Top 10 FREE Things to Do This Summer in Maryland

One things that I’ve made a decision about this summer is that the kids and I are going to spend a lot more time in the great outdoors – less time in front of a cell phone, computer screen, or TV or video game. We love to travel but being on a budget we try to keep our adventures on the free side (or at least really cheap). We plan to take a few days in Maryland on our way to see some family, and I found some great places to visit – that fit right in our budget!

Swallow Falls State Park

A park known for its gorgeous mountain views, just a few miles North of Oakland, Swallow Falls State Park is nestled in the Allegheny Mountains. With rocky gorges, roaring rapids, and beautiful century old trees, along with the Muddy Creek Falls and cascading 53 foot waterfall it will be a breathtaking adventure.

Canal Place

In the summer months, live music can be heard from the Canal Place Amphitheater as part of downtown Cumberland’s concert series featuring touring bands from Nashville, Knoxville, and New York City. There’s also year round bike along the canal or hike one of two trails.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Park
In the past this famous waterway carried lumber, coal and crops to market – now it’s perfect for biking, hiking, and exploring. There’s historical structures to see, and a breathtaking view of Mather Gorge the narrowest section on the lower Potomac River. It’s just $5 for a 3 day pass!

This post is sponsored by Hoffman Chrysler Jeep Dodge.

Brookside Gardens
Check out the beautiful blossoms at the gardens in Wheaton, that include the evocative Fragrance Garden, the Gude Garden with Japanese tea-house, Rose Garden, and an Aquatic Garden. There’s several exhibits throughout the year, including a live butterfly and caterpillar event.

Days End Farm Horse Rescue

National rescue and rehab facility gives horses a second chance; home up to 80 horses rescued by animal control and humane agencies, Days End Farm offers daily tours so you can come and learn about the rescue cause, hear all the wonderful success stories, and meet the horses!

Ego Alley

Visit the city dock along Ego Alley near the downtown brick-paved streets of Annapolis check out the massive yachts – and they are quite impressive. During the holidays they are usually decked out in some pretty breathtaking decorations.

Mallows Bay
Search for shipwrecks in the largest graveyard on the East Coast just off the Potomac River in Charles County. Take a kayak for a haunting but beautiful afternoon spent drifting amount the wrecked, World War ! era ships that were supposed to be scrapped, but were abandoned instead.

Calvert Cliffs State Park
Fishing hole, playground beach – and fossils! All the best kind of fun at Calvert Cliffs State Park in Lusby. Hike the 13 miles of trails and search the beach where more than 600 species of fossils have been discovered – including the giant megaladon shark!

Assateague Island National Seashore
Less than 10 miles from the excitement of Ocean City are the shores of Assateague Island. You can watch the wild horses run along the beach – they are a sight to see. Just be careful, they are wild so they are aggressive.

Maryland Scenic Byways
There’s not much more I love than a long drive to clear the mind and open your spirit – and Maryland has plenty of ways to escape the highway. There’s 18 Scenic Byways to enjoy a relaxing road trip to explore charming towns, the splendor of nature and hidden gems.