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AUSTIN FAMILY ADVENTURES
Hi! I'm Marissa, originally from Southern California. I joined the U.S. Army at 18 and proudly served for nine years. We are a military family currently stationed in Maryland, where we've lived for the past seven years. Before Maryland, we were stationed in Washington and Hawaii.
As a family of six, we've visited 22 of the 50 states, and we're always looking for our next adventure. Follow along as we hike, camp, and explore the DMV and beyond! If you find our blog helpful, be sure to subscribe so you never miss an adventure.
Meet the Family
King (11) loves baseball, video games, reading, camping, the beach, and summertime.
Kaliah (10) loves unicorns, dance, camping, the beach, snow, and hot cocoa. And yes—you read that right! King and Kaliah are only 11 months apart!
Kyla (1) loves playing with her toys, singing, running around, and playing hide-and-seek.
Kash (Our Littlest Explorer) is growing by the day and can't wait to experience all the adventures our family has planned.
Gerrold currently serves in the U.S. Army. He's hardworking and enjoys fitness, reading, camping, fishing, and hiking.
As for me, I love caring for my plants, photography, hiking, camping, and spending time at my favorite place in the world—the beach!
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Most Recent
Kenneth R. Dunn Municipal Pool: A Family-Friendly Pool in Annapolis, MD
Summer in Maryland calls for refreshing escapes and fun-filled family outings. One of the best spots to enjoy a sunny day is the Kenneth R. Dunn Municipal Pool at Truxton Park in Annapolis. This community pool offers a great mix of activities, amenities, and affordable pricing that makes it a perfect destination for families looking to cool off and create lasting memories. What Makes Kenneth R. Dunn Municipal Pool Special? Located at 251 Pump House Road, the pool is open dail
Austin Family Adventures
Jul 63 min read
Looking for an Indoor Splash Park in Maryland? Visit Rollingcrest-Chillum Splash Pool
Finding a fun place for kids and families to enjoy water activities can be a challenge, especially when the weather is unpredictable. If you live in Maryland or nearby, the Rollingcrest-Chillum Splash Pool offers a perfect solution. This indoor splash pool provides a spacious, family-friendly environment where both kids and adults can cool off and have fun year-round. Located at 6122 Sargent Rd in Chillum, MD 20782, it’s a local favorite for weekend outings and weekday visits
Austin Family Adventures
Jul 52 min read
Top 20 4th of July Fireworks Locations in Maryland You Can't Miss
Every year, families and travelers across Maryland look forward to the dazzling displays of fireworks lighting up the night sky on the 4th of July. Finding the best places to see fireworks in Maryland can make your Independence Day celebration unforgettable. Whether you want a lively festival, a peaceful park setting, or a waterfront view, Maryland offers a variety of spots with unique festivities. This guide highlights the top 20 locations where you can enjoy spectacular fir
Austin Family Adventures
Jun 275 min read
Exploring Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch in Picacho, AZ: A Unique Arizona Adventure
If you are traveling between Phoenix and Tucson and want to add a unique stop to your trip, Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch offers an unforgettable experience. This roadside attraction combines animal encounters, outdoor exploration, and family-friendly activities that appeal to visitors of all ages. Whether you want to feed exotic animals, walk across a suspended bridge, or enjoy a monster truck tour, this ranch has something special waiting for you. What Makes Rooster Cogburn
Austin Family Adventures
May 294 min read
Experience the Fun and Adventure at Climb Zone in Laurel MD
Finding an indoor activity that keeps kids active, entertained, and challenged can be tough, especially in Maryland where the weather can change quickly. Climb Zone in Laurel offers a perfect solution with its exciting rock climbing walls designed for all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re looking for a fun family outing or a unique way to keep kids moving, Climb Zone delivers an engaging experience that combines physical activity with adventure. What Makes Climb Zone Spec
Austin Family Adventures
