December Activities to do with Out of Town Guests (by Montgomery Parks)

Aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews are coming for the holidays. You barely have time to plan menus or do laundry. What will you do with everyone for fun? We’re here to help. Check out these activity suggestions for your out-of-town guests in this week’s Parks’ Picks.

Garden of Lights 

Garden of Lights(opens in a new tab) twinkles and dazzles at Brookside Gardens. The walk-through outdoor exhibition offers a glowing winter experience for all ages. Open nightly except December 24 and 25. Plan ahead because tickets are booking quickly.  

Three children dressed for cold weather sit on a bench with light displays in the background at Garden of Lights.

Public Skating 

Enjoy winter indoors at our ice centers(opens in a new tab). Bring everyone to daily public ice skating sessions at Cabin John Ice Rink(opens in a new tab) and Wheaton Ice Arena(opens in a new tab).

Closeup shot of a person’s feet wearing ice figure skates while skating at one of our public skating sessions at our indoor ice centers.

Open Parkways(opens in a new tab) 

Run, walk, bike, skate, or scoot together on our car-free streets. Sections of Beach Drive, Little Falls Parkway, and Sligo Creek Parkway will be open Thursday, December 23, to Sunday, December 26, and Thursday, December 30, to Sunday, January 2.  

Couple and small child in winter coats walk along a wet car-free street with snow on the sides of the road.

Trails 

If your family wants more nature, go into the woods! Montgomery Parks has about 280 miles of trails for all hiking abilities. Check out our website(opens in a new tab)and find trails to explore.  

Older adult dressed warmly for cold weather blows milkweed pod seeds from her hand into the air.

Parents with preschoolers may enjoy more organized trail activities, like Brookside Nature Center’s Nature Search on December 22(opens in a new tab) and December 29(opens in a new tab) from 10 am to 11 am, or Locust Grove Nature Center’s Reflections(opens in a new tab) special programs through December 31. 

Parents with young children and toddler walk along a trail through the woods.

Winter Solstice  

Celebrate the first day of winter and light up the longest night of the year at Locust Grove Nature Center’s Winter Solstice Labyrinth Walk and Campfire(opens in a new tab) on Tuesday, December 21, from 4 to 7 pm. Best for families with children six and older.  

Families dressed in winter coats light candles inside a labyrinth made from pine boughs.

Before leaving home, please visit our website and check for facility holiday hours.

Recent Stories

John F. Kennedy High School entered into a shelter-in-place on Friday, April 19, after an incident involving a trespasser with a knife.

Montgomery County Police have announced that the department will be conducting increased traffic enforcement this weekend.

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded to a multi-vehicle collision on Darnestown Road and Vicars Way, between Turkeyfoot Road and Seneca Road in Darnestown on Friday, April 19.

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded to the 200blk of Perry Parkway near W. Diamond Ave., around 4pm on Friday, April 19, for the report of a collision.

17th Annual Kensington Day of the Book Festival

Now in its 17th year, the Kensington Day of the Book Festival is a family-friendly street festival featuring 150+ renowned authors, poets, and literary organizations. Enjoy live music on five stages, special guest speakers, military veteran writers and comedians, poetry readings, cookbook demos, children's program, and much more.

Admission is free, and attendees will also be able to explore a marketplace of books and food offerings from local vendors.

Not your average book festival! This festival offers something for everyone!

17th Annual Kensington Day of the Book Festival

Sunday, April 21, 2024, 11am-4pm (held rain or shine!)

Howard Avenue, Kensington, MD 20895

www.dayofthebook.com

Instagram: @kensingtonbookfestival

Contact: Elisenda Sola-Sole, Festival Director

[email protected]

301-949-9416 (text preferred)

FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival

Get ready to experience the vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and infectious rhythms of the Caribbean at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival! Hosted by RHU LLC, this exciting festival is set to take place on May 18, 2024, at the picturesque 16700 Barnesville Rd in Boyds, MD.

Step into a world where the Caribbean spirit comes alive! From 12:00 PM onwards, immerse yourself in a sensory journey that celebrates the unique culture, cuisine, and music of the Caribbean. Whether you're an African American, a Reggae or Soca music enthusiast, a wine lover, or part of the vibrant Caribbean diaspora, this festival promises to delight and captivate you in every way.

Let the enticing aromas of mouthwatering Caribbean dishes tantalize your taste buds. Feast on traditional delicacies prepared by expert chefs, showcasing the rich and diverse culinary heritage of the Caribbean. Indulge in flavorful jerk chicken, succulent seafood, and delectable plantain dishes that will transport you straight to the islands.

Accompanying the culinary extravaganza is a carefully curated selection of premium wines, ensuring the perfect pairing for your palate. Sip on fine wines from renowned vineyards, each sip a reflection of the Caribbean's vibrant spirit. Discover new flavors, expand your wine knowledge, and savor unforgettable moments with every glass.

As the sun sets, get ready to groove to the infectious rhythms of Caribbean music. Feel the pulsating beats of reggae, soca, dancehall, and calypso, moving your body to the lively melodies. Live performances by talented musicians and performers will keep the energy high, ensuring a night of unforgettable entertainment.

Don't miss this opportunity to embrace the Caribbean spirit and celebrate the arrival of spring in style! Tickets are available on AllEvents, so secure your spot today. Join us at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival, where cultures collide and unforgettable memories are made.

LIVE PERFORMANCES By: CULTURE Feat. Kenyatta Hill, EXCO LEVI, IMAGE BAND, RAS LIDJ REGG'GO with Special Guest SUGAR BEAR FROM E.U. & MORE! & MORE!

MUSIC By: DJ ABLAZE, DJ SMALLY & NAJ SUPREME

2 NIGHT Camping packages available: RV/CAMPER $200 | TENTS $150 Starting on Friday May 17 @ 5pm | 30 RV SPACES | 30+ TENT SPACES

KIDS 12 & UNDER FREE!!!

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