Float, Snap, Repeat: $30 Boat Day & Nature Photo Hunt at Pocomoke State Park

 

If your idea of summer fun includes sunshine, fresh air, a splash of adventure, and your kids squealing, “Look, Mom, a heron!” — then welcome to your next favorite family outing.

This week’s $30 family adventure takes us to the winding waters and wild beauty of Pocomoke River State Park, where you can rent a boat and create your own nature photo safari — all while keeping your wallet happy. For under $30, your whole crew can spend the day paddling, snapping pics, and exploring like river pirates with camera phones.

Let’s break it down.

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📍Where We’re Headed

We're heading back to the Shad Landing area of Pocomoke River State Park, just outside of Snow Hill, Maryland. Only this time, instead of hitting the pool, we’re grabbing paddles and cruising the Pocomoke River, which is lined with gorgeous bald cypress trees and teeming with wildlife.

Seriously, it’s like kayaking through a storybook swamp — in the best way.

You’ll find:

• Canoe, kayak, and pedal boat rentals

• A peaceful launch area (no chaotic waves or speeding boats)

• Easy-to-navigate channels perfect for beginners

• Trails and picnic spots to chill after your ride

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🚣‍♀️ Boat Rental Details

You don’t need a yacht or a fishing license — just $15 and a little arm strength.

🛶 Rental Options:

• Canoes

• Kayaks

• Pedal boats (yes, the fun ones with foot pedals!)

• Rentals typically start around $15 for 30 minutes

• Available at the Shad Landing marina — look for the signs near the camp store

📞 Pro Tip: Call ahead to confirm availability and hours: (410) 632-2566

Want to stretch your ride to a full hour? Rent two boats and switch halfway through — still under budget, still awesome.

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📸 Cue the Nature Photo Hunt!

Now let’s level up your boat ride with a little friendly family competition — a DIY photo scavenger hunt.

Each person gets a phone or disposable camera (or share one and take turns), then try to capture as many of the following as you can:

🎯 Scavenger Hunt Photo List:

• A blue heron

• A turtle on a log

• Water lilies or floating leaves

• A bald cypress with “knees” sticking out of the water

• Reflection selfie in the water

• A dragonfly close-up

• A snail or an interesting rock

• One surprise photo: anything weird or wonderful

Want to spice it up? Make teams: parents vs. kids, siblings vs. siblings. At the end of the day, review your pics during snack time and vote for “Funniest Shot,” “Best Wildlife Pic,” and “Most Dramatic Selfie.”

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🧺 Pack Like a Pro

After your boat ride, your crew’s going to be hungry and maybe a little soggy. Time to break out the snacks!

Bring:

• A cooler with lunch (sandwiches, chips, trail mix)

• Water bottles (LOTS)

• Grapes, oranges, or any fruit that can survive a paddle trip

• Reusable plates/napkins (eco-friendly bonus points!)

• Extra towels, sun hats, bug spray, and sunscreen

👚 Clothes tip: Lightweight shirts and quick-dry shorts = lifesavers. And don’t forget water shoes or sandals that can handle a little mud.

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🎉 More Free Fun Around the Marina

When you’re done boating and snacking, don’t rush off — the Shad Landing side of the park has tons of free stuff to do post-paddle.

Here’s what you’ll find:

• Short walking trails to stretch your legs

• A playground for the kids to run wild

• Shaded picnic areas if you want to rest or read

• Wildlife spotting along the banks (bring those binoculars!)

🐦 Some of our favorite sightings include:

• Blue herons

• Ospreys

• Woodpeckers

• Tiny frogs

• Water snakes (don’t worry — they’re shy!)

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🔗 Handy Links

Planning ahead? Here’s where to click:

• 🌳 Pocomoke River State Park – Official Website

• 📞 Park Contact: (410) 632-2566

• 📍 Google Maps - Shad Landing Marina

💡 There’s also a Park Reservation Portal if you want to combine this day with a future camping night (see Blog 3 for that!).

