The birds are back, the grass is getting greener and the trees are budding. That means spring is just about here. The first day of spring this year is Tuesday, March 19. To celebrate, take the time as a family to step out of hibernation and observe the environment changing. Here are five sights worthy of a day trip in early spring, from cuddly alpacas to exciting exhibits.
Black Hill Discovery Center
20926 Lake Ridge Drive
Boyds, MD 20841
Visit this sprawling 2,200-acre park for views of Little Seneca Lake, lakeside activities, educational nature programs and a variety of hiking trails. There are plenty of picnic tables to make a pit stop with packed lunches. Families can also enjoy play spaces, a meadow, exhibits, a children’s corner and bringing their furry friends!
montgomeryparks.org
Cylburn Arboretum
4915 Greenspring Ave.,
Baltimore, MD 21209
Spring meets history at the Cylburn Arboretum, where families can visit the beautiful gardens free of charge and take in the sights of Victorian, Renaissance and Renaissance Revival architecture all at the same time. The arboretum’s nature education center is open every day except Monday, and often has educational opportunities. Families can enjoy the trails, gardens and grounds. Dogs are welcome, but only on a leash.
cylburn.org
Lake Artemesia Butterfly Garden
Berwyn Road and 55th Ave.
Berwyn Heights, MD 20740
This butterfly garden is nestled in the Lake Artemesia Natural Area, which is open every day from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Visitors say it’s a great place to walk, spend time with your dog, fish and watch the sunset. There are plenty of benches along the trails for snack or rest breaks.
outdoors.pgparks.com
The Bishop’s Garden at Washington National Cathedral
3101 Wisconsin Ave. NW
Washington, D.C. 20016
The cathedral grounds are open to the public daily from dawn to dusk. Families can tour the Bishop’s Garden, which was once a private garden that was only accessible from the bishop’s house. The garden was inspired by medieval walled gardens. The terraced landscape includes plants of historical interest, native plants and plants known to the Bible and Christian legends. Additional attractions on the grounds include the shadow house garden gazebo, sculptures, an amphitheater, a memorial garden and, of course, the cathedral itself.
cathedral.org
Breezy Hill Alpaca Farm
2820 Woodbine Road, Woodbine, MD 21797
This family-owned farm boasts a herd of nearly 50 alpacas in addition to exotic chickens, peacocks, sheep and goats. Guided tours of the farm are $5 for children
younger than 11 and $10 for ages 11 and older. Visitors will get to see, learn about,
hand-feed—and on occasion, hug—the alpacas.
bhalpaca.com
