Many activities are seasonal and some venues adjust their hours at various times of the year. Check the websites for the latest information.
1. Hike to White Rocks on Sugarloaf Mountain
Carpeted in swaths of red and white oaks, Sugarloaf Mountain looks ablaze in autumn as leaves transform into fiery shades, but its majestic forests are breathtaking at any time. To take in its full glory, hike up Northern Peaks Trail, a 5-mile loop that passes White Rocks, a collection of giant boulders with wide-screen views of the surroundings that offers a perfect spot for picnicking or a meditative pause. The parking lot can fill up quickly, so plan on arriving early in the day.
Open daily 8 a.m. until sunset. Suggested donation of $5 or more per person. 7901 Comus Road, Dickerson, sugarloafmd.com
2. Mountain Bike Schaeffer Farm at Seneca Creek State Park
This 16-mile web of color-coded trails circling and crisscrossing the park challenges riders to navigate brutal bumps, hardcore hills, fallen logs and twisty roots. If you’re looking to clock more mileage, head onto the numerous trails outside the park, including Seneca Bluffs Trail, Muddy Branch Trail and Hoyles Mill Trail. To warm up, hit the 5,000-square-foot South Germantown Mountain Bike and BMX Pump Track, which is only a couple minutes away (14501 Schaeffer Road, Boyds).
Open March through October from 8 a.m. to sunset. Free. 14801 Schaeffer Road, Germantown, 301-924-2127, dnr.maryland.gov
3. Take All the Instagrams in the Sunflower Field at the McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area
Sunflowers ignite in July for one to three weeks, lighting up several fields at this 1,971-acre natural reserve. They serve as a valuable food source for mourning doves and other birds, along with some mammals and pollinators. The yellow-rimmed, black-eyed florals are equally attractive for creating Instagram posts. But be careful where you’re stepping while getting selfies because it’s illegal to trample the flowers, cut them down or dig them up.
Open 24 hours a day, year-round. Free. 18600 River Road, Poolesville, 410-260-8540, dnr.maryland.gov
4. Kayak Seneca Breaks on the Potomac River
Slip your kayak into the Potomac River by Violettes Lock/Lock 23 (mile marker 22.1), then head downstream, staying between Pond Island and Beech Island. If the water level is high, you can expect up to Class II (moderate) white-water adventures in Seneca Breaks, full of righteous rips. Many kayakers get out at Pennyfield (Lock 22) via the first inlet on the left and paddle back up the C&O Canal to Violettes Lock to do it all over again.
Free. Lock 23 at the end of Violettes Lock Road, Darnestown, canaltrust.org
5. Marvel at the Outdoor Art at Glenstone
One of the greatest contemporary art museums in the world is tucked away on a lush and meticulously groomed 300-acre compound in the Potomac countryside. Amble along the trails to take in stunning outdoor works, including “Contour 290,” Richard Serra’s massive ribbon-like steel wall that melds with the rolling slopes it sits on, and Jeff Koons’ playful “Split-Rocker,” a giant giraffe-like head sculpture covered in flowers that bloom May through October. The indoor galleries showcase rotating exhibits—from iconoclasts to future legends.
Open Thursday-Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (The museum generally stays open later on Friday and Saturday nights during the summer.) Free; advance timed tickets highly suggested. Visitors must be at least 12 years old (infants younger than 1 year old are welcome and do not need a ticket). 12100 Glen Road, Potomac, 301-983-5001, glenstone.org
6. Get Wet in the Splash Park at South Germantown Recreational Park
Formed by 280 water jets, this splishy, splashy water maze is, well, amazing. Along the way, kids can frolic under the spraying animal sculptures, head down the slide, get doused by the bucket drops, or check out the cave behind the waterfall. Meanwhile, moms and dads can hang out at the shaded picnic tables nearby. After everyone dries off, pop next door to the 18-hole mini golf course to play a round.
Open Memorial Day through Labor Day from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (open weekends only for the first couple of weeks, then Tuesday-Sunday). $6.50 per person age 2 and older. 18056 Central Park Circle, Boyds, 301-670-4680, montgomeryparks.org
7. Go Fishing in Black Hill Regional Park
Get ready for some fin-tastic fun, because the park’s 505-acre Little Seneca Lake is packed to the gills with largemouth bass, bluegills, catfish, tiger muskies and crappies. Cast from the shoreline, take out your own boat, or rent a rowboat, canoe, or kayak on-site. (All anglers age 16 and older must have a Maryland fishing license.) While you’re there, keep an eye out for local wildlife, including ospreys, American red-bellied turtles, wood ducks and beavers.
