Fun Things to Do in Frederick Md This Summer

It seems like we were very recently walking around in down jackets, and now we’re planning outings to the pool and beach! Oh Maryland, how we love your fickle weather…said no one ever!

Regardless, summer is right around the corner. Memorial Day marks the opening of the local pools, and once school is out, vacations and relaxation are in! It’s is a beautiful time of year, with literally hundreds of fun things to do in Frederick Md this summer.

Whatever your interest, you’ll find plenty of activities in and around Frederick. History buff, music lover, sports fan, bookworm, beer and wine lover, art connoisseur (or enthusiastic appreciator, like me 💝 )… there are plenty of events.

If you’re planning a “Staycation”, looking for fun things to do to keep the kids occupied, or looking for new adventures, check out some summer fun in Frederick County:

Things to Do in Frederick Md This Summer
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🏞The Great Outdoors

Central Maryland is a beautiful area of the Mid-Atlantic region. There are a number of local, State and National parks in and around Frederick County. You can enjoy nature hikes, wildlife, swimming, canoes and kayaks, white-water rafting, biking and discovery classes, and more.

Town & City Parks:

City of Frederick Parks & Recreation, there are always events coordinated by the city parks and recreation department. The summer is full of activities for adults and children. You can pick up a copy of the brochure, have one mailed to you, or view the online brochure.

County Parks: Frederick County Parks & Recreation, the county parks and recreation department has a long list of activities for all ages. The same goes for the brochure, The Recreator.

State Parks – All Within 20 minutes of Frederick:

• Cunningham Falls State Park & Hunting Creek Lake, in the Catoctin Mountains, with swimming and non-motored boating, fishing, hiking and canoeing in Hunting Creek Lake. Campsites and camper cabins for rent. Hunting and horseback riding are both permitted within certain areas. There are nine hiking trails, including the trail to the beautiful Cunningham Falls.
• Gambrill State Park is well known for High Knob, three stone overlooks that offer stunning views of the Frederick and Middletown Valleys, and the mountains beyond. The High Knob area also offers wooded picnic areas, picnic shelters, campgrounds, fishing and a lodge, called the Tea Room, which can be rented for events. 1-888-432-2267.
• Gathland State Park, once the mountain home of George Alfred Townsend, a Civil War journalist. There is a Civil War museum on site, camping and picnic pavilion for rent, 1-888-432-CAMP. The Appalachian Trail passes through the state park.
• Greenbrier State Park has a 42-acre man-made lake, with swimming, canoeing, boating (electric trolling motors) hiking, picnicking, fishing and a playground. Four pavilions for rent, 165 Campsites. There is a connector trail to The Appalachian Trail.
• South Mountain State Park, for avid hikers, South Mountain features several scenic vistas, including High Rock, Black Rock, Annapolis Rock, White Rock and Weaverton Cliffs. It includes two hunting areas.
• Washington Monument State Park, at the top of South Mountain, the site of the first monument dedicated to George Washington, with a museum. Most of the hiking trails are part of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. Camping, picnic sites, pavilions for rent, South Mountain State Battlefield.

National Parks:

• The Appalachian National Scenic Trail,  a 2,180+ mile long public footpath, with several miles running through the state parks above.
• Monocacy National Battlefield, commemorating the battle that saved Washington D.C. There are six trails, twilight hikes, and lots of educational events throughout the year. There is a fairly new visitor center, and you can take a self-guided auto tour.
• Catoctin Mountain Park, hiking, camping, lodging, special programs and events. Educational opportunities for children.
• C&O Canal National Park, public boat rides, visitor center, camping, hiking and biking trails and special events. 184.5 miles of trail that preserves America’s transportation history.
• C&O Bicycle Guide has a map and suggested sites. C&O Canal Towpath is a great resource for news and interesting stops along the way, and places to stay.

In and Around Frederick:

• Frederick Bicycle Loop, a self-guided tour through the City of Frederick, download the brochure.
• Ropes course, zipline and canopy tour, corporate retreats and group activities: Upward Enterprises, in Adamstown, MD.
• Rafting, Tubing and Kayaking, and Ziplines, along the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers: River & Trail Outfitters, River Riders Inc., Harpers Ferry Adventure Center.
• Catoctin Wildlife Preserve & Zoo, open 9-6 daily all summer. Birthday parties, group events, and volunteer programs.
• Backyard Inflatables, great for outdoor parties.
• The Frederick Tourism Events Page has a chronological list of events throughout the county.
  