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🧾 Budget Breakdown

Item	Cost
Boat rental (30 mins x 2)	$30 total
DIY lunch/snacks	$0
Gas roundtrip	~$5–10
TOTAL	$30 or less! 🎉

Want to mix it up? Do 1 boat ride + post-paddle ice cream in Snow Hill — also fits the budget and adds a sweet ending to the day.

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🧒 Why Kids Love It

This trip checks all the kid-approved boxes:

• Feels like a real adventure without long car rides

• They get to steer something (!)

• Endless opportunities for splashing, pretending, and spotting animals

• No screens, but zero boredom

📣 Real quote from a 7-year-old: “I saw a bird with legs like a dinosaur and it pooped in the water! BEST. DAY. EVER.”

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👏 Why You’ll Love It

You’re outside, your kids are unplugged and totally engaged, and you didn’t have to spend $100 to make it happen. That’s a win.

Plus, being out on the river? It’s peaceful. Like… actually peaceful. You can hear the wind in the trees and the soft slap of paddles in the water. It’s the kind of quiet that makes you feel recharged, even with kids in tow.

And when you scroll back through your photos that night? You’ll see it — the sun on their faces, the goofy life jacket grins, and the wild joy of discovery.

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🚗 Let’s Do This

Here’s your checklist for the perfect day:

✅ Call the park to confirm boat rentals

✅ Pack lunch, water, and gear

✅ Create your scavenger hunt list

✅ Charge phones or cameras

✅ Don’t forget dry clothes and a towel

✅ Bring the adventure attitude!

Big Splash Energy: Your Family’s $6 Pool Day at Shad Landing

Okay, listen — if you’ve been Googling “cheap family fun” while staring at your wallet and your kids’ wild energy levels, stop right now. I’ve got you. This summer, we’re keeping the good times rolling without draining the bank account — starting with one of my favorite local gems: Shad Landing Pool at Pocomoke River State Park in Snow Hill.

Yes, you read that right — just $6 gets up to five people into the pool for a full day of splashy, shady, sun-soaked fun. So grab your towels, pack some sandwiches, and get ready to make some low-budget, high-vibe memories.

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🌲 First, What’s Shad Landing?

Picture this: towering pine trees, the sounds of birds chirping, the smell of sunscreen and charcoal grills, and a sparkling blue pool just waiting for cannonballs and handstands.

Shad Landing is part of Pocomoke River State Park, and it’s tucked away just south of downtown Snow Hill, Maryland. It’s easy to miss if you’re flying by on Route 113 — but you’re going to want to make a stop. This place has:

• A legit outdoor swimming pool

• Picnic pavilions and shaded tables

• A fun little playground

• Nature trails and wildlife peeks

• Plenty of parking and clean restrooms

And again: six. bucks. total. You can’t even get fries for that anymore.

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🏊‍♀️ Pool Vibes: What to Expect

This isn’t a waterpark — there are no slides or wave machines. But honestly, that’s the magic. The pool is big, well-kept, and never too packed. It has:

• A shallow entry for littles who just want to splash

• Deeper sections for your confident swimmers

• Plenty of room to float, practice handstands, or just chill

• Lifeguards (yes, you can relax a little)

• Big trees that throw perfect shade for those midday breaks

📍 Where:

Shad Landing Pool, Pocomoke River State Park

3461 Worcester Hwy, Snow Hill, MD 21863

📞 Call ahead for pool hours or closures: (410) 632-2566

💡 Heads up: They’re usually open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and hours are roughly 11 AM – 6 PM, but call first just in case.

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🧺 Picnic Time, Baby!

Let’s talk lunch. The best thing you can do is pack your own and post up at one of the shaded picnic tables near the pool. There’s something about eating outside that just makes even PB&J taste gourmet.

