Sometimes we crave a fun adventure, but our wallets say different. Even if yours is full of more dust than dollars, there are still plenty of activities to do in our state at no charge. Here are 15 awesome things you can do in Maryland that are all free, but still entertaining.
- Visit an art gallery.
Katherine C. / Yelp Pictured here is The Baltimore Museum of Art, where general admission is free. There are numerous other free art galleries throughout Maryland. Perfect activity for a rainy day as well.
- Take a stroll through Brookside Gardens.
Andy LoPresto / Flickr This floral fantasy is located in Wheaton and admission is free. This is the perfect place to snap some Spring photos and be ever so thankful that Winter is finally gone. More information here.
- Head to the Days End Farm Horse Rescue.
Paul / Flickr This Woodbine farm rehabilitates horses and prepares them for adoption. Farm tours are available to the public every day of the year from 9am to 4pm. Tours are always free but donations are accepted to support the rescue program. Website here.
- Visit the animals at the Salisbury Zoo.
Hannah H. / Yelp With a variety of birds, sloths, bears and more, this is a great option to spend a day. Admission is always free and they also accept donations to keep the animals and their habitats in peak condition. Salisbury Zoo Website
- Explore the trails of Battle Creek Cypress Swamp.
alliecat1881 / Flickr Pictured here is the Wetland Boardwalk. The Nature Center includes interpretive exhibits and there are also picture perfect places here for a family picnic. Visit their website here. Located in Prince Frederick.
- Go window shopping in Historic Ellicott City.
Phil Romans / Flickr Ellicott City is full of antique shops with unique items. Stepping foot in a few of these stores is like taking a trip back in time. They also have amazing window displays year-round. Ellicott City Website
- Bike or jog along the C & O Canal.
TrailVoice / Flickr Stretching 184.5 miles long, the canal starts in DC and ends in Cumberland. Click here for the canal bicycling guide.
- Take a day trip to the beach.
Patrise / Flickr Most Maryland beaches are free of charge, including Ocean City. If you’re close enough to take a day trip, do it! Sometimes a tiny getaway is just what the doctor ordered. Check out this list of free Ocean City activities!
- Be a bookworm at the local library.
Angela / Flickr Spend an afternoon reading at the library. Most libraries also have free events that just may interest you.
- Take a scenic drive through Western Maryland.
Steve 1828 / Flickr In the old days, people would take a leisurely drive just for the heck of it. These days, we’re always rushing to get from point A to point B as fast as possible. Take a day to enjoy the tranquil beauty of the mountains. This is especially recommended during autumn, when the trees are painted with splashes of color.
- Explore the U.S. Naval Academy Museum.
Photo Phiend / Flickr Located in Annapolis, this museum is full of knowledge about our country’s military history. It’s open daily and always free to the public. Check out their website here.
- Catch an outdoor flick.
northbeachmd.org During the warm months, there are several cities in Maryland that offer free movies on the lawn. Pictured here is North Beach’s “Movies on the Beach.”
- Enjoy the Maryland scenery from an epic overlook.
dpbirds / Flickr Maryland is full of great views throughout the state. This particular picture was taken at Chimney Rock in Catoctin Mountain Park, just one of the many high points in Frederick County. For even more impressive views in Frederick County, click here.
- Take a walk through the historic Green Mount Cemetery.
A.Currell / Flickr Grave sites here include Johns Hopkins and John Wilkes Booth, among several other famous historic figures. This cemetery is also full of unique tombstones unlike any other. Find out more information here.
- Get outdoors and have a photo shoot with Mother Nature.
Nicolas Raymond / Flickr You’ll be amazed at what little details you discover, and gain more appreciation for the beauty of the Old Line State.
What are your favorite things to do in Maryland when your bank account is small, but you’re up for a BIG adventure? Share in the comments below, so we can all take notes for a fun year! 🙂
Katherine C. / Yelp
Pictured here is The Baltimore Museum of Art, where general admission is free. There are numerous other free art galleries throughout Maryland. Perfect activity for a rainy day as well.
