28 Best & Fun Things to Do in Frederick (MD)

In search of the best and fun things to do in Frederick, MD?

Frederick is a beautiful community located in the Western Region of Maryland in the United States.

Recognized as the second largest incorporated borough, it has a population of seventy-eight thousand, one hundred and seventy-one.

The city is a popular destination for those seeking a phenomenal adventure, featuring numerous outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, camping, biking, and many more.

Some of the places you should visit in Frederick include Carroll Creek Park, McClintock Distilling, the Delaplaine Visual Arts Education Center, the Rose Hill Manor Park & Museums, Frederick Visitor Center, Historic Downtown Frederick, and many others.

Are you planning an exploration of this city? Here is a guide on the top things to do in Frederick, MD.

Things to Do in Frederick, MD

1. Historic Downtown Frederick

Historic Downtown Frederick
Credits: Christian Hinkle / Shutterstock
Historic Downtown Frederick

Of course, no list of fun things to do in Frederick would be complete without a stop at Historic Downtown Frederick.

Historic Downtown Frederick is the place where it all happens in the city, packed with an assortment of well-preserved historical buildings.

This region is filled with more than two hundred lovely stores, art galleries, parks, boutiques, museums, and many more.

Historic Downtown Frederick offers a wide variety of entertainment and dining options through the events centers, theatres, and restaurants.

There are many attractive establishments here, and the streets are uniquely adorned with beautiful murals made by talented artists.

Historic Downtown Frederick offers you the opportunity to learn more about the lifestyle of the people in the community.

Address: Frederick, MD, United States

2. Frederick Visitor Center

Frederick Visitor Center
Credits: Preservation Maryland / Flickr
Frederick Visitor Center

One of the top things to do in Frederick is paying a visit to Frederick Visitor Center, a place that offers you guidelines on how to explore the city.

Frederick Visitor Center is a visitors’ center located in an elegantly remodeled 2, 200-square-foot industrial warehouse.

The center is filled with an extensive collection of interpretive exhibits, including maps and charts offering visitors essential information about the city and what to expect.

Frederick Visitor Center offers information about the Civil War, Frederick County’s Covered Bridges, Frederick’s Hallowed Ground, the Weinberg Center, the Historic National Road, and more.

The center staff is highly knowledgeable and friendly, ensuring the visitors feel welcomed and comfortable while asking questions and going through the displayed exhibits.

Here, you will find out everything you need to know about the city; there is a gift shop where you can buy beautiful souvenirs as well

Address: 151 East St, Frederick, MD 21701, United States

3. Carroll Creek Park

Carroll Creek Park
Credits: Yginger Lee / Shutterstock
Carroll Creek Park

After unwinding in historic downtown Frederick, visiting Carroll Creek Park is one of Frederick’s best things to do.

Carroll Creek Park is a beautiful park encompassing the Carroll Creek of 8.3-mile-long which links to the Monocacy River.

The park consists of a soothing stream, lovely brick walkways, and gorgeous footbridges perfect for a quiet walk.

Carroll Creek Park features a wonderful amphitheater where numerous events are held all year round with clean and relaxed picnic spots.

This park is open for rentals for private events, school functions, and fundraising events for non-profit organizations. Carroll Creek Park is a venue for several live outdoor concerts and events as well as numerous community functions.

Address: Carroll Creek Linear Park, Frederick, MD 21701, United States

4. Pinecliff Park

Pinecliff Park
Credits: MilanMarkovic78 / Shutterstock

Pinecliff Park is a family-friendly fun center in Frederick and a highly recommended destination perfect for you and the entire family.

The park consists of four softball fields, with ample green space and a playground with lots of play equipment.

Pinecliff Park features a boat ramp making it a nice place for boating and fishing, with a nature trail for walking, jogging, and running.

This is a beautiful park with several picnic areas consisting of picnic shelters and picnic tables where you and your loved ones can relax and grab a meal together.

Pinecliff Park also features horseshoe pits, grills, and ice skating open to the public from 8am-11:30pm.

