Are you looking to have an eventful summer, but hoping to save some money? There are a ton of different activities in Montgomery County, Maryland. From hiking and biking to outdoor movies and concerts, all of which you can enjoy while maintaining your budget.
Outdoor & Recreation
Montgomery County is the perfect place to let your inner nature-lover out without paying a cent. Take a stroll along the C&O Canal National Historical Park for a relaxing excursion, climb all the way up Sugarloaf Mountain for breathtaking views of miles beyond or hike at another one of the county’s stunning hiking trails. For more photo-worthy scenery, head to the McKee-Beshers Sunflower Fields.
If you’re interested in exploring animal life, a trip to the area will not disappoint. Seneca Creek State Park offers reptile feedings, fishing trips, and naturalist-led hikes with stops to look at different insects and animals – all completely FREE.
For especially warm summer days, cool off at the interactive fountain in Rockville Town Center or in the wading area in Poolesville next to Poole’s Store.
Arts & Culture
Exploring the diverse and intriguing art scene doesn’t have to be pricey. The Metropolitan Center for the Visual Arts, VisArts, is offering numerous free gallery exhibitions this summer, including Fame and Frequency VII, NexGen 9.0 and Zsudayka Nzinga: There’s No Place Like Home.
Additionally, Little Bennett Regional Park is currently exhibiting a newly installed art experience along the one-mile Kingsley Trail. Here, individuals are invited to slow down and appreciate the art and surrounding area.
For Shakespeare-devotes, Brookside Gardens will be hosting their fourth annual Shakespeare in the Garden event. This year, they are presenting the renowned Macbeth and invite guests to pack a picnic, bring a blanket and enjoy the show.
History & Heritage
Montgomery County is rich with stories and artifacts of the past, most of which are open and free for public exploration and admiration. Delve into the past on the Ultimate Museum Road Trip, where you will take tours of one-room schoolhouses, participate in hands-on activities, learn about past medical practices and more at historical sites countywide.
For insight into agricultural history and a look Montgomery County’s rural side, check out the 2022 Farm Tour on July 23 and 24 for free and exclusive events or visit local farms during regular business hours throughout the summer.
Entertainment
Montgomery County is full of free concerts and other sources of entertainment that are usually quite expensive. Summer Concerts at Glen Echo Park, Live from the Lawn Concert Series, Thursdays in the Park, Bloom at Good Hope Concert Series, Silver Spring Summer Concert Series and Summer Concerts at the Streetery are all free outdoor concerts with numerous performances throughout the summer.
There are also free outdoor movies for you and your loved ones to enjoy this summer. Bethesda Outdoor Movies will be presenting Dirty Dancing, Mamma Mia and Knives Out, while Movies Under the Stars will be showing Footloose, Avengers: Endgame, LaLa Land and Grown Ups.
Other budget-friendly entertainment in the county Friday Night Salsa, Trivia Night, Skate Night and Free Play theatre experiences for students at the Roundhouse Theatre.
Health & Wellness
Adding healthful activities to a day-off or weekend away is never a bad idea, and Montgomery County makes doing so easy and affordable. Attending one of the Free Outdoor Yoga classes at the Comus Inn and or a Weekly Mindfulness Meditation class at the Sandy Spring Museum is sure to keep your pockets full and your mind at ease.
