The towns of Gaithersburg and Germantown contain many of the main attractions in Montgomery County, Maryland. Gaithersburg was established in 1878 and the small town has grown from a rural farming community to an urban city with many high-tech headquarters based there.
Neighboring Germantown still retains some of its small-town charm although it is quickly growing as well. The area has many parks, orchards, and other outdoors experiences such as Butler’s Orchard, Bohrer Park, and Great Seneca Valley Stream Park. There are also arts centers, galleries, farms, markets, and museums worth exploring as well as a wealth of restaurants and shopping venues.
BlackRock Center for the Arts
BlackRock Center for the Arts is a leading performing arts center and visual arts gallery space. The center provides high-quality performances, visual art exhibitions, and community art education. The venue hosts top talent from around the area, nation, and world. Performances run the gamut of genres and include pop, jazz, blues, rock, world, classical, and folk music as well as dance performances, theatrical shows, and even contemporary circus performances. Tickets for shows and the performance calendar can be found on their website as well as information about any ongoing gallery shows and community classes. In addition to self-touring the galleries during public open hours, groups can arrange for a guided tour of the center.
BlackRock Center for the Arts, 12901 Town Commons Drive, Germantown, MD 20874, Phone: 301-528-2260
Bohrer Park at Summit Hall
Bohrer Park at Summit Hall is a community park that offers a range of activities for all ages. The paved, multi-use path is perfect for walking, in-line skating, biking, or jogging and makes a loop around the park. The park is also home to a miniature golf course, an activity center, a water park, and a skate park. In addition, there are several open fields and two ponds where fishing is allowed. There are playgrounds for children and a horseshoe pit and volleyball net for additional activities. There are multiple picnic pavilions and picnic areas that are perfect for hosting parties.
Bohrer Park at Summit Hall, 506 S. Frederick Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD 20877, Phone: 301-258-6350
Butler’s Orchard
Butler’s Orchard is farm and market in Germantown that has been operated by the same family for three generations. The farm grows more than 25 different varieties of produce, flowers, and trees on 300 acres of land. They have been offering pick-your-own produce opportunities to the public since the 1950s. They also offer a host of family-friendly activities throughout the year, including hayrides, bonfires, tours, and pumpkin harvest days. The market sells a variety of produce items that are grown on the farm as well as preserves, local honey, seasonal decor, apple cider, and more. Their largest attraction is the seasonal Pumpkinland, which is a display of interesting creatures all built out of pumpkins.
Butler’s Orchard, 22222 Davis Mill road, Germantown, MD 20876, Phone: 301-972-3299
Gaithersburg Arts Barn
The Gaithersburg Arts Barn is an arts center housed in a beautifully renovated old stable. The Arts Barn is a part of the larger Arts on the Green, which is a collection of visual and performing arts venues. The center has a 99-seat theater where various performing arts programs are conducted throughout the year. They also have gallery space for rotating visual art exhibits as well as art studios where visitors can see resident artists in action. They offer a selection of educational programs, camps, and classes for community members. The center’s City Art Shop offers a selection of art-inspired gifts, jewelry, and apparel for purchase.
Gaithersburg Arts Barn, 311 Kent Square Road, Gaithersburg, MD 20878, Phone: 301-258-6394
Gaithersburg Community Museum
The Gaithersburg Community Museum is a museum dedicated to transportation and the history of the area, specifically the railroad. The museum is housed inside a restored B&O Railroad Station that dates to 1884 and was once a vibrant and bustling rail complex. The museum consists of a variety of educational programs and interactive exhibits. In addition to the educational exhibits in the Freight House, the complex also has a history park and a rolling stock exhibit. The rolling stock, or train collection, is held in the yard outside and includes a 1950s Budd car, a C&O Railroad caboose, and a 1918 steam locomotive.
Gaithersburg Community Museum, 9 S. Summit Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD 20877,Phone: 301-258-6160
Great Seneca Stream Valley Park
The Great Seneca Stream Valley Park is a beautiful natural park and getaway. The park has the Greenway Trail running through it with many natural sights. The trail follows a beautiful stream and connects to other trails in the greenbelt system. The trail is popular among hikers, mountain bikers, and runners. Wildlife sightings are possible, including many species of birds. The park hosts a variety of events and activities and has amenities such as paddleboat and canoe rentals. They have a family-friendly playground as well as pavilions and picnic tables for family events. It is a fabulously quiet, natural environment for relaxing and escaping the hustle and bustle of the city.
Great Seneca Stream Valley Park, Watkins Mill Road, Germantown, MD 20876, Phone: 301-495-2525
Latitude Observatory
More than 100 years ago an unpretentious little observatory was established in Observatory Park in Gaithersburg. This little observatory is linked to 5 other observatories in cities around the world, all of which tracked the wobble of the earth on its polar axis, in order to aid navigation.
