Swap screen time for sunshine and spark your child’s curiosity in Howard County, Maryland. With parks to roam, trails to explore, and plenty of indoor fun for rainy days, there are endless ways to make memories that matter. Whether you're chasing butterflies, zipping through the treetops, or cooling off at a splash pad, these 50 ideas will help you turn a regular summer into a story worth telling.
Outdoor Adventures
Blandair Regional Park
Climb, slide, and explore at this Play-for-All playground packed with sensory-rich zones that encourage movement and creativity.
Clark's Elioak Farm
Step into a storybook. Pet goats, ride the cow train, and wander through the whimsical Enchanted Forest filled with restored fairy tale structures.
Color Burst Park at Merriweather District
Run through the splash pad, buy a book at Books in Bloom, and grab a cone from The Charmery. Bonus: Free outdoor events happen all summer long.
Color Burst Park in the Merriweather District
Roger Carter Community Center Pool
Make a splash in the outdoor pad or swim laps inside—no membership needed. Drop in for open swim or sign up for a lesson.
Columbia Association's Outdoor Pools
Pack towels and goggles—choose from multiple pools with water slides, splash zones, beach entries, and whirlpools.
Troy Park
Bring a soccer ball, frisbee, or bikes. This 101-acre park has something for every age, from trails to turf fields.
Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods
Catch an outdoor concert, try a pop-up art or yoga activity, or simply lay out a blanket for storytime under the trees.
Merriweather Post Pavilion
Don't miss their summer movie nights or kid-friendly concerts—check the schedule and bring your lawn chairs.
Howard County Conservancy
Hike through wildflower meadows, meet rescued owls, and follow trails through forested hills with goats and chickens along the way.
Howard County Fairgrounds
From food truck events to the big county fair in August, there's something going on nearly every weekend. Don’t miss the baby animals and carnival rides!
Terrapin Adventures
Soar, swing, and zip across the sky on this outdoor aerial course built for thrill-seeking families.
Sharp's at Waterford Farm
Say hi to the chickens, peek into a real beehive, or walk the fields with your leashed pup. No fee, no frills—just pure country charm.
Western Regional Park
Ideal for an afternoon picnic. Play tennis, let the kids loose on the playground, or hit the walking trails.
Larriland Farm
U-pick strawberries in May and apples into fall. Pro tip: try the apple cider donuts.
Patapsco Valley State Park
Cool off with creek stomping, find waterfalls on a family hike, or plan a cookout at one of the riverside pavilions.
Lake Kittamaqundi
Walk the loop or bring snacks for a waterfront picnic. Catch live music and fireworks on select summer nights.
Turf Valley Town Square
Unwind at the Summer Concert Series. Grab food nearby and let the kids dance to live music on the green.
Centennial Park
Walk along the 2.4-mile paved loop along the lake, or rent a boat at the Adventure Shack to enjoy the view and go fishing in the warmer months.
Columbia Skatepark
Skaters of all skill levels can cruise the 15,000-square-foot setup. Drop in for open skate or summer camp sessions.
Rockburn Branch Park
Race through the BMX skills track or hit the wooded trails for a nature walk before lunch under the pavilions.
Columbia Association's SportsPark
Tee off with mini golf, test your swing in the batting cages, or check out the skateboarding area.
Indoor Escapes
Toby's Dinner Theater
Dinner and a show—perfect for a rainy-day adventure. Check their summer lineup for kid-friendly musicals.
The Mall in Columbia
Cool off indoors. Let little ones play at the indoor park, explore Bouncetastic, race at Main Event, or make something new at Playseum.
Historic Savage Mill
Get creative with cupcake decorating or candle making. After your workshop, walk the nearby trail to the Bollman Truss Bridge.
Howard County Libraries
Escape the heat with free classes, maker spaces, and even recording studios. The Miller Branch hosts a summer farmers market.
K1 Speed
Put the pedal to the metal at this high-speed indoor go-kart track—suitable for big kids and grownups alike.
ClayGround Studio and Gallery
Design, sculpt, and paint during pottery or glass-fusing classes in charming Old Ellicott City.
Koreatown Maryland
Satisfy sweet cravings with bingsu, bubble tea, or Korean pastries on a self-guided culinary tour.
Columbia Ice Rink
Glide across the ice—even somewhat in summer, open from August to June! Check their schedule for public skate times and family events.
Candlelight Concert Society
Introduce young ears to world-class music through their family-focused performances.
Maryland Crab and Oyster Trail
Crack into a pile of blue crabs and pass down a Maryland tradition. (Bib optional—but recommended!)
Columbia Center for Theatrical Arts
Catch a colorful performance or sign up for a summer drama camp with professional actors and directors.
Columbia Center for Theatrical Arts
Historic Sites and Museums
Patapsco Female Institute Historic Park
Enjoy Shakespeare under the stars by the Chesapeake Shakespeare Company with family-friendly outdoor theater set in historic ruins.
Bob's BMW Museum
Even kids will be wowed by the vintage bikes—some over 100 years old!
African Art Museum of Maryland
Small but mighty—explore colorful exhibits and quick, engaging talks about African culture and artifacts.
Howard County Historical Society Museum
Drop by this free museum to learn quirky and inspiring stories about Howard County's past.
Ellicott Mills Children's Museum
Hands-on history just for kids. Explore the 19th-century mill lifestyle and join themed weekend classes.
Family Fun & Art Centers
Robinson Nature Center
Wander indoor exhibits, walk the sensory trail, or sign up for one of their popular summer camps.
DoodleHATCH
Part museum, part interactive fantasy world—kids can play dress-up, do crafts, and explore whimsical rooms.
Monster Mini Golf
Play mini golf in a glowing monster world, then hit the arcade or race through a laser maze.
Horowitz Visual and Performing Arts Center
Catch a student production, art exhibit, or creative workshop for families.
Make it a Weekend Getaway
With so much to do, you’ll want more than a day. Book a stay at Hilton Garden Inn or one of our many welcoming accommodations around the county.
Pro Tip: Always check for updated hours or event details before you go—especially for seasonal attractions.
Before you visit, make sure to confirm details with the organizations. Times and dates are subject to change.
