OUR First Summer

I have so much wanted a summer baby and then when I found out that I was due in July, I was so glad. Our LO being so small we could not do much during previous summer. So this year we were so determined to enjoy it fullest without missing a single opportunity in gorgeous weather. And it turned out to be the best summer so far. We realized how much we could enjoy those little outings when our daughter also had so much fun. I have tried to summerize all our outings in this post.

Parks

We love strolling around parks. It was good exercise for us, DD would sit quietly in a stroller and let us talk :). And we are blessed with several of them in our area.

Arora hills park

This is the park we visited the most. It is opened recently and very close to our place. Swings, slides, taking a walk and sometimes finishing her dinner in picnic area.

Adventure playground

The best park we have ever been to. They have everything for all age groups.

Waring Station

Been there only couple of times especially after grocery as it is just few minute from grocery store. Did not like it much though

Mosseum lot

It's part of adventure playground mainly for small babies. This is the very first park I took her. And she thoroughly enjoyed her first swing ride.

Ridge Road Park

Close to home and perfect for long walks

Black Hill Regional Park

We enjoyed long walks at lakeside in this park. They have playarea and quite many picnic shelters as well. They also offer boating.

Frederick

When we got tired of parks in our area we ventured in nearby towns. Playing and splashing in Baker Park followed by dinner in downtown make just the perfect evening.

Rockville

Heard about it online. It's bigger version of Arora Hills Park and with so many picnic areas and train ride. Train runs every half an hour and you feel as if you are passing through woods. Where kids can actually see deer.

Wheaton

Carousal and Train ride

Outdoor Restaurants

When we were tired of parks and wanted a break from routine, we would go to nearby restaurants mostly on weekdays to avoid crowd. We mostly chose restaurants with outdoor sitting if weather allowed. So she would enjoy surrounding and let us eat ;).

Panera Bread, Baja Fresh, Chipottle, CPK and Green Turtle became our favorites.

Then there were these special outings that required a bit of planning since I wouldn't dare to deviate from her nap and meal time.

Brookside Gardens

Located about 20 minute from our place in Wheaton, it offers several small gardens on various themes. They also have Live Butterfly Exhibit. We can stroll around easily for couple of hours.

Butler's Orchard

It's a farm that offers fresh fruits picking throughout summer. Try to reach as early as you can and it would be fun for all ages. Our LO loved the trailer ride.

National Harbor

You can spend almost an entire day at this place. Kids can play in sand and in carousal area. Then you can tale cruise and spend time at other side. Try to be there around 4th July and take a cruise in the night so you can also enjoy spectacular fireworks.

Rio

The most convenient and happening place. Enjoy train ride, boating, cinema and end your evening with fantastic dinner at one of the restaurants.

Great Falls Park

Perfect for one day picnic. Enjoy falls, take pictures, take a long walk or just have a bbq get together.

Water Parks

Montgomery County offers several water parks at reasonable rates. We have to ones in Germantown and Gaithersburg. They also come with mini golf. And when you do not have to drive that far, local community pool always helps.

Broom Bloom Dairy

Enjoy your hot evening with local homemade ice creams. They have a big sitting area in open where you can eat while kids enjoy playing.

Cherry Blossom

People come from all over USA to Washington DC to see the Pink Beauty. But it's not wise to travel with a baby. Alternatively, you can visit Kenwood. A posh suburb of MD offers the same beauty without hassle of commute, traffic and parking. You have ample of time to take photos without other people poking in the background.

Kite Festival

Indian Community along with National Museum hold Kite Flying Festival once a year in DC. Buy your kites and teach your kids how to fly. Have lunch at your favorite restaurants in downtown.

South Mountain Creamery

Plan a trip with friends so they can offer a guided tour. Kids would love to see sheep, dogs, goats and most importantly, cows. There are hundreds of  them and you get to see milking process as well. Enjoy their local cheese, ice cream and other farm products. However, they do not have picnic area, benches or sheltered area. So avoid when it is extremely hot.

And when rain or extreme hot weather limit your outings, there are always malls' play area and indoor train ride, Chuck E Cheese and Library.