Summer is finally here. And when school’s out, the phrase every parent dreads hearing from their children can often repeat itself through the season: “I’m bored.” But never fear. As we usher in June, we also welcome the return of many Fredrick area favorites.
U-Pick: Flowers and Berries
Head to any one of these farms to pick your own fruit and flowers for the season. Go for unique finds at Baugher’s Orchard in Mount Airy like sweet and sour cherries, garden peas or gooseberries or gather up June lavender booms or more summer berries at the following:
- Serene Lavender Farm | Sykesville | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. June 13 & 20
- Catoctin Mountain Orchard | Thurmont | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily
- Glade Link Farms | Keymar | Hours vary by month
Public Swimming
If your community doesn’t include a swimming pool or you’re not looking for more swimming options in addition to, or instead of, summer pool membership, the Frederick area has several natural swimming holes to explore. Or, for $3-$6, visit the City of Frederick’s Parks and Recreation Department’s two public swimming pools for the day.
- Hunting Creek Lake at Cunningham Falls State Park | Thurmont
- Catoctin Creek Nature Center | Middletown
- Greenbrier State Park | Boonsboro
- Seneca Creek | Poolsville (next to Farm and Home Service store on River Road)
- Hollofield Area of Patapsco Valley State Park | Ellicott City
Movies & Outdoor Concert Series
Nothing beats a cool summer night sitting on a picnic blanket, eating snacks and watching a movie on the big screen or listening to a great band while stargazing at the night sky above you — especially when it’s free.
- Baker Park Summer Concert Series | Frederick
- Starlight Family Film Festival | Frederick
- Movie Night in the park at Utica District Park | Frederick
- Summer Concerts at Westview Promenade | Ballenger Creek
- Summer Concert Series at Shafer Park | Boonsboro
Community Festivals
Big festivals draw big crowds. So, for families looking for something more neighborhood focused, here are four festivals to check out for a fun time with the whole family.
- Summerfest Family Theatre | Frederick | Thursdays
- Vintage Vehicles in the Valley | Middletown | Date TBD/ typically early June
- Smithsburg Days | Smithsburg | June 6
- GreenSpring Music Festival | Multiple locations in Frederick County | Aug. 8-15
Not-to-Miss Festivals
There’s a lot happening this month to kick off the summer season. Plan ahead to beat the crowds at these three not-to-miss festivals.
- Western Maryland Blues Fest | Hagerstown | June 6-7
- Frederick Festival of the Arts | Downtown Frederick | June 7-8
- Maryland Lavendar Festival | Thurmont | June 21-22
- 4th of July Celebration over Baker Park | Frederick | July 4
- Augustoberfest at Washington County Agricultural Center | Boonsboro | Aug. 15-16
Snowballs and Icy Treats
Whether it’s snowballs, snow cones, shaved ice or just some regular popsicles you are looking for, here’s a list of the best places to get them in Frederick.
- Snowball Waterfalls | Frederick
- The Bog Shack Snowball Stand | Myersville
- Jessica’s Snowballs | Mount Airy
- Frederick Fudge & Ice Cream | Frederick
- Kotei Kids Shaved Ice | Frederick
- Pok’s Delights Shaved Ice | Hagerstown
- Royal Ice Snow Cones & Treats | Mobile | Serving Carroll and Frederick counties
Holidays
All month long is Pride Month, which many local communities celebrate with festivals, parades and more, such as the second annual Frederick Pride Parade (June 26) and Frederick Pride Festival — a day of celebration with music, food and kids’ activities along Carroll Creek the following day. Don’t miss celebrating these other early summer holidays with your family.
- National Best Friends Day | June 8
- Flag Day | June 14
- Father’s Day | June 15
- Juneteenth | June 19
- Fourth of July | July 4
- Free Slurpee Day | July 11
Summer Reading
Frederick County Public Libraries are kicking off a Summer Challenge in which all readers (kids and adults) who read for at least 20 days this summer will be eligible for prizes. Log in through the Beanstack app or online to track your progress and earn tickets for each day you read or destination you visit through the challenge. Submit tickets on the 15th of each month for prize drawings. The summer challenge kicks off at the Brunswick Branch Library June 2 and is active through Aug. 15. Visit fclp.org for more information and updates.
