Tag Archive for: parks

Baltimore Parks: Packing a Summer Bag

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Baltimore Parks are among the best in the US! From Federal Hill to Patterson, we’ve got plenty of walkable, play-worthy spots for new parents and their children. What’s important to remember when you visit public spaces? The perfect summer bag. Diapers. Changes of clothes. Sure, these are necessary. Are there other clever items you should pack? We’ve rounded up our favorites.

Cooling Towel

A cooling towel is an excellent item to snag for your summertime bag. Use it to towel off toddler sweat, caregiver sweat, or wear it to keep your neck cool.

Bonus tip: if you’re a babywearer, pop a cooling towel between you and baby to increase your comfort.

Great option: Frog Toggs Cooling Towels

Handheld Fan

Baltimore Parks get hot in the summer! While there are definitely battery-powered options, we’re going to recommend a vintage favorite. A folding paper fan is compact, easy to transport, and never requires new batteries. You can purchase a pack of a few very affordably in case you have an accident with them or have a friend join you.

Great option: Paper Fans

Milk Cooler

Keeping breastmilk and formula cool is important for safety. Transporting milk has come a long way in recent years! Carrying a small cooler with an ice pack used to be the way to transport baby’s next meal but we’ve gotten smart. Transporting empty bottles in your bag with milk stored in a separate cooler helps ensure fewer spills and lunch in a snap!

Great option: Willow Portable Breast Milk Cooler

Light Towel

Want to be a “yes” caregiver? Unexpected splash pads are no problem when you’re ready! Keep a lightweight “emergency” camping towel on hand to dry off soaked little clothes and let baby splash away.

Great Option: Nomadix Ultralight Towel

Wet Bag

When those cooling towels are soaked or the emergency towels used, make sure there’s somewhere to put them! A wet bag is also an excellent thing to have for accidental spills, blowouts, or dirty socks.

Great option: Bumkins Wet Bags (Various Sizes)

While we’ve included these items to pack a bag for Baltimore Parks, these items are all excellent to have on hand in your daily diaper bag, too. With a few simple items you’ll be ready for any adventure that comes your way. Get ready, get set, get outside!

Parks in Baltimore | A Parent’s Guide

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Heading out as the weather warms? Parks in Baltimore are easy to find but which ones are best for your little one? As Postpartum support for families, we’re no strangers to visiting local parks with newborns! We pulled together our favorite parks with some pro tips and key features in this complete guide to Baby and Toddler-friendly parks.

New mother in Baltimore strolls parks during the springtime with her newborn baby during postpartum.

Newborn/Infant-Friendly Parks in Baltimore

1. Patterson Park

Address: 27 S Patterson Park Ave, Baltimore, MD 21231
Neighborhood: Patterson Park
Key Features: Baby swings, toddler playground, spray pool (seasonal), shaded paths.
Parent Pro Tips:

  • Visit the spray pool weekday mornings to avoid crowds.
  • Grab a drink or snacks at Corner Juice Bar (just outside the park).
  • Stroller hack: Use the eastern entrance (Lombard & Linwood) for quick playground access.

Safety Features:

  • Fenced playground areas with soft flooring.
  • Shaded benches near play zones for easy supervision.
  • Seasonal restrooms available.

2. Cylburn Arboretum

Address: 4915 Greenspring Ave, Baltimore, MD 21209
Neighborhood: Cylburn
Key Features: Gardens, gentle trails, nature programs.
Parent Pro Tips:

  • Bring a baby carrier for unpaved garden paths (strollers work on main trails).
  • Visit in spring for blooming magnolias and kid-friendly birdwatching.
  • Pack snacks and water bottles!

Safety Features:

  • Wide, shaded paths minimize sun exposure.
  • Quiet atmosphere with minimal traffic.
  • Limited restrooms (plan ahead!).

