Summer is still a few months away, but it’s never too early to start making plans for when your kids get out of school—or even just for a weekend.
Amusement parks are fun for all ages and are a perfect reward for good grades, winning at sports or even as a “just because” activity as a family treat. Their regular season usually runs from spring to fall, but there are also annual carnivals and fairs to consider. These often have a more singular focus than amusement parks and are smaller but still include rides and family fun to look forward to every year.
Here are five of our favorite amusement parks and carnivals that are only a short drive away for Frederick families.
Adventure Park USA
11113 W. Baldwin Road, Monrovia, MD 21770
Anyone who’s driven on U.S. Route 40 before has likely seen the tops of Adventure Park USA’s roller coasters peeking over the horizon, including Wildcat, Tumbleweed and the Wild West Express. The amusement park, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, functions as both an indoor and outdoor entertainment center. Guests can take a ride on outdoor thrill rides and go-karts, play a round of mini-golf on the on-site course, climb all over the indoor ropes course and try their luck at the ticket arcade. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg, as there are many more attractions to explore.
adventureparkusa.com
Note: The park also offers a summer camp program for children ages 5 to 13 who live in the area.
Six Flags America
13710 Central Ave., Upper Marlboro, MD 20774
The self-proclaimed “thrill capital of D.C.,” Six Flags America is themed based on iconic American imagery and icons, with sections of the park inspired by the American Revolution, Chesapeake Bay and New Orleans during Mardi Gras. It’s also home to many characters, so kids can meet and take pictures with favorites like Bugs Bunny and Batman. Six Flags is best known for its crazy coasters, but there are plenty of kid-friendly offerings as well.
New to the park is the steampunk and Industrial Revolution -themed SteamTown area, which was added in 2024, and features thrill rides and stunt shows.
sixflags.com/america
Edit 5/2/25: Six Flags America will be closing after the end of the 2025 season, on Nov. 2, 2025.
Hersheypark
100 Hersheypark Drive, Hershey, PA 17033
Hersheypark has been attracting families to Central Pennsylvania for more than a century—and between its thrill rides and the Hershey’s chocolate delicacies served up at the park, there’s something to satisfy everyone. Its roller coasters, like Candymonium and the Jolly Rancher Remix, are iconic, but there’s also plenty to do for people who want a more easygoing park experience. The Boardwalk at Hersheypark is an on-site water park that’s the perfect way to cool off on a hot summer day. Visitors can also visit ZooAmerica, an in-park zoo and wildlife sanctuary for North American animals like bears, wolves and otters.
hersheypark.com
Local Fire Company Festivals
The Great Frederick Fair is the largest fair in Frederick County, but there are many smaller carnivals in the Frederick area held over the summer, which include rides, parades and local food festivals. Kick off the spring season with the Great Bottonsboro Rescue Company Carnival (May 23-31) and Union Bridge Fire Company’s Firemen’s Carnival (May 29). Though some dates and times have not been released, here’s when to look out for other carnivals based on past years:
• The New Windsor Fire Department Carnival (late May)
• Gamber & Community Fire Company’s Annual Fireman’s Carnival (late May to June)
• Thurmont Community Ambulance Carnival (late May to June)
• Sykesville Freedom District Fire Department Annual Carnival (early June)
The Great Frederick Fair
Frederick Fairgrounds | 797 E Patrick St., Frederick, MD 21701
The Great Frederick Fair has been a county tradition for more than 200 years. Originally meant as an agriculture show for farmers, it’s grown and expanded significantly since then but still pays tribute to its roots by featuring educational exhibits and demonstrations from local farmers. Of course, there’s also a carnival with many fun rides, from kid-friendly romps to more adult-oriented thrill rides, as well live entertainment like concerts, magic shows and stunt shows. This year’s theme is: “Egg-cited for the Fair! Fun that will ruffle your feathers!” The fair will be open Sept. 12 to Sept. 20.
thegreatfrederickfair.com
