With the weather getting warmer, Gaithersburg has a variety of places to explore ranging from art to family-friendly activities. Here are a few places I recommend visiting the next time you are in Gaithersburg, Maryland.

rio’s Lakefront

Rio Lakefront is a great family-friendly place to walk around the lake, ride the carousel or express trains, go paddle boating, watch a movie at the AMC Theater, and play on the playground! If you’re feeling hungry, there are a variety of restaurants to choose from including Guapos and Uncle Julio’s. One of my favorite places to eat is California Pizza Kitchen. I recommend the tostada pizza and the spinach and artichoke dip. There are also plenty of places to shop. If you’re feeling creative, but need a little help creating a painting, join a Muse Paintbar session.

Gaithersburg Community Museum

The Gaithersburg Community Museum, located in Old Town Gaithersburg, offers many activities for kids and their parents including scavenger hunts, weekly challenges, and an interactive school room. There is also a passenger train that is a perfect reading nook for a good book. I also recommend checking out historical exhibits currently on display including Gaithersburg in World War 1 and First National Bank of Gaithersburg. The museum is a great place to visit Tuesday through Saturday from 10 A.M to 3 P.M.

Kentlands Mansion

The Kentlands Mansion was previously used as a farm estate but now serves as a perfect venue for a variety of social events including weddings. The interior is beautifully decorated with chandeliers and wooden floors. I recommend scheduling an appointment to visit the Art League of Germantown exhibit, which is currently being featured.

Kentlands Market Square

Kentlands Market Square is a great place to walk around and eat. I recommend trying some Mediterranean food at Vasilis Mediterranean Grill. One of my favorite events that occurs in the summer time is Kentlands Under the Lights which is where you can eat at picnic tables in the middle of market square and enjoy food, music, and entertainment.

Arts Barn

What previously served as the stables for the Kentlands Mansion, the Arts Barn now features art exhibits on display including paintings, sculptures made out of recycled computer circuit boards, glass works, and handmade quilts. The resident artists also hold workshops and classes. If you’re interested in attending a play, I recommend watching the musical comedy Altar Boyz in the Arts Barn’s 99-seat theater.

Bohrer Park at Summit Hall Farm

Whether you’re interested in going down the 250-foot slide at the water park or skateboarding in the 12,300 square foot skate park, there is fun for everyone at Bohrer Park. There is also a place to play 18 holes mini golf, hold a picnic in the pavilions, or play basketball in the activity center.

Downtown Crown

Downtown Crown has many options for family-friendly fun including Amazing Art Studio where you can create your own pottery or mosaics, and the Little Gym! There are also a variety of cool spots to eat at including Ted’s Bulletin and Coastal Flats.

Author’s Bio: Tara Doddapaneni is a senior at Northwest High School. She interned with Visit Montgomery, MD during the 2017-2018 school year.