10 Family-Friendly Outings in Montgomery County (That Aren’t Just for Kids)
Julia strolling the marsh boardwalk at Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary, a nature preserve adjoining the Patuxent River.
With a long weekend on the horizon—or out-of-towners visiting with high hopes and low toddler tolerance—finding activities that entertain both kids and adults can feel like an impossible ask. But in Montgomery County, it’s actually quite doable.
I lived in Chevy Chase for over a decade, raising two young kids and spending more weekends than I can count testing the limits of strollers, snack bags, and my own patience. While I mostly write about food, drink, and shopping for Bethesda Magazine, this list comes from years of being out there in the wild—researching, recommending, and occasionally bribing my way through family outings.
Some of these spots are personal favorites; others come highly recommended by trusted friends. From kid-friendly breweries and scenic trails to paddleboats, pizza, and surprisingly great playgrounds, this is a roundup of places that actually deliver. Whether you're planning ahead or winging it between snack breaks, here’s where to go when you need to keep everyone happy—rain or shine.
billy goat trail
Arguably the most iconic hike in Montgomery County, the Billy Goat Trail offers dramatic Potomac River views, rocky scrambles, and a true sense of adventure—without ever leaving the D.C. metro area. Split into three sections (A, B, and C), the trail has something for everyone, from families with young children to seasoned hikers looking for a challenge.
How to Spend a Day: For families with little ones, Section C is the sweet spot—an easy-to-moderate 1.6-mile loop that includes gentle terrain, small rock outcroppings, and peaceful riverside views. Older kids (8+) will love the thrill of Section A, a more strenuous trail with boulder climbs and cliffside scrambles—not for toddlers, but unforgettable for confident hikers. Whichever route you choose, bring sturdy shoes, plenty of water, and a picnic to enjoy along the canal towpath after your trek.
BROOKEVILLE BEER FARM
A visit to this laid-back brewery and hopyard feels like a mini escape—without the long drive. Brookeville Beer Farm is known for its rotating selection of small-batch beers brewed on-site, Neapolitan-style wood-fired pizzas, and a welcoming, come-as-you-are vibe. Kids can roam the open green spaces, dogs are happily leashed alongside picnic tables, and adults can enjoy a cold pint while taking in the farm views.
How to Spend a Day: Grab a table under the shade, order a margherita pizza fresh from the oven, and sip on a seasonal IPA brewed with hops grown just steps away. On weekends, the farm often hosts live music, making it a perfect spot to kick back for a couple of hours with the whole crew.
Brookside Gardens
A hidden gem tucked inside Wheaton Regional Park, Brookside Gardens is a 50-acre public display garden that feels like a storybook come to life. From formal rose gardens to whimsical woodland paths, every corner invites exploration—but it’s the dedicated Children’s Garden that makes this a standout for families.
How to Spend a Day: Stroll through the Butterfly Garden to learn about the delicate lifecycle of pollinators, or spot koi gliding beneath the surface from the serene Japanese Teahouse. Let toddlers burn off steam on the sweeping lawns or lay out a picnic beneath the shade of old trees. It’s the kind of place where “just an hour” easily turns into an entire afternoon.
CABIN JOHN REGIONAL PARK
A true all-seasons playground, Cabin John Regional Park offers something for every age and energy level. With 11 picnic shelters, ballfields, tennis courts, an indoor ice rink, playgrounds, and even a miniature train, it’s the kind of place that earns regular rotation on any local family’s list.
How to Spend a Day: Start with a nature walk on one of the shaded hiking trails, let the kids climb and explore the playground, then refuel with a picnic under the trees. Save time for the park’s beloved two-mile mini train ride, which winds through the woods and thrills younger riders without ever feeling too commercial.
HOMESTEAD FARM
This family-owned working farm in Poolesville has been a local favorite for decades—and for good reason. Homestead Farm offers classic pick-your-own experiences that shift with the seasons: strawberries in spring, peaches and blackberries in summer, apples and pumpkins in the fall. Add in barnyard animals, a farm stand with fresh produce and local honey, and plenty of space to roam, and it’s a picture-perfect day out.
