PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY
Kids as young as 6 months can start swimming lessons at the Fairland Aquatic Center in Laurel. Both the Wells and Tucker Road Ice Skating Rinks have lessons for kids as young as 2. During lessons, only the kids wear skates; parents wear sneakers and walk on carpets spread on the ice. (www.pgparks.com for catalog; 301-699-2255).
Old Maryland Farm and Watkins Nature Center are adjacent to each other in Upper Marlboro. The farm has horses, llama, chickens, and ducks—all happy to be fed—and daily hay rides. The Nature Center has indoor and outdoor ponds, live animals, and a “squirrel gym” that shows off the antics of the parks’ resident squirrels. The playground between the two facilities has tot-specific areas. If you get a group together, they will set up a private hay ride for 10 or more people for $1 a person. And the Nature Center will put on a private live animal show for 10 or more at $2/person county residents; $3 non-residents. (www.prparks.com; 301 Watkins Park Rd., Upper Marlboro. Farm: 301-218-6770; Nature Center: 301-218-6702)
Clearwater Nature Center has turtles, lizards, rabbits, a chinchilla, bald eagle, and owls in their live animals exhibit. The center’s schedule includes shows with the animals and family campfire programs. They provide marshmallows and roasting sticks; you have to provide the rest of the s’more makings, or hot dogs, if you wish. (11000 Thrift Rd., Clinton; 301-297-4575)
Fran Severn explores the mid-Atlantic from her home base on the Eastern Shore.
