the edge of Maryland’s largest swamp. Filled with over 19 miles of trails, this forest is a great place to spend the day. Records show that the Piscataway Tribe even used this area to camp and hunt because of the climate and the prevalence of the game.

So, what are you waiting for? Pack a picnic, put on those walking shoes, and get exploring! Be sure to keep that phone charged so you can take all the gorgeous photos of the over 50 species of trees! Also, consider bringing a bird book and binoculars. You’ll never know what kinds of birds you might find!

2. Nature Retreat at Mallows Bay Park—Ghost Fleet of the Potomac

Do your kids like boats? Or even shipwrecks? This beautiful area is a unique opportunity to get outside, explore some history, view nature, and make some amazing memories.

The Ghost Fleet is the largest and most varied collection of shipwrecks in this area. It contains roughly 200 shipwrecks that span approximately three centuries. Most of the ships came from World War I. Here, you can get a kayak, paddleboard, or even canoe, and paddle around, exploring these shipwrecks, or even viewing all the nature (bald eagles, herons, and more!) that call this area home.

3. Educational Exploration at the Dr. Samuel A. Mudd House Museum

Do you or your children enjoy history? This museum is the house of Dr. Samuel A. Mudd, the man who took care of John Wilkes Booth after the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. The museum hosts regular walking tours, so be sure to check out their calendar and see what they have planned!

4. Fun-filled Day at Fun Haven Golf and Batting Cages

Take advantage of the beautiful weather and get some of that energy out of your kids! Taking them to the golf and batting cages is a fun, unique way to do just this. They have an 18-hole mini golf course that is suitable for the whole family, and a driving range to help get all of that energy out. Let all that pent-up frustration free and let that ball fly!

5. Farm Adventure at Shlagel Farms

Who doesn’t love fresh, farm-picked strawberries or blackberries? Depending on the time of year, this family-owned farm has all sorts of fruits and vegetables that you and your family can pick. In the fall, they even have pumpkins ready to go! They do their best to take care of the world around them, using no-till methods when planting to help avoid loss of the soil, preserving the area for generations to come.

This is a great way to make memories that will last a lifetime! Get that camera out and snap some candid photos of your children all covered in berries—you won’t regret it!

It’ll be worth it!

Even though the summer can get busy, it is important to take the time to make memories with your family. You won’t regret the time you spend with them! Get outside, go explore, and see what you can come up with to do before school starts again this fall. Those memories will be worth the effort, we promise!

Dentist Time

Your child’s idea of a fun time this summer might not include going to the dentist. But it is essential that you schedule that appointment so you can keep your child’s teeth shining bright. After all, the dentist is the first line of defense when it comes to things like tooth decay! If your child tends to get nervous at their dental cleanings, we have some tips for you on how to create a positive experience for your children on their next visit to the pediatric dentist.

Contact us today to schedule your child’s next dental visit.