Teaching Maryland State Facts to Kids While Traveling: Fun, Educational, and On the Go!
Summer is the perfect time to hit the road and explore the beauty of the United States, and if you happen to be heading through Maryland, you're in for a treat. Whether you're a homeschool family, a weekend adventurer, or a roadschooling crew tackling I-70, Maryland is a goldmine of learning opportunities. From American history to wildlife, culture, and cuisine, there are endless ways to engage your kids while traveling through this small but mighty state.In this post, we’re sharing fun and practical ways to teach Maryland state facts to kids on the go—without the overwhelm. Plus, we’ll introduce a printable activity pack that can turn your travel time into meaningful, screen-free educational moments.
Why Teach State Facts While Traveling?
Travel days are often packed with snacks, playlists, and bathroom breaks—but they’re also golden opportunities for learning. Teaching your children about the states you’re passing through turns your trip into a living classroom. Geography, history, culture, and science suddenly feel relevant, real, and memorable. And unlike sitting at a desk, road learning taps into all the senses: seeing landscapes, hearing regional accents, tasting local food, and stepping into historical landmarks.When it comes to Maryland, you don’t have to look far to find engaging educational tie-ins. From colonial history and national anthems to delicious blue crabs and the Chesapeake Bay, Maryland offers a unique blend of fun facts and cultural richness that kids can appreciate.
Fun and Simple Ways to Teach Maryland State Facts On the Road
- Play the License Plate Game with a Twist Keep track of license plates from different states, but add a twist—when you spot a Maryland plate, have your child share one fact about the state. Can’t remember any? That’s your cue to learn something new!
- Visit Key Maryland Sites (Even Virtually) If your route takes you near Baltimore, a visit to Fort McHenry is a must. This is the birthplace of the U.S. national anthem! If you can’t stop in person, look up a short video about the fort and discuss how Francis Scott Key was inspired to write "The Star-Spangled Banner."
- Snack with a Local Twist Introduce your kids to iconic Maryland flavors by grabbing a bag of Utz chips or trying some Old Bay–seasoned snacks. Talk about why blue crabs are important to Maryland’s culture and economy.
- Sing State Songs or Listen to Maryland Artists Create a Maryland-themed playlist with folk songs, the national anthem, or even artists from Maryland like Billie Holiday. Music opens the door to cultural and historical conversations.
- Color and Create On the Go Keep a travel clipboard or lap desk in the car. Give your kids printable pages that let them color the Maryland flag, state bird (the Baltimore Oriole), or flower (Black-eyed Susan), and write about what they’re learning.
Key Maryland Facts to Highlight for Kids
- Statehood: Maryland became the 7th state in 1788.
- Nickname: The Old Line State
- Capital: Annapolis
- Largest City: Baltimore
- Famous Landmark: Fort McHenry
- State Bird: Baltimore Oriole
- State Flower: Black-eyed Susan
- Famous For: Blue crabs, Chesapeake Bay, early U.S. history
Faith Connections While You Travel
Maryland’s historical role in the founding of religious freedom in the U.S. makes it a great launching point for spiritual discussions on the road. Talk about how early settlers came for the freedom to worship, and pair your history stop with a verse like Psalm 91:1—"Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty." A short devotion in the car can help anchor the day’s learning in faith.
Make It Easy with Our Maryland Road Trip Activity Pack
To make your roadschooling even easier, we’ve created a 10-page Maryland Road Trip Activity Pack for Kids that’s perfect for ages 5–10. It’s designed to bring Maryland’s history, symbols, and culture to life through fun and meaningful printables that your kids can complete from the back seat or picnic table.
Here’s what’s included:
- Engaging paragraph-based fact pages about Baltimore and Frederick
- Mini history lesson on Fort McHenry
- Bible verse and kid-friendly devotion
- Coloring pages featuring the state flag, flower, and bird
- Dot-to-dot activity
- Journal and writing prompts
- Fun challenge boxes and games
It’s a great way to keep kids learning (and entertained!) without relying on screens—and it’s available instantly as a digital download.
Or grab our full Roadschool Across America: I-70 Learning Guide to keep the fun going all the way from Maryland to Utah!
Final Thoughts: Maryland is More Than a Pit Stop
With a little creativity and preparation, teaching state facts on the road doesn’t have to be boring or complicated. Maryland is a fascinating state full of rich stories, unique culture, and natural beauty—and there are countless ways to bring those facts to life for your kids.Whether you’re just passing through or diving deep into a Maryland unit study, make the most of your miles by turning every rest stop into a chance to learn and connect as a family.
Happy roadschooling!