Feb 73 min read
Top Activities to Enjoy While Visiting the Ripken Experience Aberdeen for a Baseball Tournament
⚾️ Hello Ripken: Where Little Leaguers Play Like Big Leaguers The Ripken Experience Aberdeen , is a truly unique youth baseball destination that feels like stepping into a big-league ballpark even for the youngest players. This sprawling complex features replica fields modeled after legendary MLB parks, perfect for playing, exploring, and taking some epic family photos. ⚾️ What to Expect at Ripken 9 themed fields including replicas of Camden Yard, Fenway Park, Citi Fiel
Austin Family Adventures
Feb 53 min read
Swingers Crazy Golf DC Review: Family-Friendly Mini Golf & Dining in Washington DC
If you’re searching for fun, family-friendly activities in Washington DC, Swingers Crazy Golf is one spot that’s worth putting on your weekend list. Located just off 14th Street NW, this indoor mini golf venue combines creative courses, quality dining, and a lively atmosphere for both adults and families. We recently visited Swingers DC and had a great experience here’s what you can expect. What Is Swingers Crazy Golf in Washington, DC? Swingers Crazy Golf DC is an indoor min
Austin Family Adventures
Jan 163 min read
Check out this Maryland Holiday Light Guide!
The holiday season in Maryland shines brightest with dazzling light displays that bring communities together and create magical experiences for all ages. Whether you want to take a leisurely drive, enjoy a festive walk, or find the perfect spot for family photos, Maryland offers a variety of holiday light attractions that brighten up the winter nights. This guide highlights some of the best places to enjoy holiday lights across the state, making it easier to plan your festive
Austin Family Adventures
Dec 17, 20252 min read
Exploring Boar's Head Resort's Enchanting Winter Wander Trail of Lights
Boars Head Resort📍200 Ednam Dr, Charlottesville, VA 22903 Boar’s Head Resort is a sprawling countryside resort perched on a 600-acre estate just outside Charlottesville Vireginia, nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It offers 168 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, combining classic southern charm with modern comforts many feature fireplaces, balconies or patios, and plush furnishings. Guests at Boar’s Head enjoy a wide range of amenities: from a top-r
Austin Family Adventures
Dec 5, 20253 min read
Fall things to do in Northern Virginia- Fall Fun at Plants & More in Alexandria, VA
Looking for the perfect family-friendly fall activity in Northern Virginia? 🍁 Plants & More , located at 5937 Franconia Rd, Alexandria, VA 22315, is a hidden gem where you can celebrate the season with pumpkins, hayrides, fall décor, and plenty of photo-worthy moments. Even better? Admission is completely FREE! 🎃 Pumpkins, Plants & Fall Décor Whether you’re searching for the perfect pumpkin to carve, seasonal flowers to brighten your porch, or autumn décor to bring fall vi
Austin Family Adventures
Oct 4, 20252 min read
Swinging Into Summer with America's Pastime: AFA x Washington Nationals
Hi! I hope you had a great day! Hopefully, you’re following Austin Family Adventures (AFA) on all socials and getting inspired with ideas for your family to enjoy this spring and summer. Although we’ve been extremely busy 😅, we build our adventures around our homeschool schedule and our kids’ extracurricular activities, one of those being baseball. Our son, King, loves baseball, and we spend most of our time at practices and games throughout the spring, summer, and fall. O
Austin Family Adventures
Jul 18, 20251 min read
Discover the Hidden Gem Locations to See Cherry Blossoms in DC, Virginia, and Maryland
Spring is a time of renewal, and nothing welcomes the season like the delicate cherry blossoms. These stunning pink and white flowers draw thousands of visitors eager to witness their beauty. While Washington, D.C. is renowned for its cherry blossoms, neighboring Virginia and Maryland have their own breathtaking spots waiting to be explored. Let’s set out on an adventure to uncover the best hidden gems for cherry blossom viewing! 🌸 Where to See Cherry Blossoms in D.C. Tidal
Austin Family Adventures
Apr 15, 20254 min read
Happy New Year from Austin Family Adventures
Over the past few weeks we have had time to reflect on all our adventures, activities, and experiences that we have shared with all of...
