Four Seasons of Fun: Summer
Celebrate the Summer in Montgomery County
School is out, the sun is shining, and everyone is out and about—it’s finally summer in Montgomery County, Maryland. Plan the perfect summer vacation with the family complete with exciting activities like heading to the Montgomery County Agricultural Fair, going kayaking, and picking the perfect strawberry.
SUMMER TIP: Pack lots of shorts and t-shirts to stay cool during the warmer months. We recommend bringing baseball caps, bug spray for outdoors activities, and lots of sunscreen for days spent under the sun.
Start planning out the perfect summer family trip by browsing the best places to stay in Montgomery County, Maryland.
Pick the Perfect Strawberry
Bake them into a pie, make some jam, or just eat them straight from the vine—summertime means its peak strawberry season! Pick your very own strawberries at some of the county’s best orchards like Butler’s Orchard and then head to the Sandy Spring Strawberry Festival for a huge celebration with the community. When going to the orchards, make sure to wear clothes you don’t mind getting a little dirty as well as sunscreen or a hat to protect yourself from the sun. During your picking spree, make sure to also stock up on some other seasonal produce like tomatoes, peppers, and herbs.
Get Away for Memorial Day Weekend
Spend your long weekend like a local and hike on the Billy Goat Trail, or, head to one of the Memorial Day festivities like the Hometown Holidays Music Festival—complete with a Memorial Day parade and Taste of Rockville. Check out our complete Memorial Day weekend getaway itinerary to make this long weekend one to remember.
Celebrate the Fourth of July
Beat the rowdy crowds at the National Mall and head to Montgomery County to experience up close views of the fireworks. The Fourth of July is full of fun events to enjoy with the whole family including parades, themed walks and runs, picnics, and more. Take a peek at our full list of must-see Firework displays to make your holiday a blast!
Stay a Little Longer for Labor Day Weekend
A national day of rest calls for a long weekend of fun! Attend the Gaithersburg Parade or the annual Kensington “Paint the Town” Labor Day Weekend Art Show for the ultimate day of arts and culture. Visit Glen Echo Park and learn about the rich history of what was once a theme park and ride the famous Dentzel Carousel. For a more extreme outing, head to The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring Friends School for zip lining and climbing adventures.
Go Kayaking Under Summer Sun
No matter if you are a kayaking pro or new to the sport, a day spent on the water is fun for everyone. Many of our lakes like Seneca Lake, C&O Canal National Historic Park, and Lake Needwood offer kayak and boat rentals so you can hit the water as long as you’d like. Head to Calleva’s Liquid Adventures for kayaking lessons made for all levels or try out white-water rafting if you’re feeling adventurous.
Head to an Outdoor Festival or Fair
Summertime is the height of festivals and fairs here including The Montgomery County Agricultural Fair, which is full of fun activities like carnival rides, farm animals, fair food, and live music. Spend more time in the sun at some of the best summer festivals, concerts, and celebrations the area has to offer.
Get Outdoors in Nature
Visit the famous Great Falls National Park and rock climb your way up the cliffs for that picture-perfect view. Stroll around Lake Needwood and take in the scenic views along the lake or walk among the McKee-Beshers Sunflower Fields to see flowers up to six feet high.
Beat the Summer Heat
The sun rays are intense, but the county has so many ways for you to cool off during the summer. Take a dip in one of our outdoor public pools, splash around at the interactive fountain in Downtown Silver Spring or the Splash Pad at the Fountain on the Square in Rockville Town Square, or get a double scoop of ice cream complete with rainbow sprinkles at one of our favorite creameries.
Sip and Savor Throughout the Season
Whether you prefer a nice glass of wine or a cold beer, we have the perfect place for you to sip and savor through the summer season. Or, cheers to the summer as you rosé all day in the county.