55 Reasons to Spend Your Summer in the Parks
June 25, 2019
Article Updated June 26, 2019
Montgomery Parks offers entertaining leisure activities, facilities, and special events for your summer fun from trails, nature centers, historical sites, playgrounds, boat rentals, and picnic shelters to mini-golf, splash park, driving range, ball fields, archery, ice skating, tennis centers, and much more!
1.
Wings of Fancy Live Butterfly & Caterpillar Exhibit
On exhibit through September 22
June Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily
Brookside Gardens – 1800 Glenallan Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20902
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2.
Summer Twilight Concert Series
Tuesday, July 2 | 6:30-8:00 pm | FREE
Crawdadies | Cajun/Zydeco/Roots Rock
Brookside Gardens – 1800 Glenallan Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20902
3.
Yappy Hour
Thursday, June 27 | 6-8 pm | FREE
Elm Street Urban Park – 4600 Elm Street, Bethesda, MD 20815
We’re bringing people and their furry friends together again for another edition of “Yappy Hour” & Pop-Up Dog Park in downtown Bethesda! Enjoy live music and Bethesda restaurants featuring food, beer and wine. The pop-up dog park will consist of a small dog area and a large dog enclosure area for well-socialized dogs. This event is sponsored by Montgomery Parks and Bethesda Urban Partnership.
4.
Heritage Days at Harper Cabin
Saturday, June 29 + Sunday, June 30 | 12-4 pm | All Ages | FREE
Brookside Nature Center – 1400 Glenallan Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20902
Let the Harper Cabin at Brookside Nature Center be your first stop for exploring the history, culture and nature of Montgomery County as Heritage Montgomery celebrates its 22nd year. Our 1880’s homestead features a log cabin with period furnishings where you can learn about emancipated African American families through conversations with naturalists and hands-on activities for families.
5.
Heritage Days at Agricultural History Farm Park
Saturday, June 29 | 11-4 pm | All Ages | FREE
Agricultural History Farm Park – 18400 Muncaster Road, Derwood, MD 20855
Explore the agricultural heritage of Montgomery County in a day filled with hands-on activities and family fun! Join living historians in costumes from many different eras of the Farm Park’s history! Enjoy demonstrations of traditional crafts, visit with the farm’s animals, explore heirloom gardens, and try your hand at making bread and butter in the mid-20th-century kitchen. The Farmhouse will be open for tours and hayrides will be offered to help you explore the fields and woodlands of the park! Free. No registration required.
6.
Drum Circle
Saturday, June 29 | 11 am to 12 pm | FREE
Takoma Urban Park
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7.
Slip and Slide with the Snakes
Saturday, June 29 | 1-3:30 pm | FREE
Locust Grove Nature Center – 7777 Democracy Blvd, Bethesda, MD 20817
Come in for a free meet-and-greet with Seeker. Get to know this woodland neighbor with a short animal talk about Corn snakes, a creative craft, stories, and some slip and slide fun – snake style! The presentation begins at 1:00. Activities will be there for you to explore at your own pace. All Ages. Register at ActiveMontgomery.org.
8.
Tot Time: Songs for the Planet
Saturday, June 29 | 9:30-10 am | FREE
Saturday, July 27 | 9:30-10 am | FREE
Sunday, August 11 | 11:30 am–12 pm | FREE
Locust Grove Nature Center – 7777 Democracy Blvd, Bethesda, MD 20817
Shake your sillies out with these fun campfire sing-a-long favorites for toddlers about the planet! Bring a picnic blanket and stay for lunch or enjoy a walk in the park after song time.
9.
Bicycle Pump Track
Sunrise to Sunset June 29 through July 28 | FREE
Warner Circle Special Park – 10231 Carroll Place, Kensington, MD 20895
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10.