Picnic Ideas That Travel Well:

• Wraps + chips + fruit kabobs

• DIY lunchables (crackers, cheese, turkey)

• Pasta salad + watermelon slices

• Juice boxes + cookies + wet wipes (don’t forget the wet wipes!)

Pro tip: Let your kids help “design the menu” the night before — they’ll be weirdly excited about it. And if you want to go all out, bring a little tablecloth and set up your lunch like a backyard café in the woods.

🎉 Bonus: If you come early and snag a grill, you can go full BBQ mode. Just don’t forget matches and charcoal.

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🤸 Playground Power

Next to the pool is a sweet little playground with slides, swings, and enough open space to keep the after-lunch wiggles at bay.

This is prime territory for:

• Tag

• Sidewalk chalk art

• Scavenger hunts

• Cloud watching while you digest your sandwich

And if you’re feeling brave, try organizing a family-wide water balloon toss. Bring a couple of filled balloons in your cooler and see who survives longest without getting soaked.

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📸 Say Cheese: DIY Memory-Making

You don’t need a fancy camera to get Instagram-worthy memories from this trip. Just snap your favorite moments on your phone and try these fun photo challenges:

• Capture a group “splash pic” mid-air

• Everyone finds something blue and takes a pic with it

• Kids do silly poses with pool noodles

• Nature close-ups — pinecones, frogs, flowers, you name it

Or give each kid a theme: “Take five pictures of round things” or “Show me summer in three photos.” Let them be creative and share their gallery over dinner.

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🧽 What to Bring (Trust Me)

Don’t overpack, but don’t under-pack either. You’ll be glad you tossed these in the bag:

• Swimsuits + towels (bring extra if you can)

• Flip flops or water shoes

• Change of clothes

• Sunscreen (apply and reapply, people)

• Bug spray (especially if you’re hanging out past 4 PM)

• A small cooler with lunch/snacks

• Water bottles

• A Bluetooth speaker for good vibes (keep volume neighbor-friendly)

And maybe — just maybe — bring a book for yourself. You might actually get 15 minutes to read it.

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🐦 Optional Add-On: Nature Trail Stroll

If your crew’s still got energy after swimming and snacks, take a short walk on one of Shad Landing’s nearby trails. You don’t need hiking boots — just curiosity. You’ll spot:

• Turtles sunning themselves

• Birds like herons and ospreys

• Tons of cool tree shapes and funky mushrooms

Bring a nature bingo card or just let your kids go wild spotting weird bugs and pretending they’re explorers.

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💰 Budget Breakdown: Yes, You Can Do This

Thing	Cost
Pool admission (up to 5 people)	$6
Packed lunch	Free (from your fridge!)
Gas (roundtrip est.)	$10
Extra snacks/treats	$5–10
TOTAL	$21–$26 ✔️ under $30!

You could even hit the camp store on-site and let each kid pick a $1 souvenir or treat if there’s room in the budget.

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🎉 Why This Trip Wins

Look, not every day needs to be a big blowout. Sometimes, the best memories come from simple days: wet hair, peanut butter sandwiches, and the smell of sunscreen on a sleepy car ride home.

This $6 pool day delivers all of that and more. It’s an easy “yes” when you need to get out of the house, burn off energy, and feel like the summer parent hero you are — without dropping a paycheck at a theme park.

So next time your kids are bouncing off the walls and you’re tempted to Google “indoor trampoline place + coupons,” just remember: Shad Landing has your back.

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👉 Ready for more $30 days of summer magic? Stick around — next up: we’re renting boats, chasing birds with our cameras, and turning the river into a floating photo safari.

Let me know when you’re ready for Blog 2: “Float, Snap, Repeat” — I’ll have it ready with the same tone, links, and family-friendly flair.

Sunscreen, Water Bottles, and Smiles: Getting Your Child Ready for Summer Fun

Summer is right around the corner, and here at Night Watch Childcare Center, we’re already buzzing with excitement! As temperatures climb and days get longer, it's time to prepare our little ones for a season full of sun, play, and outdoor adventure.

