Introduction
When I first visited Crofton, Maryland, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I had heard it described simply as a “nice suburb,” tucked between Annapolis and Baltimore, but what I found was far richer than that: a community with pleasant green spaces, unexpected fun spots, and a vibe that makes you want to stay a little longer. Whether you’re visiting for a day trip, looking to explore the region, or thinking of moving here, there are plenty of activities to fill your itinerary. Here’s a personal take on 12 of the best & fun things to do in Crofton, mixed with my impressions and tips.
12 Best & Fun Things To Do In Crofton, MD (2026)
1. Take a stroll or bike ride around the Crofton Parkway loop
One of my earliest memories of Crofton was discovering the loop of the Crofton Parkway — a roughly 3.5-mile road encircling the heart of the community. I decided to rent a bike for an hour and ride the loop; it offered a laid-back way to see the town’s character, from houses to local parks.
Tip: Go early in the morning for lighter traffic and calm surroundings.
See Also: 12 Best & Fun Things To Do In Hilton Head, SC
2. Explore scenic green spaces like Swann Park & Crofton Park
If you need a quiet escape, parks like Swann Park and Crofton Park are great. Swann Park, for instance, has walking trails around pond areas. Crofton Park offers fields, trails, and space to relax. On one sunny afternoon, I packed a picnic and headed to Crofton Park—just sitting by the trail, watching families walk by, felt like a reset.
Tip: Bring a blanket and a good book; these parks are perfect for downtime.
3. Visit the historic site of Linthicum Walks
For a touch of history, the Linthicum Walks property is fascinating. A home built in the late 1700s, it’s part of the region’s heritage and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Wandering around the grounds, you sense the layers of time beneath the suburban modernity—something I really appreciated.
Tip: Visit during daylight hours; the gardens and trees are especially nice in spring.
4. Hit the lanes at Crofton Bowling Centre
When I needed something indoor—especially when the weather turned—the Crofton Bowling Centre was a fun drop-in. With lanes, arcade games, and the friendly hum of a local hangout, it’s perfect for families or groups.
Tip: Ask if they have special rates early in the evening or for kids.
5. Unleash your competitive side—axe-throwing at Chill Axes
One of the more unexpected finds was the Chill Axes venue. If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary, grabbing some friends and going to launch axes (safely!) was a highlight. I found it especially good for breaking up the more “traditional” activities.
Tip: Reserve ahead on weekends; it tends to fill up.
6. Walk or bike the WB&A Trail section
If you enjoy nature and activity, the portion of the WB&A Trail that passes through or near Crofton is a lovely way to get into the woods. I spent a morning riding a portion of it and felt pleasantly away from the everyday, even though we were still close to suburban amenities.
Tip: Bring water and a helmet for the full experience. Early morning is quieter.
7. Enjoy sweet treats at Sugar Butter Love Bakery
After so much walking, I definitely needed a treat—and the Sugar Butter Love bakery did not disappoint. Beautifully made cupcakes and cookies in creative flavours make this one of my favourite indulgence stops.
Tip: Ask about seasonal specials; some flavours only appear for short windows.
8. Go shopping or dine at Waugh Chapel Towne Centre
If you’re in the mood for a mix of shopping and café time, the Waugh Chapel Towne Centre (also described as The Village at Waugh Chapel) has you covered. From boutiques to eateries, it made for a relaxed afternoon for me.
Tip: Grab a coffee, wander the shops, then settle in somewhere for dinner as the evening sets in.
9. Visit the Farmers’ Market & support local artisans
I’ve always found local farmers markets to reflect the true spirit of a place, and the Crofton Farmers Market was no exception. Held Saturdays (weather permitting) at the library location, it’s a lively spot with produce, crafts and community energy.
Tip: Come early for the best picks, and take some snacks to enjoy in a nearby park.
10. Tee off or enjoy a round at Walden Golf Club
For golf lovers (or just those looking for a scenic outing), the Walden Golf Club offers a beautifully maintained course in the area. While I’m not a pro, I enjoyed driving by the club and imagining a relaxed late-afternoon round after a day of exploring.
Tip: Even if you’re not playing, some golf clubs allow guest access to their patios or restaurants with course views.
11. Roller-skate and play at Skate Zone
On a particularly rainy day, I found the Skate Zone indoor roller-skating rink to be a great fallback. It features skating, arcade games, and is ideal for families or groups looking for something fun indoors.
Tip: Check their hours for public skating sessions; weekend evenings tend to be popular.
12. Attend seasonal events and community gatherings
Finally, one of the things I appreciated most about Crofton was its calendar of community-centric events: festivals, outdoor concerts, craft fairs and more. For example, the Crofton Cherry Blossom Festival highlights the blooming trees along the Parkway. Attending one of these events really helped me feel connected to the area, even as a visitor.
Tip: Before your trip, check the local events page to see if there’s something happening during your visit.
Final Thoughts
Visiting Crofton, Maryland, was a pleasantly surprising experience. I went in expecting a fairly standard suburban day, and I left with memories of quiet trails, fun indoor activities, tasty treats, and a strong sense of community. The good news? Whether you’re solo, with friends, or family-bound, there’s something here for everyone.
Personally, my favorite moments were the simple ones: sipping coffee after the farmers market, skating indoors when it rained, and relaxing in a park for no other reason than feeling good. But the quirky ones—like axe-throwing—added spice and made the trip stand out.
If you’re planning a visit, I’d suggest spreading these 12 activities across a weekend or long day: start early with nature or biking, ease into lunch or treats, pick an activity or two you wouldn’t normally do, then finish with a relaxed evening exploring local eats or catching an event.
Crofton may not be the typical headline destination, but that’s exactly part of its charm. It offers comfort, ease and small surprises. If you go, bring your curiosity—and maybe a flexible schedule. You’ll likely uncover more than you expected.