What if I told you that you could spend an entire day outside with your kids, doing all kinds of fun, screen-free, memory-making stuff — and not spend a single dollar?
Yep. Free.
No pool passes. No boat rentals. Just you, your family, some sandwiches in a cooler, and one of the best low-key nature hangouts in the area: Shad Landing at Pocomoke River State Park.
This is your guide to turning a regular Saturday (or any day, really) into a slow, silly, super-satisfying outdoor adventure that costs zero bucks — but gives major vibes.
🏞️ First Stop: Pick Your Spot
Pull into Shad Landing and take a few minutes to explore before settling down. This park has tons of shady picnic tables, open green space, and walking paths that meander through the woods. Find your family’s “home base” for the day — somewhere with:
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A picnic table (bonus if it’s under a big ol’ tree)
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Room to spread out a blanket
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Easy access to the playground and restrooms
There’s no entry fee to enjoy these parts of the park, and you’ll likely spot other families, camp groups, or retired couples birdwatching nearby. It’s got that easy, neighborly vibe.
📍 Get Directions to Shad Landing
🧺 Pack the Ultimate Free Day Picnic
A well-packed cooler makes you feel like a champion. You don’t have to get fancy — just aim for fresh, finger-friendly, and filling.
🍽️ Lunch Ideas That Travel Well:
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Chicken salad in pita pockets + grapes
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Peanut butter and banana sandwiches
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Pasta salad in individual containers
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Apple slices + trail mix + crackers
🎉 Bonus ideas:
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Freeze yogurt tubes for DIY ice pops
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Bring surprise “treat bags” for kids filled with fruit snacks or stickers
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Let each child pack their own lunchbox for fun
Don’t forget napkins, wipes, and water bottles. Trust me, a giant water jug will save your life out here.
🤸♀️ Let the Free Fun Begin!
Here’s where this trip shines: there’s just SO much to do with nature as your playground. No wristbands. No arcade tokens. Just you, your people, and some creativity.
🌿 1. Nature Obstacle Course
Use what’s around you:
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“Balance beam” = fallen log
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“Hop zone” = pinecones spread in a circle
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“Crawl tunnel” = space under a picnic bench
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“Tree tag” = someone’s base is a tree trunk
Time each other or make it a relay!
📸 2. Nature Bingo or Scavenger Hunt
Print bingo cards at home or write a quick checklist:
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Something yellow
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A bird sound
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A bumpy rock
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A mushroom
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A feather
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A tree shaped like the letter “Y”
Kids can take pictures, draw what they see, or collect tiny treasures in a bag (leave living things behind, of course!).
🎨 3. Forest Art Studio
Set up a craft zone right at the table. Pack a small bin with:
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Glue sticks
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Safety scissors
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Crayons or colored pencils
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Paper or cardboard pieces
Make:
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Leaf creatures
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Stick sculptures
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Bark rubbings
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Flower crowns (if you’re feeling Pinteresty)
Display the artwork on your blanket and host a “gallery walk.”
🔍 4. Micro Explorer Challenge
Give each kid a magnifying glass (or just zoom in with a phone camera) and tell them to find:
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The tiniest bug
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The weirdest mushroom
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A leaf with holes
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A bug trail
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Something they’ve never noticed before
Their eyes will be glued to the ground — in the best way.
📖 5. Story Time Under the Trees
Grab a couple nature-themed books and stretch out on the blanket for a group read. Some sweet options:
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We’re Going on a Bear Hunt (for little ones)
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The Gruffalo
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Where the Wild Things Are
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The Big Book of Bugs or Trees of North America (for nonfiction lovers)
Want to get fancy? Let each kid make up their own woodland tale and act it out with stick “puppets.”
🎶 Add Some Chill Forest Vibes
Bring a small Bluetooth speaker and set the mood:
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Lo-fi instrumental playlist
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Kids’ campfire songs
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Rainforest sounds or gentle acoustic music
🎵 You’ll be amazed how a little music changes the whole atmosphere. Suddenly it’s a picnic with a soundtrack.
🚻 Facilities You’ll Actually Appreciate
Unlike some rugged parks, Shad Landing is very family-friendly. You’ll find:
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Flush toilets and real sinks (bless)
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Clean drinking fountains
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Covered picnic pavilions if it starts to drizzle
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Trash cans (leave no trace!)
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A small camp store nearby in case you forget something
🚶♀️ There's even a visitor center with seasonal exhibits, so peek in if it's open!
💵 Budget Breakdown (Spoiler: It’s All Free)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Park entry | $0 |
| Picnic lunch from home | $0 |
| Nature games and crafts | $0 |
| TOTAL | $0 ✔️ the most budget-friendly day ever |
This means you've got your whole $30 to spend on gas, popsicles after, or save for your next big adventure.
🧡 Why This Day Feels Like a Win
You’ll get:
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Happy, tired kids
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Fresh air and forest energy
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Zero screens
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A whole day of “look what I found!”
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And maybe even a nap on the ride home
Kids don’t need entertainment — they need engagement. Letting them touch bark, hear birds, and follow ants is more exciting than any YouTube video. (And it smells better, too.)
👏 Let’s Recap: Your Day in the Woods Checklist
So if you’re craving a quiet, playful day that gives your kids space to roam and your mind a break — this is it. You’ll leave feeling full (of sandwiches and joy), sun-kissed, and reconnected.
That’s the beauty of Pocomoke River State Park — it reminds you that some of the best days are the ones where you don’t spend a thing, but gain everything.
🌳 Ready to do it again next weekend?
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