The kids are off school, casual Fridays abound in the workplace, and longer days means more time for fun in the sun. Here are some of our favorite picks and places around Baltimore that shine in the summer months.
Free: River Floats
We’ve said it before, and will say it again; nothing beats a nice float in the icy waters of the gunpowder river. Whether you use a tube or a kayak, put in anywhere from Bunker Hill to Monkton.
Spend the day on 22 acres of spectacular award-winning gardens, more than 100 remarkable topiaries, a mile-long Nature Walk, and native Butterfly House. The Ladew Cafe offers a delicious menu featuring artisan sandwiches, homemade soups, salads, sweets, and more. On Twilight Tuesdays the gardens are open until 8pm.
Free: Boordy Vineyards
Food and beverages are available for additional cost.
Settled in 1725, and named “Long Green” on the old plats, the farm has been a model of local agriculture, as successive generations have worked its fields, harvested crops, and tended livestock. Today Boordy’s grapevines stretch over the hills and across the valley, and the farm is in permanent preservation with the Maryland Environmental Trust.
Thursdays and Sundays, families with children under 21 are welcome, all other days visitors must be 21 years or older.
Special events at Boordy include First Fridays with the Maryland Opera (fee), Saturday Summer Soirees with live music and food, and Good Life Thursday Music & Food.
Throughout the city, we have 23 indoor and outdoor pools that serve our swimmers annually. Admission to all pools is free! The recently renovated and expanded Druid Park Pool (pictured above) is a local favorite.
On July 25th celebrate Christmas in July at the Zoo! Indulge in pizza, drinks, and snacks while enjoying unlimited carousel and train rides. Plus, enjoy face painting, animal ambassador visits, games, chalk play, photo ops with summer-time Santa, and sprinkler water play. It’s a summer twist on classic holiday fun!
Oregon Ridge Park Trails have been voted the best in the Baltimore area by many local publications. The 6-mile network of trails will take you through forest, field and stream habitats. Trails range from easy walking to moderate hiking levels of difficulty. The Park grounds are open daily from, sunrise to sunset. And the Nature Center is open from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily.
Spend the hottest part of the day at the National Aquarium. Cool off while you marvel at the amazing variety of sea creatures, and take the plunge down the ramp as you go deeper into the shark tank.
Hike the 8+ miles of trails, visit the 8 resident raptors in the Aviary, play in the Outdoor Classroom, discover the Native American Site, observe the diversity in Maryland’s ecosystems in the meadows, wetlands and forests that make up the 211-acre campus. Irvine hosts a variety of programs for both children and adults.
What are your favorite things to do around Baltimore in the summer?
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