What are the best free things to do in Maryland?

Maryland's best free activities include the Smithsonian National Zoo (always free giant pandas, elephants, lions), Assateague Island National Seashore (free beach with wild horses), the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore (Egyptian mummies, medieval armor always free), Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge (free wildlife drive with bald eagles), Artscape in Baltimore (July 17-19, 2026 America's largest free arts festival drawing 300,000+), and dozens of free weekly food truck series.

Are there free activities for kids in Maryland year-round?

Yes! Maryland has free family activities throughout the year. Year-round free options include the Smithsonian Zoo, the Walters Art Museum, all Maryland public libraries (free programs and events year-round), Carroll Creek Linear Park in Frederick, and the Havre de Grace Waterfront. Summer adds dozens of free outdoor concerts, free food truck series, and free festivals across all 24 counties.

Outdoor Fun 📅 May 2026 · ⏱ 8 min read

Best Beaches in Maryland for Families 2026

Maryland may not be the first state that comes to mind when you think beaches, but it absolutely should be. From the world-famous wild horses of Assateague Island to the Chesapeake Bay swimming beaches that locals keep to themselves, Maryland offers some of the most unique and family-friendly beach experiences on the entire East Coast.

🐴 Assateague Island National Seashore The Crown Jewel

Assateague Island is without question Maryland's most extraordinary beach destination and it's completely free. This pristine barrier island on the Atlantic Ocean is home to wild horses that have roamed free for centuries. You'll walk onto the beach and find them grazing in the dunes, cooling off in the waves, and wandering through the campground like they own the place (they do).

Free beach access No admission fee to access the beach itself
Wild horses The Chincoteague ponies are iconic; observe from a safe distance and never feed them
Camping on the beach One of the most unique camping experiences on the East Coast
Pristine Atlantic waters Far less crowded than Ocean City
Wildlife watching Shorebirds, dolphins, seals in winter

🎡 Ocean City The Classic Maryland Beach

Ocean City is Maryland's premier beach resort 10 miles of Atlantic beach, a famous 3-mile boardwalk packed with shops, restaurants, rides, and arcades, and every water sport imaginable. It's lively, family-oriented, and quintessentially Maryland.

The Boardwalk free to walk; Thrasher's French Fries and Kohr Brothers frozen custard are mandatory stops
Trimper's Rides at the south end vintage amusement park right on the boardwalk
Free beach access no charge to use Ocean City's public beach
Mini golf, water parks, parasailing every family beach activity imaginable

🦀 Chesapeake Bay Beaches Maryland's Hidden Gems

The Chesapeake Bay's calm, warm, shallow waters make it ideal for young children no ocean waves, no rip currents, and water that warms up faster than the Atlantic.

Sandy Point State Park (Anne Arundel County) 786 acres of Bay beach 15 minutes from Annapolis. Swimming, fishing, kayaking, beautiful views of the Bay Bridge. Modest entrance fee.
Calvert Cliffs State Park (Calvert County) Walk 1.8 miles through beautiful forest to reach a beach famous for shark teeth fossils. Kids go crazy for fossil hunting. Free with trail walk.
Flag Ponds Nature Park (Calvert County) Hidden gem Bay beach with excellent fossil hunting, fishing, and birding. Limited parking so arrive early.
Breezy Point Beach (Calvert County) Full-service family beach on the Bay with swimming, playgrounds, volleyball, and picnic areas.