Germantown is a lively and thriving city in Montgomery County, Maryland.
The city is a hub for commerce, recreation, and culture. It offers many activities and attractions for locals and visitors.
So whether you are an art enthusiast, nature lover, sports fan, or simply want a fun day with loved ones, Germantown has something for you.
One of Germantown’s biggest attractions is its natural beauty and abundance of outdoor spaces and parks.
For those searching for more urban experiences, Germantown has various entertainment and cultural destinations to check out.
Are you planning a visit? Here are the best and fun things to do in Germantown, MD.
Things to Do in Germantown, MD
1. Hike at the Great Seneca Stream Valley Park
Great Seneca Stream Valley Park
The Great Seneca Stream Valley Park, which houses the Seneca Creek Greenway Trail, is a terrific location for many outdoor activities, such as trail runs, day hikes, and mountain biking.
The trail’s partially flat topography and few minor inclines make it ideal for visitors of all ages and fitness levels.
Furthermore, it provides shade during the summer since it travels through numerous kinds of forestation. It also offers a lovely view of the Seneca Creek.
A three-mile trail and a 7-8 mile trail are open for use. There are also stunning picnic sites, playgrounds, and boating activities for non-hikers.
Address: Watkins Mill Rd, Germantown, MD 20876, United States
2. Pick some fruits at Butler’s Orchard
Butler’s Orchard
The Butler’s Orchard, which began as a 37-acre peach farm, has grown to over 300 acres of fruits, flowers, tree crops, and vegetables. It is one of the best places to visit in Germantown, MD.
The continued success of this family-owned and operated business is thanks to three children with University of Maryland horticulture degrees.
Pick your fruit or head to their farm market for freshly grown food and goods like local honey, preserves, and gourmet seasonings.
Some options include black raspberries, thornless blackberries, strawberries, apples, cherries, and red raspberries.
In October, you can go down the large slide, have a hayride, or ride a pony through the straw maze at Pumpkinlan.
You can join Butler’s Orchard’s Strawberry Blossom Tour and Bunnyland visit during summer or its Christmas tree-cutting tour held during the winter months.
Address: 22222 Davis Mill Rd, Germantown, MD 20876, United States
3. Learn about Marsupials at Roos2u
Roos2u offers an extraordinary experience. A trip to this zoo differs from the normal one. Wouldn’t it be fun to know more about these animals on a closer level?
Meet and interact with the most fascinating creatures on the planet (wallabies and kangaroos) at Roos2u.
Guests will have the opportunity to feed the Joeys, give out snacks, take unlimited pictures, and even hold a Joey.
It is their goal to teach visitors about macropods and their unique characteristics.
Roos2u is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Germantown, MD. Visiting it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for you and your buddies to have a special event.
Address: Germantown, Maryland, United States
4. Try different fun activities at South Germantown Recreational Park
Montgomery Parks started acquiring the property, presently known as South Germantown Recreational Parks, in the 1960s for the residents of northern Montgomery County.
James and Macie King Farm, a working dairy farm since the mid-19th century, formerly occupied most of the park’s 695 acres of rolling hills.
The South Germantown Recreational Park is among the most active Montgomery Parks. Many activities, including archery, bicycling, hiking, swimming, and miniature golf, are available on the park’s extensive grounds.
South Germantown Recreational Park’s championship miniature golf course contains 18 holes with uneven grass, natural obstacles, and sand traps.
Bathrooms, vending machines, and shaded rest spaces are available for visitors near Splash Pad.
On the SplashPark and Miniature Golf Page, you will discover information on hours of operation, group reservations, admission rates, and party facilities.
The South Germantown Recreational Park attractions are open to guests during summer. It is in Boyd, MD, 7 minutes from Germantown, MD.
Address: 14501 Schaeffer Rd, Boyds, MD 20841, United States
5. Check out the galleries at BlackRock Center for the Arts
BlackRock Center for the Arts
One of the top things to do in Germantown, MD, is to visit the BlackRock Center for the Arts, especially if you’re an art enthusiast.
The BlackRock Center for the Arts contains performance and gallery spaces. The theater houses some of the best performers in the area, the nation, and the world.
Exhibits, performances, and visual and performing art classes are all provided at this venue.
Musical performances cover everything from World music to pop, folk, classical, and dance theater productions.
You will find tickets, performance schedules, and information on recent gallery exhibits and community programs on the organization’s website.
Apart from exploring the galleries alone during the center’s public open hours, groups can arrange a guided tour of the center.
Address: 12901 Town Commons Dr, Germantown, MD 20874, United States
6. Have fun with Tactical Laser Tag
Tactical Laser Tag is one of the best laser tag companies in the area. This business is different from others because they can take laser tag to your area, especially for the locals.
Tactical Laser Tag will go to the client’s place and build the battleground.