Address: 8350 Pinecliff Park Rd, Frederick, MD 21704, United States

5. National Museum of Civil War Medicine

National Museum of Civil War Medicine
Credits: Ron Cogswell / Flickr
National Museum of Civil War Medicine

For the history enthusiasts, add a visit to the National Museum of Civil War Medicine to your list of fun places to visit in Frederick.

The National Museum of Civil War Medicine is a museum that is mainly concerned with the nursing, surgical, and medical training and procedures executed during the American Civil War.

This is a 7, 000 Square feet facility in which two floors are packed with extensive collections of exhibits that educated the public about medicine and methods used during the Civil War and the ways through which they affected the contemporary medicine methods.

The National Museum of Civil War Medicine features exhibits that relate to the medical problems during the Civil War, such as a field dressing station, field hospital, successfully getting wounded soldiers out of the Battlefield, and more

The museum houses items like surgical kits, tools, and many others, including the only remaining Surgeon’s tent used during the Civil War.

Address: 48 E Patrick St, Frederick, MD 21701, United States

6. McClintock Distilling

McClintock Distilling
Credits: NewFabrika / Shutterstock

McClintock Distilling is a fantastic distillery in Frederick that specializes in producing whiskeys, vodkas, and gins.

This award-winning distillery uses the best organic grains, putting lots of effort into selecting the grains ensuring they are all free from chemicals and pesticides.

McClintock Distilling produces whiskeys with strong tastes and high quality for optimum customer satisfaction.

The distillery is open to guided tours from Friday to Sunday throughout the year; make sure to visit McClintock Distilling and learn about distilling.

Address: 35 S Carroll St, Frederick, MD 21701, United States

7. Baker Park

Baker Park
Credits: grandbrothers / Shutterstock
Baker Park

A fifty-eight-acre park in the center of Historic Downtown Frederick, Baker Park has existed for more than seventy-five years.

Baker Park features well-paved trails convenient for biking and jogging, with numerous playgrounds spread all over the park.

There is an incredible lake, tennis courts, softball/baseball fields, and a public swimming pool. The park is a host to several exciting festivals, concerts, sports events, and more.

Baker Park is a venue for many popular events in Frederick, including the independence day celebration held on the 4th of July every year.

There are numerous picnic areas excellent for relaxation with your friends and family as you enjoy great live music.

Address: West 2nd St and North Bentz St Frederick, MD, United States

8. Weinberg Center for the Arts

Weinberg Center for the Arts
Credits: Mr.TinMD / Flickr
Weinberg Center for the Arts

Are you in for some wild entertainment? A stop by Weinberg Center for the Arts is one of the fun things to do in Frederick.

Weinberg Center for the Arts is housed in a former theatre built in 1926 as an exclusive movie theatre which was later destroyed in 1976.

The Weinberg family, who were the theatre owners, gave up the structure to the city of Frederick, through which the building was refurbished to its original beauty.

The Weinberg Center for the Arts is a venue for different kinds of entertainment shows, including dramas, music, dance, and more.

If you want to be highly and properly entertained, ensure you are heading towards the Weinberg Center in Frederick.

Address: 20 W Patrick St, Frederick, MD 21701, United States

9. Gambrill State Park

Gambrill State Park
Credits: Maryland GovPics / Flickr
Gambrill State Park

For a terrific family outdoor fun, visiting Gambrill State Park is one of the top places to visit in Frederick, especially with your friends and family.

Gambrill State Park is a public recreation park in the state offering opportunities for numerous recreational activities.

The park features trails with interpretive ideal for mountain biking and hiking as you go through beautiful spots in the park.

Gambrill State Park also features a playground for little children packed with several play equipment; the park also features a modern tea room.

The park consists of a small fishing pond with different species of fish where anglers get to cast their lines and wait to make a big catch.

Gambrill State Park is perfect for picnicking with family and friends, featuring many picnic shelters.

Address: 8602 Gambrill Park Rd, Frederick, MD 21702, United States

10. Hidden Hills Farm & Vineyard

Hidden Hills Farm & Vineyard
Credits: Alexandr Vorobev / Shutterstock

Hidden Hills Farm & Vineyard is a family-owned and operated business occupying a hundred-acre horse farm.

