Family-Friendly Things to Do in Maryland in June 2026
Welcome to June in Maryland and honestly? It’s one of the best months to be a family in this state.
Summer is officially here, and June is packed with tons of festivals, concerts, cultural celebrations, food events, and family-friendly fun across Maryland. I’m always excited for June because unlike May that could still be cold, I feel like June is predominantly warm and my kind of weather. Which means we can be OUTSIDE!!!
Whether you’re planning a weekend adventure, looking for something affordable to do with the kids, or simply trying to make the most of summer break, here’s a roundup of some of the best family events happening throughout Maryland in June 2026.
Things to Do in Maryland in June 2026
June 6: Sandy Spring Museum Strawberry Festival
If you do one thing in early June, make it this. The Sandy Spring Museum’s annual Strawberry Festival is part block party, part community fair, and 100% worth the drive. It’s sort of like the “world’s greatest strawberry shortcake,” with a petting zoo, live entertainment on two stages, 50+ craft vendors, a plant sale, and strawberry-themed everything.
- Date: Saturday, June 6, 2026
- Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Location: Sandy Spring Museum, 17901 Bentley Road, Sandy Spring, MD 20860
- Cost: Adults $12 | Kids (2–17) $8 | Under 2 FREE
- Parking: Free at Sherwood High School with free shuttle buses
- Note: Credit cards only at admission — no cash
June 13: End Hunger Dragon Boat Festival — North Beach
The Dragon Boat Festival takes place right on the Chesapeake Bay in the town of North Beach, with local teams racing dragon boats while the community cheers, shops vendors, and eats good food.
Spectating is completely free, and there’s face painting, bubbles, entertainment, and food vendors to keep the kids busy all morning.
- Date: Saturday, June 13, 2026
- Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Location: North Beach Boardwalk, Bay Avenue, North Beach, MD 20714
- Cost: FREE to attend (spectators)
- Food & vendors on-site
June 19–21: AFRAM 50 — Baltimore’s Juneteenth Weekend Celebration
This year, AFRAM is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, and the lineup is full with Charlie Wilson, Tamia, SWV, The Lox, Mario, Normani, Chloe Bailey, PJ Morton, and more Baltimore-born legends. Over 300,000 people are expected across the three days, making it one of the largest African American cultural festivals on the East Coast.
It’s completely free and there are dedicated children’s activities, African drumming, carnival mask-making, local food vendors, art showcases, and educational programming woven throughout.
- Dates: Friday, June 19 – Sunday, June 21, 2026
- Time: Friday 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Saturday & Sunday 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Location: Druid Hill Park, 900 Druid Park Lake Drive, Baltimore, MD 21217
- Cost: FREE
- Transit: CityLink/LocalLink bus fare $1.90 | Day pass $4.40 | Charm City Circulator FREE
- Parking: Free street parking and small lots around Druid Hill Park
- Note: CASH ONLY for food and vendors — ATMs are NOT on-site, so come prepared
Parent tip: Go Saturday or Sunday for the full experience. Bring a wagon or stroller if you have little ones.
June 24–30: SAIL250 Maryland & Air Show Baltimore — Inner Harbor
If your kids have ever pointed at a plane and lost their minds, then buckle up because they will love this. SAIL250 Maryland is Baltimore’s massive contribution to America’s 250th anniversary celebration.
For a full week, you can explore international tall ships, the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard vessels, and a historic international air show featuring the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, the British Royal Air Force Red Arrows, and the French Patrouille de France.
- Dates: Wednesday, June 24 – Tuesday, June 30, 2026
- Locations: Inner Harbor, Fells Point, North Locust Point, Baltimore Peninsula, and Martin State Airport (Baltimore County)
- Cost: FREE
- Festival dates: June 26–28 feature dedicated festivals at Inner Harbor, Fells Point, and Baltimore Peninsula
Anytime in June: Maryland Science Center
When it’s too hot outside, and trust me, June in Maryland will give you at least one of those days, the Maryland Science Center is one of your best friends. It has three full floors of hands-on exhibits, a T. rex skeleton, Newton’s Alley for force-and-motion experiments, the Davis Planetarium, a science demo stage, and IMAX films. It is one of our top Indoor things to do in Maryland and for good reason too.