Harpist at Black Hill Visitor Center
Sunday, June 30 | 12-2 pm | FREE
Black Hill Nature Programs – 20926 Lake Ridge Dr, Boyds, MD 20841
Join us for an afternoon of beautiful harp music and the natural beauty of Black Hill all around you. No need to register; just come to the Visitor Center and enjoy.
11.
Sunday Funday | Wheaton
Sunday, June 30 | 1:00 to 5:00pm | FREE
Wheaton Veterans Urban Park – 11200 Amherst Avenue, Wheaton, MD 20901
Join Montgomery Parks and Wheaton Urban District and wrap up your weekend at Sunday Funday! This FREE family-friendly event will feature games, face painting, music, and ice cream. Food and beer will be available for purchase.
12.
Cycling in the Circle
Sunday, June 30 | 10:00 am – 1:00 pm | FREE
Warner Circle Park – 10231 Carroll Pl, Kensington
Attendees can pick up passports to circle round the park to collect special maps for cycling in the Kensington area, obtain safety information and participate in hands-on street design activities.
13.
Lightning Bug Jubilee
Tuesday, July 2 + Wednesday, July 3 | 8 – 10 pm | All Ages
Brookside Nature Center, 1400 Glenallan Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20902
$7 – Register on ActiveMontgomery.org
Watch fireflies light up the summer night! Did you spend early summer evenings catching fireflies as a child? This all too short fireworks display by these tiny luminescent insects is a wonder to behold. Join us for a short talk about these fascinating creatures and take a walk with a trained volunteer or naturalist to discover when and where to find the different fireflies that call Wheaton Regional Park home.
14.
Independence Day Celebrations
Thursday, July 4
Germantown Glory | Live Music 7 pm | Fireworks at 9:15 pm | FREE
South Germantown Recreational Park – 18041 Central Park Circle Boyds, MD
Mid-County Sparkles | Live Music 7:30 pm | Fireworks at 9:15 pm | FREE
Albert Einstein High School 11135 Newport Mill Road Kensington, MD
15.
Independence Day Family Celebration
Saturday, July 6 | 11 am – 3 pm
Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park – 16501 Norwood Road, Sandy Spring, MD 20860
Bring the entire family and celebrate Independence Day with live music, games, and activities. Woodlawn Museum admission included. Food and beverages are available for purchase. Ages: 5 & up.
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16.
Beginning Recreational Kayaking
Monday, July 8 | 6:30-8:30 pm
Tuesday, August 6 | 6:30-8:30 pm
Black Hill Nature Programs – 20926 Lake Ridge Dr, Boyds, MD 20841
Register on ActiveMontgomery.org
17.
Shakespeare in the Park: Much Ado About Nothing
Tuesday, July 9 | 6:30-8:45 pm | FREE
Brookside Gardens – 1800 Glenallan Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20902
Join us for year three of Shakespeare in the Garden with Much Ado About Nothing. Considered the Bard’s strongest woman character, Beatrice tangles with Benedick in a tale about what we look for in a partner, and after coming home from war, who is the real Hero? With the sweet young yearnings of Hero and Claudio, the clever word-sparing of Beatrice and Benedick, or the comedy slapstick of Dogberry and Verges (not to mention sword fights, mistaken identity, and a masquerade ball) there’s something for everyone. Whether this is your first encounter with Shakespeare or you are a seasoned scholar, this professional production is sure to delight. Free to the public. Bring a picnic or enjoy a meal from food trucks.
18.
Babes in the Park – Germantown Town Center Urban Park
10:30-11:30 am | FREE
Tuesday, July 9 | Monday, August 19
Germantown Town Center Urban Park – 19840 Century Blvd, Germantown, MD 20874
Come explore nature in our Urban Parks with your little ones. We’ll have nature play materials out to help you explore the exciting natural world around the park with your toddler. Siblings are welcome. Ages: 1-3 yrs. Register at ActiveMontgomery.org.
19.
Golf Lessons
Summer Session 2: Classes July 9 – August 4
South Germantown Driving Range – 18045 Central Park Circle, Boyds, MD 20841
Register on ActiveMontgomery.org.