This is a combination of a horse farm and winery that specializes in producing outstanding wines using the best selection of grapes.

Hidden Hills Farm & Vineyard is a fantastic winery in the city largely inspired by the stunning rolling hills of Frederick County.

They offer wines like Bay Roan Reserve, Blue Roan III, 2020 Rose Grey Rosé, Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc, Vidal Blanc, 2020 XOXO Rose, Chambourcin, and more.

Hidden Hills Farm & Vineyard offers a lovely outdoor seating that is both children and pet-friendly as long as the pet remains leashed.

Address: 7550 Green Valley Rd, Frederick, MD 21701, United States

11. Harry Grove Stadium

Harry Grove Stadium
Credits: Mark Poblete / Flickr
Harry Grove Stadium

Harry Grove Stadium was established in 1990 and is the venue of the Frederick Keys, a junior league team associated with the Baltimore Orioles.

The stadium has a seating capacity of four thousand, five hundred persons, named in honor of one of the pioneers of the Frederick Hustlers, Harry Grove.

Aside from hosting baseball matches, Harry Grove Stadium is home to several concerts, shows, and other large events.

Harry Grove Stadium’s minor-league ballpark features a hallway that leads towards the ball field and a seating bowl.

There is an onsite concession that offers delicious snacks, food, and flavorful drinks with a large free parking space.

Address: 21 Stadium Dr, Frederick, MD 21703 United States

12. Summers Farm

Summers Farm
Credits: AN NGUYEN / Shutterstock

Summers Farm was founded in 1934, spanning to exactly twelve-acre, and offering a wide array of exciting family activities.

One of the major highlights of this farm is the Summers Farm Fall Festival which began in 1996 offering different kinds of hands-on activities.

The Festival features hay slides, pig races, apple blasting, animal petting, farmer golf, wagon rides, pumpkin picking, jumping pillows, and more.

Summers Farm is known for a Corn Keen Pit & Corn maze and as a host to many activities like moonlight maze adventure and staying overnight with campfires at the farm.

You will also find a sweet shoppe, a Barnyard Grill, and a Country Market on the Summers Farm open for everyone to explore and have fun.

Address: 5620 Butterfly Ln, Frederick, MD 21703-5904, United States

13. The Delaplaine Visual Arts Education Center

Delaplaine Visual Arts Education Center
Credits: Maryland GovPics / Flickr
Delaplaine Visual Arts Education Center

For a more innovative attraction, visiting the Delaplaine Visual Arts Education Center is one of the fun things to do in Frederick, MD.

The Delaplaine Visual Arts Education Center is located in an ancient mountain city mill of about one hundred years old, right on Carroll Creek banks.

The center was founded in 1986 with the main aim of promoting and showcasing the artworks of local and national artists.

The Delaplaine Visual Arts Education Center is a 40, 000 Square-foot facility comprising five various galleries and eight large studios where workshops and classes are held.

The center also showcases works made by different community groups and local students, and it features one of the biggest libraries in Maryland, known as Etchison Davis.

The Delaplaine Visual Arts Education Center offers beautiful art items, souvenirs, and gifts crafted by local artists for purchase.

Address: 40 S Carroll St, Frederick, MD 21701, United States

14. Rose Hill Manor Park & Museums

Rose Hill Manor Park & Museums
Credits: Acroterion [CC BY-SA 3.0], Wikimedia Commons
Rose Hill Manor Park & Museums
Rose Hill Manor Park & Museums is a popular place for many families interested in learning more about the history of Frederick.

The center showcases several exhibits for the entire family to explore relating to the evolution of the Transportation and Agricultural Sectors in Frederick County.

Rose Hill Manor Park & Museums is housed in a well-preserved neoclassical brick structure dating back to the 1790s.

The brick house is referred to as a piece of art with a spacious portico combined with Doric columns decorated with flutes, while the second floor features ionic columns.

