Children's Activities in Frederick, Maryland

Children's Theatre

Frederick is a city filled with a thriving arts scene --- catering to both adults and children. The Fun Company is a children's theatre group operating out of the Maryland Ensemble Theatre (MET) and the Cultural Arts Center --- both located in downtown Frederick. Bring your child or a group of children to a Fun Company production or look for traveling company members to bring these presentations to local elementary and middle schools. In December 2010, parents and kids enjoyed a vibrant, child-friendly production of "Hansel and Gretel." The Fun Company produces four children's shows per season.

Take children on a historical tour of Rose Hill Manor. Built in 1746, the famous mansion once belonging to Thomas Johnson, Maryland's first governor, is filled with colonial history. Allow children to explore the historic architecture, slave quarters, antique barns, log cabin and vast perimeter of the manor's land. As of January 2011, Rose Hill Manor representatives also encourage families and children to send in group photographs and personal letters recounting their enjoyment during the visit and any special facts they learned while traveling through the manor. Group tours are available by calling at least a day in advance.

Bring your child to a professional minor league baseball game at Harry Grove Stadium. Home of the Frederick Keys, Harry Grove Stadium is located inside the city limits and includes many activities for children and teens. Door prizes are often offered to children upon entrance at the field's gates and face painting and video games are located on the concourse. Children also interact with Keyote, the Frederick Keys mascot. Firework displays are a special feature after ballgames during July and August and children are allowed to run on the field following every game to cap off the event.

Encourage your children to explore their artistic side by engaging in various art lessons. The Delaplaine Visual Arts Education Center offers a wide variety of child-centered classes --- from teaching kids about the basic components of woodworking to instructing them in the basic skills of painting and sculpture. Weekday and weekend classes are available. Additionally, the MET hosts numerous acting, writing and improvisational comedy classes for children. Class instructors teach students the fundamentals of dramatic arts, incorporating a plethora of activities --- from scene work to improvisation games --- to help build and develop a child's skill, confidence and creativity.