Open sunrise to sunset. Year-round fishing permitted from the shoreline; contact the park for dates and regulations for boat fishing. Free. 20930 Lake Ridge Drive, Boyds, 301-495-2595, montgomeryparks.org
8. Sleep Outdoors at Little Bennett Campground
This family-friendly, pet-welcoming park sprawls across 3,700 acres and is home to 91 campsites, as well as a trio of well-appointed cabins and three yurts for the glamping crowd. There’s access to bathrooms, showers, drinking fountains and water spigots, as well as a convenient camp store. For an additional $70 fee, any campsite can be set up in advance via the Camper-Ready program, so you’ll arrive to find a four-person tent, two camp chairs, a propane stove and a lantern.
Open year-round, but bathhouses are closed March and November (portable toilets are available). $35 and up per night for county residents, two-night minimum required. 23705 Frederick Road, Clarksburg, 301-528-3430, montgomeryparks.org
9. Pick Berries at Butler’s Orchard
Part working farm, part agri-entertainment complex, the more than 300-acre property offers pick-your-own berries from mid-May until October. Strawberries are the first to arrive, with flushes of black raspberries, blueberries, blackberries and red raspberries becoming available as the year progresses. Once finished harvesting, those with little ones should stop by the play area, which features slides and pedal tractors. Feeling peckish? Pop into The Farmer’s Porch Kitchen to grab salads, sandwiches, snacks, wedges of pie and apple cider doughnuts.
Generally open Tuesday-Sunday 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. in season; check website for current hours. Reservations recommended; $4 per person 2 years and older. 22222 Davis Mill Road, Germantown, 301-428-0444, butlersorchard.com
10. Play Outdoor Beach Tennis at Nike Missile Local Park
Get ready for a grand slam good time. Montgomery County’s first outdoor beach tennis court debuted in April 2024 at the 18.3-acre park in Gaithersburg. Combining elements of beach volleyball, badminton and traditional tennis, beach tennis just might be the next pickleball. Thanks to an adjustable net system, the sand court also can be used for volleyball matches. Sports enthusiasts also can avail themselves of nearby basketball and tennis courts, as well as soccer and softball fields.
Open sunrise to sunset. Free; first come, first served. 8500 Snouffer School Road, Gaithersburg, 301-495-2595, montgomeryparks.org
11. Get Up Close and Personal with Farm Animals (and Devour Deep-Fried Twinkies) at the Montgomery County Agricultural Fair
Be prepared to be happily overwhelmed by everything going on at the 62-acre fair, featuring more than 5,000 farm animals, tons of rides—from a merry-go-round and teacups to a gondola wheel and a tilt-a-whirl—and free entertainment galore, such as chain saw carvings, a stilt walker, raptor demonstrations, circuses, swine races and a comedic hypnotist. Hit the midway to nosh on high-calorie, high-fun fair foods such as barbecued turkey legs, nacho-style fries, churro ice cream sandwiches and deep-fried Twinkies.
Mid-August (see website for dates, times and prices). 301-926-3100, 501 Perry Parkway, Gaithersburg, mcagfair.com
12. Take Out a Dragon-Shaped Paddleboat at Rio
Live out your childhood fantasy of riding a dragon by pedaling yourself around in a paddleboat shaped like the mythical creature. Or rent a boat that looks like a swan or duck instead. Each craft can hold up to four adults and one small child for a maximum total weight of 1,200 pounds. There must be at least one adult at least 18 years old in each boat, and life jackets must be worn.
Open daily noon until sunset (weather permitting). $30 per boat for 30 minutes. 9811 Washingtonian Blvd., Gaithersburg, 301-370-5105, riolakefront.com/lakefrontfun
13. Ride the Tiny Train at Cabin John Regional Park
Hop on the miniature railroad as it takes a relaxing 15-minute trip through 2 miles of the shady woodland park. The area surrounding the station features a playground, picnic spots, bathrooms, vending machines stocked with ice cream and drinks, and a hippo-shaped water fountain. For folks who want to get their adrenaline going, the park is home to a soccer field, volleyball court, ballfield, year-round indoor ice rink, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, and about 6 miles of paths perfect for biking and hiking.
The train is generally running April through October on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. $3.50 per person; children under
the age of 2 ride free with an adult. 7400 Tuckerman Lane, Bethesda, 301-495-2595, montgomeryparks.org
14. Hike the Billy Goat Trail
Though it’s only 1.75 miles long, Section A of the Billy Goat Trail in the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park is arguably the county’s most challenging hike, usually a two- to three-hour endeavor. After parking at Great Falls Tavern, begin the one-way expedition at the entrance by the falls, proceeding downstream while following the blue markers along the Potomac River. The trek involves scrambling across stony stretches, scaling rock walls, and getting across a stream before reaching the out point near Old Angler’s Inn. Return to your car by taking the much more leisurely towpath alongside the C&O Canal. The trek also can be done by parking in the free small lot across from Old Angler’s Inn and proceeding along the towpath from there to Billy Goat’s entrance.
