Before we got on the road we lived in Frederick Maryland for about a year, my oldest daughter was born there and then we also lived in the nearby Hagerstown Maryland as well. I’m always surprised that there are a number of free things to do in Frederick MD. This town has always been an important and very historical part of history. The city is home to Fort Detrick (the Army base we lived on) and a very busy airport known as Frederick Municipal Airport. Let’s dig into some of the free things to do in Frederick MD, shall we?!
17 Free Things to do in Frederick MD
There is nothing quite like visiting Monocacy National Battlefield. You will get a full out history lesson here. It’s worth the visit. This is definitely the battle that saved Washington D.C.
South Mountain Creamery – Wow, getting to see a dairy farm up close and personal. Why not? Your whole family will love getting to see those cows in action. If you time it right you can even get to bottle feed the baby cows! Check the website for times.
Take a minute to visit the Frederick Visitor Center. Not only is it free, but it’s a fun little spot to learn more about the city of Frederick.
Rocky Ridge is a fun little thing to do in Frederick, MD. Bring a blanket and ride down this big wooden slide. Fun for big kids and small kids alike.
Take a bike ride throughout Frederick County. There is so much to do and see, especially when you’re on your bike!
Covered bridge at Baker Park, in Frederick, Maryland.
Frederick and Frederick Couty is home to three historic covered bridges that are on the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places. They are 3 of only 6 left in the whole state. You can take a free self-guided driving tour. We did this and the drive is just beautiful!
If you have it in you for a little hiking, then Cunningham Falls State Park is the place for you. You will be able to see natural beauty unlike you’ve experienced before. This state park is nestled in the Catoctin Mountains. Bring your camera and prepare for a day of hiking and fun!
The Cunningham Falls State Park rolls right into the Catoctin Mountain Park which is part of the National Park System. Don’t forget to let your kids get their junior ranger badges here! See more on our visit to the Thurmont MD area.
Related: The Ultimate Guide to The National Park Service Junior Ranger Program
I highly suggest walking downtown Frederick there is so much history and there is even a free, self-guided walking tour around Downtown Frederick. But taking in the shops is fun too!
If you want to explore Downtown Frederick, even more, you can do so by taking the Frederick History Bicycle Loop tour.
There are over 46 historic location on this free Frederick Walking Tour app and they are divided into 7 different tours.
Located at the base of the mountains there are over 16 miles of trails with some breathtaking views at Gambrill State Park.
A pair of cannons at sunset on the Antietam National Battlefield near Sharpsburg, Maryland
Just west of Frederick is the Antietam Battlefield, which includes a National Cemetary, beautiful historic buildings, and some amazing views.
If you are heading out to the Antietam Battlefield you have to stop by the Harpers Ferry National Historic Park it’s just a short drive away.
Pick and morning and go visit the local Farmers Markets in Frederick, Maryland. There are quite a few Farmers Markets to check out.
Carillon at Baker Park, in Frederick, Maryland.
A quiet place to relax in the hard of Frederick but there is also a lot to see and do. This is the main park town events are hosted at and there are many canals and parks to explore at Baker Park.
Between the many visitor centers and the falls at the C&O Canal National Historical Park, this is another great spot for you kids to earn their junior ranger badges!
While in the area I also suggest taking the drive up to Gettysburg PA. It’s a great day trip there are 6 Free Things to do in Gettysburg Pa that includes the battlefield that has many ways to tour it!
These are some of the free things to do in Frederick MD. At the end of the day, it’s nice to know you can have “free” fun in one of the Nation’s most historical cities.