Family Guide
St. Mary's — Family Guide
Kids activities, outdoor adventures, schools, library programs, seasonal family fun, and everything families need in St. Mary's, Maryland.
👨👩👧 Family Guide — St. Mary's
Tall Ships, Lighthouses & Bay Beaches — Family Fun in St. Mary's County
St. Mary's County turns Maryland's colonial origin story into a hands-on adventure for families — costumed interpreters and a replica tall ship at Historic St. Mary's City, an outdoor aircraft park at the Naval Air Museum, and a boat-only island where the state's first colonists set foot in 1634. Round it out with Bay beaches, a fall corn maze, and a lighthouse kids can actually tour, and St. Mary's covers history, water, and open-air fun in one trip.
⭐ Top Family Activities
⛵
Historic St. Mary's City
Hands-on living history with costumed interpreters, a replica 17th-century tall ship, and a recreated Woodland Indian hamlet — engaging for a wide range of ages.
✈️
Patuxent River Naval Air Museum
An outdoor aircraft park with 21 naval aircraft and flight simulators, with discounted admission for children under 12.
🌽
Bowles Farms / A Maze N Place
A 15-acre fall corn maze with a petting zoo, wagon rides, and a mini straw maze for younger kids.
🏖️
Elms Beach Park
A Chesapeake Bay waterfront park with a playground and crabbing dock — a good pick for younger children.
🚨
Piney Point Lighthouse Museum & Historic Park
Lighthouse tours, keeper's quarters, and family-oriented nature programs — a good fit for elementary-age kids.
🎣
Point Lookout State Park
A Bay beach, fishing pier, and Civil War fort replica combine for an easy, all-ages family day trip.
🌳 Outdoor Family Fun
🍦 Family Food & Treats
🏫 Schools & Library
🗓️ Family Fun by Season
Spring 🌸
The Southern Maryland Spring Festival brings carnival rides, hayrides, and pony rides to the county fairgrounds.
Summer ☀️
Beach days at Elms Beach Park and Point Lookout, with the county's waterfront restaurants in full swing.
Fall 🍂
Bowles Farms' corn maze and petting zoo open for the season, alongside the U.S. Oyster Festival and the Blessing of the Fleet.
Winter ❄️
Holidays at Piney Point brings seasonal exhibits and family tours to the historic lighthouse museum.
🗺️ Plan Your Family Visit
Source: Maryland Mountain Side — Official Allegany County Tourism