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Here is a very helpful search feature on Recreation.gov where you can search for parks, camping and lodging, tickets and all kinds of outdoor recreation by location.

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🎨The Arts in Frederick

• June is for Art Lovers! From First Saturday, the Frederick Art Festival and many activities throughout the month. They have a summer camp for kids.
• Barnstormers Tour, June 17, 10 am to 3 pm. A tour of several barns of Frederick and surrounding area, observe painters at tour locations, followed by an art show and sale, with food and entertainment, afterward at a host farm. Art Show and Sale, Music, Food   3:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m. Details at Frederick County Landmarks website.
• Many local galleries have fresh new exhibits throughout the summer.
• There are a number of classes and events at the Delaplaine Visual Arts Center this summer, including a summer camp. Also, drop in art activities for all ages. First Saturdays.

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👨‍🎓Continuing Education for Adults

Continuing education and personal enrichment classes @ Frederick Community College

Delaplaine Visual Arts Center Adult Classes & Workshops

Mt. Saint Mary’s Center for Professional and Continuing Studies

Frederick County Recreation Classes, Sports, fitness and nutrition, cooking classes, and more for adults. You can see all events, locations and fees and information…and get discount tickets to area amusement parks through the Recreator.

City of Frederick Recreation Classes, classes, hobbies, sports and more for adults.

🚸Continuing Learning for Children

Delaplaine Visual Arts Education Center, art classes and camps for children.

City of Frederick Recreation, information on pools, swimming lessons, day camps, sports, classes and more.

Earth & Space Science Lab, 210 Madison St.

• Planetarium Shows
• Summer Camps
• Arboretum

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⛹🏽‍♂️Summer Camps in Frederick County

• YMCA Summer Camps
• FCC Kids on Campus, Camps for kids age 4 to 15.
• The Kitchen Studio, Camps are available for kids, ages 8-17, at various times throughout the summer.
• 24-7 Dance Studio Summer Classes
• Skate Frederick Learn to Skate Summer Camp, Hockey Summer Camp
• Frederick 4H Camp
• Frederick Indoor Sports, Summer Camps with professional athletes
• Bar-T Summer Camp, K through 8th grade.
• Frederick Regional Youth Orchestra Summer Music Camp
• Rose Hill Manor Children’s Museum, Civil War Living History Day, Thrashing Days, World War II Weekend, Family Fun Night.
• Mar-Lu-Ridge Camp & Retreat Center, beautiful setting in the Catoctin Mountains.
• Skycroft Adventure Camp, camps for children, teens, adults and families
• MET Summer Fun Camp, Maryland Ensemble Theater, 2019 Fun Camp
• Frederick Children’s Chorus Summer Camps
• New Spire Arts Summer Camp and Workshops.
• Adventure Park USA Summer Camps, Family Fun Fridays, VIP memberships, and special events.
• School of Rock Music Summer Camps
• Luna Aerial Dance and Performing Arts. Introduction to Pole, Beginner Aerial, Beginner Trapeze and Lyra. For adults too!

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See more kid-friendly activities in Frederick throughout the year.

⚽Frederick Sports

• Keys Baseball, Keep up with events on the Keys Facebook Page 
• Frederick Soccer Club Summer Camp
• Frederick Gymnastics Club Summer Schedule
• Frederick County Basketball Camps
• Hood College Summer sports and Swimming Lessons
• Tennis Courts in Frederick in Baker Park
• Frederick Sports Leagues Listings on Frederick.com
• Youth Baseball:  Frederick American Little League, East Frederick Little League, Frederick Challenger Little League,Urbana Baseball & Softball, LOUYAA Linganore, Oakdale and Urbana, Brunswick Little League & Softball,  Mountain Valley Baseball Middletown, Myersville, and Wolfesville, Glade Valley Baseball Walkersville
• Frederick Youth Soccer League
• Clustered Spires Junior Golf
• Whiskey Creek Junior Golf Camp
• Frederick Golf Club
• Skate Frederick, public skating, lessons, camps, ice hockey, figure skating
• Potomac Valley Youth Association (Brunswick) Soccer camp, golf program, summer swimming
• Local Recreation Councils:
• Urbana Recreation Council, serves Urbana, Ijamsville and surrounding area. Youth programs for baseball, basketball, cheer, cub scouts, field hockey, football, lacrosse, poms, softball, and wrestling.
• Middletown Recreation Council, activities for all ages, all seasons
• Libertytown Recreation Council, summer baseball, winter basketball
• Woodsboro/New Midway Recreation Council

