Maryland, the "Old Line State," is a treasure chest of history, coastal charm, and rugged mountains, all easily accessible for families watching their spending. With state parks, free museums, and historic towns, a memorable day out for a family of four can comfortably stay under the $100 mark (excluding major purchases or gas).
Here is your guide to the best budget-friendly family day trips across Maryland.
Top 5 Low-Cost Maryland Day Trip Experiences
Focus on these areas for maximum fun and minimal spending, combining free attractions with affordable state park fees.
Free and Nearly-Free Activities by Region
Take advantage of Maryland’s numerous no-cost attractions to stay well below budget.
Baltimore and Central Maryland
- Free Art and History: Both the Walters Art Museum and the Baltimore Museum of Art offer free general admission, often hosting free family days or activities.
- National Cryptologic Museum (Fort Meade): Admission is free, offering a unique and educational look at code-making and code-breaking history for older kids and teens.
- Fort McHenry: The park grounds are free to explore, where Francis Scott Key wrote the National Anthem. The visitor center admission is low-cost ($7 for adults, free for children under 15).
- Parks and Gardens: Stroll the beautiful Brookside Gardens (free admission) or explore the historical and natural trails at the Benjamin Banneker Historical Park & Museum (free admission).
Eastern Shore and Coastal Maryland
- Ocean City Boardwalk: Walking the Ocean City Boardwalk is free and provides hours of entertainment, from people-watching to street performances.
- Ocean City Events (Seasonal): During summer, look for free movies on the beach and "Sundaes in the Park" concerts (ice cream is an extra cost, but the music is free).
- Calvert Cliffs State Park: Pay the low entrance fee and spend the day hunting for shark teeth and fossils along the bay beach—a thrilling and inexpensive activity.
- Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge: Pay the low entry fee and enjoy the scenic Wildlife Drive for some of the best bird watching in the country (spotting Bald Eagles is common).
Western and Mountain Maryland
- State Park Hiking: Cunningham Falls State Park (low entrance fee) features a 78-foot cascading waterfall and swimming areas. Gunpowder Falls State Park offers free river tubing (if you bring your own tube).
- Historic Frederick: Take a self-guided walking tour of Frederick's historic district and walk along the scenic Carroll Creek Linear Park for free.
- C&O Canal Towpath: The canal towpath is perfect for free hiking or biking along the historic waterway.
The Budget Blueprint: How to Stay Under $100
To ensure your family day trip in Maryland remains affordable, apply these saving strategies:
- Fuel and Food First: The largest variable cost is usually food. Pack a cooler with drinks, sandwiches, and snacks to eliminate restaurant costs.
- State Park Pass Value: If you plan on visiting multiple state parks in Maryland throughout the year, purchasing an Annual Pass (approx. $35–$70 depending on residency) is the biggest single saving.
- Choose One Paid Activity: Limit your spending to one entry fee per day trip (e.g., Fort McHenry, a state park car fee, or a low-cost museum like the Annapolis Maritime Museum).
- Embrace the Outdoors: Maryland’s best assets—the Chesapeake Bay beaches, the mountains, and the historic downtowns—are often free to explore.
By focusing on Maryland's abundant free cultural and natural resources, your family can enjoy a rich and rewarding day trip without any financial stress.
