Pumpkin Patch Adventures in Salisbury & Wicomico County

 

When families search for child care in Salisbury MD or family activities in the fall, one of the best things you can recommend is a trip to a local pumpkin patch. Pumpkin patches aren’t just about finding the perfect pumpkin—they’re about creating memories, enjoying fresh air, and letting kids burn off energy in safe outdoor spaces.

Adkins Farm Market: A Community Tradition

Located right here in Salisbury, Adkins Farm Market has been a go-to spot for decades. Families who trust local child care centers often head here on weekends for hayrides, pumpkin picking, and a variety of outdoor mazes. Adkins is famous for having more than 80 different types of gourds and pumpkins. Whether your child is looking for a tiny pumpkin for painting or a giant one for carving, Adkins has it.

Their mazes are a hit with children of all ages. There’s a corn maze for big kids, a rope maze for explorers, and even a straw maze for toddlers. For parents balancing work, school schedules, and child care needs, Adkins provides an easy weekend activity that’s both affordable and enriching.

Oakley’s Farm Market: Hayrides & Field Trips

Over in Hebron, Oakley’s Farm Market brings families together for hayrides, corn mazes, and educational farm tours. If you’re a parent who is considering daycare or preschool in Salisbury, MD, Oakley’s is a great spot for a field trip. Many child care centers in Wicomico County schedule visits here, because it’s a safe, hands-on way for kids to learn about agriculture and nature.

Wright’s Market & Regional Options

A little farther out, Wright’s Market in Mardela Springs is another fall favorite. Their pumpkin patch and Halloween fun days make it worth the drive. These trips are ideal for families who want to connect their children’s early learning experiences with real-world activities.

Tips for Parents

• Dress for the fields: Closed-toe shoes and layers keep kids comfortable.

• Pack snacks or a picnic: Most farms allow you to bring your own food.

• Take photos: These are the kinds of experiences families remember long after kids have moved on from child care to school.

When families are looking for child care in Salisbury, MD that values outdoor play, recommending pumpkin patch outings is a great way to show that your program supports learning outside the classroom too.

Exploring the Eastern Shore: Family Nature Adventures Before the Chill

September is one of the most beautiful months to enjoy the outdoors. The heat of summer has softened, yet the crispness of fall hasn’t fully set in. For families on the Eastern Shore, it’s the perfect time for nature-based adventures.

Why Outdoor Time Matters

Nature play boosts children’s creativity, improves focus, and supports mental health. For parents, it’s a way to unplug and recharge without leaving town. September weather makes outdoor time comfortable and inviting, creating the ideal conditions for family exploration.

Local Nature Adventures to Try

Assateague Island: Famous for its wild ponies, this spot offers sandy beaches, trails, and picnic opportunities.
Pemberton Historical Park: A treasure for families who love hiking, wildlife spotting, and learning about local history.
Salisbury Zoo: Free and family-friendly, the zoo gives children the chance to see animals up close while learning about conservation.

Creating a Family Nature Challenge

Turn outdoor exploration into an adventure by creating a family nature challenge. Make a list of things to find—turtles, oak trees, birds, or ponds—and check them off as you go. Bring along a notebook or camera so children can record their findings. By the end of the month, you’ll have a scrapbook of memories and discoveries.

Tips for Busy Families

Short Walks Count: Even a 20-minute evening walk around the neighborhood is valuable.
Pack Smart: Bring water, snacks, and simple supplies like binoculars or magnifying glasses.
Layer Clothing: September weather can shift quickly, so pack light jackets or sweaters.

Wrapping Up

As schedules fill with school and sports, don’t let nature fall off your family’s radar. September is a gift—warm enough for picnics, cool enough for hikes, and filled with the sights and sounds of the Eastern Shore. These outdoor adventures not only create fun, they also lay the foundation for healthy, curious, and connected children.

Raising Kind Kids: A Family Kindness Challenge This September

 

Back-to-school season often focuses on academics, but what if families made character just as much of a priority? September is the perfect month to launch a family kindness challenge.

What Is a Kindness Challenge?

A kindness challenge is a month-long commitment to finding small ways to spread joy. These acts don’t have to be expensive or time-consuming—they simply need to show thoughtfulness. Families in Salisbury can connect with organizations like Kind SBY (Kind Salisbury) or create their own at-home challenges.

Why Kindness Matters for Kids

Kindness builds empathy, confidence, and social skills. When children practice small acts of compassion, they begin to understand that they can make a difference. Studies also show that kindness increases happiness and reduces stress, making it just as beneficial for parents as for kids.

Ideas for a Family Kindness Challenge

• Painted Rocks: Decorate rocks with smiley faces, hearts, or uplifting words and leave them at parks or walking trails.

• Gratitude Notes: Write thank-you notes to teachers, librarians, or community helpers.

• Flower Surprises: Hand out single flowers to neighbors or passersby.

• Simple Service: Bake cookies for a neighbor, help clean up a local playground, or donate gently used toys.

