Here’s everything you need to plan an epic weekend excursion near Damascus with kids.

Located in the heart of Maryland, Damascus celebrates its small-town charm while offering all the modern amenities you would expect in 2022. The town is barely 35 miles from Washington DC to the southeast and 40 miles from Baltimore to the east.

Damascus, MD, is famous for its picturesque suburbs and rural heritage. From hiking the trails of the Branch stream valley to exploring the Damascus Recreational Park, the place offers an array of exciting outdoor activities.

The local culinary experience is an absolute treat, with several high-end and streetside vendors serving up a whirlpool of local and global flavors. From juicy seafood to spicy Asian cuisine, Damascus serves a treat to quell your appetite.

Apart from food, Damascus has a rich cultural scene. You’ll regularly witness several art and music festivals celebrating the work of local artists and artisans. Damascus, MD, packs several exciting opportunities waiting to be explored, and the town never disappoints.

Top 15 Things to do in Damascus, MD with Kids this Weekend

Here’s a rundown of the top local attractions in Damascus, MD.

Get a History Lesson at the Damascus Heritage Society Museum

The Damascus Heritage Society Museum preserves countless artifacts highlighting the region’s rich culture, heritage, and history. Learn about the town’s incredible culture as you explore the exhibits. The museum preserves local art and highlights and uplifts the community. So, if you’re in the area, drop by the Damascus Heritage Society Museum.

Enjoy a Picnic at Damascus Recreational Park

Damascus Recreational Park spreads over 284 acres of prime land. The park has two tennis courts, a volleyball court, and a basketball court and offers endless opportunities for playing your favorite outdoor sport. The park has excellent picnic facilities and shelters throughout the ground, while a section of the park is reserved for hikers and bikers to explore.

Polish Your Equestrian Skills at Out of the Box Stables

If you’ve always wanted to try your hands at horseback riding, Damascus offers the perfect opportunity. Out of the Box Stables provides an extensive range of horseback riding services. You can also enroll in a summer or winter course. There are no age restrictions, and special classes are available for children aged five and below. Experienced riders can sign up for a monthly lease program.

Hike the Magruder Branch Trail

Spanning 4.2 miles, the Magruder Branch Trail meanders through the green forests of the Damascus Recreational Park. Take a hike with family and escape the humdrum of city life. The trail heads south of the park down the Magruder Branch Stream Valley. And the path is perfect for hiking, biking, or simply enjoying a few moments of tranquility.

Treat Your Tastebuds at Hornet’s Nest Grill

One of the prime attractions in Damascus, Hornet’s Nest Grill, has been serving tasty treats to the community for the past two decades. The bar and restaurant emphasize using the freshest ingredients to prepare a delicious meal. Popular items on the menu include the local fare, entrees, soups, sandwiches, salads, and the choicest craft wine and beer selection, all available at a fair price.

Explore the Natural Beauty at Oak Ridge Park

Oak Ridge Park spreads over 90 acres of prime land. The county park was constructed in place of a golf course in 2009 and is the site of the historic Homestead farm. The park offers an excellent range of outdoor activities like baseball and horseback riding along the trails. There are several picnic pavilions along the path for families to relax and enjoy a quiet meal.

Splurge at The Shops at Damascus Electric

The Shops at Damascus Electric is a famous shopping mall that opened to the public in 2016. The Shops introduced retail to the people in downtown Damascus. One of the original stores in the mall, Style Me sue Consignments, has expanded since its inception, giving buyers an array of options to choose from. The consignments store sells everything from mildly used designer clothes to new attire at cheaper rates. Bette’s Creations is another popular store at the mall. The art store specializes in handcrafted journals, books, paper designs, and unique jewelry.

Satisfy Your Sweet Cravings at Jimmie Cone

This famous ice cream shop in Damascus is renowned for selling several unique flavors, including vanilla and chocolate ice cream with a twist. If you’re up for a challenge, explore the diverse strawberry, orange, or raspberry flavors from the special menu that’s rotated every week. Health-conscious individuals can enjoy fat-free frozen yogurt without going on a guilt trip.

Try Some Fantastic Pizzas at Maggi’s Pizza and Deli

Formerly called the Pasquales Deli, this family-owned restaurant has been around since the early 60s. The restaurant is owned by three brothers who have extensive experience managing restaurants and cafes in Maryland and Virginia. Maggi’s Pizza and Deli has been serving up some of the most delicious pizzas since 2010. And their specialties include gourmet burgers, salads, pasta, and some fantastic desserts.

Quench Your barbecue Cravings at Smokehill BBQ

Known for serving the best barbeque in Maryland, Smokehill’s extensive menu consists of full rack ribs, sandwiches, meat, chicken, and ribs platter. Popular sides include collard greens, baked beans, potato salad, onion rings, and French fries. Pair your meal with an in-house shake or your favorite ice cream.

Explore the North Point Neighborhood Conservation Area

The North Point Neighborhood Conservation Area preserves the heritage and natural ecosystem of the region by preventing active developments for recreational projects like any other neighborhood. The project is under the supervision of the National Capital Park and Planning Commission and spreads over 8.9 acres. The initiative protects the headwaters of the Bennett Creek tributaries and offers a scenic view to the residents of the neighboring Fox Ridge Estates.

Grab a Pint at The Music Café

If you’re looking for the tastiest crafted sandwiches, custom coffee, or the most extensive selection of domestic crafted beer and wine in Damascus, the Music Café is the place to be. The cozy nook serves some of the best local cuisines prepared with the freshest ingredients. And the menu includes sandwiches, pizzas, pasta, salad, soup, and more.

Spend a day Admiring Nature at the Bennett Creek Conservation Park

Spread over 400 acres of forestland, the Bennett Creek Conservation Park is the property of the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission. The project conserves the natural ecosystem and its diverse flora and fauna. The plan was drafted in 2015, and the project is still under development. Future projects include adding hiking trails around the park.

Explore the Intricacies of Japanese Cuisine at Tokyo Fire

Located in the heart of town, Tokyo Fire is renowned for serving lip-smacking Japanese food at affordable prices. The menu includes soup, appetizers, sushi, teriyaki, hibachi, tempura, and a range of delicious combos for lunch and dinner. The highlights are the cozy atmosphere and the warm and friendly customer service.

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Sample Peruvian Cuisine at Mayta’s

Known for serving the most authentic Peruvian-style charbroiled chicken in Damascus, Mayta’s Peruvian Cuisine is a diner’s delight. The restaurant serves an extensive menu curated and inspired by European and Latin-American cuisine. And the top picks include salads, sandwiches, and a choice of sides, including white rice, corn, green beans, and mashed potatoes. Try their charbroiled chicken with your choice of sides and beverage.

Ready to Explore Damascus, MD Like a Local?

Suburban Damascus is the perfect small town with a rustic charm and rich cultural heritage. Despite being a small community, the town has several fascinating wonders. The local cultural and culinary scene is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. So, if you’re in town, don’t forget to check out the attractions listed above.

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If you enjoyed this blog and would love to read more, check out our blogs page. We have several fascinating posts on the top things to do in Maryland and crucial escape room tips and tricks. If you’ve never played an escape game before, it’s time to change that!

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