But with great fun comes great responsibility—especially when it comes to keeping our children safe and comfortable. Whether you’re sending your child to daycare, summer camp, or just planning family outings, a little preparation goes a long way.

🧴 Sunscreen is non-negotiable. Make it a habit to apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher before your child leaves home. We reapply here as needed, but an early start helps protect delicate skin right away.

💧 Hydration is key. Please send a labeled water bottle with your child every day. Even on cooler summer mornings, children burn lots of energy outdoors and need consistent water breaks to stay energized and focused.

🧢 Dress for the season. Loose, light-colored clothing and wide-brimmed hats help kids stay cool and reduce sun exposure. And don’t forget closed-toe shoes—they’re a must for active outdoor play.

🏖️ Pack smart. A change of clothes, swimwear (on water play days), and any special items like sunglasses or towels can make a big difference in your child’s comfort and enjoyment.

As we dive into our summer activities—think outdoor science experiments, splash pad play, and beach-themed learning—you can rest easy knowing your child is safe, prepared, and having a blast.

At Night Watch Childcare Center, we make summer safe, exciting, and full of learning. Contact us today to learn more about our seasonal programs or to enroll your child for a summer filled with sunshine and discovery!

Grow Something Good: How to Start a Garden with EBT

Gardening might sound intimidating at first, but hear us out—it can be easy, fun, and budget-friendly. Whether you live in an apartment with a sunny windowsill or have a backyard that’s begging for veggies, spring is the perfect time to plant something new. And did you know you can actually use your EBT card to buy seeds, plants, and even some gardening supplies?

Why Start a Garden?

• Healthier Meals: Fresh produce at your fingertips.

• Save Money: A $1 packet of seeds can yield pounds of food.

• Family Fun: Gardening teaches patience, responsibility, and science—all while being fun.

What You Can Buy with EBT

According to USDA guidelines, EBT can be used to purchase:

• Seeds (like tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, herbs)

• Plants that produce food (like strawberries, onions, yams)

• Some growing tools and starter kits through online retailers

Yes, even Amazon allows you to use SNAP benefits on certain gardening products. (Search “SNAP EBT eligible garden kit” on Amazon.)

Where to Start

• Windowsill Garden: Basil, cilantro, mint, and parsley thrive indoors.

• Container Garden: Great for small spaces. Use buckets, crates, or grow bags on patios.

• Raised Beds or Ground Plots: If you have space, these provide high yield and low maintenance.

Get the Kids Involved

Let them:

• Water the plants daily

• Decorate plant markers

• Use AI like ChatGPT to create new recipes from their harvest

• Help make veggie soup, herbal dips, or smoothies

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Dig into something new this season!
Subscribe to the blog and swing by Owl’s Nest Learning Hub for family-friendly activities—some totally free—that connect your kids to nature and nourish your table.

April Showers, No Problem: Indoor Family Fun Near You

Rainy days don’t have to mean boredom. When the sky clouds over and the splash pad is closed, there are still countless ways to keep your family engaged, curious, and laughing. Here are a few of our favorite rainy-day adventures that are perfect for spring and beyond.

1. Delmarva Discovery Museum – Pocomoke City

This hands-on children’s museum is an educational dream for curious minds. Exhibits explore local wildlife, waterways, and historical themes. Kids can crawl through a giant beaver dam, explore marine tanks, and even participate in interactive activities designed to engage all five senses.

2. Planet Maze & Lasertron – Ocean City

Not just for the older kids—this place has fun for everyone. They often run all-you-can-play specials that include:

• Unlimited laser tag

• Mini golf

• Arcade time

It’s a great way to burn energy and bond as a family, especially when the beach is off-limits.

3. Salisbury Mall Play Area

While the mall has seen better days, the play area near the Rainbow store remains a hidden gem for parents of toddlers. Bonus: The food court is growing! Try something new for lunch and let the kids blow off steam before heading home for naptime.

