Seeking suggestions for fun day/weekend trips around Baltimore/DC or beyond (say within 4 hours drive)... Our daughter will be one. We enjoy walks and hikes outdoors, history/science/nature museums & sites, a little art and culture, and "active" activities like swimming and mini golf. Baby loves people watching from baby carrier and generally anything that involves daddy...

I am thinking some time at the beach - Ocean City or Bethany, maybe Cape May? (Hotel suggestions anyone?) I am also thinking weekend trips to Philly (never been!) or New York. Maybe a nice mountain resort like Nemacolins or something, but have never been to such a place.

Also wondering, what to do in the evenings when baby goes to bed (around 8) - tip toe around hotel room? get a sitter from a service? watch tv?

Thanks all

Jenabelle

You could easily get to the Md shore for a day trip or nice weekend away. Every 1yr old I've ever met loves the beach.

Regarding your 2nd question -- what to do after baby goes to bed? I refer to page 6 of the "baby care instruction manual" that came with your original delivery. Pages 1 to 5 as you know give all the need to know instructions for the 1st year. I'd send you my copy but my kids arrived without instructions ...

I've found Residence Inn to be great when we travel w/our two young children (ages 2 & 4). Granted, you are still stuck in your hotel room after bedtime, however since you can get 2 bedroom units it makes it a bit easier to relax and avoid tiptoeing! I realize there are lots of hotels w/suites like Embassy Suites, but I like having 2 separate bedrooms plus a living room & full kitchen - it is really like an apartment. They'll also have a pack-n-play in the room waiting for you if you request it. Residence Inns have been great for us when traveling to cities w/our little ones so I thought you might find this info useful as well (they are owned by Marriott so you get Marriott Reward poinsts for your stay) - free breakfast is also included.

Sorry I can't provide more info on the area - my brother lives in Baltimore now so hopefully we'll make it there to visit before too long and I'll probably be posting a similar question looking for ideas!

The Baltimore Zoo is great! She may also enjoy the Baltimore Aquarium in Inner Harbor. There is lots to see and do at the Inner Harbor and many great restaurants. We like Phillips for crab cakes. Gettysburg would also be a nice destination for historical sites. I prefer a smaller beach area like Rehoboth than the crowds of Ocean City in the summer. We stay at the Heritage Inn on Rt. 1 in Rehoboth but you have to drive to get to the beach. You may prefer to stay closer to the ocean. You could also drive to the Poconos for beautiful scenery. We love Bushkill Falls but taking a one year old there would be a bit strenuous as you cannot take a stroller on their hiking trails. We see lots of little ones in backpacks but you need to have a strong back for the sometimes rocky surfaces and many, many steps. Perhaps you could go there when she's older - it's absolutely beautiful!

Philadelphia is great and should satisfy all of your requirements. You don't need a car once you are here since it's such a walkable city and a short stroll to all of the historic sites and museums. It's great fun to push a stroller along the Schuylkill River. There are also many outdoor dining spots which is always a nice option with a toddler since they can be loud outside, drop things, and stare at all of the passerbys. I second the Embassy suites recommendation--there is one in downtown Philly--you can put the toddler to bed in one room and have dinner, watch movies in the other. Or, go to a more upscale hotel like the Four Seasons, Sofitel, etc. and the concierge will help you with babysitting.

Seasame Place in Langhorn PA (outside Philly) is great for kids - even 1 yr olds. She can splash around in the water & enjoy the characters. Our kids loved it when they were younger. It is definitely for the preschool set - not for older kids.

I can't suggest places near you as I live a bit further to the north.

However, we've traveled fairly often with our now 3 1/2 year old and 26 month old.

If it is within your budget, I'd strongly suggest getting a 1 bedroom suite when possible. We've found it far easier to be able to put our kids to bed in their own room than to tip-toe around for two hours hoping we don't wake them.

In terms of using a sitter, that's a personal choice. On vacation we'll usually get one about 1/2 the nights. We've never had a problem with one. Again, really a personal choice.