Options for Deep Creek Lake family friendly activities are endless! Here are a few that are too cool to miss and memorable for all ages.
Families with Younger Kids
Visit the petting zoo at Schoolhouse Earth. Shop at this eclectic store while the little ones check out llamas, goats, and chickens at the petting zoo.
For ages 2 and up, uncover treasures at the Marsh Mountain Mining Company. This is a great option for younger kids! Located in the Mountain Park at Wisp Resort, they supply a bag of “gem mix” to sift through in their sluice.
Deep Creek Lake State Park’s Discovery Center is a place where kids can learn about nature through hands-on exhibits. Scheduled programs that include crafts, reptile encounters, and aviary tours. Plus, the park has three playgrounds along the one-mile waterfront.
Open on weekends in September and October, you can get lost – for a bit – in the Cove Run Farms Corn Maze. When you finish the maze, you pick your own pumpkin or stop by the petting zoo.
Kid-friendly aerial adventures are available at Wisp Resort (ages 4 and up) and Monkey Business Adventure Park (ages 5 and up).
Fun for All Ages
Explore Deep Creek Lake’s miles of shoreline by boat. Stop for swimming or fishing in a quiet cove or grab a bite to eat at a lakefront restaurant. Rentals are available at Lake Life Boat Rentals. You can also let someone else do the driving with a pontoon tour from High Mountain Sports or Wisp Resort.
Miniature golf is a classic family vacation activity that is fun for big and little kids alike. Hit up Deep Creek Fun Zone, Wisp Resort, or Funland when you are ready to play.
Get creative at Deep Creek Pottery. Reserve a spot and look forward to painting pottery or making a mosaic that you can take home.
Hike to all three waterfalls at Swallow Falls State Park. If there are smaller kids in your group or family members with limited mobility, a handicapped accessible ramp leads to a platform that overlooks Muddy Creek Falls.
Hit the beach! There are two sandy beaches at Deep Creek Lake State Park. You can go swimming or rent a kayak or paddleboard at Wisp Resort’s Beach Hut.
Indulge in a few scoops at Lakeside Creamery. This local landmark features a huge ice cream menu along with milkshakes, smoothies, sundaes, and an incredible lake view.
Guided kayaking trips with All Earth Eco Tours explore Savage River Reservoir. Be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife – bald eagles are often spotted!
When the snowflakes start to fall, Bear Claw Snow Tubing Park is the place to be! Wisp Resort has twelve tubing chutes that are each 750 ft. long.
For the Adventure Seekers
Try the ATV tours at Western Trails. You can ride off-road trails through wooded and open terrain. If you have small children, hand-led pony rides offer a tamer option.
Head to Precision Rafting for whitewater adventures! Expert guides lead trips that will get your adrenaline going, but they have more mellow experiences too.
Take a thrilling ride on Wisp Resort’s Mountain Coaster! Open year-round, it twists, turns, dips, and rolls for 3,500 feet downhill.
Soar high in the sky and check out amazing lake views with a ride on a zipline! Wisp Resort and Monkey Business Adventure Park have challenging courses to test your agility.
Easygoing Activities
Tour Deep Creek Lake Lavender Farm when the flowers are in full bloom (late June-mid-July). With more than 1500 plants, the pastoral scenery is breathtaking. Kids can pick their own bouquet, and you can visit their farm store that is stocked with lots of lavender-based products.
Listen to live music at free summer concerts. Wisp Resort hosts weekly free summer concerts. You can also hear tunes at the Little Yough Summer Music Festival Friday evenings in downtown Oakland.
Spend the afternoon at the Honi-Honi. A Deep Creek Lake weekend tradition, live music, cornhole, and cold beverages keep parents entertained while the kids play on the wooden pirate ship or the famous elephant.
Disc golf is a laid-back sport that can turn a leisurely walk into a workout. Wisp Resort has an 18-hole course along with disc rentals. You can also play for free at The Glades at Meshach Run Disc Golf Course if you have your own discs.