Harford County is full of parks, playgrounds, and other fun activities for families to enjoy. The best part? Many of these places are completely free! My family moved to Bel Air a few months ago, and we’ve had the opportunity to explore local spots within just a few minutes of our house. Below are some of the places we’ve been lately, and some information about each. For more information about various playgrounds and parks in the area, check out the Playgrounds & Parks Guide created by the previous Macaroni KID Bel Air publisher!
Bear Legacy - Adventure Trail
Address:
2503 S Tollgate Rd, Bel Air, MD 21015 (across the street from Emmorton Elementary School)
About (from website):
Bear Legacy was established in memory of four-year-old Bear Brzozowski, who left us too soon, but whose love of family, friends, and the outdoors lives on to bring happiness and joy to other children. The mission of Bear Legacy is to conduct activities to give back to the local community, provide compassionate and financial support to local families with sick children, and promote efforts that encourage families to get outside and find peace in nature.
Learn more about Bear Legacy here.
Other Information:
To access the trailhead, start walking up the hill from the right-hand side of the parking lot. You will see a wooden sign where the trail begins. Additional signs have been added along the trail as well.
There is no bathroom nor trash cans along the trail. Please be sure to remove all waste products when you leave the area. This includes dog bags, food wrappers, and drink containers.
Experience:
My family and I have visited Bear Legacy Adventure Trail twice since it recently reopened a few weeks ago, after its temporary closure for a few years. The first time we went, we took the trail to the right, and looped back around towards the more interactive sections. Along the trail, there were painted balls and rocks, branch structures, and other interesting installations. My sons’ favorite part of the trail was Christoher’s Creek, an interactive art installation developed by the Christopher Xavier Boyd Foundation. The mission of this local organization is to provide scholarships and financial assistance to help empower promising kids to achieve a brighter future. Christopher tragically lost his life in a car accident in 2020, and his memory lives on through spreading kindness in the community. Learn more about the Christopher Xavier Boyd Foundation and Christopher’s Lily Pad Legacy here.
Bynum Run Park
Address:
715 Churchville Rd, Bel Air, MD 21014 (next to The John Carroll School)
About:
Bynum Run Park has a well-paved walking loop surrounding a pond that is full of ducks and geese. There are also small docks along the water, perfect for observing wildlife at the water’s edge.
Other Information:
There is a port-o-pot and a covered pavilion at the left end of the parking lot as you face the water, with additional benches and picnic tables along the perimeter of the pond. This park is very close to Rockfield Park, which has a large playground, pavilion, and field adjacent to it. Visitors are encouraged not to feed the waterfowl.
Experience:
My youngest son and I took an impromptu visit to this park a few weeks ago when his daycare was out of power for the day. He loved watching all of the ducks swimming around and getting a closer look at the water from the docks. The park was peaceful, quiet, and a lovely way to get some additional steps in for the day.
Emily Bayless Graham Park
Address:
15 W Wheel Rd, Bel Air, MD 21015 (across from the Festival)
About:
Emily Bayless Graham Park is located off Wheel Road, across the street from the Festival in Bel Air. It has a few low-intensity, partially paved walking trails through the woods, including a sensory area with colorful, interactive chimes. There are large rocks at various intersections of the trails, great for setting down items or taking a brief rest.
Other Information:
There is a port-o-pot adjacent to the parking lot, a covered pavilion with several picnic tables, and a Little Free Library at the start of the trail next to the pavilion.
Experience:
This park is one of our favorites to visit since it is so close to our house! We enjoy walking through the woods, observing nature, and checking out the Little Free Library for kids’ books to borrow. The Nature Based Sensory Trail has a painted rock area, branch formation, and birdhouse in addition to the large chimes with mallets.
We look forward to exploring more fun outdoor activities in the community and sharing them!
