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.

When do farmers markets open in Maryland for spring 2026?

Most Maryland farmers markets open between April and May 2026. Early openers include Bel Air Farmers Market (April 11), Fulton Farmers Market at Maple Lawn in Howard County (April 17), Field Fresh Farmers Market in Frederick (April 26), Carroll County Farmers Market (May 9), and Downtown Sykesville Farmers Market (May 17). Year-round markets like the Baltimore Farmers Market and Bethesda Central Farm Market are already open.

When do the cherry blossoms bloom in Maryland and DC?

The famous Tidal Basin cherry blossoms in Washington DC typically peak in late March to early April, though timing varies by year depending on winter temperatures. Maryland's own cherry blossoms at Brookside Gardens in Silver Spring and Sherwood Gardens in Baltimore typically bloom around the same time. Check the National Cherry Blossom Festival website for current bloom predictions.

What spring festivals are in Maryland in 2026?

Major spring events in Maryland 2026 include the Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival (May 2-3 at Howard County Fairgrounds one of the largest in the US), Moon Valley Farm Strawberry Festivals (May 16 & 24 in Frederick), the Southern Maryland Charity Food Truck Festival (May 9 in Prince Frederick), and dozens of farmers market grand openings and spring community festivals across all 24 counties.

Where can families go strawberry picking near DC in Maryland?

The best strawberry picking farms near Washington DC in Maryland include Homestead Farm in Poolesville Montgomery County (30 min from DC, established 1762), Gaver Farm in Mount Airy (45 min), Queen Anne Farm in Davidsonville (45 min), and Gorman Farm in Laurel (30 min on the Montgomery/Howard/PG County border). Most farms open for U-pick in mid-May and run through mid-June.

Seasonal Fun📅 May 2026 · ⏱ 8 min read

Best Spring Activities in Maryland for Families 2026

Spring in Maryland is a magical season cherry blossoms bloom in DC and across the state, the farmers markets reopen with fresh spring produce, strawberry fields turn bright red, and outdoor festivals kick off across all 24 counties. Here's your guide to the best spring activities for Maryland families in 2026.

🍓 Strawberry Picking (May-June)

Strawberry season is one of Maryland's most beloved spring traditions. Pick-your-own strawberry farms open across the state in mid-May and run through mid-June.

Moon Valley Farm Strawberry Festivals (May 16 & May 24, Frederick County) U-pick strawberries plus food trucks, farm animals, and artisan vendors. Two chances to attend! New Friday evening farm market also opens May 22.
Homestead Farm (Poolesville, Montgomery County) Established 1762. U-pick strawberries, farm animals, hay rides. One of Maryland's most beloved spring farm experiences.
Gaver Farm (Mount Airy) U-pick strawberries with annual Strawberry Festival, farm animals, petting zoo. Right off I-70 easy for families from both Frederick and Baltimore.
Queen Anne Farm (Davidsonville, Anne Arundel County) #1 rated U-pick in the county. Strawberries, sunflowers, family activities.

🌸 Cherry Blossoms & Spring Flowers

Washington DC National Mall The world-famous Tidal Basin cherry blossoms typically peak in late March to early April. Free. One of the most beautiful spring spectacles in the world.
Brookside Gardens (Montgomery County) Free public garden in Silver Spring with spectacular spring blooms including thousands of tulips, cherry blossoms, and daffodils. Free admission.
Sherwood Gardens (Baltimore) Free park famous for its spectacular tulip display every spring over 80,000 tulips bloom in late April. Free.
Sharp's at Waterford Farm (Brookeville) U-pick spring flowers and sunflowers on a beautiful 530-acre Montgomery County farm.

🌽 Farmers Markets Reopen

Spring means farmers market season! Most Maryland farmers markets reopen between April and May 2026. Early openers include:

Bel Air Farmers Market (April 11) Harford County
Fulton Farmers Market at Maple Lawn (April 17) Howard County
Field Fresh Farmers Market (April 26) Frederick
Carroll County Farmers Market (May 9) Westminster
Downtown Sykesville Farmers Market (May 17) Carroll County

🐑 Spring Events & Festivals

Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival (May 2-3, Howard County Fairgrounds) One of the largest sheep and wool festivals in the US. 200+ vendors, sheepdog demonstrations, fiber arts competitions. A uniquely wonderful Maryland spring event.
Southern Maryland Charity Food Truck Festival (May 9) Benefits student STEM scholarships. $5 entry at Calvert County Fairgrounds.
Zekiah Farms3 Spring Festival (May 2, Waldorf) Farm festival with vendor market, family activities, and fresh farm goods in Charles County.
Food Truck series begin Most Maryland weekly food truck series kick off in May including the beloved Howard County Food Truck Thursdays (every Thursday May-October, free).