Bringing the family on a vacation can be a joy, but planning things that everyone can agree on can be a challenge. Fortunately, Deep Creek Lake has so many activities to choose from, you’ll just need to narrow down your options. Check out the eight best family activities that are guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s faces.
Experience These 8 Great Family Activities On Deep Creek Lake
1. Canopy Through the Trees
Image credit: G. Shroeder/Flickr
With five different zip line options to choose from, the Flying Squirrel Canopy Tour at Wisp Resort offers visitors one of the most unique views of Deep Creek Lake—from 50 feet up in the air! If you’re up for a challenge, this place will give you exactly what you’re looking for. The high ropes obstacle courses, which even include rope bridges, are connected through zip lines. Zip from one platform to the next and complete the obstacles along the way, all the while enjoying a bird’s eye view of the lake and the surrounding scenery!
Address: 296 Marsh Hill Rd, McHenry, 21541
Phone: (301) 859-3159
Website: www.wispresort.com
2. Hike Through Deep Creek Lake State Park
Image credit: C. Seeman/Flickr
Check out the variety of hiking trails located in Deep Creek Lake State Park and choose the ones that suit your needs. For an easy hike, try the Snakeroot Nature Trail; for a more challenging hike, try the Meadow Mountain Trail or the Brant Mine Trail. They’ll both lead you to the top of Meadow Mountain and offer a gorgeous view of Deep Creek Lake. Biking is allowed on a few trails, so check in at the Discovery Center to see which ones do.
3. Brave the White Water Rapids
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Get your adrenaline pumping with a trip out on the white water rapids in Adventure Sports Center International’s renowned 1/3 -mile artificial river. Its unique structure boasts boulders and class I-IV rapids that give you the look and feel of a real river course, but in a more controlled environment. For a fun family activity, try a guided raft trip for up to six people and paddle through the rapids for a 2-hour trip down the river. All guests must be 50 lbs. or more to participate.
Address: 250 Adventure Sports Way, McHenry, 21541
Phone: (301) 387-3250
Website: http://www.adventuresportscenter.com/
4. Ride a Mountain Roller Coaster
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Fly down Wisp Mountain Resort at a brisk 28 mph, or glide slowly down the summit at your own pace. With the handbrakes on the Mountain Coaster here, you can decide how daring you’re feeling. This coaster is a hybrid between an alpine slide and a traditional roller coaster, so you’ll cover around 3,500 feet as you travel downhill and drop over 350 vertical feet during your thrilling ride. Go solo or ride with a friend; this coaster is built to hold up to two people! Experience the rush of this downhill adventure as you whip past ski trails and chair lifts on your way to the bottom.
Address: 296 Marsh Hill Rd, McHenry, 21541
Phone: (301) 859-3159
Website: www.wispresort.com
5. Check out the Discovery Center
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If you’re bringing the kids, you might want them to learn a little something while they’re on vacation. To do that, head to the Discovery Center inside of Deep Creek Lake State Park. With hands-on displays that provide examples of flora and fauna, wildlife, and historical heritage of the area, the Discovery Center is a unique educational environment. Feed critters, develop nature journaling skills, or take part in some fun science experiments. There’s always an event happening at the center, so check the calendar to see what’s going on during your visit.
Address: 898 State Park Rd, Swanton, 21561
Phone: (301) 387-7067
Website: http://www.discoverycenterdcl.com/
6. Picnic on the Beach
Image credit: C. Seeman/Flickr
Although most of Deep Creek Lake’s shoreline isn’t naturally sandy, you can find a long strip of beach and roped-off swimming area in Deep Creek Lake State Park. Here, you can lay out some blankets, pop open those beach chairs, and have a family picnic right on the water. The kids can take dip in the lake while you sit back and enjoy the sunshine on dry land. Or, everyone can build a sandcastle! Don’t forget to fill your coolers with waters and picnic snacks, and bring sunscreen and sunglasses to protect you and your family from the rays.
7. Ski Wisp Resort
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Deep Creek Lake isn’t just a place to getaway on a summer weekend, it’s also the perfect location for your snowy, winter vacation. Wisp Resort is located just northwest of the lake and with three terrain parks, seven chair lifts, and more than 25 different trails, it’s a great fit for family members of all skill levels. The Beginner terrain park is great for those looking to start pulling some tricks on their skis, while the Intermediate and Central are for more advanced snow bunnies. In addition to its slopes, the resort also boasts a mountainside bar, food court, restaurants, and shops in case you forget some of that snow attire at home. You and the family will have plenty to see and do at Wisp, so grab your skis, snowboards, and boots and get ready for some slope side fun.
Address: 296 Marsh Hill Rd, McHenry, 21541
Phone: (301) 859-3159
Website: www.wispresort.com
8. Hit the Lake
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There’s nothing more enjoyable than taking the boat out on the lake in the summertime and soaking up the scenery. Deep Creek Lake offers a public boat launch at Deep Creek Lake State Park Boat Ramp, while there are a handful of local marinas that provide boat launching for a small fee. Deep Creek Lake also has seven marinas, each offering boat and watercraft rentals when the lake is open. Check out Silver Tree Marine (https://www.silvertreemarine.com/) for your boat rental needs; they also have fueling docks for your convenience. The lake also allows canoeing, kayaking, and paddle boarding in certain areas. Don’t forget the jet skis and tubes for some fun water activities while you’re out on the lake, and be sure to get your state park pass if you’ll be using the boat launch in Deep Creek Lake State Park.
This article was written by Julianne Aiello.