Summer is on its way. It will be here before you know, and if you want to make the most of it, you should start planning now. When it comes to summer enjoyment, Prince George’s has got you covered. The region is packed full of opportunities for fun in the sun, from concerts in the park to swim dates with the family to hikes along history-packed trails. Whatever your dream is for the summer, you’ll find something to fit.

 

Add these adventures to your summer itinerary:

 

  1. Listen to music as the sun sets. The sunset concerts at Andy Brown Field in Bowie’s Allen Pond Park are a lovely way to spend a Sunday evening. The Sunday Summer Concert series kicks off on May 24 with Rise Band and Show, an R&B and Motown group, and continues through June 28. You’ll get to hear Latin pop, hip hop, classic rock, blues, and more as you watch the colors change across the sky.

 

  1. Make a splash. Luckily for Prince George’s visitors and residents, there are plenty of outdoor pools and splash pads where you can cool off and enjoy the sun. J. Franklyn Bourne Memorial Pool in Capitol Heights has a dedicated pool for smaller kids, while Allentown Splash, Tennis, and Fitness Park in Fort Washington has slides, sprayers, and lily pads. Other options with lots of fun and kid-friendly activities include Hamilton Splash Park in Hyattsville, Glenn Dale Splash Park, the North Barnaby Splash Park in Oxon Hill, and Ellen E. Linson Splash Park in College Park.

 

  1. Watch a movie under the stars. Bring your whole crew to the summer movie showings at National Harbor. On Thursdays, the site runs date-night movies, while on Sundays, it shows family-friendly flicks. Pack a blanket, grab food from a nearby spot, and find a spot on the Plaza. Check the schedule ahead of time to plan your evening.

 

  1. Go for a hike. Head to Cedarville State Forest in Brandywine to really get into nature. With access to Maryland’s largest freshwater swamp and over 19 miles of public trails, the park offers a unique peek into this distinct landscape. It’s also a great opportunity to learn about the history of the region, where the Piscataway Tribe camped and hunted, the Civilian Conservation Corps built roads and trails, and the forest team once operated three charcoal kilns.

 

  1. Dance in the park. Bring your lawn chairs to the Fairwood Music Series — or leave them at home and strap on your dancing shoes. Run by the Arts & Cultural Heritage Division of the Department of Parks and Recreation, the series embraces the multicultural nature of Prince George’s. Over the summer, you can attend concerts featuring Caribbean music, jazz, blues, funk, and more. Mark your calendars now and start adding the music to your playlists.

 

  1. Attend a nature program. Visit the Watkins Nature Center in Kettering for nature-focused events and activities. You can bring the kids to learn about frogs and toads, take a guided trail, party with pollinators, and hang with fellow birders. Once you’ve got your fill of nature education, head out into the forest for a hike along the under-two-mile Loop Trail.

 

  1. Practice your ollies. Whether you’re an expert or just want to learn, Walker Mill Skate Park is a welcome spot to ride. There’s a half pipe, grinding posts, quarter pipes, kicker ramp, boxes, a bowl, and stairs — all ready for your favorite tricks. The trees and natural space surrounding the well-maintained features make the site all the more welcoming. Make a day of it at the park’s playground, walking paths, and pavilions with picnic tables and grills.

 

  1. Get your skate on — inside. Sometimes you need a break from the heat, and Lanham Skate Center is the perfect spot to make that happen over the summer. You can keep moving, but stay cool. Pop in for an open skate session or join a “Fun to Roll” rollerskating class, designed for beginners and taught by certified USA Roller Sports coaches from The Society of Roller Skating Teachers of America. 

 

  1. Close out your summer at the fair. The Prince George’s County Fair started in 1842, and it’s still going strong. There are carnival rides, livestock showings, food and craft vendors, and performers. Finish your summer at the oldest running fair in Maryland, which runs from September 10–13 in Upper Marlboro.

 

Plan a summer excursion with your bestie with one of these friend-centric activities.