3. Lake Roland Park

Address: 1000 Lakeside Dr, Baltimore, MD 21210
Neighborhood: Roland Park
Key Features: Lake boardwalk, nature center, accessible trails.
Parent Pro Tips:

  • Check the Nature Center calendar for toddler-friendly events like “Nature Book Club”.
  • Park at the Robert E. Lee Park entrance for stroller-friendly boardwalk access.
  • Feed ducks responsibly (bring birdseed, not bread!).

Safety Features:

  • Boardwalk has railings and is stroller-safe.
  • Restrooms at the Nature Center (open daily).

4. Oregon Ridge Park

Address: 13401 Beaver Dam Rd, Cockeysville, MD 21030
Neighborhood: Cockeysville
Key Features: Nature center, meadows, hiking trails.
Parent Pro Tips:

  • Weekdays are quieter—ideal for toddler explorers.
  • Bring a picnic blanket for the meadow area (ample space for crawlers!).
  • Skip the steeper trails; stick to the Beech Tree Trail.

Safety Features:

  • Play areas are away from water hazards.
  • Restrooms at the Nature Center (open daily).
  • Wildlife sightings common—keep little ones close!

Nonbinary parents join their baby in the sunshine at parks in Baltimore, Maryland.

Older Baby/Toddler-Friendly Parks in Baltimore

5. Druid Hill Park

Address: 3001 East Dr, Baltimore, MD 21217
Neighborhood: Druid Hill
Key Features: Maryland Zoo, splash pads, playgrounds.
Parent Pro Tips:

  • Arrive at the zoo by 10 AM to beat crowds and heat.
  • Use the Jones Falls Trail (stroller-friendly) to connect to nearby parks.
  • Splash pad opens Memorial Day—bring towels, sunscreen, and water shoes!

Safety Features:

  • Playgrounds have soft turf and fencing.
  • Restrooms and changing stations at the zoo.

6. Gwynns Falls Trail

Address: Main trailhead at 1900 Annapolis Rd, Baltimore, MD 21230
Neighborhood: Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park
Key Features: Streamside trails, playgrounds, bridges.
Parent Pro Tips:

  • Start at the Winans Meadow Trailhead (easy parking, playground nearby).
  • Avoid trails after heavy rain—muddy and slippery!
  • Pack a carrier for younger babies—some paths are narrow.

Safety Features:

  • Guardrails near streams in most sections.
  • Limited restrooms.

7. Leakin Park

Address: 1900 Eagle Dr, Baltimore, MD 21207
Neighborhood: Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park
Key Features: Carter Memorial Playground, Winans Meadow Loop.
Parent Pro Tips:

  • The playground is shaded in the afternoon—perfect for summer.
  • Park near Carter Playground for quick access to restrooms.
  • Try the Winans Meadow Loop for a stroller-friendly nature walk.

Safety Features:

  • Playground has rubberized flooring and low-height equipment.
  • Ample parking and well-marked trails.

8. West Shore Park

Address: 401 Light St, Baltimore, MD 21202
Neighborhood: Inner Harbor
Key Features: Open lawn, events, Inner Harbor proximity.
Parent Pro Tips:

  • Combine with a visit to the National Aquarium.
  • Weekday afternoons tend to be less crowded.
  • No shade? Bring a pop-up tent for baby!

Safety Features:

  • Flat, paved surfaces ideal for new walkers.
  • Restrooms at nearby.

9. Federal Hill Park

Address: 300 Warren Ave, Baltimore, MD 21230
Neighborhood: Federal Hill
Key Features: Playground, harbor views, historic site.
Parent Pro Tips:

  • Use the ramp on Warren Ave for stroller access to the summit.
  • Grab post-park pizza at Matthew’s Pizza (oldest in the U.S.!).
  • Sunset views are stunning but crowded—opt for mornings.

Safety Features:

No matter what park you choose, getting outside with baby is always a great idea! Fresh air and sunshine are great for your little one and movement like walking with a stroller helps you as well. With parks in Baltimore that feature playgrounds, splash pads, and even a zoo, there isn’t a shortage of things to do (and these aren’t even all the parks in Baltimore!)

Did we miss your favorite park? Drop us a comment!