Rose Hill Manor Park & Museums is mentioned in the National Register of Historic Places after serving as the home of Governor Thomas Johnson of Maryland State after retirement.

Address: 1611 N Market St, Frederick, MD 21701, United States

15. Hessian Barracks

Hessian Barracks
Credits: Jon Bilous / Shutterstock
Hessian Barracks

Hessian Barracks is a historic site composed of two L-shaped structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

These old barracks and school structures were used way back in the 19th century for numerous purposes.

Hessian Barracks was used as a construction site for armory & silkworm production in the state, and it was also used as a hospital during the American Civil War.

This historic site was said to be used as a prison as well, but currently, it features a two-story stone building consisting of gallery terraces and a gable roof.

Address: 242 S Market St, Frederick, MD 21701 United States

16. Dublin Roasters Coffee

Dublin Roasters Coffee
Credits: portumen / Shutterstock

A nicer way to start your morning is through a cup of delicious coffee; visiting Dublin Roasters Coffee is certainly one of the best things to do in Frederick, MD.

Dublin Roasters Coffee is owned by a passionate and experienced individual who spent about twenty years looking for charming family-owned coffee farms.

They spend time searching for the best coffee beans that are well grown, properly cultivated, and sufficiently dried before transporting them to the United States.

A Silvetz Air Roaster is used in processing the beans for optimum quality and unique taste that can’t be gotten elsewhere.

Dublin Roasters Coffee is an excellent place for private meetings of up to fifteen persons offering a tranquil and calm environment to interact. The cafeteria is open from Monday to Friday from 7am-2pm, and Saturday & Sunday from 8am-2pm.

Address: 1780 N Market St, Frederick, MD 21701, United States

17. Mount Olive Cemetery

Mount Olive Cemetery
Credits: Mr.TinMD / Flickr
Mount Olive Cemetery

Mount Olive Cemetery is located in historic downtown Frederick, and it was founded in 1854 by the Mount Olivet Cemetery Company, Inc.

This cemetery is the final resting place for many prominent individuals, including the first governor of the state of Maryland, Thomas Johnson.

Mount Olive Cemetery is the burial ground for the composer of the National Anthem, Francis Scott Key, and Barbara Fritchie, the author of Whittier’s Poem and one of the prominent heroines during the American Civil War.

The cemetery is proclaimed as one of the most outstanding and recognized burial sites in the United States.

Whenever you need a place to reflect and meditate, Mount Olive Cemetery is the best place; the tranquility and silence of the area are something you will enjoy.

 Address: 515 S Market St, Frederick, MD 21701, United States

18. Monocacy National Battlefield

Monocacy National Battlefield
Credits: Zack Frank / Shutterstock
Monocacy National Battlefield

Monocacy National Battlefield is the ground where the Battle of Monocacy occurred during the American Civil War on July 9, 1864.

The battlefield is also known as the “Battle That Saved Washington,” symbolizing the last operation made to capture Washington, D. C by the Confederacy.

You can go on a self-guided tour around the property, including the numerous trails surrounding the site, perfect for walking.

As you walk around, you begin to learn more facts and history about the War and how the Confederacy could not captivate Washington.

Address: 5201 Urbana Pike, Frederick, MD 21704, United States

19. Flying Dog Brewery

Flying Dog Brewery
Credits: Kishivan / Shutterstock

If you are looking for a cozy place to relax with your friends, add a visit to Flying Dog Brewery to your checklist of things to do in Frederick, MD.

Flying Dog Brewery officially opened its doors to the public in 1990, and it was established by Richard Mclntyre and George Stranahan.

The brewery has grown over the years and is currently the biggest in the state, producing a wide variety of craft beers.

Flying Dog Brewery also offers exclusive and seasonal beers with distinct labels designed by Ralph Steadman, a local artist, which will catch your attention before you eventually start drinking.

The brewery offers tours from Friday to Sunday, where visitors can explore the company and watch how their favorite drinks are produced.

The Roasthouse Pub Food truck is available onsite, offering cheese bites & fried mac, and many other delectable dishes.