🏊🏾Community Swimming Pools:

open from Memorial Day through Labor Day

• Baker Park Pool, 301-663-5666,
• Diggs Memorial Pool, 301-600-6364,
• Hood College Pool, 301-696-3484,
• Brunswick Pool – 301-834-7567,
• Emmitsburg Pool – 301-447-9820,

Pools with Memberships:

• Braddock Heights Pool
• Hood College Pool
• Kids First Swim School – Francis Scott Key Mall – (301) 682-7946

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👔Summer Jobs

• Snagajob
• Indeed
• Frederick Works
• Simply Hired
• Part-time jobs

🛍Summer Flea Markets in and Around Frederick

• Thurmont Flea and Farmer’s Market open on Saturdays.
• Harpers Ferry Gypsy Market, 154 Wolfcraft Way, Charles Town, WV 25414
• Yard Sale & Garage Sale Search This is a nice site to find out about local yard sales and to post your own yard sale or garage sale.

Farmer’s Markets in and Around Frederick

Visit the Farmers Market. There are several farmers markets around Frederick and in every town in Frederick County. 
– Frederick City Market in the Old Carmack Jay parking lot at 331 N. Market Street, open Sunday’s 9 am to 1 pm.
– Everedy Square & Shab Row Farmer’s Market, Thursday’s 3 to 6 pm.
-Frederick Farmers Market, 1215 W. Patrick Street, Saturdays 10 am to 1 pm.
– Lake Linganore Farmer’s Market, Thursdays 4 to 7 pm.
-Baker Park, Key City Farmer’s Market, 11 am to 1:30 pm.
-Field Fresh Farmer’s Market, The Great Frederick Fair Grounds, Saturdays, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm starting June 21.
– Thurmont Farmer’s Market open on Saturdays, 9 am to noon

* I found this Google Map of local Farmer’s Markets,  thanks to whoever created this, it’s great!

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🔔Frederick County History Buff

• Research Your Family Roots @ The Historical Society of Frederick County
• MD Scenic Byways Map  OR get a copy @ The Frederick Visitor Center, 151 S. East Street
• Civil War Medicine Museum, various lectures and presentations
• Frederick Tourism – Group Tours, Murder & Mayhem & Weekend Walking Tours
• Historical Society of Frederick County – Walking Tours of Historic Frederick, Civil War Walking Tours, Art & Architecture Walking Tours, Black History Walking Tours, Drunk & Disorderly
• Brunswick Railroad Museum
• Maryland Civil War Trails, biking trails, and lots of scenic trips throughout Maryland
• Harpers Ferry, Living History Weekends, Historic Trades Workshops, Cultural and Natural Resources programs
• Gettysburg National Battlefield, they have a full schedule of summer programs
• Covered Bridges of Frederick County Driving Tour, Bring Your Camera!
• Historic Architectural Houses of Frederick, call to schedule tours
• National Register of Historic Places, Frederick County Locations
•  Annual Barnstormers Tour, throughout Frederick County, June 9th.
• Schifferstadt French and Indian War Encampment Frontier Day

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🎭Theatre in Frederick

Playing at the MET

Playing at the Weinberg

Way Off Broadway Children’s Theatre Saturday and 2nd and 4th Sunday performances.

Fredericktowne Players

Summerfest Family Theater in Baker Park, 10 am on Thursdays

Annual Frederick Film Festival, at the Weinberg

Starlight Family Film Festival, from FCPL, at the Natelli Community Center in Urbana,

🎶Frederick Music Lovers

Summer Concert Series in Baker Park, 7 pm on Sundays

Spring Catoctin Mountain Music & Dance Weekend, June

Alive @ Five @ Carroll Creek Amphitheater, Thursdays, 5 – 8 pm.

Wednesday Night Concert Series at Westview Promenade, May through August.

Sky Stage Live Music Series, Special events, poetry and more. See the Sky Stage website for all the activities.

