Note about location: I actually parked at Matthewstown Harmans Park. There is a parking lot next to a smaller playground and basketball court. From the smaller playground we walked along a paved trail 5-8 minutes (depending on pace of your little one) to this larger playground! Bring a wagon, scooter or stroller to make it a fun walk.

This park has a whole morning of fun in store for you! Playgrounds, trails and giant fields.

My favorite parts of this playground were the bright colors, the huge shaded pavilion right next to the playground and the fake rocks to climb on. However the VERY best part of the park were all the airplanes flying in the sky- bonus points in the toddlers book.

The equipment was all in good condition and the grounds were clean! There were two big play structures with an array of fun ways to climb, swing and jump. The swings were close to the larger structure but not too close to make it unsafe as children ran around.

The playground itself did not have a ton of shade. Although my children did find shade under the smaller structure where there were fake dinosaur fossils and a little “window”. I also was able to sit under the shaded pavilion where you can see the whole playground from your seat! It felt really nice under the pavilion. The children and I cooled off with some water and snacks.

After your done exploring the brightly colored playground, head to the trails around the park. Or go running in the fields. Don’t forget to stop at the smaller playground at Matthewstown Harmans Park, which has some fun climbing opportunities as well (and was very quiet!)

We’d definitely go back to this one.

Nearby Food: Across the street from Arundel Mills Mall Food Court. Also nearby: CAVA, McDonalds, Chick Fil-A, Cold Stone Creamy!

—Katrina Kessler

Let us know if you have any playground suggestions for us to check out in Maryland via our social media or email [email protected]

Katrina is a Maryland mom of two toddlers and has become an avid playground
explorer since the playgrounds re-opened during the pandemic. You can follow
along with her visits at @marylandkiddos. She enjoys reading, music and walks
outdoors. Recently she has combined her experience as a parent with her
master’s degree in psychology to launch a new page @connectingwithkatrina,
which aims to connect parents and children to nature and their emotional health
through virtual and in-person guides and classes.