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.

How many state parks does Maryland have?

Maryland has 74 state parks and forests covering over 340,000 acres. They range from the Atlantic Ocean beaches of Assateague State Park to the mountain forests of Garrett County, offering swimming, camping, hiking, fishing, boating, wildlife watching, and more across all 24 Maryland counties.

What is the best state park in Maryland for families?

Sandy Point State Park in Anne Arundel County is consistently rated the best Maryland state park for families it has a beautiful sandy beach on the Chesapeake Bay with lifeguards, picnic areas, boat launch, and beautiful Bay Bridge views, all within 15 minutes of Annapolis. Deep Creek Lake State Park in Garrett County is the best choice for mountain lake family fun.

How do I reserve a campsite in a Maryland state park?

Maryland state park campsite reservations are made online at reservations.dnr.maryland.gov or by phone at 888-432-CAMP. Popular parks like Deep Creek Lake, Sandy Point, and Assateague fill up months in advance in summer book as early as possible, ideally 6 months ahead for peak summer weekends.

Are Maryland state parks free?

Most Maryland state parks charge a vehicle day-use fee typically ranging from $3-$7 per vehicle for Maryland residents (higher for out-of-state). Camping fees are separate. Maryland residents who are seniors (62+), disabled veterans, or active military may qualify for fee waivers or reduced rates. The C&O Canal National Historical Park and many National Park Service sites in Maryland are always free.

Outdoor Fun📅 May 2026 · ⏱ 8 min read

Best Maryland State Parks for Families 2026

Maryland has 74 state parks and forests covering over 340,000 acres from Chesapeake Bay beaches to Appalachian Mountain forests. Whether your family wants to swim, hike, camp, fish, or simply enjoy nature, Maryland's state park system has something extraordinary for you. Here are the best state parks for families in 2026.

🏖️ Best State Parks for Swimming & Beaches

Sandy Point State Park (Anne Arundel County) 786-acre park on the Chesapeake Bay with a beautiful sandy beach, lifeguards, picnic areas, boat launch, and beautiful views of the Bay Bridge. Best Chesapeake Bay beach park in Maryland.
Deep Creek Lake State Park (Garrett County) Mountain lake swimming beach with lifeguards, a boat launch, picnic areas, and access to world-class mountain scenery. Year-round activities.
Assateague State Park (Worcester County) Right next to the National Seashore; ocean swimming with lifeguards, camping, and of course the famous wild horses roaming the beach.
Elk Neck State Park (Cecil County) Chesapeake Bay and Elk River swimming beaches; beautiful wooded peninsula; campground and cabins.

🏕️ Best State Parks for Family Camping

Cunningham Falls State Park (Frederick County) Two campgrounds (Manor Area and William Houck Area) near Cunningham Falls and Catoctin Mountain Park. Electric and non-electric sites. Excellent base camp for the Frederick/Thurmont area.
Deep Creek Lake State Park Waterfront camping on Maryland's largest freshwater lake. Book early fills up fast in summer.
Martinak State Park (Caroline County) Beautiful Eastern Shore camping on the Choptank River; excellent fishing and paddling.
Greenbrier State Park (Washington County) Family-friendly campground near Boonsboro with a small lake, swimming, fishing, and hiking.

🦅 Best Parks for Wildlife & Nature

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge (Dorchester County) One of the most important bald eagle habitats on the East Coast. Wildlife drive and walking trails. Spectacular in winter when eagles congregate.
Swallow Falls State Park (Garrett County) Old-growth hemlock forest and four waterfalls including Maryland's tallest. One of the most beautiful parks in the state.
Soldiers Delight Natural Environment Area (Baltimore County) Rare serpentine grassland ecosystem with wildflowers, unusual rock formations, and rare plant species unlike anywhere else in Maryland.