Fun Things to Do in Montgomery County, MD

Whether you’re new to the area or considering a move here, you won’t have to fret over finding plenty of fun things to do in Montgomery County, MD. Conveniently close to Washington, DC, residents benefit from proximity to a major city and the quiet comfort of peaceful suburbs, both offering easy access to lots of big-city and local activities and attractions. 

Summary:

• Fun Things to Do in Montgomery County, MD, Overall

• Outdoor Activities Montgomery County, MD

• Golf Montgomery County, MD

• Events in Montgomery County, MD

• Free Things to Do in Montgomery County, MD

• Conclusion

Fun Things to Do in Montgomery County, MD, Overall

Montgomery County, MD, attractions and activities are plentiful, and residents are fortunate to have so much to see and do throughout the area. For example, the Bethesda/Chevy Chase areas are considered one of the arts and entertainment districts of Montgomery County. Silver Spring is another entertainment hot spot, with pedestrian-friendly streets and an abundance of restaurants and shops, perfect for a date night. The Takoma Park area features the historic Main Street Takoma, with galleries, bars, live music, and more. And Mid County offers museums that showcase the county’s rich history. 

From the beauty and peacefulness of outdoor trails or adrenaline-pumping options like mountain biking or whitewater kayaking to diverse dining, annual events, and historic homes and museums, here are our top picks of Montgomery County, Maryland, things to do overall:  

• Tastemakers Trail™: Tours are a great way to learn about a new location, and this self-guided tour highlights the 12 craft breweries, seven wineries, one distillery, and three cideries in Montgomery County. 

• Brookside Gardens: You can roam this 50-acre public garden on your own or use the virtual tour to guide you. Either way, you get to set your own pace of exploration. Brookside offers several beautifully calming spaces, including a rose garden, a children’s garden, and an aquatic garden. 

• Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park: As one of the top Montgomery County, Maryland, points of interest, this historic destination features a museum, an old manor house, gardens, and trails, including the Underground Railroad Experience Trail.     

• Wheaton Regional Park: This park has so much to offer locals that it’s divided into several areas, including the Brookside Nature Center, an athletic complex, and an equestrian area. The Shorefield Area features hiking trails, a miniature train, a carousel and adventure playground, and a lake. Pulte new construction homes in Potomac, MD, are less than eight miles from the many recreational activities at this park.

• Farm-to-table fun: According to Montgomery County’s Office of Agriculture, one-third of the county is part of the Agricultural Reserve. These 93,000 acres are dedicated to farmland and natural preservation and have more than 450 farms, offering residents a myriad of farmers markets and produce stands to visit, as well as opportunities to pick their own produce. 

• Germantown: Germantown is one of the largest cities in Montgomery County and is surrounded by greenery. It’s home to several farms and museums dedicated to the area’s history, like the King Barn Dairy MOOseum, and the Button Farm Living History Center, which shares stories about 19th-century plantation life and the Underground Railroad. Other Fun things to do in Germantown, MD, include sampling wines at Windridge Vineyards and Doc Waters Cidery or catching a show at the BlackRock Center for the Arts.

• Antique Row: Located in the Kensington area, the website of this local favorite hot spot states it is the “largest and oldest antiquing district” in the DC area. From jewelry to furniture, this destination is filled with specialty antique stores and bookstores. 

• Cabin John Ice Rink: Spend time on the ice, even when it’s not snowing outside, by heading to the Cabin John Ice Rink. The rink is open to the public all year and hosts various camps, sports, events, and private training sessions.

Outdoor Activities Montgomery County, MD

Located off the northwest border of Washington, DC, Montgomery County may seem like an unlikely place to spend quality time outdoors, but residents have plenty of spots to pick from to enjoy nature and adventure. The area is filled with state and regional parks, so you can get a change of scenery as often as you’d like. In addition to the hiking trails and picturesque views in the area’s parks, outdoor activities abound in the waterways and off-road bike paths. 

Here are some fun things to do in Montgomery County, Maryland, to explore the outdoors and experience the four seasons in different ways with different views: 

• Patuxent River State Park: Named after the river that flows through it, this state park spans almost 7,000 acres, including farmland, and sits where Montgomery meets neighboring Howard County. With so much space to explore, you can have a different experience each time you visit.

• Seneca Creek State Park: Known for the waterway it’s named after, this state park in Montgomery County is an ideal spot for water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding. The park also has a robust trail system, playgrounds, and plenty of spots for picnics. 

• Rock Creek Regional Park: This park boasts two lakes, volleyball courts, picnic areas, an archery range, trails, boating and fishing spots, and the Meadowside Nature Center. Rock Creek also has public art, including playful statues of animals.

