Family-Friendly Things to Do on Kent Island, Maryland
One of my favorite things about Kent Island is that there is something for everyone.
Some of our best days are the simple ones — a morning by the water, an afternoon exploring somewhere new, ice cream with the kids, and everyone back home in time for dinner and s’mores.
But when you do want to get out and explore, there is so much to do nearby. As a mom of two young boys — and after spending a lot of time on Kent Island with my own family — these are some of my favorite family-friendly things to do on Kent Island and around Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
1. Spend the Day at the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center
The Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center (CBEC) is one of my favorite places to take kids on Kent Island. It has trails, wildlife, water views and plenty of room to explore without feeling like you need to follow a complicated itinerary.
It’s a great way for kids to experience what makes the Chesapeake Bay so special — and an easy activity to pair with lunch or another stop nearby.
Best for: Nature-loving kids, an easy outdoor morning and families looking for something quintessentially Eastern Shore.
2. Explore Terrapin Nature Park
Terrapin Nature Park is another favorite when you want to get everyone outside.
There are walking trails through woods and wetlands that eventually lead toward the Chesapeake Bay, with beautiful views of the Bay Bridge. It feels like a little adventure for kids without requiring a serious hike.
Bring comfortable shoes and let the kids lead the way.
Best for: Walking, exploring and burning off some energy.
3. Have a Beach Day
You don't have to drive all the way to Ocean City for a beach day.
Matapeake Park and Beach is right on Kent Island and is an easy option for families who want to spend a few hours by the Chesapeake Bay. Sandy Point State Park, just across the Bay Bridge, is another option with a much larger beach and an incredible view of the bridge.
And guests staying at The Landing at Kent Island have another option: our community Bay beach is about a 10-minute walk from the house. We provide a beach wagon, chairs and umbrellas to make getting everyone there a little easier.
4. Take a Boat Ride on the Chesapeake
If you’re visiting the Eastern Shore, I always recommend getting out on the water at least once.
Chesapeake Water Tours offers boat rides that are a fun way for kids to see the area from a completely different perspective. It turns an ordinary afternoon into something that actually feels like vacation.
For my boys, anything involving a boat is generally a win.
5. Visit a Local Farm
For younger kids especially, a farm visit is such a fun break from beaches and boats.
Dominic's Farm is one of the local experiences I recommend to our guests and requires advance arrangements with the owner. Family Affair Farm is another one to have on your list.
This is exactly the kind of low-key Eastern Shore activity that I love — something a little different that kids will actually remember.
6. Explore Historic Stevensville
Kent Island isn't just waterfront homes and marinas. Historic Stevensville is small, charming and worth exploring while you're here.
It's an easy outing rather than an all-day commitment, which I appreciate when traveling with kids. Walk around, explore a little and then pair it with lunch or ice cream.
7. Save the Library for a Rainy Day
I am always looking for good rainy-day options when we travel with our kids.
The Kent Island Branch of the Queen Anne's County Library has a Kids Zone and is an easy option when everyone needs to get out of the house but the weather isn't cooperating.
For younger kids, Kids Landing Playcare is another local option on our list.
8. Make an Afternoon of St. Michaels
If you have a little more time, take a drive to St. Michaels.
It's one of my favorite Eastern Shore towns and makes an easy day trip from Kent Island. Walk through town, wander into the shops, grab lunch and spend some time by the water.
You can also combine St. Michaels with Easton, another beautiful historic town nearby. We recommend both in our Landing guidebook.
9. Get Ice Cream
There is something special about simply going out for ice cream. Fortunately, there are great options on Kent Island.
Tasty Toucan is very kid-friendly and has homemade ice cream along with games and activities, while Sugar Doodles is our pick when the kids want a milkshake.
10. Have Dinner Somewhere the Kids Can Be Kids
One reason I love Kent Island for families is that there are plenty of places where you can have a good meal without worrying that your kids need to sit perfectly still for two hours.
Channel Side at Kentmorr Marina has its own little beach and a good kids menu. The Jetty is another fun, casual seafood spot and even has a kids' sandbox area.
For a waterfront dinner with beautiful views, Bridges and Libbey's are also on my list. And if everyone has had enough adventure for one day, Carmine's can deliver pizza and Italian food.
11. Or Don't Go Anywhere at All
At The Landing at Kent Island, we designed the house around the idea that staying home should be part of the vacation. Swim in the pool, play cornhole, walk down to the beach, put on a record, play a board game, roast s'mores around the fire pit or just sit by the water with coffee while the kids play. The house has beach gear, outdoor games and plenty to do without getting in the car.
That was really the idea behind The Landing from the beginning: a place where parents and kids can have fun together, but where there is also enough space to slow down.
Planning a Family Trip to Kent Island?
Kent Island is an easy family getaway from Washington, D.C., Maryland, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Northern Virginia, but once you cross the Bay Bridge it feels much farther away.
You can spend a weekend on the water, explore the Eastern Shore, eat plenty of seafood and ice cream, and still leave room for the unplanned parts of vacation that usually end up being the best ones.
The Landing at Kent Island is our family-friendly waterfront home in Stevensville, Maryland, with five bedrooms, a private pool, playground, playroom, beach access and lots of little details designed to make traveling with kids easier.