Address: 4607 Wedgewood Blvd, Frederick, Maryland

20. Attaboy Beer

Attaboy Beer
Credits: Nitr / Shutterstock

A place where you can loosen up and have a great time in Frederick is the Attaboy Beer, which guarantees an amazing experience.

Attaboy Beer is an independently owned and operated brewery which is committed to producing well-brewed beers.

There is an indoor and outdoor patio with a family-friendly beer garden where you can hang out with friends and family.

Attaboy Beer offers drinks like Guava No Guava, Darlin Clementine, Dannybro, Creek Life Nelson, Ruud-er, Backyard Champ, Cold Croc, Surefire, Backyard Queen, Saison, and more.

Many food trucks are available outside the property serving a large variety of meals, such as Traditional Taco Truck W/ Birria, Blues Pizza & Wings, Fifty Fifty Smash Burgers, The Garage, And More.

Attaboy Beer is a pet-friendly location, and the beer garden is open to all visitors for a more private picnic.

Address: 400 Sagner Ave #400, Frederick, MD 21701, United States

21. Community Bridge Mural

Community Bridge Mural
Credits: Jennifer Boyer / Flickr
Community Bridge Mural

Visiting the Community Bridge Mural is one of the best things to do in Frederick, MD, it was created in 1993 by William Cochran, a famous artist.

The trompe l’oeil mural is a world-famed community bridge that Cochran used to transform a casual or random l Carroll Street Bridge into a glamorous stone bridge.

William Cochran created this mural to show an amazing way through which a synthetic stone covering can be used to beautify the bridge across Carrol Creek.

Trompe l’oeil mural took Cochran precisely five years to complete; within that period, he interpreted the symbols into beautiful stone cravings.

Address: Carroll Creek Park, Frederick, MD 21701 United States

22. Emporium Antiques

 Emporium Antiques
Credits: Emporium Antiques / Facebook
Emporium Antiques

If you’re looking for a place to shop for unique antiques, add a stop at Emporium Antiques to your list of things to do in Frederick.

Emporium Antiques is housed in a nicely refurbished old brick house nestled just in the middle of historic downtown Frederick.

This 55, 000-square foot facility opened its doors in 1912, with every corner packed with a wide variety of antique items.

The plaza features over one hundred and thirty antique vendors offering vintage home decor, furnishings, and fine art.

Emporium Antiques offers architectural findings, civil war memorabilia, oil paintings, ephemera, folk art, beautiful traditional antiques, early prints, and more.

Address: 112 E Patrick St, Frederick, MD 21701, United States

23. Dragon Distillery

Dragon Distillery
Credits: nelea33 / Shutterstock

Dragon Distillery is a locally owned and operated distillery dedicated to continuing the family tradition by toiling on land, dating back to the mid-1700s.

The distillery uses naturally grown ingredients sourced from their own farmland of two hundred acres passed on from their forefathers.

Dragon Distillery produces delightful artisan spirits in small batches well-refined with strong tastes and high quality.

This distillery offers guided tours of the facility, taking visitors through the process of production and tastings, as well as offering purchasing of the drinks onsite.

Dragon Distillery offers drinks like Fannie Tutt’s Lemon Meringue Moonshine, Basilisk Bourbon, Snallygaster Blended Whiskey, Dragon Dog Rye, Black-Cherry Almond Vodka, Broadsword Blueberry, and more.

Address: 1341 Hughes Ford Rd Suite 108, Frederick, MD 21701, United States

24. Schifferstadt

Schifferstadt
Credits: grandbrothers / Shutterstock
Schifferstadt

A perfect addition to your list of fun things to do in Frederick, MD, is a visit to Schifferstadt, the oldest building in the city.

This building perfectly illustrates the architectural style of German-Georgian colonial in the United States.

Schifferstadt was constructed in 1758 with many notable architectural attributes, including a staircase that is moderately curved to the second floor and stone arches.

The house is characterized by a jamb stove, thick stone walls, a massive “wishbone” chimney, hand wooden beams, and more.

