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.

Farm Fun 📅 May 2026 · ⏱ 8 min read

Best U-Pick Farms in Maryland 2026

Maryland is one of the best states on the East Coast for pick-your-own farm experiences. From strawberry fields in May to apple orchards in October, here's your complete guide to U-pick farms across all 24 Maryland counties in 2026.

🍓 Strawberry Season (May-June)

Moon Valley Farm (Frederick County) Strawberry Festivals May 16 & 24 with food trucks and farm animals. Friday farm stand opens May 22.
Homestead Farm (Poolesville, Montgomery County) Established 1762. #1 rated U-pick in Montgomery County. Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and pumpkins.
Shlagel Farms (Waldorf, Charles County) Maryland Century Farm. U-pick strawberries in May, pumpkins in October. Year-round farm store.
Jones Family Produce Farm (Edgewood, Harford County) Right off I-95. U-pick strawberries May through June. Easy for Baltimore and Northern MD families.
Queen Anne Farm (Davidsonville, Anne Arundel County) #1 rated U-pick in Anne Arundel County per Yelp. Berries, sunflowers, pumpkins.

🫐 Summer Berries (June-August)

Larriland Farm (Woodbine, Howard County) #1 rated U-pick in Central Maryland. 60+ years, 15+ crops including blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, sweet corn, tomatoes, sunflowers.
Butler's Orchard (Germantown, Montgomery County) #2 rated in the DC metro. Blueberries, blackberries, peaches, apples, pumpkins. Corn maze and hayrides in fall.
Richardson Farms (Hampstead, Baltimore County) 230+ Yelp reviews. Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, sweet corn, sunflowers.
Singer Farm Naturals (Norrisville, Harford County) Certified organic. U-pick blueberries June through August and pumpkins in October.

🍎 Apple Season (September-November)

Baugher's Orchards (Westminster, Carroll County) 100+ years of farming. U-pick strawberries, cherries, peaches, plums, nectarines, blackberries, and apples. On-farm restaurant and legendary cider donuts.
Catoctin Mountain Orchard (Thurmont, Frederick County) beautiful mountain backdrop. Cherries, peaches, apples, fresh-pressed cider.
Pryor's Orchard (Thurmont, Frederick County) 50+ years. U-pick cherries, peaches, and apples in beautiful northern Frederick County.
Distillery Lane Ciderworks (Jefferson, Frederick County) Maryland's first hard cidery. U-pick apples plus cider tasting. September through December.