Centennial Park Tours and Activities

Centennial Park
Centennial Park
Centennial Park
Centennial Park
Centennial Park


Take a kayak or paddle boat out on the stunning man-made lake and embark on a bike ride or a hike in the dense forest.

Centennial Park is a large area of picturesque terrain surrounding its namesake lake. It has a pleasant looped trail, picnic shelters and a boat ramp, among many other fun features. Wander through the scenic woodland for a glimpse of the local plants and animals.

Stroll along the enchanting trails of this 337-acre (136-hectare) park and embrace the tranquility here, away from the bustle of city life. Enjoy a picnic at one of the designated pavilions with a stunning vista of the lake. Cycle along the 2.6-mile (4.2-kilometer) paved loop that runs along the perimeter of the lake.

You can also venture into the wetlands and encounter some of the wild animals that live here. Spot white-tailed deer, foxes, turtles and beavers in the park. Gaze up at the birds soaring above the trees. Stay for sunset and watch the darkening hues of the sky take hold over the lake, generating a romantic setting.

Let kids frolic in the playground area. Get a boat from the Adventure Shack & Rentals store to take out on Centennial Lake in summer and go fishing for trout, bass, tiger muskies and sunfish. Choose from kayaks, canoes, rowboats and paddle boats. Play several sets on the tennis or racquetball courts. Join a baseball game or watch from the sidelines in the sports areas of this immense park.

Attend one of the free summer concerts taking place on Wednesdays or family films on select occasions. The park comprises north, south, east and west sections, each with its own entrance. Call ahead to rent one of the picnic pavilions for a special occasion, such as a birthday or family gathering.

Centennial Park is in the southwestern outskirts of Ellicott City. Drive the 5-mile (8-kilometer) journey here from the city center in about 10 minutes. Visit nearby sights, such as Fairway Hills Golf Course, the Bob Lucido Fields at Covenant Park and Wilde Lake Park.

Popular places to visit


Top Centennial Park Hotel & Accommodation Deals

DoubleTree by Hilton Columbia

DoubleTree by Hilton Columbia

4 out of 5
5485 Twin Knolls Rd, Columbia, MD
DoubleTree by Hilton Columbia
Sunny Townhome/4Br/2.5Bath

Sunny Townhome/4Br/2.5Bath

Ellicott City
Sunny Townhome/4Br/2.5Bath
Columbia Lakefront Escape: Serenity Room & Patio

Columbia Lakefront Escape: Serenity Room & Patio

Columbia
Columbia Lakefront Escape: Serenity Room & Patio
2 Bedroom Condo in Central Columbia

2 Bedroom Condo in Central Columbia

Columbia
2 Bedroom Condo in Central Columbia
Charming Cozy Modern 2-Bedroom condo

Charming Cozy Modern 2-Bedroom condo

Columbia
Charming Cozy Modern 2-Bedroom condo
The Wayside Inn Bed & Breakfast

The Wayside Inn Bed & Breakfast

3.5 out of 5
4344 Columbia Road, Ellicott City, MD
The Wayside Inn Bed & Breakfast
WhyHotel by Placemakr Columbia

WhyHotel by Placemakr Columbia

4 out of 5
6200 Valencia Ln, Columbia, MD
WhyHotel by Placemakr Columbia
Staybridge Suites Columbia Baltimore by IHG

Staybridge Suites Columbia Baltimore by IHG

3 out of 5
8844 Columbia 100 Pkwy, Columbia, MD
Staybridge Suites Columbia Baltimore by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Centennial Park

Centennial Park in Ellicott City offers a range of enjoyable activities, including live music, entertainment, and birdwatching. Visitors can indulge in peaceful picnics, explore local attractions, and enjoy movie nights under the stars. Be sure to read reviews for insights and discover nearby shopping options to enhance your stay. This tranquil park is perfect for those looking to relax and soak in the natural beauty of the area.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near Centennial Park, visit Shanty Plaza, just 4.8km away, offering a vibrant mix of family and city vibes. If you're up for a drive, Arundel Mills Mall, located 14.5km away, provides entertainment and a bustling atmosphere. Lexington Market, 14.8km away, is also worth the trip for unique finds.

Recreation

Merriweather Post Pavilion offers vibrant music concerts, creating an electrifying atmosphere just 3.2km from Centennial Park. For sports enthusiasts, Oriole Park at Camden Yards, located 20.9km away, hosts thrilling baseball games. Enjoy the outdoors at Timbers at Troy Golf Course, a scenic 9.7km from the park.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of climbing at Earth Treks Climbing Center, located 8.0km from Centennial Park, where you can embrace the outdoor adventure vibe. For hiking enthusiasts, the BWI Trail, 17.7km away, offers stunning scenery and a great outdoor experience. Don't miss the zipline and ropes course at The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring, situated 19.3km from the park.

Nightlife

Experience the thrill at TagParty RECON, an arcade adventure zone 11.3km from Centennial Park. For a romantic night, catch a film at Cinemark Columbia Snowden, just 8.0km away. Alternatively, enjoy a cultural performance at the Hippodrome Theatre, situated 20.9km from the park.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Centennial Park

Centennial Park in Ellicott City, Maryland, offers a delightful blend of urban parks, historic colleges, and museums for all kinds of travellers. Whether you're seeking cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, or family-friendly activities, this area has plenty to explore. Nearby attractions include Centennial Olympic Park and Parque Centennial, making it an excellent base for your holiday. The park's beautiful surroundings provide a lovely setting for relaxation and exploration.

  • Baltimore Inner Harbor Marina: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Inner Harbor, where you can enjoy outdoor activities such as kayaking and paddleboarding. The marina offers stunning views and a lively beach vibe, making it perfect for relaxation and adventure.
  • Johns Hopkins University: Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of this prestigious institution. Stroll through its beautiful campus, admire the stunning architecture, and perhaps visit the famed Johns Hopkins Hospital and its medical museum.
  • Baltimore Convention Center: A hub for business and events, the Convention Center hosts a variety of conferences and exhibitions. Its modern facilities and strategic location make it a key player in Baltimore's commerce and networking scene.

Best time to go to Centennial Park

The best time to visit Centennial Park can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Centennial Park falls in July, when visitor numbers are high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Centennial Park falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January33.8°F (1.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
February36.1°F (2.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
March43.7°F (6.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April54.3°F (12.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
May63.9°F (17.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June72.5°F (22.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July78.1°F (25.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighAverage
August76.1°F (24.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighAverage
September69.8°F (21.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighAverage
October58.8°F (14.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
November46.8°F (8.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December39.4°F (4.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Centennial Park

To save money on your visit to Centennial Park, plan your trip between December and February for lower accommodation prices. Sundays are the most affordable days to stay, while Tuesdays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia’s search tool to find budget-friendly options by sorting prices and filtering for eco-certified hotels. Consider booking a package that combines flights, accommodation, and activities for additional savings. Lastly, take advantage of free activities in the park and explore the area on foot to keep transport costs down.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Centennial Park are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April to May and October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Centennial Park is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Centennial Park is Tuesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool makes it easy to choose your budget, preferred location, and other preferences. You can organise your search results to display prices from the lowest to the highest, helping you find the most affordable accommodation first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, if you select the “Eco-certified” filter, you’ll be presented with sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some cash by combining your hotel stay at Centennial Park with your flights and activities by booking an Expedia package.