You’ll get four weeks of professional instruction from a Montgomery County Golf Academy Instructor, and learn the basics of golf: proper stance, grip, chipping, putting, driving, golf etiquette, and more.
20.
Shakespeare in the Park: Much Ado About Nothing
Wednesday, July 10 | 7:30-10 pm | FREE
Meadowside Nature Center – 5100 Meadowside Lane, Rockville, MD 20855
Vicious Rumors, Reluctant Rivals and The Triumphant Power Of Love. Prince George’s Shakespeare in the Parks presents this fun-filled comedy, featuring Beatrice and Benedick, the witty rivals whose secret love for each other is revealed when they come to the rescue of Claudio and Hero, whose wedding has been sabotaged by the nefarious Don John. Set on the picturesque island of Sicily, this traveling production will feature live musicians playing a blend of traditional Italian music as well as original numbers composed from Shakespeare’s text. Bring your lawn chair or blanket and enjoy a FREE performance in your favorite park! For more information call 301 446-3232; or visit arts.pgparks.com. Ages: 2 & up.
21.
Brookside Gardens 50th Anniversary Celebration
Friday, July 12 | 9:30 am | Gude Garden | FREE
Brookside Gardens – 1800 Glenallan Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20902
Free event to celebrate 50 years of connection with the community.
Join us for a short presentation commemorating Brookside Gardens’ 50th Anniversary, with light refreshments to follow.
Gather with community members and leaders to commemorate this milestone anniversary.
Then, engage with the Gardens on a self-guided stroll, soaking in the beauty and serenity of the landscapes and water features!
22.
Drum Circle
Saturday, July 13, 20 and 27 | 11 am to 12 pm | FREE
Takoma Urban Park
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23.
Toad-ly Awesome
Saturday, July 13 | 1-3:30 pm | FREE
Locust Grove Nature Center – 7777 Democracy Blvd, Bethesda, MD 20817
Come in for a free meet-and-greet with Prince Charming. Get to know this woodland neighbor with a short animal talk about American Toads, a creative craft, stories, and some frog and toad trivia that will keep you hopping. The presentation begins at 1:00.
24.
Youth on Earth
Saturday, July 13 | 1:30-3:30 pm | FREE
Saturday, August 24 | 1:30-3:30 pm | FREE
Meadowside Nature Center – 5100 Meadowside Ln, Rockville, MD 20855
Come join other teens in our Youth on Earth program! Go hiking with new friends, learn about local wildlife, and get up-close encounters with Meadowside’s resident animals, including amphibians, reptiles, and raptors. Bring your energy and creativity to environmental projects that impact your community. Bilingual (English/Spanish). Ages:14-18.
25.
Bats & Beavers Pontoon Boat Cruise
Monday, July 15 | 7:30-9 pm
Wednesday, July 24 | 7:30-9 pm
Thursday, August 15 | 7-8:30 pm
Wednesday, August 21 | 7-8:30 pm
Black Hill Nature Programs – 20926 Lake Ridge Dr, Boyds, MD 20841
$7 – Register at ActiveMontgomery.org
26.
Animalitos del Arroyo
Thursday, July 18 | 10:30-11:30 am | FREE
Meadowside Nature Center – 5100 Meadowside Lane, Rockville, MD 20855
El arroyo es alegre y lleno de animalitos. ¡Acompáñanos a explorarlo! Nosotros proveemos las herramientas científicas mientras tú traes la curiosidad. Lleva botas o sandalias del agua y ropa que se puede mojar. El programa no es para nadar. M/Padre o guardián debe acompañar a cada niño/a. Ages: 4 & up.
27.
Movie Night: COCO (audio en Español/English subtitles)
Friday, July 19 | 8:30 – 11:00 pm | FREE
Wheaton Regional Park- 2000 Shorefield Road, Wheaton, MD 20902
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28.
