Annapolis with Kids

[preppy]

We are going to MD for a trip to see my SIL and her family on the eastern shore this week and we tacked on two nights in Annapolis with the kids. We will only actually be there for about 1.5 days but I am looking for suggestions on things to do with the kids or restaurants that we should hit. Any suggestions for us? Kids are 4 and 5.

[al dente]

The waterfront area is nice to walk around. There was a cash only ice cream place there that was good. It's been 5 years since I lived there though so not sure if it's still around.
You can also do a boat ride from that area. I know some of them go down the eastern shore and drop you off to eat or whatever, but some might be shorter.
Iron Rooster had really good food, esp breakfast.

[nicanmatt]

If you go to the harbor area, get a cup of coffee at Bitty & Beaus! Credit only. The company hires persons with disabilities, for many, it is their first job. It’s a wonderful shop, the coffee is so good and I love their Lemon Cranberry muffin!

There is a company that does pirate ship cruises, those are so fun! Kids Wear costumes and the boat ride is nice and scenic.

Quiet Waters Park is lovely! You may want to call ahead because COVID, but they may still have bike and boat rentals.

Sandy Point State park is also really nice, I haven’t been in years but the beach area was a lot of fun from what I remember!!

[ssmjlm]

Downtown is nice and you can walk up main street to the state house, also hit up shops on Maryland Ave. There's ego alley right there where they show off the power boats.

I'll second the rec for Quiet Waters Park, it's really nice to walk through. Sandy Point is further out near the Bay Bridge and is packed on weekends with the beach.

I grew up there, but moved away over a decade ago. It's been so long since I've played tourist. I'm not sure if the Naval Academy is open for walking around, I think you still may need a military or DOD ID.

If you're coming from the Eastern Shore and want to try some amazing cupcakes, my friend owns Blue Crab Cupcakes, on the Annapolis side of the Bay Bridge. She has some other desserts as well.

[preppy]

Jul 18, 2021 22:26:45 GMT -5 nicanmatt said:

If you go to the harbor area, get a cup of coffee at Bitty & Beaus! Credit only. The company hires persons with disabilities, for many, it is their first job. It’s a wonderful shop, the coffee is so good and I love their Lemon Cranberry muffin!

There is a company that does pirate ship cruises, those are so fun! Kids Wear costumes and the boat ride is nice and scenic.

Quiet Waters Park is lovely! You may want to call ahead because COVID, but they may still have bike and boat rentals.

Sandy Point State park is also really nice, I haven’t been in years but the beach area was a lot of fun from what I remember!!

I was looking at the pirate ship thing and think the kids will like that - I might do that on one of the weekdays.

[meowmaps]

I second the Iron Rooster as a restaurant recommendation. We ate there in early June and the crab cake eggs Benedict knocked my socks off. My H and I both cleaned our plates.

[fortnightlily]

Kinder Farm Park has farm animals and a really nice playground. If you want to splash in the Chesapeake Bay there's Sandy Point State Park as others have mentioned, but also some Anne Arundel county parks like Mayo Beach or Beverly Triton. Just go early, they close the gates if it reaches capacity. You can find more info here: www.aacounty.org/departments/recreation-parks/parks/

Historic Londontown has nice gardens.

There's a restaurant in downtown Annapolis not far from the Governor's Mansion called Chick and Ruth's that's known for colossal milkshakes: www.chickandruths.com

[nicanmatt]

Jul 19, 2021 8:02:11 GMT -5 preppy said:

Jul 18, 2021 22:26:45 GMT -5 nicanmatt said:

If you go to the harbor area, get a cup of coffee at Bitty & Beaus! Credit only. The company hires persons with disabilities, for many, it is their first job. It’s a wonderful shop, the coffee is so good and I love their Lemon Cranberry muffin!

There is a company that does pirate ship cruises, those are so fun! Kids Wear costumes and the boat ride is nice and scenic.

Quiet Waters Park is lovely! You may want to call ahead because COVID, but they may still have bike and boat rentals.

Sandy Point State park is also really nice, I haven’t been in years but the beach area was a lot of fun from what I remember!!

I was looking at the pirate ship thing and think the kids will like that - I might do that on one of the weekdays.

A friend posted pictures on FB last week of her kids doing it, looked like they had fun mermaid outfits for the girls if they didn't want to be pirates. SUPER CUTE! I did one a couple years ago in Baltimore, but the Annapolis one is a lot of fun too.

[preppy]

Jul 19, 2021 8:04:48 GMT -5 meowmaps said:

I second the Iron Rooster as a restaurant recommendation. We ate there in early June and the crab cake eggs Benedict knocked my socks off. My H and I both cleaned our plates.

I’ve been to the Baltimore location and agree this place is great! We will def hit this for a meal

[preppy]

Jul 19, 2021 8:29:39 GMT -5 fortnightlily said:

Kinder Farm Park has farm animals and a really nice playground. If you want to splash in the Chesapeake Bay there's Sandy Point State Park as others have mentioned, but also some Anne Arundel county parks like Mayo Beach or Beverly Triton. Just go early, they close the gates if it reaches capacity. You can find more info here: www.aacounty.org/departments/recreation-parks/parks/

Historic Londontown has nice gardens.

There's a restaurant in downtown Annapolis not far from the Governor's Mansion called Chick and Ruth's that's known for colossal milkshakes: www.chickandruths.com

We go to the beach a lot at home so will prob avoid the beaches there but the chicks and Ruth place looks up our ally!

[preppy]

Jul 19, 2021 9:25:42 GMT -5 nicanmatt said:

Jul 19, 2021 8:02:11 GMT -5 preppy said:

I was looking at the pirate ship thing and think the kids will like that - I might do that on one of the weekdays.

A friend posted pictures on FB last week of her kids doing it, looked like they had fun mermaid outfits for the girls if they didn't want to be pirates. SUPER CUTE! I did one a couple years ago in Baltimore, but the Annapolis one is a lot of fun too.

I’m sold at mermaid outfits I think the girls would love that.

[mrshandy]

Go to Cantler's for crabs! Make reservations because it fills up quickly. It's right on the water and a great place to have lunch.

Maybe a Ghost Tour if your kids would like that. We did a Ghost Pub Tour years ago, but I imagine they have a non alcoholic version of it.

[jennistarr1]

Ms. Shirley's is another idea, I love iron rooster as well
This might fit better in with traveling since it's right off the highway but Red, Hot, Blue is good bbq