On a regular day, the Annmarie Sculpture Garden is special place. But on winter evenings during the Garden in Lights, it is absolutely magical. My family was pleased to be invited to attend the Garden in Lights and to provide an honest review. (TLDR - we loved it).
Located in Solomons, Maryland, (about an hour and fifteen minutes drive from Arlington, VA) the Annmarie Sculpture Garden may be an unfamiliar destination for Arlington parents. But if you are looking for something new to do this holiday season, the Garden in Lights is a cannot-miss experience. Here are four reasons I guarantee your family will love this adventure.
1. The setting: The Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center is a Smithsonian-affiliated forested sculpture park where creations of major sculptors are on exhibit. Most are on loan from the National Gallery of Art or the Hirshhorn Museum. The site is both a family-friendly place with educational activities for children and a host of world-class professional artwork, including pieces by renowned sculptors George Rickey, Robert Engman, James Rosati, and Barbara Hepworth. In this outdoor gallery, setting, the lights are transformed into works of art themselves.
2. The light themes: In keeping with a setting of artistic significance, the light displays at Garden of Lights are simply a level up from dancing gingerbread men and Santas on motorcycles. Family members of all ages will love the displays, pulled from favorite literary characters, dramatic nature themes, and popular culture. A vast menagerie of animals, a galaxy with all of the planets, an underwater world - you will be amazed at the creativity that is found in the gardens.
3. The interactive displays: The Garden in Lights uses interactive art and technology that invites children to participate in the experience of a public light display. Scramble up a wooden boardwalk that ascends into a glimmering forest. Dart between multiple and beautifully lit tunnels. Marvel at lasers that create a thousand points of light. Traverse a walking path full of invitations to move, experiment, and interact.
4. The Fairy Lolly play space: the Garden in Lights has a dedicated play space for kids to roam, complete with a playhouse and a stage. Their imaginations will run wild as they play in an enchanting forest clearing glimmering with pastel lanterns and gentle lights.
What you need to know:
Getting there and away: Depending on your location, travel time to the gardens could be over an hour. I recommend you visit on a Saturday or Sunday to avoid weekday traffic adding to your travel time. Tickets are available every hour from 5PM to 8PM. Choose an earlier slot if a late evening drive home does not suit your family.
At the Event: The walk through path is 1/4 mile and completely paved and level and appropriate for strollers and wheelchairs. However, while the parking lot is a short walk from the entrance, it is grassy and sometimes muddy and uneven, and dimly lit, and it is recommended that anyone with accessibility issues utilize the quick drop off area.
Eats and Drinks, and Amenities: The gardens have snacks (popcorns, hot dogs, pretzels, soda, hot chocolate). Our family first set the GPS for Chick-Fil-A at 806 Solomons Island Road, about 15 minutes away from the gardens. There is also a wonderful holiday market and shopping throughout the event, with lots of unique gift offerings.
Tickets:Tickets must be booked online in advance and are $10-12, depending on the night. You may want to check their Facebook page, as some of the nights are themed or have events such as special needs night or magical characters night.
Restrooms: Regular restrooms and port-a-potties are on-site, but both are situated at the beginning of the gardens. After a long car ride, send your family to the restrooms first, so you are not caught in the middle of your visit with a desperate five year old with no bathroom in sight (ask me how I know).
COVID-19 Protocols: All guests over the age of two must wear masks unless seated and eating. Follow all signs and directions for social distancing.
Have you visited the Garden in Lights at the Annmarie Sculpture Garden? Share your experience in the comments!