How to Spend a Day: Arrive early to pick whatever’s in season, then visit the goats and chickens while snacking on juicy fruit straight from your haul. Don’t skip the farm store—it's stocked with jams, pies, and cider to take a taste of the day home with you. Bonus: the drive out to Poolesville is as scenic as the destination.
IMAGINATION STAGE
A beloved Bethesda institution, Imagination Stage is where young audiences meet the magic of live performance. Specializing in theater for children and families, this nonprofit arts organization stages professional productions that are visually rich, emotionally resonant, and always age-appropriate. From whimsical musicals to inventive reimaginings of classic tales, every show is designed to spark curiosity and conversation.
How to Spend a Day: Catch a weekend matinee (many shows are under an hour—perfect toddler length), then head to nearby Woodmont Triangle for lunch or ice cream. If your little one is inspired, check out their on-site classes and camps, which offer everything from creative drama to musical theater for all ages.
JUG BAY WETLANDS SANCTUARY
If your family loves the slower pace of nature, Jug Bay is a peaceful escape that feels worlds away from the buzz of the Beltway. Set along the Patuxent River, this 1,700-acre sanctuary is home to one of the most significant freshwater tidal wetlands on the East Coast. With over 15 miles of trails, a marsh boardwalk, and hands-on nature exhibits, it’s the kind of place where little ones can run free while grownups get a moment to breathe.
How to Spend a Day: Begin at the visitor center, where kids can climb on tree stumps and peek into interactive exhibits. Then follow the boardwalk into the marsh—perfect for spotting herons, frogs, or even a turtle sunbathing. Bring a packed lunch and enjoy a quiet picnic in the shade, then meander along a short, stroller-friendly loop before calling it a day. If your timing’s right, catch one of their free guided nature walks, offered regularly throughout the year.
LINGANORE WINE CELLARS
Set on a sprawling 230-acre estate, Linganore Winecellars is a family-owned vineyard that blends laid-back charm with scenic views and plenty of space to roam. With wine tastings for the adults, food trucks on weekends, and wide-open lawns perfect for pint-sized explorers, it's a rare winery that genuinely welcomes families.
How to Spend a Day: Bring a picnic blanket and let the kids run free while you sample a flight of seasonal wines or grab a craft beer from the on-site Red Shedman Farm Brewery. Many weekends feature live music, and there's often a food truck parked nearby, making it easy to turn a quick stop into a full afternoon. Bonus: their family-friendly events—like Big Trucks Days and harvest festivals—are toddler gold.
RIO LAKEFRONT
A go-to for families year-round, Rio Lakefront blends suburban convenience with waterfront charm. From carousel rides and paddleboats to playgrounds and strolling trails, it’s a spot that truly works for every member of the family, stroller to grandparent. Add in lakeside dining, boutique shops, and a movie theater, and you’ve got a full-day destination under one roof.
How to Spend a Day: Start with a spin on the carousel and let the little ones explore the playground. Browse the shops for treats or toys, enjoy a lakeside lunch, then rent a paddleboat—or take a gentle walk around the lake. Cap it off with an afternoon matinee at the on-site theater before heading home, just in time for dinner.
ROCK CREEK REGIONAL PARK
A sprawling natural retreat in the heart of Montgomery County, Rock Creek Regional Park offers wooded trails, open picnic areas, playgrounds, and two peaceful lakes—Lake Needwood and Lake Frank. It's a favorite for families looking to spend the day outdoors without venturing too far from home.
How to Spend a Day: Start at Lake Needwood, where you can rent a pedal boat, canoe, or kayak from the boathouse. For a low-effort, high-reward experience, hop aboard the Needwood Queen, a leisurely pontoon boat ride that circles the lake and often includes turtle and heron sightings. Afterward, enjoy a picnic at one of the shaded pavilions, let the kids explore the playground, and take a stroll or bike ride along the scenic trails that wind through the forest.
