With the sunshine finally upon us, it’s time to get outside and enjoy all of the activities our area has to offer. While there are so many wonderful opportunities, we compiled some of our favorite ways to enjoy a summer staycation, right here in Frederick County!
THE FREDERICK ART COUNCIL’S SKY STAGE
The Frederick Art Council’s (FAC’s) Sky Stage, located in Downtown Frederick, provides fun for the whole family this summer! Sky Stage works with various art and community groups to offer original and creative endeavors at affordable prices that will keep you coming back for more! FAC’s Sky Stage offers drama, music, children’s story time, art classes, dance, history, literature, film and more. Sky Stage is overseen by the Frederick Arts Council, who serves as the umbrella arts organization for Frederick County, Maryland by assisting arts programs, services, activities and events. The purpose of FAC is to foster an environment where the arts can flourish in their community through grants and scholarships, arts advocacy and links to essential resources. FAC strives to make the Arts accessible for all, which is why most of their events are funded by donations.
Did you know that FAC’s Sky Stage is a pre-Revolutionary War building? It was damaged by a major fire in 2010, and now has no roof. The centerpiece of FAC’s Sky Stage is a digitally-designed, two-story sculpture with ribbons of drought-resistant plants that wind through a wooden lattice and the building’s doors and windows. It was designed by artist Heather Theresa Clark. With the help of the Frederick Arts Council, it has been transformed into an open-air theater.
SkyStageFrederick.com
THE FREDERICK KEYS
Did you know that the Frederick Keys baseball team is named for the writer of the “Star-Spangled Banner” writer Francis Scott Key, a native of Frederick County? Our home team continues to provide a classic American baseball experience every summer; playing 40 regular season home games, this is one of the hottest tickets in town throughout the summer months!
In addition to enjoying a competitive baseball game, there is so much fun, affordable entertainment to experience with your family and friends at the Keys games! When you arrive at the stadium, enjoy free parking. Delicious food and craft beer from local breweries (i.e. Olde Mother, Brewer’s Alley, Idiom and Monocacy Brewing) is available. The FunZone, which includes a carousel, bounce house, inflatable slide and fun games, is a favorite among the younger fans.
Special traditions include: kids run the bases after every game, Sunday Funday (warm-up on the field with the team before the games on Sundays) and the best fireworks in Frederick on Friday and Saturday evenings.
In addition, there are many promotions throughout the season that include special theme nights and team jerseys that are designed to raise awareness and donations for several local charities.
Tickets are available online and at the gate. Take me out to the ballgame…all summer long!
MLBDraftLeague.com/Frederick
TREE TREKKERS
Keep cool this summer with a high-flying adventure under a cool canopy of trees!! Situated on 30 acres of protected forest, Tree Trekkers offers 16 different high ropes trails consisting of eight difficulty levels, so there is something for everyone. This outdoor aerial adventure ropes and zipline park incorporates the forest into its design, allowing guests to enjoy nature how is was meant to be.
This is the perfect opportunity to take a vacay from the constant screens and get into the green! Tree Trekkers offers an escape from technology and a chance to reconnect with nature and with loved ones. Communication and connection happen organically as guests take on the different obstacles and challenges present along their chosen trail.
In addition to the ropes courses, there are three large pavilions and multiple picnic tables conveniently located throughout the park. (Pavillion rentals are available.) Bring your own picnic, use the charcoal grills (bring your own charcoal) or order from a local business that delivers food to the park.
This is the perfect location for a staycation get-a-way for your family and a great place for birthday parties, scouts, youth groups, team bonding, camps, field trips, corporate picnics, date night and more! Expect a VIP experience and memories with those most important to you.
TreeTrekkersMD.com
CATOCTIN WILDLIFE PRESERVE
With natural ponds, lush landscaping and hundreds of exciting new exotic animals, Catoctin Wildlife Preserve (CWP) welcomes people of all ages to explore and experience animals from around the world. Over 50-acres house animals from every continent in the world. Quench your curiosity about bears, boas, macaws, monkeys, panthers, alligators, zebras and more!
The personal style of exhibits and education throughout the preserve provide a unique opportunity to be in close contact and interact with many of the animals. CWP provides more interactive touch and feed opportunities than any other zoo in the region. In addition, CWP features safari truck rides that let visitors touch and feed large herbivores in a wooded setting.
CWP is supported by the Global Wildlife Trust with a mission to broaden human understanding of the animal world. This is achieved through immersion in naturalistic habitat recreations and educational programs using live animals. Not only does CWP provide the highest level of care for its resident “wildlife ambassadors”, but it also supports the conservation of their wild counterparts in unspoiled habitats.
A great place for a day-trip, birthday party, camp, fieldtrip, date night, picnic, and the list goes on! Bring your picnic or purchase food from the onsite vendors. Plan to spend the full day due to the vastness of the preserve. You’re sure to have an unforgettable experience and make memories for a lifetime!
CatoctinWildlifePreserve.com
MARYLAND DOUBLE DECKERS
Probably one of the hottest new things to do, Maryland Double Deckers brings the 1960s nostalgic London experience to Frederick with the very popular double decker bus! This is a family-friendly, friends-friendly and solo-friendly way to experience Frederick from a different vantage point than ever before.
Maryland Double Deckers provides a family-friendly atmosphere as it drives through Downtown Frederick and surrounding areas, between various stops and popular attractions. In addition, “Brew with a View” tours are scheduled throughout each month. Check the website for the schedule and stops, purchase a day pass and jump on-and-off as often as you like while the double decker bus is scheduled to run.
When you’re ready to ride, meet at one of the designated stops and bring your digital ticket for the “Clippy” (the person who clips the tickets when patrons want to ride) to scan, and then hop on the bus. The Clippy is trained to point out interesting points along the way and will share a deep love and passion for Frederick.
Yes, you may also reserve the double decker bus for your event or private party! Contact the team to create your custom tour for a birthday party, wedding celebration, Girls/Guys Night out, progressive dinner, team event, or shopping spree! The possibilities are endless!
MarylandDoubleDeckers.com