Fiesta de Verano / Summer Party
Friday, July 19 | 5:30 – 10:30 pm | FREE
Wheaton Veterans Urban Park– 11200 Amherst Avenue, Wheaton, MD 20902
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29.
Caminos y Cuentos/Trails & Tales
Saturday, July 20 | 2-3 pm | Age 2 & up | FREE
Saturday, August 31 | 2-3 pm | Age 2 & up | FREE
Meadowside Nature Center – 5100 Meadowside Ln, Rockville, MD 20855
Cada uno tiene su historia. Tú, yo y la criatura más chiquita hasta el árbol más enorme. Ven a Meadowside, lluvia o sol, para una caminata con nuevos amigos. Vamos a parar en la quebrada o el prado para escuchar un cuento de una naturalista o tu cuento favorito de la naturaleza. Es un programa de todos idiomas; las experiencias de la naturaleza de todas culturas son bienvenidas. Everyone has a story. You, me, and the tiniest creature to the tallest tree. Meet at the nature center, rain or shine, for a springtime hike with new friends. We’ll pause by the creek or in the meadow to listen to a naturalist’s story or to your own favorite nature experience. This is a multilingual program; all cultures’ nature stories are welcome.
30.
Up a Creek with a Paddle
Saturday, July 20 | 1-3:30 pm | FREE
Locust Grove Nature Center – 7777 Democracy Blvd, Bethesda, MD 20817
Come in for a free meet-and-greet with Paddles. Get to know this woodland neighbor with a short animal talk about Red-eared Sliders, a creative craft, stories, and some creek themed games to learn more about aquatic food chains. Talk begins at 1:00. Activities will be there for you to explore at your own pace. Ages: All Ages.
31.
Family Scavenger Hunt
Saturday, July 20 | 12:30-1:30 pm | FREE
Maydale Conservation Park – 1638 Maydale Drive, Colesville, MD 20905
Discover the outdoors as we hike and identify the plants and animals at Maydale. Ages: 3 & up.
32.
Sensory Sundays
9-11 am | FREE
Sunday, July 21 | Sunday, August 18
Agricultural History Farm Park – 18400 Muncaster Road, Derwood, MD 20855
Join us as the sun rises over the Agricultural History Farm Park for a gentle time of hands-on learning. Meet the Farm’s animals, experience exhibits with lower lights and softer sounds, and explore tactile activities and crafts that will appeal to all kinds of curious minds. Please call Lisa Berray, Manager of Interpretation and Visitor Services, for questions or more information at 301-467-8273. All Ages. Register at ActiveMontgomery.org.
33.
Food Matters: Foodie Fridays
6:30 – 8:30 pm | FREE
Friday, July 26 | Food Recovery and Community Impact
Friday, August 23 | Montgomery County Breweries – Production, Policy, and Profit
Brookside Gardens – 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD
Food Matters is an informative speaker series, sponsored by Montgomery Parks, that features storytelling of farmers, educators, chefs, community organizers, business professionals, and food lovers. It is an opportunity for community members to engage with experts in the regional food system. Complimentary food and beverages are provided. MORE…
34.
Pickin’ On the Porch
Saturdays: July 27 + August 24 | 7-9 pm
Agricultural History Farm Park – 18400 Muncaster Road, Derwood, MD 20855
$5 – Register on ActiveMontgomery.org
Wind down from the work week with an evening of local acoustic, roots, and bluegrass music on the porch of the historic Farmhouse at the Agricultural History Farm Park! Event includes featured local music artists, open mic, and the opportunity to pull out your own acoustic instrument to play with other talented musicians under the stars. Pack a picnic, bring your family and friends, and enjoy a laid back evening in the country.
35.
