25+ Things to Do Near Fort Meade in Odenton, Columbia, and More!

Fort Meade is about much more than what happens inside the gates. Perfectly positioned in the vibrant corridor between Washington D.C. and Baltimore, the surrounding communities of Odenton, Laurel, and Columbia serve as an extended backyard bursting with life.

Whether you are reporting for a permanent change of station (PCS), visiting for temporary duty, or are a long-time resident looking to shake up your weekend routine, there is an endless list of things to discover.

From hidden-gem eateries and military-friendly discounts to pet-approved parks and romantic date-night spots, this comprehensive guide is your roadmap to mastering life both on and off base.

5 Places Near Fort Meade That Are Military Friendly

We’re describing military-friendly as reduced admission for active-duty service members and families, or veteran-owned businesses.

Whether you stay on base or adventure off base to nearby Columbia, military-friendly things to do abound. Check out a few of our favorites below.

Burba Park & Lake

Burba Park Recreation Area on base is a great place to host unit parties or family celebrations. With three fishing piers, a blacktop walking path around the lake, an event cottage, and many outdoor pavilions, you won’t want to miss this spot!

Address: 2300 Wilson Street, Fort Meade, Maryland 20755

Hours: Monday through Friday, 0900-1700

Admission: Free

Phone: (301) 677-3029

National Cryptologic Museum

Located just outside the National Security Agency Headquarters at Fort Meade, the National Cryptologic Museum is home to thousands of artifacts that show the history and profession of cryptology.

Visitors will also get a chance to view big moments in the profession’s history, people who devoted their lives to the profession, machines and devices used, and so much more.

Address: 8290 Colony Seven Road, Annapolis Junction, MD 20701

Hours: Tuesday through Friday, 1000-1600; Open the first Saturday of the month, 1000-1600

Admission: Free for active-duty from Armed Forces Day through Labor Day

Phone: (301) 688-5849

Robinson Nature Center

Spanning 18 acres adjacent to the Middle Patuxent Environmental Area, this beautiful center features indoor exhibits, a planetarium, a discovery room, and nature trails. The center aims to facilitate the enjoyment and understanding of our natural resources and to bridge the gap between people and nature.

Address: 6692 Cedar Lane, Columbia, MD 21044

Hours: Tuesday through Sunday, 0900-1700

Admission: $2 for active-duty military and veterans

Phone: (410) 313-0400

Lake Kittamaqundi

Lake Kittamaqundi is a man-made 27-acre reservoir in downtown Columbia. The lakefront serves as the town’s square, featuring a boardwalk, restaurants, and more right on the water.

You can also take a stroll or bike ride around the lake on the paved 1.5-mile loop.

Address: 10221 Wincopin Circle, Columbia, MD 21044

Hours: Restaurants and special activity hours vary. The boardwalk is open 24/7.

Phone: (410) 312-6330

The Lanes Fort Meade

Bowling is a great way to pass the time at Fort Meade. Grab some friends and stop by for 36 lanes of bowling, an arcade, cosmic bowling, and a cafe. Located right on base, you won’t have to go far to strike up some fun!

Address: 2788 MacArthur Road, Fort Meade, Maryland 20755

Hours: Monday & Tuesday, 1000-2100; Wednesday, 1300-2000; Thursday, 1300-2100; Friday, 1000-1900; Saturday, 1200-1900

Phone: (301) 677-5541

5 Restaurants Near Fort Meade That Are Sure to Please

You won’t have to go far from base to find great food. From craft beers and BBQ to fine dining serving up unique blends of cuisine, you’ll find something for everyone on our short list of restaurants below.

The Hideaway

Look no further for craft beers, award-winning BBQ, and one of the best whiskey selections around. The Hideaway in Odenton has what you’ve been looking for.

Address: 1439 Odenton Road, Odenton, MD 21113

Hours: Monday through Thursday, 1100-2300; Friday, 1100-0100; Saturday, 1100-0000; Sunday, 1000-2300

Phone: (410) 874-7300

Copper Canyon Grill

This popular chain features an open-air kitchen where you can see firsthand how your meal is prepared. Enjoy rotisserie chicken, ribs, and award-winning desserts after a shopping trip to the nearby Arundel Mill shopping center.

Address: 7051 Arundel Mills Blvd, Hanover, MD 21076

Hours: Monday through Thursday, 1130-2200; Friday, 1130-2300; Saturday, 1200-2300; Sunday, 1200-2100

Phone: (443) 661-4332

Lime and Salt

Serving up culinary delights from the traditions of Mexico, Lime and Salt hopes their guests will feel the love they bring to the table. Close to Fort Meade in Odenton, this restaurant has fresh food shared like family.

