
**There are far too many parks and awesome places to list them all. These are some family favorites that are tried and true.
Brookside Gardens & Nature Center
This is a 26-acre sculpted garden in Wheaton, MD features a children's garden, greenhouse, nearby nature center, miles of trails, and ongoing events. Wheaton Regional Park is right nearby as well.
http://www.montgomeryparks.org/brookside/
Catoctin Creek Park & Nature Center
The park is open daily and the nature center is open (with bathrooms) Tuesday through Friday during the school year. The park has miles of trails, creek access, playground, and a sensory trail. Classes for homeschooled children are offered here through the Rec. Department. Private group classes can also be scheduled for a fee.
http://catoctincreek.blogspot.com/
http://recreater.com/207/Catoctin-Creek-Park
City of Frederick Parks and Recreation
Parks, pools, fitness centers. Baker Park is the park in the City of Frederick that has a playgrounds, picnic areas, paths, and an ampitheater.
https://www.cityoffrederick.com/index.aspx?NID=256
Cloverhill Park
This neighborhood park is operated and maintained by the Cloverhill Civic Association. It has a lovely playground, several long paved paths around the park, and sports fields. Located at 8122 Glendale Road in Frederick.
Cunningham State Park
The William Houck area in Thurmont features a lake with swimming area, miles of trails around the waterfall, playground, boating, and more. The Manor Area (opposite the Zoo on Route 15, has an updated playground (replacing the Scrap Tire Park), the aviary, and a short self guided nature trail.
https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/western/cunningham.aspx
Fountain Rock Nature Center
The park in Walkersville, MD is open daily (as are the bathrooms) but the nature center is only open on weekends. The park has a filled in quarry with turtles and fish to feed, a playground, wooded trails, and trout pond. Classes for homeschooled children are offered here through the Frederick Rec. Department. Private group classes can be scheduled for a fee.
http://recreater.com/294/Fountain-Rock-Park-Nature-Center
Frederick County Parks
Frederick County does have a great set of parks.
http://www.recreater.com/35/Parks
Greenbrier State Park
Part of the Maryland State Park system, this lovely park in Washington County features a lake with beach, miles of trails, playground, camping and more. One of the best parks in the area.
https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/western/greenbrier.aspx
Maryland State Parks
So many parks, so little time.
https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/default.aspx
National Park Service
Explore all the amazing National Parks this country has to offer.
https://www.nps.gov/index.htm
Staley Park
Part of the City of Frederick park system, this is a great neighborhood park at 10th and Motter with fenced in tot playground, big kids playground, basketball courts, baseball field and lots of space to run around. Plenty of shade but no bathrooms.
http://md-frederick.civicplus.com/facilities/Facility/Details/141
Watkins Regional Park
This amazing park in Upper Marlboro, MD has a Wizard of Oz themed playground, nature center, educational agricultural farm (not a petting zoo) mini golf, minature train, and picnic areas.
http://www.mncppc.org/3204/Watkins-Regional-Park
Woodsboro Park
This 102 acre community park run by the city of Woodsboro has two extensive playgrounds, fitness trail, Frisbee golf, sports fields, pavilions, miles of trails, a fishing lake and creek.
http://woodsboro.org/community/areas-of-interest/