One of my favorite parks in the state…read more Tons of beautiful trails, kayaks for rent, a dog beach, dog park, amphitheater, exercise equipment, butterfly garden, playground, there's something for everyone. There is an entry fee for non AA county residents of $8 and for residents it's maybe $5, cash or card. Lots of parking at all different places. Recommend coming early on nice days to avoid crowds. I have been many times to do many things and we always enjoy coming back!

Glad that we visited this wonderful spot near Annapolis, as it was comforting and beautiful, a…read morepopular place to enjoy outdoor beauty and the Chesapeake Bay! Numerous trails and options throughout, and the park is open from 7 AM until dusk. Among the options are a dog park, art galleries, playgrounds, kayak rentals, ice skating, and picnic areas. I did not get to the Visitors Center, as it closed at 4 PM. We visited the South River Overlook Trail, which was four-tenths of a mile in length, and had benches at the water to fully enjoy and appreciate the spectacular views. There are six other trails, ranging to as much as a mile and one-half in length. An $8 entry fee for automobiles, additional for larger vehicles, and they also offer lifetime senior passes.

Beautiful, remote peninsula that goes out where the temperature is much cooler on a hot day because…read moreof the breezes from the water. This was in April so the water was still cold from the winter, but I still can imagine relief on a hot day.

Bottom Line: An Anne Arundel County park a bit off the beaten path with limited access during the…read morepeak-season but lovely views of the Bay year round. Thomas Point Park in Annapolis is a county park that offers beautiful views of the Thomas Point Lighthouse, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and the bay in general. There is a pavilion that can be rented and a day camping area but I believe what makes this park so popular in the summer months is that its a good fishing spot. As the name implies, the park is on a point of land that jets out into the bay offering great views of the water year round. From November through March visitors can drive into the park without paying a fee. But if you are wanting to drive into the park April though October then you need to obtain a permit and I think they can be a bit tricky to come by. Permits are sold at Quiet Waters Park and sold on a limited first come, first served basis. A limited number of daily permits are sold each morning and a total of 75 monthly permits are sold each month on the last Thursday of the prior month. So yeah, a little tricky but its understandable that admission to this small park, which is accessible through a residential neighborhood, needs to be limited.

Beautiful park, I had no idea this existed had the park not hosted Kids to Park day. There is a…read morelarge field, pickle and tennis courts and a skate park. There are pavilions to rent and trails too. The best part is an area on the water! I am so happy that I found out about this park, my family will definitely be returning!

Nice place to launch your kayaks into spa creek and very convenient parking. Love this placeread more

It's a fairly good sized playground, a short walk from downtown with plenty of shade a few benches…read moreand a nice soft layer of mulch to keep your kids from bruising too much. There are a few unusual features (a tot-sized climbing boulder to get up to the slides) and a mini jungle-gym for smaller kids. All in all, a wonderful location and a great place to let kids work off some steam before dinner. I spent a little time here with my daughter before heading to the tail end of a bridal shower. It wasn't child (or husband) appropriate, but her great-aunts and 1st cousins once removed (yes, I had to look that up) wanted to see her - so we had to entertain ourselves for a little while. She was able to wander around and climb on things without ruining her dress, and even did a few times down the slides. The older girls (elementary to middle school) were running around playing a game called gravel, but they were nice about giving her space. (the game is similar to marco-polo, but you call out gravel if someone is on the ground. The girls didn't actually know what gravel meant, or why you yelled it if someone was one the ground. The ground was covered in mulch, and I suppose yelling "MULCH" isn't as fun, but they could have said "Ground" as easily, but first they would have had to figure out what Gravel was, or had someone tell them. I didn't and neither did any of the parents either... so they played Gravel on the Mulch.) So we had a good time until she got a pouch for a snack from the bag and she poured it all over her dress minutes before I was supposed to leave for the party. it's not the playground's fault, so I won't dock any stars. Great place all around.

I have visited downtown Annapolis hundreds of times and never new this little gem was here! The…read moreplay structures are wonderful and there are quite a few swings too. I love how there is a big kid playground and one for smaller kids as well. The park is almost entirely shaded which is nice in the summer months. There are a few benches and a couple of picnic tables too. It's a great spot to let kids burn off some energy while downtown.

Ellen O Moyer Back Nature Park at Back Creek is a small park with trails adjoining at the Annapolis…read moreMaritime Museum. There is a seating area in front of the museum in which you can sit, read a book, or just enjoy nature. A Take a Book, Return a Book box is also located in this handicapped accessible area; a limited amount of handicapped parking is available. There is a second parking lot just a minute or two further away. Take in the surrounding waterscape and homes, enjoy the sailboats from the water's edge, or launch your kayak. Most of the trails are dirt from which you can see a variety of birds and waterfowl, flora, squirrels and an occasional deer. There is an overlook along the trail, seating and a covered pavilion. While walking read information re the ecotechnology walk, view the Rainscaping.org use of rain water, and catch up on other environmentally friendly options.

Truxtun Park is a small park located between downtown Annapolis and Quiet Waters Park. It is off of…read moreHilltop Lane - not far from Eastport. It's a great little park with water access for launching boats, kayaks, or just viewing the water. There is also an enclosed skateboard area. The Truxtun Park boat ramp is open year round from 5 a.m. until 8 p.m. Two, concrete ramps are available. There is a $5 fee per launch payable via Visa/MasterCard or annual pass only. No cash is accepted at the park. Fees apply all days of the year to any vessel launched from the ramps. Truxtun Park has three picnic pavilions available for rent year round. Groups of 10 or more must obtain a permit in advance. The maximum size group the pavilions will accommodate is 50 people. * Park hours are sunrise to sunset. * Pets that are leashed are welcome in the parks, but please clean up after your pet * Alcohol is not permitted on park property * Do not litter in the parks -- help keep our parks clean for everyone's enjoyment.

From the owner: Annapolis Recreation and Parks enriches the quality of life by providing recreational, educational…read moreand wellness programs in facilities, parks and waterways.

Nice little park here in Arnold. Not very busy most of the time. There is a playground for kids,…read morea dog park and a decent amount of parking.

This is one of the nicest parks and has an impressive array of equipment, fields, trails, and…read moreshelters. We visited twice while in the area -- once near dusk and once in the midmorning hours. The park is well utilized and populated with other park goers and sporting activities. Plenty of parking, easy access, and restroom facilities of portable toilet near the playground and soccer field. Witnessed several soccer games and lacrosse team sports while visiting and driving through the park. Stadium lighting enabled game play after the sun had set. Fields all appeared to be well maintained. Fitness trail with instructional signage and equipment was well maintained and an impressive feature. Plenty of trails could be seen from our vantage point. Multiple covered shelters with plenty of picnic tables. Lots of dog walkers and foot traffic. We enjoyed the pirate ship playground equipment as well as swings, including one specifically outfitted to accommodate special needs. Play activity equipment was scattered around the large soft-surface playground, including a drum and bell stand and spinning equipment, with a handful of benches scattered about surrounding the area to accommodate watchful oversight close by. Stamp of approval from the 3-year-old and all of the adults in our group. Would visit again.

Great park nestled in between 97 and Crofton. I never knew it was there but it offers great trails…read morewith lots of incline. It's a bit small but great for being right in the middle of everything

September is a great time of year to visit Bacon Ridge. The trails are well marked. Had a fun walk…read moreenjoying the park and the nature it provides.