Patapsco Valley State Park

This mammoth park runs along 32 miles of the Patapsco River and features five developed recreational areas. Encompassing over 16,000 acres, this park is the perfect place to go with your family for biking, camping, canoeing, fishing, hiking, horseback riding and other outdoor adventures. Be sure to bring your camera because the scenery is breathtaking.

Location: 8020 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21043

Phone: 410-461-5005

Rates: Daily rates start at $2 per vehicle, depending on the day of the week and the season. Campsites and other shelters are also available for a fee.

Website: dnr.state.md.us

Calvert Cliffs State Park

Situated on the Chesapeake Bay in Calvert County, this park is known for all the fossils that can be found along the shoreline — so bring some buckets and your bathing suits. Kids also love to fish and families enjoy picnics on the shore. The park also features 13 miles of hiking trails, a recycled tire playground and unique cliffs. Hunting of turkey, deer, squirrel and rabbits is also permitted in 550 acres of the park.

Location: 9500 H.G. Trueman Road, Lusby, MD 20657

Phone: 301-743-7613

Rates: Daily rate is $5 per vehicle for Maryland residents and $7 per vehicle for out-of-state residents.

Website: dnr.state.md.us

Druid Hill Park

For family fun in Baltimore, head to Druid Hill Park — home to the Maryland Zoo. With over 800 acres of land, this park has plenty for kids and families to do and see. Pack a picnic and spend the afternoon lounging in the sun. Kids will enjoy the frisbee area, playground and numerous athletic fields and courts. One of the country's oldest landscaped public parks, Druid Hill Park is also home to a number of concerts, festivals and other events each year.

Location: 3100 Swann Drive, Baltimore, MD 21217

Phone: 443-469-8274

Rates: Admission to the park is free.

Website: druidhillpark.org

Patterson Park

You'll love boating at Patterson Park in the summertime and ice skating in the winter. One of Baltimore's most popular parks, it features concerts, festivals, sports clinics and more. Patterson Park has a boat lake, an ice skating rink, playgrounds, a swimming pool, a recreation center and numerous other facilities. Check out their online event calendar to find out what's happening at the park.

Location: 27 South Patterson Park Ave., Baltimore, MD 21231

Phone: 410-276-3676

Rates: Admission to the park is free.

Website: pattersonpark.com

Gunpowder Falls State Park

With over 18,000 acres of land and more than 120 miles of trails, Gunpowder Falls State Park is the perfect place for families to enjoy outdoor adventures. The park is split into six different areas to serve all types of interests, from canoeing and kayaking to hiking and horseback riding, and from picnicking and playing to fishing and swimming. The park features 1,500 feet of beach, numerous historical sites, a marina and much more.

Location: 2813 Jerusalem Road, Kingsville, MD 21087

Phone: 410-592-2897

Rates: Daily rates start at $2 per vehicle, depending on the day of the week and the season. Campsites, cottages and other shelters are also available for a fee.

Website: dnr.state.md.us

More about Maryland

Best day trips in Maryland
Free activities in Maryland
Festivals and family events in Maryland