Smokey The Bear’s Birthday Celebration
Friday, August 9 + Saturday, August 10 | 11 am-4 pm | FREE
Sunday, August 11 | 1-5 pm | FREE
Brookside Nature Center – 1400 Glenallan Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20902
America’s most favorite firefighter Smokey Bear turns 75! Come spend some time with Smokey, learn different fire safety tips, sing happy birthday and enjoy a slice of cake!
36.
Canal at Dusk
Friday, August 9 | 7:30-9 pm | FREE
Brookside Nature Center – 1400 Glenallan Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20902
Listen for the cicadas and crickets, maybe a barred owl too. Hear the quiet murmur of the Potomac. Feel a cooling breeze from the wind brushing over its waters. See the great blue heron lift itself into the air. During our evening walk on the canal, we’ll relax with the setting sun and observe the changes that take place as day yields to night. Expect to cover 1 – 2 miles on a natural surface trail. Directions to the site will be emailed in advance to all registered participants. Ages 6 & up
37.
Flying Squirrels
Friday evenings 7:45 pm in June, July & August | FREE
Wednesday evenings 5-8:30 pm in July & August | FREE
Brookside Nature Center – 1400 Glenallan Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20902
MORE…
38.
Underground Railroad Trail Guided Hike
Every Saturday in June | 10 am–12:30 pm
Every Saturday in July & August | 9:30 am –12 pm
Sunday, July 7 | 9:30 am –12 pm
Sunday, August 4 | 9:30 am –12 pm
Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park – 16501 Norwood Road, Sandy Spring, MD 20860
MORE…
39.
Raptor Enrichment
Every Saturday | 11:30-11:45 am | FREE
Meadowside Nature Center – 5100 Meadowside Lane, Rockville, MD 20855
Raptors are smart! Come see Meadowside’s resident raptors as they search for food, explore new objects and encounter new experiences. Ages: 2 & up.
40.
Raptor Feeding
Every Saturday | 12-12:20 pm | FREE
Meadowside Nature Center – 5100 Meadowside Lane, Rockville, MD 20855
Observe Meadowside’s resident raptors during their feeding time and learn some of the stories about the raptors on exhibit.
41.
Maryland Turtle Talks
Saturdays | 10 am | FREE
Brookside Nature Center – 1400 Glenallan Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20902
Come visit our new outdoor box turtle exhibit and learn about the natural history and conservation challenges of these iconic reptiles from our volunteer “Turtle Talkers.”
42.
Archery Lessons
June & July
Register on ActiveMontgomery.org
South Germantown Driving Range – 18045 Central Park Circle, Boyds, MD 20841
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43.
Summer Open Houses
1st and 3rd Saturdays (June, July, August) | 12 pm – 4 pm
Agricultural History Farm Park – 18400 Muncaster Road, Derwood, MD 20855
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44.
Kingsley Schoolhouse Guided Tours
First Sunday each month through October | 1- 4 pm | FREE
Little Bennett Regional Park – 24472 Clarksburg Road Clarksburg, MD 20871
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45.
Tai Chi at Brookside Gardens
Wednesdays: June & July | 9-10:15 am
Brookside Gardens – 1800 Glenallan Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20902
$12 Register on ActiveMontgomery.org
46.
Oakley Cabin Guided Tours
Every second and fourth Saturday, April-October | 12-4 pm | FREE
Oakley Cabin African American Museum and Park – 3610 Brookeville Road Olney, MD 20832
MORE…
47.
South Germantown SplashPark & Mini-Golf
Open Everyday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m
South Germantown Recreational Park – 18056 Central Park Circle | Boyds, MD 20841
MORE…
48.
Tennis Group Lessons
Summer Session 2 – Online Registration: June 11-July 31 | Classes: August 2-September 1
Register on ActiveMontgomery.org
Pauline Betz Addie Tennis Center – 7801 Democracy Blvd. Bethesda, MD 20817
Wheaton Indoor Tennis – 11715 Orebaugh Ave. Wheaton, MD 20902
49.
