Thirty Summer Family Activities Around Maryland

Summer is a great time to get outside and do fun, new activities with your family. It’s a great way to connect with your kids during their time off from school. Whether you choose to do so through educational activities or purely fun ones, that is up to you.

Maryland residents and vacationers alike are spoiled with so many things to do. This list probably doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface. We are so close to Washington DC, Hershey, Pennsylvania, the mountains in western Maryland and the beaches on the Eastern Shore. If there’s something you want to do, you can probably find it within a day’s drive.

When I’m not out exploring and enjoying these things myself, you can find me soaking up some sun or the cool A/C while reading a book. Check out my summer reading list here.

Scroll down to read more about some family activities you can do this summer right here in Maryland and the greater DC area.

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1. Explore the historic ships and Fort McHenry at the Baltimore Inner Harbor

2. Catch a baseball game at Camden Yards or head to Frederick to cheer on the minor league baseball team, the Frederick Keys

3. Admire the beautiful flowers at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton

4. Explore the state capitol and Naval Academy in Annapolis

5. Taste the best homemade ice cream at Hoffman’s Ice Cream & Deli in Westminster

6. Grab a bucket of balls and take you best swing at the Pine Ridge Golf Course driving range

7. Relax and see the wild horses at Assateague Island National Seashore

8. See the pandas and elephants at the Smithsonian National Zoo in DC

9. Explore the national monuments and museums in DC

10. Ride the coasters and eat all the chocolate at Hershey Park

11. Take in some history in Gettysburg, PA

12. Head west to the mountains where you can ride the Mountain Coaster at Wisp Resort

13. Take the kids hiking at one of the many state parks in the area. Some of my favorites include Rocks State Park, Susquehanna State Park, Catoctin Mountain, and Patapsco Valley. If you’re feeling really adventurous head down to Shenandoah National Park!

14. Catch a concert at Merriweather Post Pavilion

15. Try some local beers at Big Truck Brewery, Flying Dog Brewery, Inverness Brewery, and more. 

16. Maybe you’re more into wine. Head to Linganore Winery, Boordy Vineyards, or Old Westminster Winery, to name a few. 

Now that you’re good and hot, cool off in the water

1. Ride the waves in Ocean City, or opt for something a bit closer like Sandy Point State Park or Hammerman Beach 

2. Dive into the water at Beaver Dam Swim Club

3. Tube down the Gunpowder River in Monkton

4. Wade in the water at Patapsco Valley State Park

5. Go rafting on the Youghiogheny River

6. Rent a kayak and paddle out on Loch Raven Reservoir

7. Spend the day relaxing at Deep Creek Lake

When it gets a little too hot and humid outside (because it will), head indoors to these great locations:

1. See the dolphin show at the National Aquarium

2. Explore the world of science at the Maryland Science Center

3. Play-to-learn at Port Discovery Children’s Museum

4. Explore our nation’s history at the Smithsonian Museums in D.C. – my favorites are the Air and Space Museum and the Museum of Natural History (Night at the Museum vibes anyone?).

5. Head to an art museum like the National Gallery of Art or Walters Art Museum

6. Take the family for some ten pin bowling or try your hand at duckpin bowling

7. Catch the latest movie at your local movie theater

Bonus idea! Pick your own fruit at Baugher’s Orchard in Westminster. Depending on the time of year you can pick strawberries, peaches, plums, apples, or pumpkins.

There are so many fun things to do in Maryland and the surrounding areas. I hope you and your family have a fun and safe summer. If you’re looking for even more ideas, head on over to visitmaryland.org. 

Drop a comment below something you will be doing this summer!

Until next time, xoxo Nicole

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