Aside from laser tag blasters, laser tag Game Master, and pop-up bunkers, Tactical Laser Tags also supplies all the necessary kits.
Events such as youth groups and birthdays can gain a lot from them.
Address: 13017 Wisteria Dr, Ste109 Germantown, MD 20874, United States
7. Play ball games with your children at Ridge Road Recreational Park
Ridge Road Recreational Park, featuring 56 acres of land, has numerous ball fields, courts for volleyball and tennis, picnic areas, a playground, and an in-line hockey arena.
Lit and unlit sports fields are also open for use at Ridge Recreational Park. All softball and baseball fields have lighting, and you can play ball games in the park.
Visitors without Park Permits can use the in-line rink on a first-come, first-served basis.
Furthermore, guests can rent three picnic shelters throughout the year via the Park Permit service.
Dog owners and their furry friends can use the half-acre dog park. You may check the Montgomery Parks Dog Parks website for more details and guidelines for guests.
Address: 21155 Frederick Rd, Germantown, MD 20876, United States
8. Unleash your creative side at We Art Fun
Among the best things to do in Germantown, MD, is to paint at We Art Fun.
We Art Fun, established in 2021, allows you to create your own masterwork. It is all about bringing people together through art and spending time with their friends and family.
You can take your family and buddies to paint and customize ceramics, especially your children.
There is no need to take anything as the staff will supply you with all the painting kits and each item to paint.
Materials and kits do not have any toxins, so you don’t have to worry about the safety of your children.
If you want, you may buy online and paint at home or visit the studio and do it there.
Whether celebrating a special event or just chilling with your buddies, We Art Fun is the perfect destination.
Address: 19847 Century Blvd g, Germantown, MD 20874, United States
Considering a Maryland road trip, check out our guides on things to do in Easto, and things to do in Salisbury for a memorable trip.
9. Catch fish at Little Seneca Lake
Little Seneca Lake
One of the fun things to do in Germantown, MD, is to fish at Little Seneca Lake.
Little Seneca Lake adjoins the northern part of Germantown. It is a well-known hangout spot during summer.
Little Seneca Creek and its two primary tributaries, Ten Miles Creek and Cabin, provide the Lake with water.
In the neighboring hills, Native Americans founded hunting camps to gather berries and fish.
Multiple mills were constructed along fast-flowing rivers by the early European settlers.
Ten Mile Creek became a prosperous community with a gristmill, a school, and a sawmill.
After the arrival of the railway in 1873, individuals from Washington would travel up to the area during the summer and stay at many hotels.
Due to its high location, the 22-room High View Hotel on Ten Mile Creek, now a county historic landmark, was saved from the impact of the Lake’s construction.
The comely shiner, the rosy side dace, and the clip minnow are all endangered species in Ten Mile Creek, based on a study carried out in 1974.
Address: Little Seneca Lake, Maryland, USA
10. Purchase products from local traders at Lancaster County Dutch Market
Lancaster County Dutch Market
When you visit Country Dutch Market, you may discover fascinating shops, including The Bake Shop, Lappy’s Candy, Lancaster Country Meat, Lydiann’s Flower Garden, and Zook’s Cheese.
Buying from vendors at this market is a way of aiding a small family-run business and the entire community who benefits from it.
It is difficult to beat the meals here, which include smoked cheese, fresh meat, pumpkin rolls, and large pancakes. They also deliver top-tier quality Amish craftsmanship.
The extremely popular pretzel shop offers an assortment of handmade pretzels crammed with cheese and meat.
Buying fresh produce at Lancaster County Dutch Market should be on your itinerary of what to do in Germantown, MD.
Address: 12613 Wisteria Dr, Germantown, MD 20874, United States
11. Practice your swing at Topgolf
Visit Topgolf and see how good you are at the game. No matter the time of the day, the arena is always bursting with activity.
You will enjoy it because you don’t have to perform well on the golf course or gather multiple points.
Choose a game according to your level of golfing ability. Furthermore, a good time isn’t finished without tasty food and drinks at the center of it.
You will discover an experienced and established chef at the Germantown restaurant offering traditional dishes with a twist.
A golf session at TopGolf is undoubtedly one of the fun things to do in Germantown, MD.
Address: 20101 Century Blvd, Germantown, MD 20874, United States
12. Learn about agriculture at Red Wiggler Community Farm
Red Wiggler Community Farm
Red Wiggler Community Farm, which has existed since 1996, is a sustainable farm that hires and teaches people with and without intellectual impairments.
Seven of their 12-acre sites are set aside for vegetable cultivation by Red Wiggler Community Farm members, who peddle or donate their harvests to many people.
Excursions are provided on some Saturdays during the growing season.
Tours are a fabulous way to learn about Red Wiggler’s goal and sustainable agriculture while walking around the fields with your family.