Schifferstadt is recognized as a National Historic Landmark surrounded by well-manicured gardens open for tours on Sundays and Saturdays only.

Address: 1110 Rosemont Ave, Frederick, MD 21701, United States

25. Greek Aroma

Greek Aroma
Credits: Greek Aroma / Facebook
Greek Aroma

Whenever you’re hungry? If yes, Greek Aroma is one of the best places to visit in Frederick, MD.

Greek Aroma provides a simple but beautiful interior, well furnished with lovely designs and creative craft works.

The restaurant is well known for serving delicious food, well prepared with locally grown sourced and quality ingredients.

Greek Aroma offers an impressive food menu, including Chicken Souvlaki Sandwich, Lamb Souvlaki Sandwich, Grilled Chicken Salad, Steak Salad, Hummus & Grilled Pita, Baklava House Special, and more.

They also offer Bottled Water, Fountain Drink, Apple Juice, Pellegrino, Canned Soda, Pure Leaf Sweet Tea, and more.

Aside from providing a conducive and lively environment for customers to eat and enjoy, they also offer outstanding customer service for better relaxation and contentment.

Address: 177-D Thomas Johnson Dr, Frederick, MD 21702, United States

26. Fourth Dimension Fun Center

Fourth Dimension Fun Center
Credits: Boris Medvedev / Shutterstock

Fourth Dimension Fun Center is a popular destination in Federick, MD. It is a 35,000 square feet top-tier entertainment center with lots of fun-filled activities for your family, friends, and people of all ages.

This entertainment facility features 16 string pin bowling lanes, a full-service restaurant, and a bar with 24 draught beers, specialty cocktails, wine, and others.

Visitors can check out their 6,000 square feet arcade, which has crane games, photo booths, and skee ball. You and your team can have a unique immersive experience in their Escape Rooms. There are also Billiard Tables, XD Dark Ride, three party rooms, Shuffleboard, and others.

Fourth Dimension Fun Center is an excellent destination for anyone visiting this part of the country. It should make your list of the best places to visit in Frederick, MD.

Address: 4725 Arcadia Dr, Frederick, MD 21703, United States

27. Woodvale Farms

Woodvale Farms
Credits: Flamingo Images / Shutterstock

Woodvale Farms is an equestrian facility situated 5 miles north of Federick, MD. It is tucked away at the foothills of the picturesque Catoctin Mountains.

This equestrian facility is the perfect place to hone your skills at riding a horse, train a horse rider or enjoy a one-of-a-kind horse riding experience.

The 150-acre Woodvale Farms features beautiful Stall holes, open fields, field-boarded horses, spacious and well-maintained outdoor and indoor arenas, boarding barns, and training classes for everyone.

To improve the working condition of Woodvale Farm, they put some cash into owning a solar power plant that generates the energy used in running the farm; hence the use of fossil fuels was discarded.

Address: 9602 Bartgis Rd, Frederick, MD 21702, United States

28. Frederick Municipal Forest

Frederick Municipal Forest
Credits: Maridav / Shutterstock

The Frederick Municipal Forest is a 7,000-acre forest in Frederick County. This place is a perfect escape from noisy city life and mundane activities at work.

Enjoy a family hike or mountain biking on its well-maintained trails and enjoy the scenic views this place offers.

You might be lucky to spot animals such as deer, grouse, and squirrel. Many small ponds in this place draw migrating waterfowl, especially mallards and wood ducks.

Frederick Municipal Forests preserves one of the four water supplies in Federick, MD. The Watershed offers clean and drinkable water to the 70,000 individuals residing downstream.

Address: Frederick, MD 21702, United States

Take to exploring other cities of Maryland, check out our list of things to do in Silver Spring,  things to do in Kent Island, things to do in Columbia, and things to do in Hagerstown.

Plan a Trip to Frederick

Frederick offers tourists loads of outdoor and indoor activities to participate in and, of course, have great fun while at it.

This city is that perfect escapade from all the hustling and bustling. Make sure you come with an extra energy bag because you’re definitely going to need it as there are numerous places to visit and things to do.

Start planning your trip to Frederick!