By Karen Stysley
Updated in 2024 from the original 2012 article.
If your child has a birthday in a warm time of the year, consider having a party in one of the Annapolis area parks.
On Jackson Bondurant’s fifth birthday, the woods in Quite Waters Park became a jungle filled with dinosaurs to hunt.
He and his friends donned safari hats and binoculars and set out in the forest to hunt their quarry: dinosaurs eggs, which had been carefully made out of paper-mache, filled with surprises, and placed there by mom, Maureen Bondurant, of Arnold.
“They thought there were real dinosaurs in the woods…they acted like they were on a real safari,” says Bondurant.
Not only was a park pavilion perfect for Bondurant’s special dinosaur party, area parks can make the perfect setting for just about any warm weather birthday party.
“It’s just wonderful, it’s outdoors, there’s no schedule, you can control everything yourself,” Bondurant explains.
The more casual aspect of hanging out together outside at the pavilion is also a plus.
“You have an area where the kids can play, the adults can talk, the parents can barbeque,” says Bondurant.
For Shipley’s Choice mom Laura McDowell, it was the simplicity of a park that drove her to hold her son’s 3rd birthday at one. Kinder Farm Park offered her the opportunity to hold a fun event that delighted her son while the family was in the midst of a move.
“It was really relaxed, super casual,” says McDowell, who kept the number of guests (kids and adults) under 20 so as to avoid renting a pavilion. Instead she got some of the covered tables that are available on a first-come first-served basis.
For entertainment Kinder Farm offers not only nature trails but also antique tractors, a playground, and a variety of farm animals to admire. McDowell’s son particularly loved the bunnies.
She also brought her own a food and a few cheap kites for the kids, which made for party favors to use right away. That freedom is one big advantage of a park party, she says.
“The kids can run around and you don’t have to worry about being quiet,” says McDowell.
If you are planning a park party it’s best to start planning early because pavilions book quickly, Boundurant cautions. When planning also consider how close a pavilion is to amenities like playgrounds and restrooms, as well as the policy on decorations. Some parks, like Downs Park, do not allow balloons, for instance.
And as with any outdoor event, a rain date is always a good idea.
Top Picks for Park Parties in Annapolis Area
1. Kinder Farm Park
Location:1001 Kinder Farm Park Road, Millersville
Features: Two large pavilions. Nearby farm complex with animals, large playground, disc golf course and nature trails.
Numbers: Over 20 guests must reserve a pavilion, maximum in pavilion is 100. Under 20 can use family picnic area first-come first-served.
Cost: $6 per car (Can prepay $160 for guests). Pavilion rental is $100 on weekdays, $180 on weekends.
Contact: aacounty.org
2. Downs Park
Location: 8311 John Downs Loop, Pasadena
Features: Three large pavilions and one small pavilion each with horseshoe pit, volleyball court, and grills. Tanglewood pavilion is close to a playground. There’s a Chesapeake Bay view from Fernwood pavilion.
Numbers: Up to 100 in large pavilions, up to 50 in small.
Cost: $6 per car (Can prepay $80 for small pavilion, $160 for large.) Pavilion rental Friday to Sunday and holidays is $180 for large pavilion, $100 for small, on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, $100 for large and $60 for small.
Contact: aacounty.org
3. Quiet Waters Park
Location: 600 Quiet Waters Park Road, Annapolis
Features: Three large pavilions with at least12 large picnic tables and two grills. One has double sided fireplace. Close to small and large playground. Two smaller pavilions with two large tables, six small tables, and one large grill.
Numbers: Large pavilions up to 100, small pavilions up to 50
Cost: $6 per car (Prepay $80 for small pavilions, $160 for large) plus pavilion rental fees: Friday to Sunday and holidays, large pavilions are $180 and small are $100. On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, large pavilions are $100 and small are $60.
Contact: aacounty.org
4. Dunkirk District Park
Location: 10750 Southern Maryland Blvd., Dunkirk
Features: Big playground for all ages next to multiple pavilions of various sizes.
Numbers: No set number
Cost: No fee but party planners can reserve pavilions in advance
Contact: calvertcountymd.gov
5. Calvert Cliffs State Park
Location: 9500 H. G. Trueman Road,
Lusby
Features: Pavilion next to pond and across from a tire playground. Two-mile hike to beach where guests can hunt for fossils.
Numbers: Around 30 maximum
Cost: $5 per vehicle fee plus $60 to rent pavilion
Contact: dnr.maryland.gov
6. Patuxent River Park
Location: 16000 Croom Airport Road, Upper Marlboro
Features: Large pavilion with electrical outlets and 30 picnic tables plus optional two-story barn. Near some playground equipment, horseshoe pits, basketball hoop, and hiking trails. Equipment for games available. Those who rent could also book a nature program, such as a boating tour.
Numbers: Over 300 permitted
Cost: Up to 200 guests, $400 for Prince George’s and Montgomery county residents, $520 for nonresidents. 100+ people, $600 for residents, $780 for nonresidents.
Contact: pgparks.com