Things to Do in Havre de Grace, MD with Kids: A Local Mom’s Guide
Waterfront adventures
If there’s one town in HarCo we keep coming back to, it’s Havre de Grace, Maryland. Located where the Susquehanna River meets the Chesapeake Bay, this waterfront town is packed with things to do with kids, from waterfront walks and a nautical-themed playground to hands-on museums, local shops, and sweet treats in downtown Havre de Grace.
The best part? Many of the best things to do in Havre de Grace, MD, with kids are free or affordable. You can easily spend a full day exploring family-friendly attractions, enjoying the waterfront, and discovering local favorites without spending much at all.
I’ve rounded up our favorite things to do in Havre de Grace to help your family plan a visit and discover what makes this waterfront town such a special place to explore.I hope this guide helps your family fall in love with Havre de Grace as much as we have.
AngeSponsored By - Lee Tessier Team of eXp Realty
This guide is sponsored by the Lee Tessier Team of eXp Realty. I’ve teamed up with Harford County’s #1 real estate team to share what makes our community such a special place to call home.
If you’re thinking about making a move to Havre de Grace or anywhere in Harford County, the Lee Tessier Team is here to help every step of the way. With a commitment to providing The Ultimate Client Experience, their team is ready to answer your questions, guide you through the process, and help you find a place to call home.
Browse by Category
Use the categories below like a little “choose your adventure” menu. Tap a category, select a location, and you’ll jump straight to the full details below.
📍 Millard Tydings Memorial Park: 352 Commerce Street, Havre de Grace, MD 21078
📍 Concord Point Park: 701 Concord Street, Havre de Grace, MD 21078
🛣️ About half a mile of paved paths + 🪵 boardwalk along the water
🛝 Connects to the playground at Millard Tydings Park
🎣 Multiple fishing areas + boats to watch
👶 Stroller friendly
🚻🏠 Multiple indoor restrooms throughout
🧺 Pack a picnic to enjoy or stop by the Promenade Grille next to the marina
🏛️ Connected to the Decoy Museum, Maritime Museum, and the Concord Point Park + Lighthouse
🅿️ Free parking
📍 352 Commerce Street, Havre de Grace, MD 21078
⚓ Nautical-themed playground (look for the lighthouse slide!)
🛝 Big and small playgrounds for different ages
🌳 Partially shaded
🚤 Watch the boats come in and out of the marina
🔗 Connects to the Promenade
🚻🏠 Indoor restrooms throughout the park and promenade areas
📌 Plan ahead: Start with playground time, then walk the Promenade toward the lighthouse and enjoy a picnic. Pair it with a library visit for a full day of free fun.
📍 700 Concord Street, Havre de Grace, MD 21078
🌊 A waterfront park overlooking the Chesapeake Bay
🎣 Piers for fishing + boats to see
🧺 A great spot for a picnic
🎨 Public art installations around the park
🔗 Connects to the Havre de Grace Promenade and leads to Millard Tydings Park
⚓︎ Home to the historic Concord Point Lighthouse
🅿️ Free parking
📌 Plan ahead: Make it a free adventure day. Start at the playground at Millard Tydings Park, walk the Promenade, have a picnic by the water at Concord Point, and stop by the library on your way home.
📍 599 N Union Avenue, Havre de Grace, MD 21078
🏖️ Short sandy trail
🌊 Waterfront access
🚆 Trains travel overhead making this a win with train-loving kids
📚 Easy drive to library + 🏙️ downtown
🚤 A great spot for watching boats
⚠️🚻 Portable restrooms (can vary by visit)
📍 120 N. Union Ave, Havre de Grace, MD 21078
⛵ Schooner Cove: an interactive learning space for babies and preschoolers
🧩 Lafayette's Landing: iPads, LEAP kits and STEAM activities for school-aged kids
🧸 Large children's section with more play equipment
📖 Story times and kids' programs throughout the month
🏙️ Walking distance to downtown shops + restaurants
🛝 Add in a stop to the playground at Millard Tydings Park
📌 Plan ahead: Check the HCPL events calendar before you go. They host a great variety of programs, but advanced registration is often required.
📍 2121 Pulaski Highway, Havre de Grace, MD 21078 (an easy drive from Downtown Havre de Grace)
💵 Activities are pay-to-play so you can mix, match, and customize a visit
🎮 Full arcade with games for all ages + on-site prize redemption counter
💥 Laser tag, Nerf arena, Gel Blasters, Balladium, duckpin bowling
🎯 The Cove: a section of the facility designed with adults in mind
👀 Mention “The Harford County Mom” on your visit and receive $2.00 off Nerf, Laser Tag, Gel Blaster or one-hour of Bouncy House
📍 100 Lafayette Street, Havre de Grace, MD 21078
⛵ Exhibits on fishing, crabbing, and life on the Chesapeake Bay
🖍️ Kids corner with a sandbox, dress up, coloring pages, chalk board, + more
🌊 Waterfront views, steps from the Concord Point Lighthouse
⏱️ About an hour to explore
💵 Small admission fee
🐢 Check out the Environmental Center on the lower level
📌 Plan ahead: Hours vary by season and the museum is closed some weekdays, so check before you go. Visit it and the Decoy Museum in the same trip since they're a short walk apart.