Andy LoPresto / Flickr
This floral fantasy is located in Wheaton and admission is free. This is the perfect place to snap some Spring photos and be ever so thankful that Winter is finally gone. More information here.
Paul / Flickr
This Woodbine farm rehabilitates horses and prepares them for adoption. Farm tours are available to the public every day of the year from 9am to 4pm. Tours are always free but donations are accepted to support the rescue program. Website here.
Hannah H. / Yelp
With a variety of birds, sloths, bears and more, this is a great option to spend a day. Admission is always free and they also accept donations to keep the animals and their habitats in peak condition. Salisbury Zoo Website
alliecat1881 / Flickr
Pictured here is the Wetland Boardwalk. The Nature Center includes interpretive exhibits and there are also picture perfect places here for a family picnic. Visit their website here. Located in Prince Frederick.
Phil Romans / Flickr
Ellicott City is full of antique shops with unique items. Stepping foot in a few of these stores is like taking a trip back in time. They also have amazing window displays year-round. Ellicott City Website
TrailVoice / Flickr
Stretching 184.5 miles long, the canal starts in DC and ends in Cumberland. Click here for the canal bicycling guide.
Patrise / Flickr
Most Maryland beaches are free of charge, including Ocean City. If you’re close enough to take a day trip, do it! Sometimes a tiny getaway is just what the doctor ordered. Check out this list of free Ocean City activities!
Angela / Flickr
Spend an afternoon reading at the library. Most libraries also have free events that just may interest you.
Steve 1828 / Flickr
In the old days, people would take a leisurely drive just for the heck of it. These days, we’re always rushing to get from point A to point B as fast as possible. Take a day to enjoy the tranquil beauty of the mountains. This is especially recommended during autumn, when the trees are painted with splashes of color.
Photo Phiend / Flickr
Located in Annapolis, this museum is full of knowledge about our country’s military history. It’s open daily and always free to the public. Check out their website here.
northbeachmd.org
During the warm months, there are several cities in Maryland that offer free movies on the lawn. Pictured here is North Beach’s “Movies on the Beach.”
dpbirds / Flickr
Maryland is full of great views throughout the state. This particular picture was taken at Chimney Rock in Catoctin Mountain Park, just one of the many high points in Frederick County. For even more impressive views in Frederick County, click here.
A.Currell / Flickr
Grave sites here include Johns Hopkins and John Wilkes Booth, among several other famous historic figures. This cemetery is also full of unique tombstones unlike any other. Find out more information here.
Nicolas Raymond / Flickr
You’ll be amazed at what little details you discover, and gain more appreciation for the beauty of the Old Line State.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr, Baltimore, MD 21218, USAAddress: Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Ave, Wheaton, MD 20902, USAAddress: 1372 Woodbine Rd, Woodbine, MD 21797, USAAddress: Salisbury Zoological Park, 755 S Park Dr, Salisbury, MD 21804, USAAddress: Battle Creek Cypress Swamp, 2880 Grays Rd, Prince Frederick, MD 20678, USAAddress: Ellicott City, MD, USAAddress: Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, United StatesAddress: Ocean City, MD, USAAddress: Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD, USAAddress: North Beach, MD, USAAddress: Catoctin Mountain, Maryland 21788, USAAddress: 1501 Greenmount Ave, Baltimore, MD 21202, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
free things to do in Maryland May 21, 2021 Kim Magaraci Can I hike to historical sites in Maryland? There is so much history here in Maryland, and much of it is accessible in our state parks. Whether you’re looking for battlefields like Antietam or Monocacy to revisit the Civil War days, or you’re looking to explore an abandoned farmstead or town like the one you’ll find at Patapsco Valley or Accokeek Farms at Piscataway Park Trail, you’ll find something to showcase a long-gone era of American history within our parks system or historic site preservation system. For a few of our favorite historic hikes, click here. What are the best outdoor adventures in Maryland? There are so many ways to enjoy the outdoors in Maryland! Hike our state’s section of the Appalachian Trail, climb to the King and queens Seat for a breathtaking overlook, or talk a walk along a historic and haunted battlefield. If you love the water, head out in the harbors of Annapolis or Baltimore, go sailing in the Chesapeake Bay, or paddle through the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. If you’d like to experience some fun on land and in the water, plan a hike and paddle along the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. If you love spending time outdoors, your options are limitless here in Maryland. For a few of our favorite outdoor adventures, click here. Are there any waterfront restaurants in Maryland? If you like dining with a waterfront view, you’re in luck! Some of the most beautiful restaurants in the Old Line State feature breathtaking views of the water. Take a peek at these beautiful waterfront restaurants in Maryland to plan your next dinner out. If you’re looking for a skyline view or something a little unique, These 14 Restaurants In Maryland Have Jaw-Dropping Views While You Eat and showcase more than just our coastline.
