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Looking for a fun-filled family adventure close to Washington, D.C.? Look no further than Frederick, Maryland! Nestled in the heart of scenic countryside, this charming town offers a perfect mix of outdoor activities, history, and kid-friendly spots. From wandering through vibrant parks to exploring hands-on museums, Frederick has something for kids of all ages. Spend the day making memories with your little ones while discovering everything this town has to offer!

This post is written by guest authors, Glenn VanLandingham. He and his wife Nicole are residents of Frederick, Maryland, and write about all the amazing things to do in the Frederick, Maryland area at EpicFrederick. You can also follow their adventures on their YouTube Channel or Instagram.

For a city that is the second largest in Maryland, Frederick tends to fly under the radar. Because it’s so close to Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, most visitors to the area and travel writers tend to focus on those two metropolises.

But Frederick, Maryland, is a sneaky great town.  It makes for a great day trip if you are a DMV resident, or a stop on your itinerary to the mid-Atlantic.  There’s a wide variety of things to do in Frederick, for both kids and adults and for all seasons.

For adults, the area offers history, a quaint downtown, and plenty of restaurants, breweries, and wineries.  For families, it’s possible to craft a super fun day trip with kids to Frederick, which is what we help you do in this article.

Getting to Frederick, MD

First off, getting to Frederick is easy.  It sits at the crossroads of several major interstate highways and state roads.  From the Baltimore area, I-70 heads west straight into Frederick. From the Washington D.C. metro (including suburban Maryland and Virginia), take I-270 north directly into downtown. 

If you are anywhere in the DMV, Frederick is probably no more than 1 hour away, which is a perfect day trip distance.

So, what are the best things to do with kids in Frederick?  We are locals and know the area well, so here are our recommendations!

Visit a Farm with Animals!

Do you kids like petting animals?  Of course they do!

To get your family outside, we suggest your first stop be just 10 minutes southeast of Frederick at the Green Meadows Petting Farm.  Here, your kids can get up close to farm animals and pet them!  There are close to 300 animals at Green Meadows, including llamas, goats, pigs, horses, and much more.

Green Meadows is more than a petting farm. There are activities like hayrides, pig races, slides, and a large play area for your little ones to enjoy. If you visit in the fall, there is a large pumpkin patch to pick-your-own, and Green Meadows has other seasonal events like Easter Egg hunts.

Have Your Kids Take in Some History

Frederick, Maryland, has its share of history, including the Monocacy National Battlefield, the site of a significant Civil War battle. But if you are visiting with kids, we recommend you head to Rose Hill Manor Park and Museum near downtown Frederick. Rose Hill is an excellent place for kids to experience first-hand life in 17th—and 18th-century America.

Rose Hill is an open-air farm exhibition that allows visitors to visit the Manor House (once home to the first elected governor of Maryland) and the surrounding complex, which includes a blacksmith, ice house, log cabin, carriages, and gardens from colonial times. The complex has a museum specifically for children to learn more about colonial times.

Adults will also enjoy it, as the museum is very well done and has a lot of historical information about early Maryland.

Head Downtown for Lunch or Ice Cream!

One of Frederick’s best features is its walkable and characteristic downtown. It’s a place the entire family can enjoy, especially the area around Carroll Creek Park. Carroll Creek has a lovely promenade with bridges, statues, and usually some event happening on weekends.

If your crew is ready for lunch or dinner, there are a plethora of restaurants in Frederick to choose from. With kids, we recommend Maxwell’s for the best burgers, fries, and shakes downtown or Pistarro’s if your crew prefers pizza or Italian.  Pistarro’s is only a few blocks from downtown.

If you find yourself ready for ice cream, do not miss the chance to visit South Mountain Creamery in downtown Frederick. South Mountain serves up its award-winning ice cream directly from its farm in Frederick County. It doesn’t get much fresher or more delicious, and the flavors constantly change.

Sailing Through The Winter Solstice

If your trip to Frederick with the kiddos is anytime during winter (November through March), try hitting downtown and Carroll Creek Park after sundown to see the now-infamous Sailing Through the Winter Solstice display.  Brightly lit boat exhibits line up on Carroll Creek to create a unique light show.  Especially fun during the holidays.

Want More Things to Do in Frederick with Kids

If you have more time, here are a few more activities that are great and can easily be turned into a half or full day excursion.

Adventure Park USA is 10 minutes east of Frederick and is a full-on amusement park with rides, laser tag, mini golf, and all kinds of other games. Families rave about this place, as it’s not as big, crowded, or expensive as the large amusement parks but delivers tons of entertainment value for kids of all ages. The park has a Western theme and many indoor attractions, so it’s fun in all seasons.

Another trendy venue that has become an adventure destination for families all over Maryland is Tree Trekkers.  Just outside Frederick, this is a premier zip line and ropes course complex with difficulty levels suited for anyone.  Set in a protected forest, Tree Trekkers has a great setup to safely allow your kids to push their boundaries in the trees.

Despite being under the radar, there are a variety of fun things to do in Frederick, MD, including for families with kids. If you’re ready for a change from Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, take a day (or more) and check it out!