Making It Fun

Children love challenges when they can see their progress. Create a kindness calendar where each day has a new suggestion. Or, use a jar system: every time someone completes a kind act, they add a bead or coin to the jar. By the end of the month, you’ll have a visual reminder of how much good your family has done.

Community Involvement

Families can also get involved with local events or groups. Kind SBY frequently organizes community-wide activities focused on spreading kindness throughout Salisbury. Joining these events gives children a chance to see kindness on a larger scale and feel part of something bigger.

Wrapping Up

When families prioritize kindness, children learn that success isn’t just about grades or achievements—it’s also about how we treat others. This September, consider starting a kindness challenge. You may be surprised by how quickly it becomes one of your family’s favorite traditions.

How a September Reading Challenge Can Transform Family Time

As summer winds down and school ramps up, families often find themselves searching for ways to stay connected. Sports practices, homework, and earlier bedtimes can make it hard to prioritize family bonding. That’s why September is the perfect month to start a family reading challenge.

Why Reading Together Matters

Reading as a family goes beyond improving literacy skills. It creates shared experiences, sparks conversations, and builds traditions. Children who see their parents enjoying books are more likely to view reading as a lifelong habit.

Even better, family reading challenges are flexible. You don’t need expensive supplies, apps, or subscriptions—just a library card and a willingness to make reading a part of your daily routine.

How to Start a Family Reading Challenge

Begin by setting a goal that works for your family. Maybe it’s reading 20 books together in September, or tracking minutes read each night. Head to the Salisbury Public Library and let each family member choose their own books. Giving children the freedom to pick stories that interest them—whether it’s dinosaurs, fairy tales, or graphic novels—helps them feel invested.

For busy evenings, audiobooks are a lifesaver. With apps like Libby or Hoopla, families can listen to stories together while cooking dinner, commuting, or winding down before bed. Suddenly, screen-free family time feels easy and natural.

Fun Ways to Keep Motivation High

• Sticker Charts: Keep a chart on the fridge and let kids add a sticker each time they finish a book.

• Book Baskets: Create a special basket for bedtime reading, filled with library picks and family favorites.

• Family Rewards: Celebrate milestones with a trip to the park, a special dessert, or even a family movie night based on a book.

Reading at Bedtime vs. On-the-Go

Bedtime reading has long been a cherished tradition, but families don’t have to limit stories to the end of the day. A short chapter over breakfast or an audiobook on the way to school can transform ordinary moments into story time. The key is consistency, not timing.

Building a Legacy of Learning

When families read together, children begin to understand that books are more than school assignments. They are windows into new worlds, problem-solving tools, and sources of comfort. Parents, too, benefit from rediscovering stories they may have loved as children—or from learning something new right alongside their kids.

September is all about establishing healthy routines, and a reading challenge is one of the most rewarding ones you can create. It’s free, flexible, and strengthens both literacy and family connection. At the end of the month, your children won’t just remember the books they read—they’ll remember the time they spent with you.

Balancing Back-to-School Routines with Family Fun at the Farmers Market

September often feels like a tug-of-war for families. On one side, there’s the excitement of back-to-school: new classrooms, sharpened pencils, after-school sports, and a return to structured days. On the other side, summer still lingers—warm afternoons, outdoor activities, and the desire to stretch out the season just a little longer. For many families in Salisbury and across the Eastern Shore, one of the best ways to balance both worlds is by visiting local farmers' markets.

Why Farmers' Markets Are Perfect for September

Farmers' markets are more than just rows of produce stands. They’re community hubs that bring together local farmers, artisans, musicians, and families. For parents juggling school routines, markets provide an easy, low-pressure outing that doesn’t require planning weeks in advance. Children can snack on fresh fruit while parents shop for dinner, and the atmosphere feels like a celebration of both summer and fall.

In September, markets are at their peak. Tomatoes, corn, apples, and squash are all in season, and some markets even feature “pick-your-own” experiences for berries or flowers. It’s the perfect mix of summer sweetness and autumn harvest.

Turning a Market Trip into a Family Experience

Rather than treating the farmers' market as just another shopping stop, think of it as a mini family adventure. Start by giving children a small budget—just a few dollars—and let them choose a snack or a bouquet of flowers. This simple activity teaches money management and decision-making while giving them ownership of the experience.

Parents can also create a “color challenge.” Ask children to find fruits or vegetables of every color in the rainbow, or challenge them to try one new food they’ve never tasted before. Many farmers love offering free samples, which can turn picky eaters into adventurous ones.

Photo Opportunities and Memories

Another hidden gem of farmers' markets is the opportunity for beautiful family photos. Between flower stands, colorful produce displays, and open-air backdrops, markets provide natural scenery that doesn’t require a staged photo session. September sunlight is warm but soft, making it a perfect time to capture family moments.

Building Community Connections

Visiting a market also allows families to connect with their community. Children see firsthand where food comes from, meet local farmers, and learn the importance of supporting small businesses. Parents can strike up conversations with vendors, discovering new recipes or community events. For families new to Salisbury or looking to feel more connected, markets provide a natural entry point.