Address: 8395 Piney Orchard Pkwy, Odenton, MD 21113

Hours: Tuesday through Thursday, 1100-2100; Friday, 1100-2200; Saturday, 1100-2200; Sunday & Monday, 1100-2000

Phone: (410) 874-6277

The Blackwall Barn & Lodge

At the Blackwall Barn & Lodge, you will find food made from locally-sourced ingredients in a peaceful country setting. With artisan pizzas, egg stations, soups, salads, and more, there’s something for even the pickiest eaters.

Address: 6000 Merriweather Drive, Suite B140, Columbia, MD 21044

Hours: Monday through Thursday, 1130-2300; Friday, 1130-0130; Saturday, 1100-0130; Sunday, 1000-2300

Phone: (443) 319-5566

Catherine’s Restaurant

At Catherine’s you’ll enjoy a culinary journey, bringing together a fusion of Caribbean and Italian flavors. Each dish is created with passion and tells a story in every bite.

Address: 3325 Corridor Marketplace, Laurel, MD 20724

Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 1100-2300; Sunday, 1100-2200

Phone: (410)-991-6244

What Are Some Pet-Friendly Places Near Fort Meade?

Want to get out and explore, but don’t want to leave your furry friend at home? Take them along for some interesting adventures and chow on some delicious pub grub in the areas surrounding Fort Meade.

Below are several pet-friendly outdoor spaces and restaurants in the areas surrounding Fort Meade.

Outdoor Spaces

Patapsco Valley State Park: Just a 15-minute drive will take you to this massive park featuring over 200 miles of trails you and your leashed pet can hike along the river.

Bark Social: This unique spot features a fully enclosed off-leash area for your pet to get its wiggles out while you enjoy craft beer or coffee.

Baltimore Ghost Tours: Looking for something a little more thrilling? These haunted walking tours are fully pet-friendly, allowing your leashed pet to comfort you through historic and spirited neighborhoods.

Fur-Family Friendly Restaurants

Crooked Crab Brewing Company: Grab your four-legged friend and head to this spacious outdoor patio just 3 miles from base. You can grab a bite from a visiting food truck while you enjoy a craft beer.

Frisco Tap House: You and your four-legged friend are welcome at this tap house patio. You’ll find an expansive menu of your favorite pub foods and craft beer just 7 miles from base.

Founders Tavern & Grill: Serving up locally-sourced American favorites, this tavern welcomes both you and your four-legged friend to enjoy a meal and/or libations on their spacious patio.

5 Things For Couples to Do in Columbia

Moving to a new city can be hard on relationships. Columbia has many date activities to have you connecting like never before. Below are just a few of our favorites.

Dinner & Show at Toby’s Dinner Theatre

Located in the heart of Columbia, this dinner theatre offers both Broadway and original musicals with a buffet-style dinner.

This unique venue features performances “in the round,” a round seating experience where no seat is more than 30 feet from the stage. You and your date are guaranteed a great view here.

Address: 5900 Symphony Woods Rd, Columbia, MD 21044

Concerts at Merriweather

At the Merriweather Post Pavilion, an outdoor concert venue, you can take in world-class live music during seasonal weather. The Merriweather was voted the second-best amphitheater in the United States by Billboard magazine in 2010! It’s a destination you and your date won’t want to miss.

Address: 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Columbia, MD 21044

Lake Kittamaqundi

Take a stroll around the lake or rent a pedal boat. The scenic views and quiet atmosphere will provide the time you need to relax and recharge with your special someone. Afterward, you can grab a bite to eat in the nearby Merriweather District.

Address: Lake Kittamaqundi, Columbia, MD 21044

Old Line Kitchen & Wine Bar

Looking for something tasty and romantic? Look no further than Old Line Kitchen and Wine Bar. Offering elegant ambiance and a culinary experience like no other, you and your date will not be disappointed in the experience and service here.

Address: 6741 Columbia Gateway Dr, Columbia, MD 21046

Climb at Movement Columbia

Romantic and quiet, not your thing? What about an active and playful date, climbing or bouldering at Movement Columbia? This rock climbing gym in Columbia features 27,000 square feet of climbing space and the largest bouldering area in the state. You can get more than your communication to new heights here.