Today, the early sky watchers have been replaced by computers, but Observatory Park in Gaithersburg still hosts periodic sky-watching sessions for the public. If you take the time to visit the park you will find that it has been laid out to represent the earth’s motion by means of strategically placed benches, paths and landscaping.
Observatory Park, 100 DeSellum Ave, Gaithersburg, MD 20877, Map
Hunt View Riding Academy
Hunt View Riding Academy is a professional horse riding school and boarding stable facility. The facility has several certifications, including some from the Maryland Horse Industry and the Maryland Department of Agriculture. The academy owns acres of land for students to practice riding in a variety of environments. Class options include both private and group lessons and are offered in several styles, including English and Western style as well as trail riding. Students can start at the age of 6 and there is something for every experience level. The class schedule is flexible and can generally be scheduled around each student’s needs.
Hunt View Riding Academy , 15006 Berryville Rd, Darnestown, MD 20874, Phone: 240-477-9491
Lancaster County Dutch Market
Lancaster County Dutch Market is a farmer’s market that has been in business for more than 20 years. The market has a large variety of vendors and offers fresh, locally grown produce, home-made baked goods, cheeses, candy, and cut flowers as well as Amish soft pretzels and other Amish goods for purchase. The market is very family friendly and operates each weekend. Dining opportunities include a small, full-service restaurant as well as a barbecue pit that serves chicken and occasionally rotisserie rabbit. Visitors can also purchase ready-made local furniture or design their own custom furniture at Lapp’s Furniture. The market frequently hosts special events and holiday celebrations.
Lancaster County Dutch Market, 12613 Wisteria Drive, Germantown, MD 20874, Phone: 301-515-1019
Schaeffer Farms Mountain Bike Trail
Schaeffer Farms Mountain Bike Trail is a 15-mile scenic bike trail offering a somewhat challenging riding experience. The trail is a bit bumpy in spots with hills and roots jutting up, however, it isn’t only for experienced riders.
There are several different trails to ride, depending on your fitness level. The scenery is beautiful and includes streams and fields that are perfect for picnics. There is plenty of parking near the trail and the trails are well marked with signs. While Schaeffer Farms Mountain Bike Trail is a perfectly fine workout on its own, it is also a great starting point for the Seneca Bluffs and Seneca Ridge trails. The trail system offers anything from a somewhat relaxed 30-minute ride to a 2-hour strenuous workout.
Schaeffer Farms Mountain Bike Trail, 24432 Schaeffer Road, Gaithersburg, MD 20874
Tactical Laser Tag
Tactical Laser Tag is the ultimate laser tag company in the area. They offer a mobile laser tag service that brings the party to you and can provide outdoor or indoor laser tag experiences. Customers choose the location and the company will come and set up the battlefield for them. They bring all of the equipment, which includes up to 16 laser tag blasters, pop-up bunkers, and the services of a professional laser tag Game Master. The parties are perfect for birthday parties, youth groups, and other group events. The traveling company covers several states in the surrounding area. Map, Phone: 844-822-8428
Washingtonian Paddle Boats
Washingtonian Paddle Boats is a boat rental company located in the RIO Washingtonian Center. The family-friendly attraction is perfect for a day out with the kids as children 1-year old and up are permitted aboard. Boats come in a traditional blue design as well as several exciting and fun designs such as ducks, swans, and dragons. The traditional boats have room for 4 passengers, whereas the fancier boats can accommodate up to 4 adults and 1 small child at the same time. Boat rentals are available seasonally and weather permitting. The company is committed to safety and provides life-jackets for a safe experience on the water.
Washingtonian Paddle Boats , 9811 Washingtonian Blvd., Gaithersburg, MD 20878, Phone: 301-370-5105
Roos2U
Roos2U is one of the most magical places to visit with children. The center is home to a “mob” (their words) of the most gorgeous Australian kangaroos and wallabies, all of which are just waiting to capture your hearts. Unlike a regular zoo, at Roos2U you and your family can expect to get up-close and personal with several of these friendly and lovable roos. The center offers various packages which allow visitors to meet and interact with a range of other animals, as well as the popular hopping marsupials. All the package experiences are private and you will not need to share the magic with other visitors.
Roos2U , 531 Dagnan Rd, Howe, MD 75459, 240 426 1284
Monster Mini-Golf
Monster Mini-Golf is more than just a putt-putt course. At Monster Mini-Golf parents will be pleased to know that there are a variety of fun activities to keep your little monsters happy and engaged for several hours. It all starts off with the Monster-themed mini golf course, where players will find animated monsters around every corner. In addition, lights and music add a new dimension to your mini-golf fun. After the game you can enjoy some of the other fun activities which include Laser Tag, Bowling, Ropes Course and their Monstrous Gaming Arcade and Virtual Reality games. The center is ideal for birthday parties and appeals to a wide range of age-groups.
Monster Mini-Golf, 9116 Gaither Rd, Gaithersburg, MD 20877, 301 330 6464