Bond with nature, sample some of the produce and increase your horizons.
Address: 23400 Ridge Rd, Germantown, MD 20876, United States
13. Check out The Shops at Seneca Meadows
Among the top things to do in Germantown, MD, is to explore The Shops at Seneca Meadows.
The Shops at Seneca Meadow is a growing retail center. It is just off Father Hurley Boulevard, close to the Seneca Meadows Parkway and Observation Drive.
The Shops at Seneca Meadows, anchored by Wegman’s, were designed by Bignell Watkins Hasser.
The original Wegman’s shop in Montgomery County is situated in this retail development, including pad sites and in-line.
The Shops at Seneca Meadows, encompassing a 1 million square feet area, contains restaurants, retail, and offices.
It also has a grocery store, bank, liquor store, and more in one location.
Address: Germantown, MD 20876, United States
14. Grab something to eat at MoCo’s Founding Farmers
MoCo’s Founding Farmers
If you hear your tummy making noises in Potomac, head to MoCo’s Founding Farmers to stuff your stomach with delicious farm-to-table meals.
Their menu comprises traditional but organic American meals. They also use fresh ingredients to prepare your food, including pasta, soda, bread, desserts, and ice cream.
This is not surprising as MoCo’s Founding Farmers is cooperative-grower-owned. All their ingredients are sourced from American-owned family farms.
Even the restaurant’s design is handmade, with a dining room constructed with recycled materials.
They also offer cocktails from the award-winning cocktails they have produced.
Address: 12505 Park Potomac Ave, Potomac, MD 20854, United States
15. Relax and Enjoy toothsome treats at Cold Stone Creamery
Cold Stone Creamery has existed in Germantown, MD, for over 30 years.
It has become famous for its excellent, freshly made ice cream treats, smoothies, and shakes.
It boasts of utilizing only the freshest ingredients and making their ice cream by hand and from scratch.
Observe as the exceptional ice cream is stirred to order and mixed with your choice of fruits, nuts, and candies on their chilled granite counter.
In addition to ice cream, Cold Stone Creamery also serves ice cream cakes.
Address: 19847 Century Blvd Ste I, Germantown, MD 20874, United States
Also, check out our list of things to do in Rockville and cool things to do in Silver Spring if you are planning a Maryland road trip.
16. Allow experts to frame your paintings at Art Galaxy Framing
Are you tired of shopping centers’ dull picture framing? If yes, go to Art Galaxy Framing.
Whether you are a professional artist or a house owner trying to fill up some wall space, you need artwork to put on your walls.
Visit Art Gallery Framing in Germantown if you want to custom-frame your artwork or any other property. They also provide professional advice on how to frame different media.
Art Galaxy Framing, run by a local family, has built a strong reputation among happy customers in the area.
In addition to providing framing services, Art Gallery Framing also displays original works of art by regional artists.
Make use of this opportunity to discover and obtain some of the finest local talents.
Address: 19725 Germantown Rd # C, Germantown, MD 20874, United States
17. Feel like a scout again at the Rockwood Manor
For the past three decades, the Rockwood Manor has changed from the long-time home of the National Girl Scout Camp to a well-known and unique retreat place for the entire family.
Remember what it feels like to be a scout by residing in the manor’s camp lodging and renovated cabins.
Don’t fret if you are with a large party because the manor can house 85 visitors for an overnight stay.
When you reach, you will see a line of champion trees extending their branches to greet you.
After unpacking, you may relax in a rocking chair outside your cabin and sip a cup of warm chocolate by the fire pit when it gets chilly.
Rockwood Manor is ideal for a weekend escape from the city’s noise. It is also suitable for birthday parties, weddings, family reunions, corporate rentals, and mitzvahs.
Address: 11001 Macarthur Blvd, Potomac, MD 20854, United States
18. Go for a swim at Gunners Lake
Gunners Lake
Swimming in Gunners Lake is a superb way to cool off during the hot days in Germantown. Ensure it is on your checklist of what to do in Germantown, MD.
In 1985, a dam was built over Gunners Branch in the Great watershed to form Gunners Lake, which serves stormwater and recreational management purposes.
Furthermore, it serves as a road barrier for Wisteria Drive. Locals call the lake “an oasis in the center of Germantown.”
The Gunners Lake Loop is a well-known place for a jog, stroll, or bike ride while admiring the scenery.
You may come across wildflowers, honeysuckle, wildlife, and strawberries in the lake’s woods.
There is a 3.5-mile forested walk, a 1.2-mile paved road, and a migratory bird sanctuary close to Gunners Lake.
Address: Gunners Lake, Germantown, MD 20874, USA
19. Bette Carol Thompson Scotland Neighborhood Recreation Center
The Scotland neighborhood is home to the Bette Carol Thompson Scotland Neighborhood Recreation Center.