🅿️ Free parking
📍 215 Giles Street, Havre de Grace, MD 21078
🦆 Hand-carved duck and goose decoys from the "Decoy Capital of the World"
🪚 Learn how decoys are carved, with carving demos on select weekends
🌅 The upstairs gallery has an incredible display
⏱️ About 45 minutes to an hour, perfect for little attention spans
🛣️ Right on the Promenade, a short walk from Millard Tydings Park
💵 Small admission fee
🅿️ Free parking
📍 131 N. Washington Street, Havre de Grace, MD 21078
🎬 Original costumes and props from Hollywood movies
📚 A huge bookstore with comics, games, music, and more
🆓 Free admission + self-guided
🏙️ Right in downtown, easy to pair with shopping
💎 This is our favorite hidden gem in town!
📍 421 St. John Street, Havre de Grace, MD 21078
🎟️ Reservations are strongly encouraged
🍽️ A menu with delicious options for both kids and adults
✨ Beautiful décor she loves to explore
👗 A dress-up section adds to the experience
💛 The friendliest staff that always go above & beyond to make a visit special
🎉 Party packages available
📚 A short drive to the Havre de Grace Library if you want to add in another indoor option for kids
📍 329 Market Street, Havre de Grace, MD 21078
🍦 Ice cream + a full candy shop
🍒 Homemade ice cream with over 25 flavors
🪑 Ice Cream includes indoor & outdoor seating
🍫 The shop has the best homemade chocolates
🍭 Candy of every kind
💗 This is a Havre de Grace staple and one that is always worth a visit
📌 Plan ahead: The hours are seasonal, so be sure to check prior to visiting.
Take a walk through the Downtown shopping areas to discover unique boutiques, antique shops, home decor, and so much more. These small businesses are the heart of Havre de Grace.
📍 Washington Street, Franklin Street + St. John Street, Havre de Grace, MD 21078
🛍️ Boutiques, gift shops and antique stores along Washington + Franklin Streets
👶 Stroller friendly sidewalks
☕️ Coffee shops along the way
🅿️ Free street parking
A few of our favorites shops include: JoRetro, Found Vintage Co., Joe’s Mercantile, Blue Heron Gifts & boutique, My Gossip Girls Consignment, & Kameron Michael Baby Couture.
Havre de Grace is filled with restaurant options and perfect for either a meal out with kids, or for a date night spot. While we haven’t tried them all, these are a few we love to visit as a family.
Here are our favorite kid-friendly spots to eat in Havre de Grace:
🌊 Promenade Grille
🫖 Bella’s Tea Room
🥪 Vintage Cafe
🦀 Water Street Seafood
🌯 Coakley's
🍔 Kooper’s Saloon
Saving room for dessert? Here are our go-to sweet stops:
🍫 Bomboy's Candy & Ice Cream
🧁 Jamie Bakes
🌸 Les Petits Bisous
📍 Pennington Avenue across from City Hall (711 Pennington Ave), Havre de Grace, MD 21078
🗓️ Every Saturday, May through late December
❄️ Winter market: 1st + 3rd Saturdays, January–April
🍓 Fresh produce, baked goods, flowers, honey and local ice cream
🎨 Local artisans and crafts
🅿️ Free parking nearby
📌 Plan ahead: Go early for the best selection, then head to the library or Tydings Park to make a morning of it.
Havre de Grace hosts events throughout the year, from winter favorites like their Ice Festival and Holly Jolly Parade to seasonal activities like their 4th of July Parade and Extreme Boat Docking.
For the most up-to-date list of what's happening, visit the events calendar at explorehavredegrace.com before you plan your trip.
📸 Be sure to bring the camera, the city is filled with murals that make for the perfect photo opportunity.
🗓️ Planning around the seasons? My Seasonal guides round up family-friendly events across HarCo.
What are the best things to do in Havre de Grace with kids?
Walk the Promenade, play at the nautical playground at Millard Tydings Park, explore the library's play spaces, and visit the Decoy and Maritime Museums. For something active, head to Pirates Cove Family Fun Center, then finish with lunch or dessert at some of our kid-friendly Havre de Grace favorites.
What can you do in Havre de Grace for free?
Walk the Promenade, play on the playground at Millard Tydings Park, watch the trains at David Craig Park, visit the Havre de Grace Library, and enjoy a free day of activities.
What is there to do in Havre de Grace on a rainy day?
The Havre de Grace library has two dedicated kids' play spaces, and Pirates Cove has an arcade, laser tag, and more. Bella's Tea Room, the Decoy Museum, the Maritime Museum, and the Washington Street Books & Entertainment Museum are all great indoor options.
Is the Havre de Grace Promenade stroller friendly?
Yes. It's about half a mile of paved paths and boardwalk, with indoor restrooms along the way.
Where can kids watch trains in Havre de Grace?
At David Craig Park, trains travel overhead.
Where should we eat in Havre de Grace with kids?
Our favorites are Coakley's, Bella’s Tea Room, Promenade Grille, Vintage Cafe, and Water Street Seafood. For dessert, try Bomboy's Candy & Ice Cream, Jamie Bakes, or Les Petits Bisous.
When is the Havre de Grace Farmers Market?
Saturdays from 9 am to 12 pm, May through late December, with a smaller winter market on select Saturdays.
What events happen in Havre de Grace?
The town hosts a variety of family friendly events throughout the year. Check out explorehavredegrace.com for the current calendar.
Is parking free in Havre de Grace?
Street parking downtown is free, though some spots have time limits.
Is Havre de Grace a good place to live?
With waterfront parks, a walkable downtown, and plenty of free kid-friendly spots, Havre de Grace is a family favorite. If you’re thinking about a move, the Tessier Team of eXp Realty can help you find the right home in Harford County and beyond.