The OIYS Visitor Center
free things to do in Maryland
May 21, 2021
Kim Magaraci
Can I hike to historical sites in Maryland? There is so much history here in Maryland, and much of it is accessible in our state parks. Whether you’re looking for battlefields like Antietam or Monocacy to revisit the Civil War days, or you’re looking to explore an abandoned farmstead or town like the one you’ll find at Patapsco Valley or Accokeek Farms at Piscataway Park Trail, you’ll find something to showcase a long-gone era of American history within our parks system or historic site preservation system. For a few of our favorite historic hikes, click here. What are the best outdoor adventures in Maryland? There are so many ways to enjoy the outdoors in Maryland! Hike our state’s section of the Appalachian Trail, climb to the King and queens Seat for a breathtaking overlook, or talk a walk along a historic and haunted battlefield. If you love the water, head out in the harbors of Annapolis or Baltimore, go sailing in the Chesapeake Bay, or paddle through the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. If you’d like to experience some fun on land and in the water, plan a hike and paddle along the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. If you love spending time outdoors, your options are limitless here in Maryland. For a few of our favorite outdoor adventures, click here. Are there any waterfront restaurants in Maryland? If you like dining with a waterfront view, you’re in luck! Some of the most beautiful restaurants in the Old Line State feature breathtaking views of the water. Take a peek at these beautiful waterfront restaurants in Maryland to plan your next dinner out. If you’re looking for a skyline view or something a little unique, These 14 Restaurants In Maryland Have Jaw-Dropping Views While You Eat and showcase more than just our coastline.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
There is so much history here in Maryland, and much of it is accessible in our state parks. Whether you’re looking for battlefields like Antietam or Monocacy to revisit the Civil War days, or you’re looking to explore an abandoned farmstead or town like the one you’ll find at Patapsco Valley or Accokeek Farms at Piscataway Park Trail, you’ll find something to showcase a long-gone era of American history within our parks system or historic site preservation system. For a few of our favorite historic hikes, click here.
What are the best outdoor adventures in Maryland?
There are so many ways to enjoy the outdoors in Maryland! Hike our state’s section of the Appalachian Trail, climb to the King and queens Seat for a breathtaking overlook, or talk a walk along a historic and haunted battlefield. If you love the water, head out in the harbors of Annapolis or Baltimore, go sailing in the Chesapeake Bay, or paddle through the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. If you’d like to experience some fun on land and in the water, plan a hike and paddle along the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. If you love spending time outdoors, your options are limitless here in Maryland. For a few of our favorite outdoor adventures, click here.
Are there any waterfront restaurants in Maryland?
If you like dining with a waterfront view, you’re in luck! Some of the most beautiful restaurants in the Old Line State feature breathtaking views of the water. Take a peek at these beautiful waterfront restaurants in Maryland to plan your next dinner out. If you’re looking for a skyline view or something a little unique, These 14 Restaurants In Maryland Have Jaw-Dropping Views While You Eat and showcase more than just our coastline.
