Sometimes we crave a fun adventure, but our wallets say differently. Even if yours is full of more dust than dollars, there are still plenty of free activities to do in our state at no charge. Here are 15 fun free things to do in Maryland that are so entertaining.

1. Visit an art gallery.
Flickr/Mike Steele
Pictured here is The Baltimore Museum of Art, where general admission is free. There are numerous other free art galleries throughout Maryland. Perfect activity for a rainy day as well.
2. Take a stroll through Brookside Gardens.
Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Ave, Wheaton, MD 20902, USA
Andy LoPresto / Flickr




Brookside Gardens is located in Wheaton and admission is free. This is the perfect place to snap some Spring photos and be ever so thankful that Winter is finally gone.
3. Head to the Days End Farm Horse Rescue.
Days End Farm Horse Rescue, 1372 Woodbine Rd, Woodbine, MD 21797, USA
Paul / Flickr
This Woodbine Farm rehabilitates horses and prepares them for adoption. Farm tours are available to the public every day of the year from 9am to 4pm. Tours are always free but donations are accepted to support the rescue program.
4. Visit the animals at the Salisbury Zoo.
Salisbury Zoological Park, 755 S Park Dr, Salisbury, MD 21804, USA
Flickr/Will McCracken
Salisbury Zoo is totally free to enter (quite rare for a zoo,) and there are hundreds of animals of all kind available to marvel at.
5. Explore the trails of Battle Creek Cypress Swamp.
Battle Creek Cypress Swamp, 2880 Grays Rd, Prince Frederick, MD 20678, USA
alliecat1881 / Flickr
Pictured here is the Wetland Boardwalk. The Nature Center includes interpretive exhibits and there are also picture perfect places here for a family picnic. Visit their website for more information. Located in Prince Frederick.
6. Go window shopping in Historic Ellicott City.
Ellicott City, MD, USA
Phil Romans / Flickr
Ellicott City is full of antique shops with unique items. Stepping foot in a few of these stores is like taking a trip back in time. They also have amazing window displays year-round.
7. Bike or jog along the C & O Canal.
C & O Canal Association, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
Flickr/Richard Ricciardi
Stretching 184.5 miles long, the canal starts in DC and ends in Cumberland. Check this website out for the canal bicycling guide.

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8. Take a day trip to the beach.
Ocean City, MD, USA
Patrise / Flickr
Most Maryland beaches are free of charge, including Ocean City. If you're close enough to take a day trip, do it! Sometimes a tiny getaway is just what the doctor ordered. Check out this list of free Ocean City activities!
9. Be a bookworm at the local library.
Angela / Flickr
Spend an afternoon reading at the library. Most libraries also have free events that just may interest you.
10. Take a scenic drive through Western Maryland.
Flickr/S Pakhrin
In the old days, people would take a leisurely drive just for the heck of it. These days, we're always rushing to get from point A to point B as fast as possible. Take a day to enjoy the tranquil beauty of the mountains. This is especially recommended during autumn, when the trees are painted with splashes of color.
11. Explore the U.S. Naval Academy Museum.
U.S. Naval Academy Museum, 118 Maryland Ave, Annapolis, MD 21402, USA
Photo Phiend / Flickr
Located in Annapolis, this museum is full of knowledge about our country's military history. It's open daily and always free to the public. Check out their website for more information.
12. Enjoy the Maryland scenery from an epic overlook.
Catoctin Mountain Park, 14707 Park Central Rd, Thurmont, MD 21788, USA
dpbirds / Flickr




Maryland is full of great views throughout the state. This particular picture was taken at Chimney Rock in Catoctin Mountain Park, just one of the many high points in Frederick County.
13. Take a walk through the historic Green Mount Cemetery.
Green Mount Cemetery, 1501 Greenmount Ave, Baltimore, MD 21202, USA
A.Currell / Flickr
Grave sites here include Johns Hopkins and John Wilkes Booth, among several other famous historic figures. This cemetery is also full of unique tombstones unlike any other. Find out more information at the cemeteries website.
14. Get outdoors and have a photo shoot with Mother Nature.
Nicolas Raymond / Flickr
You'll be amazed at what little details you discover, and gain more appreciation for the beauty of the Old Line State.

What are your favorite things to do in Maryland when your bank account is small, but you’re up for a BIG adventure? Share in the comments below, so we can all take notes for a fun year!

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More to Explore

free things to do in Maryland

Kim Magaraci | May 21, 2021

Can I hike to historical sites in Maryland?

Below are some historical sites in Maryland that you can hike to:

 

There are so many opportunities to hike to historical sites in Maryland. Whether you're looking for battlefields like Antietam or Monocacy to revisit the Civil War days, or you're looking to explore an abandoned farmstead or town like the one you'll find at Patapsco Valley or Accokeek Farms at Piscataway Park Trail, you'll find something to showcase a long-gone era of American history within our parks system or historic site preservation system.

What are the best outdoor adventures in Maryland?

There are so many exciting outdoor adventures in Maryland! You can:

  • Hike our state's section of the Appalachian Trail
  • Climb to the King and queens Seat for a breathtaking overlook
  • Head out to the harbors of Annapolis or Baltimore
  • Go sailing in the Chesapeake Bay
  • Paddle through the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
  • Hike and paddle along the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal

 

Are there any waterfront restaurants in Maryland?

If you like dining with a waterfront view, you're in luck! Some of the most beautiful restaurants in the Old Line State feature breathtaking views of the water. Take a peek at these beautiful waterfront restaurants in Maryland to plan your next dinner out. If you're looking for a skyline view or something a little unique, these 14 restaurants in Maryland with a view showcase more than just our coastline.

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