Boat Rentals
Black Hill Boat Rentals – 20920 Lake Ridge Drive | Boyds, MD 20841
Experience Little Seneca Lake by boat! Rent a kayak, canoe, paddle board, or rowboat at the Boathouse, or get on board the “Kingfisher” pontoon boat for a tour of the lake. MORE…
Lake Needwood Boats – 15700 Needwood Lake Circle | Rockville, MD 20855
Enjoy the beautiful 75-acre Lake Needwood in rental kayaks, rowboats, canoes or pedal boats, or on a tour of the lake aboard the Needwood Queen during the summer season (group tours available). Private boats can also be launched with permits. MORE…
50.
Picnic Shelters, Activity Building and Event Center Rentals
Gather with family and friends at one of our shelters or activity buildings! Permits required to reserve a location. For more information select one of the facilities below.
Picnic Shelters
Montgomery Parks offers covered picnic shelters throughout the county for large and small groups to host picnics or events. MORE…
Activity Buildings
Park Activity Buildings are a convenient and affordable location for a birthday party, bridal shower, meeting or event. Each building features a kitchen, refrigerator, warming oven and restrooms. MORE…
Event Centers
Each of Montgomery Parks’ Event Centers provides a unique and elegantly simple home for your special event. When you’re in the middle of the natural beauty of our venues’ parkland settings and enjoying their miles-from-anywhere feeling of peace and quiet, it’s easy to forget that you’re minutes away from a major road or highway. MORE…
51.
Public Skating Sessions at our Ice Rinks
Cabin John Ice Rink
Cabin John Regional Park – 10610 Westlake Drive, Rockville, MD 20852
Wheaton Ice Arena
Wheaton Regional Park – 11717 Orebaugh Avenue, Wheaton, MD 20902
52.
Miniature Trains
Children and adults alike are captivated by our miniature trains running through Cabin John Regional Park and Wheaton Regional Park. The trains are replicas of the 1863 C.P. Huntington, a 4-2-4T steam locomotive purchased by the Southern Pacific Railroad and named in honor of Collis P. Huntington, President of the Southern Pacific Company.
Wheaton Miniature Train and Carousel
Wheaton Regional Park – 2002 Shorefield Road, Wheaton, MD 20902
Cabin John Miniature Train
Cabin John Regional Park – 7410 Tuckerman Lane, Rockville, MD 20852
53.
Carousel Rides
Ovid Hazen Wells Carousel at Wheaton Regional Park – 2002 Shorefield Road, Wheaton, MD 20902
Children young and old are enchanted by this historic symbol of bygone days. The beautiful Ovid Hazen Wells Carousel was built by the Herschell Spillman- Company of Tonawanda, New York in 1915. MORE…
54.
Walking, Hiking, Biking & Trails
Montgomery Parks boasts more than 200 miles of trails.
Our trails are used for active and passive recreation, and exploring. We encourage you to practice trail safety at all times as you enjoy the trails. MORE…
- Natural Surface Trails – Natural surface trails are typically narrow (2-4 feet wide) dirt trails. Types of uses associated with these trails are hiking, horseback riding and all-terrain biking. Unless noted otherwise on the trail map, natural surface trails are “shared by all”.
- Hard Surface Trails – Hard surface trails may include asphalt paths but they may also be any firm and stable surface capable of supporting casual walkers and cyclists.
55.
Camp Sites, Yurts, Cabins & RV Sites
Little Bennett Campground in Little Bennett Regional Park – 23705 Frederick Rd, Clarksburg, MD 20871
Little Bennett Campground is Montgomery County’s only campground. For County residents, it offers the perfect getaway close to home. For RV travelers from near and far, it offers Full Hook-Up and Pull-Thru sites that are beautiful and wooded. Whether you’re a first-time camper or a veteran camper, Little Bennett Campground will provide you with immaculate facilities in the heart of the woods. MORE…
Discover all that Montgomery Parks has waiting for you and your family: https://www.montgomeryparks.org/