Dueling Pianos Under the Stars, Downtown Frederick, The Faux School, Frederick, MD 21701,  Carroll Creek Amphitheater.

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🌮For Frederick Foodies

Catoctin Mountain Orchard

South Mountain Creamery, if you need an excuse to go get some ice cream, June is National Dairy Month. It’s a patriotic thing to do!

Farmer’s Market at the Frederick Fairgrounds on Saturdays; City Market at the old Carmack Jay Parking lot downtown, between 4th and 5th Streets; Everedy and Shab Row Farmer’s Market on Thursday afternoons; Carroll Creek Farmer’s Market, Tuesdays, 4:30 – 7:30.

Pryor’s Orchard

Thurmont Flea Market & Farmer’s Market

Miolea Organic Farm Market – Adamstown

England Acres Farm – Mt. Airy

🍷The Frederick Wine Trail

Maryland Wine Trail, local wineries have music, festivals, tastings, and many other events during the summer.

• Summer Festivals, live music and events at Local Vineyards: Elk Run, Linganore Winery, Catoctin Breeze Vineyard
• Annual Frederick Wine Festival. First Saturday in August, Carroll Creek 11 am to 5 pm.

Related Reading: A Frederick County Wine Country Day Trip

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Things to Do in Frederick Md This Summer…

👪For Kids of All Ages

• Walkersville Southern Railroad, Jesse James Day, Civil War Reenactors, Fathers Day Special, Star-Spangled Fireworks Special, Super Hero Picnic, Teddy Bear Picnic, and more.
• Children’s History Hour, for preschoolers, 1st and 3d Tuesday each month. Frederick County History Museum, 24 E. Church St.
• The EventPlex @ Frederick Fairgrounds, lots of fun things to do in Frederick Md this summer, Mexican Rodeo, Cirque Italia, Peruvian and Latin Festival, Western Maryland Reptile Show and more.
• Adventure Park USA, Family Fun Fridays,  Super Saturdays
• Catoctin Wildlife Preserve and Zoo, host an event, book a group
• Deer Crossing Rec Center 301-865-1769
• Fountain Rock Rec Center 301-898-1460
• Frederick City Rec Dept. 301-600-1492
• Middletown Rec Center 240-566-0222
• Oakdale Rec Center 301-600-1359
• Tuscarora Rec Center 240-566-0025
• Rose Hill Manor Children’s Museum 301-600-1646

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📚Frederick Public Library

      Frederick Public Library Events

• FCPL Summer Featured Programs
• Storyland Storytime
• Babies with Books
• Summer Challenge
• Discover Space
• Music and Movies
• STEM program
• Visits from Children’s Book Characters
• Music on the Deck
• Demonstrations and Learning events
• and hundreds of more activities

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🏙Downtown Frederick Events

See the Downtown Frederick Partnership Website: 

• Alive @ Five – Happy Hour with live music, local food and drink, adults only. Carroll Creek Park Amphitheater, Thursdays, from 5 to 8 pm. $5 for 21 and older.
• Candlelight Ghost Tours – Frederick Walking Tour
• Guided Walking Tours –  Art & Architecture of Frederick, African American History, Civil War Walking Tours, Historic Frederick Walking
• Free Movie Night on the Creek:  3rd Fridays

First Saturdays in Historic District Frederick are all about performance and visual art during the summer months:

• June – I Art Frederick
• July – Stars & Stripes
• August – Art Attack!
• September — Get it Downtown

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Independence Day Celebrations in Frederick County

• Frederick’s 4th in Baker Park – (2021 – Frederick Fairgrounds) Fireworks, Food, Children’s Activities, two stages of entertainment, from noon to dusk. Check the above webpage for current information:
• Independence Day Celebration
• Mt. Airy Fireworks
• Walkersville Carnival
• Emmitsburg Community Heritage Day
• Preservation Maryland has a list of Historic events throughout the state of Maryland.

In the Street, Sept. 9, a Festival held in the streets of downtown Frederick every year.

Comments Welcome! If I’ve missed any Things to Do in Frederick Md This Summer you know about… contact me!

Cunningham Falls original photo credit:  Melanie K Re Creative Commons License

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📖Related Reading:

• Ten Things To Love About Frederick Md
• Ten Things to Do in Historic Downtown Frederick
• A Day in Frederick Md

🏡Search for Homes for Sale in Frederick County