Maryland has tons of outdoor activities for kids throughout the state. Many of these fun outdoor family activities are open year-round, but others are seasonal. Keep in mind that Maryland State Parks typically charge an entrance fee. Check out this list of 12 amazing outdoor family activities near Maryland.
Clark Eli Oak Farm – Ellicott City
Clark’s Elioak Farm is a seasonal business that’s located in Ellicott City, just southwest of Baltimore. The farm opens around the beginning of April and stays open through the fall season, closing around the beginning of November.
The farm includes a petting zoo, whimsical structures from the former Enchanted Forest, a cow train, pony rides, and wagon rides. They farm also sells produce throughout the year.
Patapsco Valley State Park – Ellicott City
Patapsco Valley State Park is located along 32 miles of the Patapsco River. There are eight different areas of this state park. To get in there is small fee to enter this park. In the winter and all weekdays, it’s $2 for vehicles in-state and $4 for vehicles out-of-state. During the summer weekends, it’s $3 per person in-state and $5 per person out-of-state. Fees are subject to change.
There are opportunities for hiking, fishing, mountain biking, and camping at this large state park.
One of the most kid-friendly areas of the park to visit is the Orange Grove area of the park. The entrance to this area is considered the Avalon area. Orange Grove has a parking area for the Cascade Trail, which is an easy hike to a small waterfall.
Before venturing to Patapsco Valley State Park, be sure to check the park’s official website. Closure of certain trails can happen during different times of the year.
Greenbrier State Park – Boonsboro
Greenbrier State Park is located at 21843 National Pike in Boonsboro, Maryland. The park includes a swimming beach in the summer, picnic pavilions, fishing, boating, and hiking trails.
It has shallow waters for kids to wade in or a deeper area where kids can swim. Some trees provide shade along the back of the beach area, making this a fun summer place to cool off.
Ben’s Red Swings & Salisbury Zoo – Salisbury
This large memorial playground is located beside the free-admission Salisbury Zoo. Ben’s Red Swings Playground has many play structures for climbing and sliding.
They also have two small sandboxes for the kids, and a small restroom building located beside the playground.
Beside the playground is a picnic grove and scenic small creek. The picnic grove is fairly-well shaded, and includes another small playground.
Cunningham Falls State Park – Thurmont
Cunningham Falls State Park is a popular place to visit during the summer months. There is a sandy beach with a swimming lake, as well as a hike to a water fall.
On busy summer weekends, be sure to arrive early, as the park does close for capacity. There is a small fee to enter the park.
Herrington Manor State Park – Oakland
Herrington Manor State Park is located in the Deep Creek Lake region of western Maryland. There are many state parks in the area, including this park which features swimming in the summer and boating.
A refreshment stand is available during the summer months. This park also features cabins that are available for rental.
Gunpowder Falls State Park – Middle River
Gunpowder Falls State Park is another state park with many different areas. The sandy beach for swimming in the summer is located in the Hammerman area. There’s also many pavilions and playgrounds throughout the state park for picnics.
Sandy Point State Park – Annapolis
Sandy Point State Park is a popular destination in the summer for its sandy shore of the Chesapeake Bay. In addition to swimming in the summer, there’s a concession stand, playground, picnic areas, fishing areas, and a nature center.
Havre de Grace Promenade – Havre de Grace
Havre de Grace Promenade is a great place to take a walk and take in the sights. It’s located where the Susquehanna River meets the Chesapeake Bay. There’s piers to explore and the second oldest lighthouse in Maryland. During the warmer months, there’s a restaurant located along the Promenade to enjoy some food or ice cream by the water.
There’s also a playground located overlooking the water with unique play equipment, like a lighthouse slide.
Wisp Resort – McHenry
Wisp Resort is known for its ski slopes, but in other seasons there’s still plenty to do at the resort. The mountain coaster, ski lifts, and two ropes courses make it a fun destination in the summer. Plus, it’s close to Deep Creek Lake, where there are many more outdoor recreational activities.
Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay – Cambridge
Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay is a resort property located in Cambridge, Maryland. The resort has many amenities available for their overnight guests, including indoor and outdoor pools.
This resort is a great place to stay to enjoy nice weather with outdoor games available to check out, plus there’s boat rentals available in the summer.
Marty’s Mythical Woods – Hagerstown
Marty’s Mythical Woods is located in Marty Snook Memorial Park at 17901 Halfway Boulevard. This playground is a bit challenging to find, as it’s hidden back a walking path in the woods. To find it, park at the pavilion 2 parking area. The path into the woods is on the right side of the parking lot. Follow it into the woods to find this shady playground.
The playground features many whimsical creatures carved into wood. There’s also many opportunities to climb and play on the wooden structures.
Looking for more amazing places to visit in Maryland?
Check out this list of fun places to visit in addition to the outdoor activities in Maryland.
