If you’re looking for good outdoor activities near Montgomery County, we’ve compiled a short list to get you started. With prices ranging from free to $64 a person, we have options to fit all budgets. 

Clark’s Elioak Farm

Clark’s Elioak Farm is located in neighboring Howard County, and is definitely worth the drive. Essentially a petting farm, Clark’s also includes pieces rescued from the old Enchanted Forest, which closed in the early 1990s.  If you never went to the Enchanted Forest, it was a fairy tale theme park, with whimsical statues and sculptures, which have now been relocated to Clark’s. 

In addition, there are all sorts of farm animals to pet, a pumpkin patch in the Fall, hay rides, a cow train, and pony rides available for additional fee. Admission is $8 for everyone over 12 months. Tickets can be purchased online or at the farm.

National Arboretum

The National Arboretum in D.C. now has most of its buildings open again, after closing them due to Covid. With amazing plants to discover this is a must see.

My favorite is the extensive collection of bonsai in the Asian building, and they’ve just brought back koi to one of their ponds according to the website.

Admission is free and no tickets are needed.

Sandy Spring Adventure Park

A fantastic combination rope course and ziplines, Sandy Spring Adventure Park is available for the more physically adventurous of us. 

Tickets are for three hours, plus a forty minute safety briefing, and are $60 for an adult on the weekday, and $64 on the weekend, with additional discounts given for late in the day.

National Zoo

The Smithsonian National Zoo has pandas! And black footed ferrets (a species once thought extinct)!

Like all of the Smithsonian’s institutes, admission to the Zoo is free, however parking is not. Tickets must be reserved in advance on the website.