Thomas A. Dixon Jr. Aircraft Observation Area in Glen Burnie, Maryland

The Thomas A. Dixon Jr. Aircraft Observation Area is a wonderful place to take the kids if you want to impress them with a view unlike any other park in Baltimore/Annapolis/Washington area.  The park has ample parking and clean playground equipment featuring multiple slides and climbing structures. The park is also an access point for the BWI Hiker-Biker Trail, a 12.5-mile paved trail that encircles BWI Airport.  This trail is great for hiking and biking, obviously, but it’s also a great stroller trail.

On its own, the park, trail and playground make this a nice little spot to enjoy some outside time, but the real attraction is the park's proximity to the airport.  At any given time while enjoying the park you can watch very low flying commercial jets coming and going to and from the airport’s runways located just across the road. There are benches situated just so to allow for a front-row seat to one of the coolest shows in town. There are port-a-pots on site but no designated changing areas for diaper wearers.