Austin Family Adventures
Jan 14, 20243 min read
Mercer County, West Virginia
We recently traveled to Mercer County, West Virginia for a weekend getaway! Mercer County is located in Southern West Virginia approximately 5 hours from Washington DC and 5 and a half hours from Baltimore, Maryland. Mercer County is the perfect destination for outdoor adventure. Mercer County offers fishing, hunting, mountain bike riding, hiking, skiing and they are known for their ATV trails. We spent a total of 3 days in Mercer County as part of our paid partnership with
Austin Family Adventures
Jun 27, 20235 min read
Graffiti Pier
During our two-day trip in Philadalphia, Pennsylvania, we made an effort to see some popular sites among the locals, one being Gaffitii Pier. After lunch, we drove out to the old Conrail Pier which is located along the Delaware River in Philadelphia. Graffiti Pier is an pier (no longer in use) where local artist have come to display their talents. A lot of the art is free-hand drawn using various tools. The old pier has pillars all the way out to the water decorated with ar
Austin Family Adventures
Jun 6, 20231 min read
Patterson Park
After we had lunch at The Papermoon Diner , we headed over to Patterson Park to enjoy the beautiful day. We took a little stroll and stopped Dr. Levi Watkins JR Memorial Fountain. We learned that Dr. Levi Watkins JR was a cardiac surgeon and also a civil rights activist who participated in the Montgomery Bus Boycott in Alabama in 1955. We also checked out the Patterson Park Observatory also known as the Pagoda. The observation deck is currently not open to the public while t
Austin Family Adventures
Apr 22, 20231 min read
The Papermoon Diner
Looking for the most unique dining experience in Baltimore? Look no further, The Papermoon Diner is the most electric restaurant I’ve ever seen! This restaurant features a pez collection, mannequin dolls, trinkets and a collection of pop culture paraphernalia. The Papermoon Diner serves breakfast all day! They have a list of unique shakes including a bacon milkshake and a Captain Crunch milkshake! Kaliah had the Hot Cocoa Milkshake, King had the Peanut Butter Madness Milkshak
Austin Family Adventures
Apr 22, 20231 min read
Haviland Hens Farm
We visited Haviland Hens Farm last year in April, 2022 and truly enjoyed ourselves! Deb, the owner and her husband were incredibly sweet and knowledgeable about the animals. They had many animals but we hung out with the baby goats, lambs, bunnies, chicks and ducklings. You are able to hold the baby animals and there are back drops for photographs! They have a mini playground area and a zip line. All the kids took turns using the zip line. There is also a fire pit with chairs
Austin Family Adventures
Apr 19, 20231 min read
Theodore Roosevelt Island
While visiting Washington DC, you don't want to miss this perfect escape from the busy city! The Theodore Roosevelt statue is about a quarter of a mile from the bridge but there’s a trail that loops around the island. Most of the trail has a boardwalk and I have seen a few strollers along the trail. It is a super easy trail! The full trail is 1.8 miles. Directions to the statue: After crossing the bridge there is a trail on your left and right. Go right, then it splits again
Austin Family Adventures
Mar 19, 20231 min read
Workhorse Rescue and Exotics
Visit this hidden gem located in Denton, Maryland! We recently visited and had the best time visiting the Workhorse Rescue and Exotics Farm! This place was so fun and we will definitely be back! There is so many details I need to add. ▪️ They are only open on Saturday and Sunday from 10am-5pm. You can book online! They close for the winter and reopen in the spring. (And specific dates for the seasons ) ▪️It costs $15. ▪️When you arrive, there is a farm gate. You must open it
Austin Family Adventures
Mar 19, 20232 min read
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8777 b piney Orchard Pkwy Ste 197, Odenton, MD 21113
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