Things That Go: A Local Mom’s Guide to Trains, Planes + More
Flying Into Adventure
Like most kids, my daughter loves all things that go. Over the years, her interests have gone from planes and trains, to boats and firetrucks, leading me to search for the best places where she could experience them up close.
In this guide, you'll find our go-to spots for watching planes take off, riding historic trains, spotting boats along the water, and even climbing aboard real fire trucks. These are the places that give kids the chance to match their interests with hands-on experiences and create unforgettable memories.
Every location in this guide is one we've visited ourselves. The photos and details are all from our own experiences, so you can feel confident knowing what to expect before you go.
If you visit one of these spots, tag us on Instagram! I love seeing your adventures and hearing which locations become your family's favorites.
AngeBrowse 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.
-
-
-
-
-
-
Airville, PA:Ma & Pa Railroad
Churchville, MD:Harford County Airport
Dover, DE:Air Mobility Command Museum
Glen Burnie, MD:Thomas A. Dixon Airport Observation Area
Havre de Grace, MD:David Craig Park; Millard Tydings Park
Joppa, MD:Mariner Point Park
Lutherville, MD:Fire Museum of Maryland
New Freedom, PA:Northern Central Railway
Port Deposit, MD:Marina Park
Ronks, PA:Strasburg Railroad
I’ve shared this spot for years on my social media and for a reason. It’s such a fun & free way to see planes up close, right here in HarCo.
📍 3538 Aldino Road, Churchville, MD 21028
💵 Free to visit
✈️ Watch the planes land and take off
🛝 Small playground next to observation area
🌤️ Good weather days with little to no wind are best
🪂 An added bonus is also watching the skydivers at the neighboring hangar
By far my daughter’s favorite spot! Watching the “big planes” up close is such a thrill and the neighboring playground make this an adventure everyone needs to try.
📍 1911 Dorsey Road, Glen Burnie, MD 21061
💵 Free to visit
✈️ Watch the planes land and take off from BWI
🛝 Playground located next to the viewing area
🥾 Paved trails throughout the park
📝 Plan ahead: small parking area that fills quickly on weekends, planes only use this runway when there are winds from the N or NW, and the planes are loud, so if your littles are sensitive to sound, bring headphones along
When you’re headed to the beach this summer, add this as a stop on the way. Free to visit, their collection of aircraft is unlike anything we’ve ever experienced.
📍 1301 Heritage Road, Dover AFB, DE 19902
💵 Free to visit
✈️ Explore a huge variety of military planes
🏛️ Indoor exhibits to explore
🙋 Volunteers that make the tour so memorable
📝 Plan ahead: the museum has its own dedicated entrance off Route 9, you cannot access it through the main Dover Air Force Base gate, so follow signs for the museum entrance specifically
A family tradition, we love visiting this local train station and all that they provide to make sure you get the full authentic experience. This is a great year-round option with events that cater to every age.
📍 117 N. Front Street, New Freedom, PA 17349
🚂 Year-round train rides
🛤 Themed kid-friendly events like princess rides, story times, and more
🍂 A fall foliage ride that is beautiful
🎅 My personal favorite, their Santa Express (honestly the best experience!)
🙋 Volunteers add to the fun, and their station makes everything feel authentic
Arguably the most well-known train rides, this is more than just a train station, but instead an entire town dedicated to a love of trains.
📍 301 Gap Road, Ronks, PA 17572
🚂 Scenic train rides through Lancaster County
🎉 Seasonal + holiday train experiences throughout the year
🛝 Station area includes a playground, live entertainment, shops, + places to grab a snack
🛤 Easy to pair with nearby attractions like the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, Choo Choo Barn, + the National Toy Train Museum
📝 Plan ahead: Purchase tickets in advance, especially for weekends + holiday events
If you want something a bit more unique, the open-air train ride through the fall foliage is something worth experiencing. Volunteers add to the adventure making it feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
📍 1258 Muddy Creek Forks Road, Airville, PA 17302
🚂 Ride aboard an open-air motorcar
🌳 A peaceful ride with opportunities to spot wildlife along the way
🏘 Explore the historic Heritage Village, including the restored mill, general store, caboose, and other preserved railroad buildings
🙋 Friendly volunteers bring the railroad's history to life
📝 Plan ahead: Train rides operate on select dates and special events, so purchase tickets in advance and check the event calendar before visiting
Right at the entrance to downtown Havre de Grace is a little park that holds a big adventure. The Amtrak trains are so fun to watch overhead and the waterfront views are perfect for a relaxing experience.
📍 599 N. Union Avenue, Havre de Grace, MD 21078
💵 Free to visit
🚂 Located under an Amtrak bridge, this one is always a thrill
🌊 Sandy waterfront trail - conditions vary
📚 Located in downtown Havre de Grace making it great to add it in a trip to the library, playground, and a walk along the promenade
There is so much to love about Mariner Point Park, but one of the things that makes it extra special is the boat launch. With boats of all sizes, watching them take off is so cool.
📍 100 Kearney Drive, Joppa, MD 21085
💵 Free to visit
🚤 A boat launch area at the front of the park is perfect for getting a glimpse of the boats
🥾 The park includes paved walking trails, two playgrounds, and waterfront access
📚 Add a stop into the Joppa Library for an additional free activity
While most of Havre de Grace is filled with waterfront views, this local park & playground adds to the excitement with a view of the neighboring marina. Make it a full adventure with a trip to the playground, a walk on the promenade, and a stop at the local library.
📍 908 S Washington St, Havre de Grace, MD 21078
💵 Free to visit
🚤 Multiple viewpoints for seeing boats enter + leave the marina
🛝 A playground area overlooks the marina
⚓️ Connected to the Havre de Grace promenade, so perfect for adding in a walk
While one of the smaller parks on this list, Marina Park still offers some excitement. Located next to Tomes Marina, you can watch them load and unload boats using their forklifts.
📍 160 S Main Street, Port Deposit, MD 21904
💵 Free to visit
🚤 Located next to Tomes Marina, this one is extra fun as you can watch them load and unload boats with their forklifts
🛝 The park has a small playground area
🌊 Pier to walk out onto for a better view
🍽️ Add in a stop to Lee's Landing Dock Bar/Restaurant for lunch or dinner (playground included)
In my opinion, this is one of Baltimore County’s best hidden gems. The museum is filled with antique fire equipment, interactive features, and offers a kids play room.
📍 1301-R York Road, Lutherville, MD 21093
🎟️ Admission required - find current admission prices on the museum's website
🚒 Explore one of the largest collections of historic fire engines and firefighting equipment in the country
🧑🚒 Kids can climb aboard a vintage fire truck, dress up in child-sized firefighter gear, and enjoy hands-on activities in the Children's Discovery Room
🔥 Learn about the history of firefighting through interactive exhibits, antique fire apparatus, and the Great Baltimore Fire of 1904
🅿️ Free on-site parking
If you have littles that love firetrucks, you have to check our the Open House events our local fire stations host every fall. Completely free to visit, there are options throughout the county.
🚒 Every October, our local volunteer fire departments host Open House events that encourage kids to learn all about fire safety and the equipment that keeps our community safe.
👨🏽🚒 Kids can climb aboard real fire trucks, watch live demonstrations, and meet the local firefighters who serve our community.
📱 Follow your local Harford County volunteer fire company's social media each fall for exact dates and details.