Bette Carol Thompson, a long-time local of the area and a devoted campaigner, was the inspiration behind the center’s renaming.
Thompson had dedicated her life to making her neighborhood a danger-free and welcoming place for everyone who resides there through her different volunteer efforts since 1990.
The facility’s area was among the first African-American communities to take shape in the entire Montgomery County.
After a remodeling in 2014, it now provides different activities for residents of all ages.
Some of these activities include athletics, yoga, festivals, dancing, cooking, communal gatherings, and music.
Bette Carol Thompson Scotland Neighborhood Recreation Center is in Potomac, MD, 22 minutes from Germantown, MD.
Address: 7700 Scotland Dr, Potomac, MD 20854, United States
20. Spend a few hours or the whole day at Falls Road Park
In 1986, Potomac constructed the Falls Road Park, also called Hadley’s Park, by the locals. It is a 20-acre Park created for outdoor activities like picnics, sports, and festivals.
Carry your pals there for fun soccer, softball, football, and baseball games.
In 1999, the Hadley’s Park playground, intended for kids of all skills and abilities, was added to the park.
Bring your children there, watch them make new acquaintances, and play at the three playsets, including the frontier village, a pirate ship, and a castle.
The playground also contains handicap-accessible swing sets and a surface trail ideal for walkers, scooters, bikes, wheelchairs, and more.
Address: 12600 Falls Rd, Potomac, MD 20854, United States
21. Participate in ball games at Waters Landing Local Park
Water Landing Local Park opened in the spring of 2016. The park contains a multi-purpose field, two tennis courts, a football/soccer field, and a softball field.
The multi-purpose field is suitable for people of all ages to exercise in. Furthermore, if your four-legged furry friend is well-trained, this is an excellent area to let them loose off the leash.
Don’t forget to carry your picnic basket because Waters Landing Local Park has a picnic space with a shelter you can rent for your outing.
Address: 13701 Waters Landing Dr, Germantown, MD 20874, United States
22. Purchase fresh items at Potomac Village Farmers Market
Potomac Village Farmers Market is a weekly farmers market that takes place in the center of Potomac from May to October.
Fresh eggs, seasonal vegetables, pigs, pasture-raised poultry, and organic dairy products are some farm-to-table options available at this market.
Fresh seafood, including fish, lobster, and produce from nearby farmers, is supplied every week.
Enjoy this incredible farmers market in their backyard, where you can grab a gorgeous bouquet of freshly cut flowers and a slice of handmade pie.
Fill your tummy with freshly baked goods, including bread, pizza, pie, etc.
Address: 9908 S Glen Rd, Potomac, MD 20854, United States
23. Enjoy Ice Cream at Sprinkles Potomac
This neighborhood ice cream shop has operated for over three decades and is owned and run by women.
Since 1989, Sprinkles Potomac has been serving handmade ice cream to Potomac Village’s locals and tourists. It utilizes fresh, top-quality ingredients to make its small-batch ice cream.
It is proud to provide many baked goods, including smoothies, bagels, cakes, sweets, donuts, pies and more.
Thanks to its beautiful party collections, you can buy exceptional birthday cards, decorations, candles, and more in one visit.
Sprinkles Potomac also sells different products, such as napkins, pet treats, mugs, and greeting cards.
Drop by Sprinkles Potomac for some delicious grubs and eye candy.
Address: 10148 River Rd, Potomac, MD 20854, United States
24. See different Wildlife at Olmsted Island
Olmsted Island
So, if you want to see uncommon animals in their natural habitat, visit this Potomac natural destination as soon as possible.
You will come across wild geese, small lizards, and herons among the animals.
Also, Olmsted Island is home to endangered or threatened plant species.
You will have to stay behind a fenced-in walkway on the island’s southern section if you want to catch a glimpse of them.
Nonetheless, this walkway also provides an enormous view of the Great Falls.
Address: Potomac, MD, United States
25. Buy rare décor at the Potomac French Market
Potomac French Market
Rene Redfield and Terri Troxell opened the Potomac French Market in 2017 to share their love for gorgeous home decoration.
They took extraordinary décor to farmers’ markets, such as the open-air markets of Paris and New Orleans.
They received the moniker “French Market” from their Paris escapades.
When they returned to Potomac, they decided to establish their décor shop, where you can discover uncommon treasures you can take home.
For instance, you can purchase original 19th-century vintage mirrors or farmhouse tables.
Address: 12211 River Rd, Potomac, MD 20854, United States
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Plan Your Trip to Germantown
Germantown, MD, is a vibrant suburb home to many beautiful parks, golf courses, shopping centers, and lakes.
It is an excellent place for a family vacation, as it has something to offer everybody.
Whether you want to see a music performance, dip in fresh creek waters, or treat yourself and your loved ones to delicious ice cream, you will undoubtedly have a blast here.