Making It Part of the Routine

The beauty of farmers' markets is that they can fit into even the busiest schedules. A Saturday morning trip can replace grocery shopping, or a midweek evening market can double as dinner out when food trucks are on-site. Instead of feeling like “one more thing” on the calendar, markets can become an enjoyable family ritual that balances structure with spontaneity.

Wrapping Up

This September, don’t let routines push out all the joy of family connection. Whether you’re buying apples for school lunches, snapping photos among sunflowers, or sharing kettle corn with your kids, farmers' markets offer a way to keep family fun alive. The best memories are often found in the simplest places—and for many families in Salisbury, that’s right at the market.

Break the Back-to-School Buzz with a Ferry Ride Adventure

 

Back-to-school season has a way of sneaking up on us. Suddenly, the calendar is full of supply lists, teacher meet-and-greets, sports practices, and drop-off schedules. Before the hustle completely takes over, why not squeeze in one more memory-making adventure with your family? Luckily, you don’t need plane tickets or a big budget to do it — just a short drive to the Upper Ferry in Wicomico County.

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A Free Family-Friendly Adventure

One of the best-kept secrets in our area, the Upper Ferry is a unique and charming experience for kids and adults alike. Here’s the fun twist: you don’t just walk onto this ferry — you drive your car right onto the boat. While you sit comfortably inside, the ferry glides you across the Wicomico River.

The ride only lasts a few minutes, but it feels like a whole new world. The gentle sway of the water, the open views, and the thrill of being on a boat while your car comes along for the ride — it’s the kind of simple joy that sticks in kids’ memories. And the best part? It’s completely free.

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Turn It Into a Mini Road Trip

While the ferry ride itself is quick, it’s the perfect start to a spontaneous little road trip. After crossing, take the scenic backroads that weave through Wicomico County. Stop for an ice cream cone at a local shop, pop by a farm stand for fresh produce, or stretch your legs at one of the nearby parks.

You don’t need an elaborate plan — just a willingness to explore. Sometimes, the best adventures are the ones that happen on a whim.

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Savor Summer Before the School Bell Rings

As the first day of school approaches, it’s easy to feel the pull of structure and routine. But summer isn’t over until you decide it is. Carving out even one hour for a ferry ride can be the pause your family needs before shifting back into “school mode.”

This quirky little tradition could become something your kids look forward to every August — a reminder that no matter how busy life gets, there’s always room for simple, special moments.

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Make Memories On and Off the Water

The Upper Ferry is more than just a crossing — it’s a chance to reconnect, laugh, and slow down together. Whether you pair it with ice cream, a walk in the park, or just the ride itself, it’s a low-cost, low-effort way to create big memories.

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Discover More Ways to Cherish Family Time

Just like a ferry ride, Owl’s Nest Learning Hub is all about anchored moments of growth, connection, and joy—for every member of your family. From indoor play spaces and homeschool enrichment to adult learning, apprenticeship opportunities, and supportive parent workshops—everything is thoughtfully designed to nurture real-life learning and community.

Ready to mix meaningful learning with quality family time?

Reserve your spot today and unlock a season of discovery, connection, and lasting family memories at Owl’s Nest Learning Hub—where life, learning, and belonging meet

Reset from the Rush at Janes Island State Park

The return of routines, backpacks, and homework packets doesn’t mean you have to pack away your sense of adventure. While you’re checking off your school prep lists, take a moment to check into nature with a refreshing visit to Janes Island State Park in Crisfield. It’s the perfect place to pause, breathe, and reset before the full swing of the school year begins.

Borrow an Adventure

One of the best-kept secrets of Janes Island is its free check-out kits. Families can borrow binoculars, bird guides, and even fishing equipment to spark curiosity and discovery. Instead of scrolling through screens, your kids can flip through a field guide, watch a heron soar across the marsh, or reel in their very first catch. It’s hands-on fun that doesn’t cost a thing — and it reminds us all how exciting simple adventures can be.

Let the Day Unfold Naturally

The beauty of the park is that it doesn’t demand a rigid plan. Stroll along scenic trails, wander through the peaceful marshes, or set up a picnic by the water’s edge. Take family photos against the backdrop of tall grasses and open skies, or challenge your kids to a “wildlife spotting contest.” Who can find the most birds, crabs, or unique shells? This kind of unstructured time builds memories that outlast another afternoon of errands.

Keep Summer in Reach

Even though your thoughts may already be on first-day outfits, lunchbox hacks, and school supply runs, summer isn’t gone just yet. A quiet day outdoors, away from the rush, gives your family space to reset and soak up the season just a little longer. Think of it as recharging your batteries before diving into the next big chapter.

Your Next Adventure: Learning & Growing at Owl’s Nest

At Night Watch’s Owl’s Nest Learning Hub, we believe in balancing growth, curiosity, and support — just like a day at Janes Island. While nature helps families reconnect and recharge, our programs help parents and children reach for their next milestone, whether that’s completing a diploma, building skills, or finding a safe, encouraging environment for your child.

👉 Ready to take your next step? Learn more about the Owl’s Nest Learning Hub and how we can support your family’s journey. Click here to get started!