4. Owl’s Nest Learning Hub Play Blocks

Did you know you can drop in for a two-hour play session at the Owl’s Nest Learning Hub? Kids can enjoy curated activities and engaging toys, while you sip on coffee and connect with other parents. It’s a cozy, social space where your little one can learn through play and you can take a moment to recharge.

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Rain or shine, let us help you make the most of your days!

Subscribe to the blog and visit Owl’s Nest Learning Hub for play blocks, workshops, and fun indoor ideas your whole family will love.

Spring Adventures in Hidden Corners of Salisbury

As spring begins to bloom, there's something magical about stepping outside and feeling the sun warm your face. The fresh scent of budding flowers, the chorus of birds overhead, and the way kids come alive when they're running free—spring is a reminder that adventure doesn’t require plane tickets or pricey attractions. Sometimes, it’s waiting right in your backyard.

While many families frequent the well-known parks and playgrounds around the Eastern Shore, there are some lesser-known gems that offer rich experiences—without the crowds. Whether you're planning a family day out or just need a new place to clear your mind, these hidden corners of Salisbury and surrounding areas are perfect for tapping into the magic of spring.

1. Pemberton Historical Park

Pemberton Park is more than just a venue for local festivals. While the wide-open fields and historic Pemberton Hall are the main draws, the forest trails tucked beyond them offer something special. Wind through canopies of tall trees, cross charming wooden bridges, and listen to the babbling of quiet creeks. The trail unfolds into a peaceful meadow and, if you continue, leads to a serene spot by the water—perfect for watching the sunset.

Pro tip: Bring a flashlight or head back before dark. The woods get very quiet—and very dark—once the sun dips below the trees.

2. The Salisbury Marina on Riverside Drive

This marina, right across from Night Watch Childcare, is a hidden sanctuary. Often empty and always peaceful, it’s the ideal spot for families who enjoy fishing, feeding ducks, or just sitting by the water. Bring a snack, roll down the windows, and enjoy the salty breeze. Some of the best sunsets in town can be seen here—no crowds, just calm.

3. Unity Square and the Downtown Park Crawl

Downtown Salisbury has grown into a surprisingly vibrant area for families, especially in the warmer months.

• Unity Square Splash Pad: The lights, the music, the cool water—it’s like a mini-vacation for your little ones. Go in the evening for a relaxed vibe, maybe after grabbing ice cream nearby.

• The Edible Garden: Behind the old Marketplace Bookstore, this hidden edible community garden invites visitors to learn and taste. On some days, you can even lend a hand weeding or harvesting. It’s a wholesome way to connect with the earth and each other.

• Mini Park by the Library: Follow the path past Market Street and discover a quirky mini-park near the library with cornhole games and picnic space. It’s a great stop during your downtown crawl.

You don’t need a fancy plan—just a blanket, a ball, or a bubble wand can create memories your children will never forget.

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Ready for more family-friendly fun?

Subscribe to our blog for weekly inspiration and don’t forget to check out the Owl’s Nest Learning Hub for even more fun and cost-efficient (and some free!) activities for your family.

Homeschooling & Family Learning—Turning Goals into Lessons

Homeschooling isn’t just about academics—it’s about shaping well-rounded, resourceful kids who understand real-world applications of their education.

Incorporate Family Goals into Learning

If your family goal is to buy a home, let your kids help budget. If you’re saving for a business, teach them about entrepreneurship through small projects.

Real-World Lessons

Use financial planning, community service, and even planning a family reunion as educational experiences. These activities teach critical thinking, organization, and leadership.

The Benefits of Customized Education

Homeschooling allows parents to tailor learning to their children’s strengths and interests, making education more engaging and impactful.

Whether you homeschool full-time or incorporate learning into everyday life, involving kids in family goals builds confidence and responsibility. Need a supportive environment to work on your homeschooling journey? Join us at the Owls’ Nest Learning Hub for resources, community, and encouragement!