- Open: Daily — check mdsci.org for specific June hours
- Location: 601 Light Street, Baltimore, MD 21230 (Inner Harbor)
- Cost: Adults (13+) $29.95 | Children (3–12) $21.95 | Under 3 FREE
- IMAX Add-on: $5 extra per person
- Budget tip: Maryland SNAP/WIC cardholders pay $5/ticket through the Access Science program
Anytime in June: National Aquarium — Baltimore
Another one of our top Indoor things to do in Maryland. No Maryland summer guide is complete without the National Aquarium. It’s legitimately one of the top three aquariums in the country, and it’s right on the Inner Harbor.
- Open: Monday–Thursday & Saturday–Sunday 9 AM–6 PM | Friday 9 AM–9 PM
- Location: 501 E. Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21202 (Inner Harbor, Pier 3)
- Cost: General Admission $49.95 | Youth (5–20) $39.95 | Children 4 & under FREE
- Budget tip: Maryland residents can visit weekday mornings (before noon, Mon–Fri) at a reduced rate, adults save $10, youth/seniors save $5. Must buy tickets in-person at the Aquarium.
- Pro tip: Tickets are timed entry purchase online in advance, especially on weekends
- Check out our visit to the National Aquarium, Baltimore
Parent tip: Friday evenings after 5 PM offer half-price admission on most Fridays perfect for a summer night out with the family.
Day Trip: Chesapeake Bay Beach Towns
June is genuinely the best time to visit Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay beach towns before the summer crowds arrive. Three worth adding to the list:
Sandy Point State Park (Annapolis)
- Address: 1100 E College Pkwy, Annapolis, MD 21409
- Cost: $5/vehicle (weekdays) | $7/vehicle (weekends)
North Beach Boardwalk & Beach (already mentioned above, you can pair it with the Dragon Boat Festival!)
- Address: Bay Avenue, North Beach, MD 20714
Chesapeake Beach
- Address: Chesapeake Beach, MD 20732
- Cost: Free to explore; the water park has separate admission
- The Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum is free and the kids love the history
More June Events Worth Noting
Art in the Park — Westminster
- Date: June 7, 2026
- Address: City Park, Westminster, MD
- Cost: FREE | Fine art, craft displays, live music, and a free kids’ craft activity
Taste of Wheaton: Maryland’s Culinary & Culture Festival
- Date: June 7, 2026
- Address: Marian Fryer Town Plaza, Wheaton, MD
- Cost: FREE | Local restaurant samples, small businesses, live entertainment
Lakefest Weekend — Columbia, Howard County
- Date: Mid-June (check visithowardcounty.com for exact dates)
- Address: Downtown Columbia, Lake Kittamaqundi area
- Cost: Free to attend | Live music, arts & crafts, family activities
Artful Celebrations (Juneteenth)
- Date: June 20, 2026
- Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Address: American Visionary Art Museum, 800 Key Hwy, Baltimore, MD 21230
- Cost: Free–$20 | Black artistry, storytelling, guided tours, pop-up shops
Planning Tips for Maryland Families in June
Beat the crowds: June is peak season at Inner Harbor attractions. Visit the Aquarium and Science Center on weekday mornings for shorter lines and calmer energy.
Dress in layers: June mornings can be breezy on the Bay, but afternoons can get to 90°F. Pack a light layer for early starts and always bring sunscreen.
Bring cash to events: Several festivals (including AFRAM) are cash-only for vendors. Stop at an ATM before you head out.
Free transit hack: The Charm City Circulator is completely free and connects many Inner Harbor attractions like the Aquarium, Science Center, American Visionary Art Museum without fighting for parking.
Check before you go: Always confirm event times and details directly with event websites, especially for weather-dependent outdoor events.
Conclusion on Things to do in Maryland in June
Maryland in June is genuinely one of our favorite times of year as a family. The combination of free community festivals, waterfront events, and state park escapes means there’s something for every budget and every energy level. You can choose to pack the month full or just pick two or three standout experiences.
