The weather in Charm City is heating up. And with the sun shining, you may be wondering what you can do on the weekends to spend more time outside. Did you know that being outside can put you in a better mood, reduce stress, better your concentration, and improve your health?
Let’s face it, in a world of technology, we all need to take time to get outside and soak up some Vitamin D. So here are a few awesome things you can do to get out there and start exploring our amazing city.
#1 Hit up a Farmer’s Market
Fresh fruit, vibrant veggies, and lots of goods to sample – what’s not to love about farmer’s markets? Most are open spring through late fall; the 32nd Street Farmers Market is open year round. A local favorite, the Baltimore Farmer’s Market & Bazaar just celebrating opening day of their 40th season at the end of April.
#2 Take a Hike
Walking the Maryland trails can really boost your mood. Plus, it’s a lot more fun than spending an hour inside a gym. A great option? Druid Hill Park. This hot spot offers more than just walking trails for your exercise enjoyment. Druid Hill contains some of the oldest forest growth in Maryland, farmer’s markets, events, and several monuments to check out while walking the park. Check out the Christopher Columbus monument by the main South Driveway looking up at the reservoir or the George Washington statue at the Rotunda driveway intersection.
#3 Catch a Ballgame 
There are 14 home games just in the month of May coming up for the O’s. That gives you plenty of options to snag a couple of tickets to enjoy America’s favorite pastime. Can’t make it in May? Don’t worry there’s 14 more in June, 13 in July, and 16 in August. Whenever you go, make sure you take some time before the game to walk around Inner Harbor or hit up one of the many packed sports bars in the area. Pickles Pub and the surrounding bars are Baltimore’s version of a tailgate before the game.
#4 Pack a Picnic
Pack up some sandwiches and lemonade and head out for a picnic in one of Baltimore’s best parks. Nixon’s Farm is a favorite for some fun in the sun and it includes more than just a nice green area for a checkered blanket. Nixon’s offers wine tastings, volleyball, basketball, softball, horseshoes and more. You can easily make a day out of it. Other options include Centennial Park in Ellicott City and Rocky Point Beach and Park.
#5 Get Pickin’
Late May starts prime pickin’ season! The farms surrounding Baltimore are bountiful with fresh fruit just waiting to be plucked from the earth. Whether you’re jonesin’ for some cherries, raspberries, peaches, or strawberries, you’ve got a farm to pick from. In June and July, head over to Hybridoma Organic Fruit Farm for some blueberries and black raspberries. But you’ll want to wait until August for blackberries and red raspberries. Ready to get picking right away? Strawberries are available from late May till early November at Larriland Farm. You can also find sweet cherries, raspberries, red, black, and purple raspberries and blue berries at Larriland.
#6 Take a Swim
For those days when it becomes a little too hot to just roam around, find a place with refreshing water to dip your toes in. From county and state parks to lakes and local pools, you can find somewhere to cool down no problem. Rocky Point Park in Baltimore County offers a 300-foot beach, swimming area, and bathhouse with a first-aid station. Not looking to get sandy? Head over to the North Harford Splash pad located inside North Harford Park. And if you’d rather lounge poolside, check out any of Baltimore’s outdoor public pools across the city including Druid Hill Park, Patterson Park, and Cherry Hill.
Have anymore ideas on ways to stay outside in our upcoming spring and summer months? Comment below and let us know!