Address: 7125 Columbia Gateway Dr #110, Columbia, MD 21046

Check Out These Nearby Day Trips Perfect for a Quick Getaway

Fort Meade is perfectly situated between Baltimore and Washington, D.C., making it a great place for quick day trips and exploration. You’ll find everything from historic landmarks to beautiful national parks, all within 2 hours of Fort Meade.

Washington D.C.

Drive time: 1 hour

• National Mall: The National Mall is the long grassy area in D.C. that is home to iconic monuments, including the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument.
• Smithsonian National Museum of American History: The Museum of American History collects, preserves, and displays the social, political, cultural, scientific, and military history of the United States.
• National Children’s Museum: The National Children’s Museum is designed for children through age 12 through interactive exhibits exploring science, technology, engineering, art, and math.
• Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum: The National Air and Space Museum is dedicated to human flight and space exploration. This museum began as the National Air Museum in 1946, and has transformed to include space in the years since.

Baltimore, MD

Drive time: 45 minutes

• National Aquarium: You’ll find all your underwater favorites at the National Aquarium. You can also experience a dolphin show, a shark tank, and a walk-through rainforest.
• The Walters Art Museum: The Walters Art Museum spans three buildings, displaying paintings and artifacts dating from ancient times through the present.
• Maryland Zoo: At the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, you’ll find more than 1,500 birds, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles. Complete with interactive exhibits and a petting zoo, you’ll have a wild time here!
• B&O Railroad Museum: Are you a fan of locomotives? This museum is for you. The B&O Railroad Museum features nearly 200 locomotives, a model train display, and train rides.

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Drive time: 2 hours

• Shenandoah National Park in Virginia is a park that has much to offer for every nature lover. You can camp, bike, hike, fish, drive, and view exhibits all in one park. Grab the opportunity to view the night sky for stargazing in an area that is undisturbed by urban lights.

7 Things For Kids to Do in Columbia

The military-friendly area surrounding Fort Meade includes many kid-friendly museums and activities!

• Play Street Museum: This Children’s Museum and indoor playground is a great place to beat the rainy day blues with your little ones. Best suited for children up to 8 years old, interactive exhibits are based around fishing, camping, and creating their own adventures.
• Hyper Kidz Columbia: Hyper Kidz Columbia features a 16,000 square foot indoor playground for children up to 13 years old. Play zones ensure safe play for each developmental age group.
• Clark’s Elioak Farm: Clark’s Elioak Farm is a working farm with a farm produce shop, an enchanted forest, a petting zoo, and miniature train rides for kids. Check the website linked above for open seasons and special events.
• Robinson Nature Center: Robinson Nature Center is an 18-acre nature center where you and your littles can explore the local ecosystem through a planetarium, exhibits, and a wooded trail.
• Doodle Hatch Interactive Art Museum: Doodle Hatch Interactive Art Museum is designed for exploration and creativity. In this one-of-a-kind destination, children of all ages can step into various interactive displays or participate in a craft workshop.
• Monster Mini Golf Columbia: Got Golf? Columbia does at Monster Mini Golf. This indoor monster-themed mini gold location features a glow-in-the-dark course, arcade games, and a live DJ.
• Sky Zone Trampoline Park: Sky Zone Trampoline Park is an iconic way to spend rainy days getting all the jumps out. Explore all the trampolines, foam pits, and so much more.

Don’t Miss These Seasonal Events Near Fort Meade!

We’re sharing 5 seasonal events taking place near Fort Meade that you won’t want to miss.

• Fort Meade, Baltimore, National Harbor, and D.C. throw Fourth of July Celebrations like no others. Keep an eye out for promotions around May for the exact locations for Fourth of July celebrations near Fort Meade.
• The Benson-Hammond House in Linthicum, MD, hosts the National Watermelon Day (August 8) with live music and, of course, watermelon!
• Kentlands Oktoberfest in Gaithersburg, MD, features a massive street festival with all the German foods and favorites on display!
• Maryland Renaissance Festival in Crownsville, MD, is a premier event in its 50th season, featuring a 16th-century village filled with jousting, stages, food, and artisans.
• Get ready for the holiday season by strolling through a winter wonderland at the Merriweather District Holiday Market in Columbia, MD.

Don’t Miss Out on These Fun Things to Do Near Fort Meade

Whether you’re new to Fort Meade or just visiting, you will find so much to do for the entire family. Go on a date with your special one, take the kids and pets to get wiggles and waggles out, or go exploring museums and nature trails with friends.

Our list of things to do near Fort Meade will get you started, but your exploring will go well beyond! Explore today!