For a smaller state, there are numerous waterparks and amusement parks in Maryland that serve as perfect venues for fun and educational field trips, end-of-the-year class parties and graduation celebrations. From award-winning theme parks like Six Flags America and Jolly Roger Amusement Park to lesser-known but just as thrilling destinations like Urban Trampoline & Adventure Park, these exciting places welcome student groups in all grades.
Amusement parks in Maryland range from the typical theme parks and waterparks to more focused spaces like adventure and trampoline parks. In addition, many cater to students with educational programs and learning opportunities that cover science, technology, engineering and physics. Students in kindergarten through high school will also gain critical thinking and problem-solving skills, including chances to partake in team-building activities.
1. Six Flags America
Largo
Opportunities for All Grades
- Math
- Science
- Physics
- Team building
- Critical thinking skills
- Problem-solving techniques
Six Flags America is a 170-acre amusement park in Maryland that includes a waterpark and more than 100 rides, exciting shows, one-of-a-kind attractions and educational programs for students in middle through high school. Enriching Educational Field Trip Experiences at Six Flags include team-building activities and educational programs focusing on math, science and physics. Workbooks are also available to enhance the experience.
Hurricane Harbor is part of Six Flags America at an additional cost. If your group chooses to explore this exceptional waterpark in Maryland, there are numerous adventures for all ages here. Group-friendly rides include Tornado, an exhilarating four-person rafting adventure from seven stories up where groups fly down through a body-twisting water tunnel.
2. Jolly Roger Park®
Ocean City
Opportunities for All Grades
- Team building
- Problem-solving techniques
- Critical thinking
Jolly Roger Park®, an enormous beachside amusement park in Maryland, comprises SpeedWorld®, Splash Mountain Water Park, Jolly Roger Mini Golf®, Jolly Roger at 30th Street® and Jolly Roger at the Pier®. Student group experiences at these parks include friendly competitions that utilize critical thinking and problem-solving skills during speedway races, rounds of mini-golf and other fun games.
3. Splash Mountain Water Park
Ocean City
Opportunities for All Grades
- Host fun graduation parties, end-of-the-year celebrations and class achievement festivities
Splash Mountain is the largest waterpark in Ocean City, Maryland. It features fun water activities for all ages, including adults. Complimentary life jackets are available in all sizes to use throughout the park for guests.
High school students shouldn’t miss an opportunity to ride the Aqualoop at Splash Mountain, voted the #1 waterslide in the country by Popular Mechanics and one of the premier “Summer Thrills” by Travel Channel. The state-of-the-art 360-degree enclosed waterslide is the only one of its kind on the East Coast, sending riders shooting down a 480-foot water tunnel into the pool below.
4. The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring
Sandy Spring
Opportunities for All Grades
- Hands-on learning
- Leadership skills
- Build self-confidence
- Team building
- Problem-solving techniques
The Adventure Park is a great venue in Maryland to host field trips for students ages five and older. Groups can choose from participating in activities in the Aerial Forest and Adventure Axes.
Student trip planners and educators can reserve their school field trip experience, which includes three hours of climbing and ziplining complete with 40 minutes of safety briefings. Your group will also have picnic tables reserved for the duration of and an hour after your activity. For students not fond of heights, axe throwing is a great activity for guests twelve years and older.
5. Adventure Park USA
Monrovia
Opportunities for All Grades
- Team building
- Problem-solving techniques
- Critical thinking skills
School trip planners and educators can book a field trip package that includes four hours of dynamic indoor attractions, with outside attractions available seasonally and weather permitting, exhilarating rides, games and activities.
Field trip groups can explore the West World Laser Tag for fun, team competitions, Spinzone Bumper Cars, a multi-platform Ropes Course for challenging team problem-solving opportunities, Mini-Bowling, an exciting Rock Wall and more.
