The holiday season is an ideal opportunity to think beyond traditional presents and provide family, friends, and that special someone an unforgettable experience in Montgomery County, Maryland. We’ve compiled a selection of our top gift experiences from some of the county’s finest attractions, classes, museums, performance venues, and entertainment hubs. Elevate the quality time you share with your loved ones in Montgomery County.
Did you know that by giving one of these experiences, you are also contributing to environmental sustainability? The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection’s annual Gift Outside the Box campaign encourages the giving of greener gifts during the holiday season to minimize waste. Additional gift ideas include supporting local artisans with the “MoCo Made” label, obtaining a fresh produce membership in community-supported agriculture, or purchasing items from certified eco-friendly local businesses.
The majority of the gift experiences featured in this article provide a gift card, allowing your recipient the flexibility to choose when they want to embark on their adventure.
For the Weekend Explorer
Yurts at Little Bennett Campground: Enhance your camping experience by spending the night in a yurt at Little Bennett Campground, a part of Montgomery Parks in Clarksburg. Each yurt accommodates up to six people, featuring a double bed futon and two full-size bunk beds (remember to bring your own linens). Enjoy amenities, including an outdoor grill and picnic table, and access to a bathhouse with showers and restrooms nearby.
Sip, Savor, and Relax on the Tastemakers Trail: As the winter chill settles in, it’s the perfect time to cozy up at farm breweries, wineries, and cideries. Indulge in a heated tent or a smokeless fireplace rental at Lone Oak Farm Brewing Company or Windridge Vineyards, which both offer gas fireplaces. For a more enclosed setting, Doc Waters Cidery provides private igloos and fire pits for rent, while Hip Flask Rooftop Bar in Bethesda features private igloos with city views available for reservation.
Discover New Heights and Climb at SportRock: Guests at SportRock can experience indoor rock climbing, escaping the elements outside. If you’re a novice, no need to worry! They offer classes and courses that cover everything from safety techniques to climbing skills, catering to all experience levels. Located at the Rio Lakefront, you’ll find plenty of dining and shopping options to enjoy after your adventure.
Lockhouses Along the C&O Canal: The Canal Quarters Lockhouse program, operated by the C&O Canal Trust, gives guests the chance to experience life as a lockkeeper for a night… or even three! Each of the seven historic lockhouses—five of which are located in Montgomery County—are meticulously restored and furnished in line with their original era. A fantastic virtual “stocking stuffer” idea is the C&O Canal app, available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
Cherry Hill Park Camping Cabins: Experience camping with all the comforts of home at Cherry Hill Park. Enjoy a modern twist on camping that’s enjoyable for the entire family in a premium log cabin located just next to Montgomery County. Each cabin features a full bathroom with shower facilities, a fully equipped kitchen including full-sized appliances, central heating, and complimentary Wi-Fi! Don’t forget to inquire about their pet-friendly options if you’re traveling with a furry companion.
Pedego Electric Bike: Discover the area like never before on a Pedego electric bike. Effortlessly navigate through Bethesda, then connect to the Capital Crescent Trail towards the National Mall, or unwind by cruising along the Potomac River on the C&O Canal Tow Path.
For The Outdoor Adventurer
Adventure Park at Sandy Spring: Experience the thrill of ziplining, climbing, and axe-throwing at the Adventure Park at Sandy Spring. Navigate through 14 trails of varied difficulty featuring over 200 unique challenges in their Aerial Forest. Additionally, take your shot at Adventure Axes, the premier outdoor axe-throwing venue in the DC area, where you can enjoy an assortment of targets and games. This is ideal for family outings and friendly gatherings.
Go Ape Adventure Park in Rockville: For a unique treetop experience, visit Go Ape Adventure Park, which is nestled within the grounds of Rock Creek Regional Park. Here, you can zipline, climb, and even tackle their forest escape room, where participants work through a series of puzzles amidst the natural landscape.
Calleva in Poolesville: Offering a one-of-a-kind outdoor orientation, experiences at Calleva include summer camps, wilderness education, and sustainable farming initiatives. If exploring the Potomac River piques your interest, consider gifting a whitewater kayaking or river tour.
Topgolf in Germantown: Topgolf has transformed socialization into a sport by fusing technology with entertainment. On any given day, you can expect a vibrant atmosphere filled with energy. Each Topgolf venue boasts numerous climate-controlled hitting bays for year-round enjoyment, equipped with HDTVs throughout the space for an engaging experience.
For the Creative
VisArts in Rockville: Ignite creativity in your special someone by gifting them a class at VisArts. Choose from an extensive selection of intimate workshops such as ceramics, drawing, jewelry-making, painting, and much more. Moreover, consider booking an art party for a special occasion, whether for adults or children. Their acclaimed Winter Craft Week Camp allows children ages 5-12 to make new friends, enjoy hot cocoa, skate at The Square in Rockville, and engage in various winter-themed art projects.
KID Museum: Situated in Bethesda, KID Museum stands as the largest educational maker space in the nation focused on youth creativity and innovation. Delve into their digital media lab, get hands-on experience with creative coding, electronic music production, 3D printing, and studios that combine electronics, textiles, and circuits. Workshops led by resident artists, scientists, and innovators vary weekly and might include robotics, soldering, and toy-making activities. Consider gifting an annual family membership.
Glass Blowing Classes: You have two options for glass-blowing courses in Montgomery County. Art of Fire in Gaithersburg offers an array of interactive glass-blowing experiences, allowing you to create personal items like bowls, vases, or ornaments. Meanwhile, Glen Echo Glassworks, located in the historic Glen Echo Park, provides introductory glass-blowing classes and individual lessons.
For the Performance Lover
Music Center at Strathmore: Enjoy live performances from a diverse lineup of international artists across genres like folk, rock, blues, pop, R&B, jazz, world music, dance, and classical genres at the Music Center and Mansion at Strathmore. The 2025-2026 season features performances by prominent artists such as David Foster, a concert version of RENT, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, the National Philharmonic, and various tribute bands.
Round House Theatre: Recently renovated, Round House Theatre stands as one of the region’s premier venues, showcasing exceptional new plays and musicals performed by talent from all around the country. Their mission is to enrich the community through powerful theatrical and educational experiences that foster empathy and stimulate important discussions.
Olney Theatre Center: At the Olney Theatre Center, you can enjoy a variety of family-friendly productions. The diverse professional shows showcase a wide spectrum of artists, students, and audiences.
AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center: Situated in downtown Silver Spring, AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center serves as a cutting-edge exhibition and cultural center for moving images. Featuring a stunning restoration of the historic 1938 Silver Theatre designed by renowned architect John Eberson, the complex includes 32,000 square feet of newly constructed space housing two stadium theatres. AFI Silver Theatre is also a host for various popular film festivals, including AFI DOCS, the AFI European Union Film Showcase, and the AFI Latin American Film Festival.