Open sunrise to sunset. $20 per car at the Great Falls Tavern area, 11710 MacArthur Blvd., Potomac, 301-739-4200, nps.gov/choh
15. Take a Whirl on the Dentzel Carousel at Glen Echo Park
For over a century, kids have ridden this carousel’s colorful menagerie of 52 animals—40 horses, four rabbits, a quartet of ostriches, a giraffe, a deer, a lion and a tiger—and two gilt-accented circus chariots. One of only 135 operating antique carousels in the country, the artfully restored amusement park ride is on the National Register of Historic Places. To learn even more about its history, arrange for a free ranger-led tour. (Call 301-320-1400 at least three days in advance to book.)
$2 per single-ride ticket; $5 for an all-day pass. The park is open daily from 6 a.m.-1 a.m. the next morning; the carousel is open May through August, Wednesday-Friday 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, 301-634-2222, glenechopark.org
16. Tackle Go Ape’s Ropes Course at Rock Creek Regional Park
Spend a few hours pretending you’re Tarzan at this high-flying ropes course suspended over 6 acres in the forest of Rock Creek Regional Park. After gearing up and participating in a brief safety training session, head into the canopy to tackle a series of swaying platforms, swinging bridges, climbing nets, suspended barrels, swings and epic ziplines that send you rocketing through the overstory.
Tickets are $64.95 for the Treetop Adventure. Climbers must be at least 10 years old and a minimum of 4 feet, 7 inches tall; maximum weight per climber is 285 pounds. Children ages 10-15 years old must be supervised by an adult 18 or older; one adult may supervise up to two children. Gloves are required (and available for purchase on-site). 6129 Needwood Lake Drive, Derwood, 800-971-8271, goape.com
17. Take a guided Educational Walk on the Underground Railroad Experience Trail at Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park
Embark on an emotional deep dive as you walk and learn about 19th century freedom seekers and the Montgomery County residents who endeavored to help them through the Underground Railroad. Guides will discuss techniques used for navigation, eluding detection, and finding food and shelter. The educational jaunt traverses a 2-mile natural surface trail that isn’t stroller-friendly or ADA accessible. For a longer trek afterward, head back to the trail, which is part of the 25-mile-long Rachel Carson Greenway Trail Corridor.
Saturdays from 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. late March until late November. $8; free for kids younger than 6. 16501 Norwood Road, Sandy Spring, 301-929-5989, montgomeryparks.org
18. Hit the Links at Northwest Golf Course
With the back tees stretching the course to just under 7,400 yards and with 27 holes to play, this nicely maintained public course offers challenges for beginners and pros. After a round, hit the pro shop or grab a bite to eat at the snack bar, which has a patio overlooking the course. Or spend some time at one of the driving range’s 41 lighted stalls (20 are covered and heated) working on your short game, practicing with different clubs and honing your swing.
Prices vary based on tee time and other factors; reservations available starting seven days in advance. Driving range open Monday during daylight hours, Tuesday noon to sunset, Wednesday-Saturday during daylight hours, Sunday sunrise to 5 p.m. 301-598-6100, 15711 Layhill Road, Silver Spring, mcggolf.com
19. Have a Moment of Zen at Brookside Gardens
There is something profoundly soothing about ambling through this meticulously maintained 50-acre public display garden punctuated by tranquil ponds, a rainbow of flowers, and the soothing shade of weeping katsura, pond cypress and towering dawn redwood trees. Rest for a moment in the Japanese teahouse, suspended above a pond where turtles and ducks swim. Make sure to stroll through the butterfly garden, where you might spot a monarch, tiger swallowtail or pearl crescent during the spring or summer.
Open sunrise to sunset. Free. 1800 Glenallan Ave., Wheaton, 301-962-1400, montgomeryparks.org
20. Get Your Blades on at Silver Spring Ice-Skating
Channel your inner Brian Boitano or Michelle Kwan at this outdoor rink at Veterans Plaza in downtown Silver Spring. Confident skaters of all ages glide across the ice accompanied by a high-energy soundtrack, while newbies can take private or group lessons. Bonus: On Saturday mornings, the Silver Spring farmers market unfolds nearby, featuring roughly 50 vendors selling everything from produce and baked goods to goat cheese and freshly made pasta.
Open mid-October to late March on Sunday 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Monday-Thursday noon-10 p.m., Friday noon-11 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-11 p.m. $11 per adult and $10 per child or senior for two hours of skating; $6 for skate rentals. 8523 Fenton St., Silver Spring, 301-588-1221, silverspringiceskating.com
This story appears in Bethesda Magazine’s 2024-2025 Insider’s Guide.