6. Glen Echo Park
Glen Echo
Opportunities for All Grades
- Local history
- Carousel history
- Civil Rights protest at the park in 1960
This unique amusement park in Maryland provides outstanding learning opportunities for students in kindergarten through high school. Take the Carousel Tour led by knowledgeable park staff and ascertain the difference between a carousel and a merry-go-round, along with how and why carousels are protected by the National Park Service (NPS). Take a dynamic Park History Tour where students can understand Glen Echo’s ties to the NPS, and hear about the intriguing history of Glen Echo and the Crystal Pool.
Educational Films include “Carousel 100th Anniversary: Glen Echo Park Dentzel Carousel Tour,” “Glen Echo on the Potomac: A Film Documentary,” “Carousel of Memories,” and a “Civil Rights Video,” a five-minute short showcasing the Civil Rights protests of 1960 that occurred at the park.
7. Launch Trampoline Park Prince George’s County
Capitol Heights
Opportunities for All Ages
- Problem-solving techniques
- Team building
Spend an active day of fun at Launch, a premier trampoline and amusement park in Maryland suitable for all ages and abilities. This trampoline park is unique in that it offers groups state-of-the-art attractions in addition to enormous trampolines. Field trip groups can book an event with friendly staff who can customize the experience for your class’s needs.
The Ninja Course, available for all skill levels, tests students’ agility and quick-thinking skills. Obstacles like a spider wall, trapeze, and swinging monkey bars add fun to the challenge. The Rockwall challenges guests to use problem-solving skills in a real-world setting. Laser Tage, Sports Court, and Ropes Course are a few more of the fantastic activities at Launch.
8. Urban Air Trampoline & Adventure Park
Numerous locations state-wide
Opportunities for All Grades
- Team building
- Enhance motor and sensory skills
- Relationship building
Engage students’ minds and bodies with a field trip to an Urban Air Trampoline & Adventure Park in Maryland. Groups can partake in team-building activities like the Warrior Course Challenge and obstacle course that tests strength, agility and teamwork. The climbing walls encourage students to use problem-solving techniques in a hands-on environment. Many other activities throughout the numerous trampoline amusement parks in Maryland are available for student groups.
Let’s face it—trampolines are a fun way for kids and teens to exercise and expend pent-up energy—especially after sitting in a classroom for months. Let your students relieve the stress of studying for exams and everyday problems, help boost their confidence, and promote physical activity, which is especially fun with friends.
9. Sky Zone
Numerous locations state-wide
Opportunities for All Grades
- Team building
- Enhance motor and sensory skills
- Relationship building
Sky Zone offers school groups numerous active opportunities at their patented, all-trampoline, walled playing courts. Kindergarten through high school students can engage in team-building activities, sensory play and fun challenges to test their physical fitness by competing in Ultimate Dodgeball or Skyjoust competitions.
Sky Zone offers special rates for large group activities of 10 or more for jump time. They also have event space for rent for even larger parties. They also provide fundraising opportunities at their facilities, perfect for a unique fundraising idea.
10. Sun Outdoors Frontier Town
Berlin, MD
Opportunities for All Grades
- Western culture
- Team building
Sun Outdoors Frontier Town is a Western-themed amusement and water park just outside of Ocean City. Groups can camp in a number of ways, including tent camping, RV sites, vacation homes and cabins, and covered wagons. Students can explore park amenities like miniature golf for friendly competition, kayaking, boating and fishing. Test agility and motor skills at the Go Ape! Ropes Course, a one-of-a-kind soaring experience. Students can also enjoy Western Experiences, from staged bank hold-ups and robberies to jailbreaks and Native American dances. The 1800s replica Western town is an authentic display of life during the 19th century.
The Frontier Town Water Park features a lazy river, splash pad, five twisting tunnel waterslides and interactive water tables and water cannons. Additionally, several frontier eateries include the Golden Nugget Saloon and the Lazy River Saloon for lunch options to satisfy the entire group.
By Heather Dale