• Whitewater kayaking: Montgomery County residents are lucky enough to have the mighty Potomac River along the southwestern border of the county. For thrill-seekers, you can take kayaking lessons or brave the Potomac on your own if you’re an experienced paddler.

• Wheaton Gravity Mountain Bike Park: If you’re into mountain biking, head to. It’s a newer addition to Wheaton Regional Park and allows bikers to test their skills and carefully progress from the easiest to the hardest obstacles and courses.

• Montgomery County Aquatic Facilities: With six aquatic facilities and seven outdoor pools, swimmers of all skill levels can exercise, cool off, or simply splash around on a hot day. These facilities also offer lessons and water exercise classes. Our new construction homes in Boyds, MD, are just a little over 6 miles away from the Germantown facility, so a refreshing swim is conveniently close. 

Golf Montgomery County, MD

Another popular outdoor activity in Montgomery County is golfing. From driving ranges to stunning public courses, you won’t have to leave the county for your tee time:

• Public golf courses: Golfers of all skill levels enjoy the variety of public golf courses in Montgomery County, MD. The county has nine courses, ranging from nine to 27 holes, where you can hone your game.

• Topgolf: Located in Germantown, less than 10 miles away from our new construction homes in Rockville, MD, Topgolf offers numerous hitting bays and the opportunity to test your skills on virtual courses. It’s a great place to enjoy with friends, and after practicing your swing, you can grab a cocktail at the rooftop bar. 

• South Germantown SplashPark and Mini Golf: Play a game of mini golf or cool off on a hot day at the water maze; this destination is great for all ages. You can experience two fun activities in a single day, especially if the weather is nice.

Events in Montgomery County, MD

Among the many fun things to do in Montgomery County, MD, are the festivals and special events hosted by cities and towns throughout the area. Here are a few events in Montgomery County to add to your calendar: 

• Annual Farm Tour and Harvest Sale: Explore the county’s Agriculture Reserve during this once-a-year event, where you can shop for foods grown locally, taste and take home wines and craft beers, or simply drive through the picturesque countryside. Plan ahead, as you may need to make reservations at some of the farms on the tours. 

• Pumpkin Festival: The annual event is a local favorite. In addition to pumpkin picking, there are games, tractor rides, and face painting for young attendees. For the adults, you can sip on a beverage, chow down on fall food, and listen to live music.

• Garden of Lights: Put yourself in the holiday spirit when winter arrives with the seasonal light display at Brookside Gardens. Gaithersburg also offers an annual Winter Lights Festival.

• MoCo Eats Showcase: The county’s culinary scene is so diverse and popular that the area holds an annual MoCo Eats event to highlight dishes and drinks from local restaurants around the area, from German classics and Asian favorites to Ethiopian cuisine.

• Rockville Special Events: Throughout the year, Rockville offers special events, such as movies in the park,  Hometown Holidays, National Night Out, Rocktoberfest, and the Rockville Antique and Classic Car Show.

• Gaithersburg Book Festival: This annual event is for the bibliophiles! Held in late spring, the festival features guest authors, workshops, and a children’s village. 

• Montgomery County GreenFest: Having celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2025, this free annual event raises awareness about environmentally friendly initiatives in Montgomery County and educates attendees about ways they can go green. 

• Rockville Arts Festival: This event features handmade goods from local artisans, from art and furniture to beauty products and homemade treats. While it’s free and open to the public, you may want to bring your wallet should something catch your eye.

Free Things to Do in Montgomery County, MD

Free activities in Montgomery County, MD, include several of the destinations we’ve already mentioned, but these are a few more well worth highlighting:

• Brighton Dam Azalea Garden: Since 1959, visitors have enjoyed strolling among the 22,000 azalea bushes within this serene forest. Located in the county’s Agricultural Reserve, the garden is open from mid-March through the end of November.

• National Museum of Health and Medicine: One of the most unique free things to do in Montgomery County, MD, this museum has been collecting and recording military and civilian medical history for more than 160 years, covering topics like advances in military medicine and Civil War medicine. The museum hosts events throughout the year, including lectures, public tours, and virtual events. 

• Black Hill Regional Park: With dog parks, community gardens, picnic areas, volleyball courts, a public water access point, and a discovery center, this park is an ideal spot to relax and read, enjoy a nature program, or take in the sunset. 

Conclusion

Beyond the beautiful scenery and proximity to Washington, DC, Montgomery County appeals to homebuyers for numerous reasons, including outdoor adventure, golfing, museums, restaurants, and cideries. This county outside the nation’s capital is home to colorful communities, cool neighborhoods, and inviting cities full of fun things to do. It may be the ideal spot for your new home, too! 

Explore new construction homes in DC Metro today or browse more Pulte blogs. 

Written By: Alexandra Shimalla, Freelance Journalist