Columbia's lakefront playgrounds, a nature center with a toddler-friendly discovery room, and Howard County farms minutes away.
Clark's Elioak Farm
Ellicott City · Howard · Petting farm / pumpkin patch
OutdoorSeasonal- Ages: 1+ (under 1 free)
- Cost: $13 weekends (incl. hay wagon), $8 weekdays
- Hours/season: Sep 19–Nov 8, 2026; 10am–5:30pm Sat–Sun, 10am–5pm weekdays
Official site →Robinson Nature Center
Columbia · Howard · Nature center
IndoorOutdoor- Ages: Under 3 free
- Cost: Adults $5, kids 3–17 $3
- Hours/season: Official county page lists both Tue–Sun 9am–5pm and Wed–Sat 9am–5pm / Sun noon–5pm (parking gates); call 410-313-0400
Official site →Howard County Conservancy – Mt. Pleasant
Woodstock · Howard · Trails / nature center
OutdoorFree- Ages: All ages
- Cost: Free trails
- Hours/season: Trails sunrise–sunset; nature center Mon–Sat 9am–3pm
Official site →Vivian C. "Millie" Bailey Park (Lakefront)
Columbia · Howard · Playground
OutdoorFree- Ages: All ages
- Cost: Free
- Stroller/access: Ramp access
- Hours/season: Open daily
Official site →Blandair Regional Park (Laura's Place playground)
Columbia · Howard · Playground
OutdoorFree- Ages: All ages
- Cost: Free
- Stroller/access: ADA-compliant playground
- Hours/season: Open daily
Official site →HCLS 'Time For Us: Toddler Play & Learn'
Howard County · Howard · Library program
IndoorFree- Ages: 18–35 months with adult
- Cost: Free; tickets required
- Hours/season: Fri Oct 16, 2026, 10:30am
Official site →