30 Engaging After-Church Activities in Silver Spring, Maryland

Are you looking for exciting ways to spend your time after church in Silver Spring, Maryland? Whether you’re seeking spiritual enrichment, quality time with loved ones, or simply some relaxation and entertainment, Silver Spring offers a variety of options to suit every interest. From cultural exploration to thrilling escapes, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant community. In this blog post, we’ll explore the top 30 after-church activities in Silver Spring.

1. Visit the National Museum of Health and Medicine: Delve into the fascinating world of medical history and advancements at this unique museum. Explore exhibits showcasing medical artifacts, surgical instruments, anatomical specimens, and more, providing insights into the evolution of medicine over the centuries.
2. Stroll Through Brookside Gardens: Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Brookside Gardens, a tranquil oasis featuring meticulously landscaped gardens, serene ponds, and colorful flower displays. Take a leisurely stroll along winding paths, relax on benches surrounded by lush greenery, and admire the seasonal blooms that adorn the gardens throughout the year.
3. Explore the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center: Experience the magic of cinema at the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center, a historic movie theater that showcases a diverse selection of films, including independent features, classic movies, and international cinema. Attend film screenings, special events, and film festivals held at this beloved cultural institution.
4. Go Hiking in Rock Creek Park: Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and reconnect with nature in Rock Creek Park, an expansive urban oasis that offers miles of scenic hiking trails, shaded picnic areas, and opportunities for wildlife viewing. Explore forested ravines, meandering streams, and peaceful groves as you immerse yourself in the beauty of this natural retreat.
5. Shop and Dine at Downtown Silver Spring: Discover the vibrant energy of downtown Silver Spring as you explore its eclectic mix of shops, boutiques, and eateries. From trendy fashion boutiques and specialty stores to diverse restaurants serving cuisine from around the world, downtown Silver Spring offers endless opportunities for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
6. Attend a Concert at The Fillmore: Immerse yourself in the electrifying atmosphere of live music at The Fillmore, a premier concert venue that hosts performances by top musical acts from a variety of genres. Dance the night away to the sounds of your favorite bands and artists as you enjoy an unforgettable night of live entertainment.
7. Visit the National Museum of American History: Journey through the pages of American history at the National Museum of American History, where you can explore exhibits on everything from the nation’s founding and the Civil War to pop culture and technological innovations. Discover iconic artifacts, interactive displays, and immersive exhibits that bring the story of America to life.
8. Take a Cooking Class at Sur La Table: Hone your culinary skills and unleash your inner chef with a cooking class at Sur La Table, a gourmet kitchenware store located in downtown Silver Spring. Learn new techniques, explore different cuisines, and create delicious dishes under the guidance of professional chefs in a fun and interactive environment.
9. Explore Downtown Bethesda: Venture beyond Silver Spring and explore the neighboring community of Bethesda, known for its charming downtown area filled with art galleries, theaters, shops, and restaurants. Stroll along tree-lined streets, browse boutique shops, and savor a meal at one of Bethesda’s acclaimed eateries as you soak up the local ambiance.
10. Attend a Performance at The Music Center at Strathmore: Immerse yourself in the world of performing arts at The Music Center at Strathmore, a state-of-the-art venue that hosts a diverse array of concerts, dance performances, and cultural events. From classical music and jazz to contemporary dance and world music, The Music Center at Strathmore offers an enriching cultural experience for audiences of all ages.
11. Go Bowling at Bowlero Wheaton: Gather your friends and family for a fun-filled day of bowling at Bowlero Wheaton, a modern bowling alley featuring sleek lanes, vibrant decor, and a lively atmosphere. Enjoy friendly competition, tasty snacks, and refreshing drinks as you bowl strikes, spares, and gutter balls in this entertaining social setting.
12. Take a Yoga Class at Blue Heron Wellness: Rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit with a yoga class at Blue Heron Wellness, a holistic wellness center that offers a variety of yoga classes for practitioners of all levels. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced yogi, you’ll find classes that focus on alignment, breath work, and mindfulness, helping you cultivate strength, flexibility, and inner peace.
13. Explore the National Zoo: Embark on a wild adventure at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., where you can encounter a diverse array of animal species from around the world. From majestic lions and playful pandas to slithering snakes and soaring birds, the National Zoo offers unforgettable encounters with wildlife in a beautiful park setting.
14. Go Ice Skating at Cabin John Ice Rink: Glide across the ice and enjoy a classic winter activity at Cabin John Ice Rink, a premier ice skating facility located just a short drive from Silver Spring. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or a novice on the ice, you’ll love the exhilarating feeling of gliding across the rink as you enjoy quality time with friends and family.
15. Visit the National Portrait Gallery: Immerse yourself in the art of portraiture at the National Portrait Gallery, where you can explore a diverse collection of portraits depicting famous Americans throughout history. From presidents and pioneers to artists and activists, the National Portrait Gallery offers a fascinating glimpse into the faces and stories that have shaped the nation.
16. Take a Dance Class at Dance Exchange: Get your groove on and express yourself through movement with a dance class at Dance Exchange, a community-based dance center that offers classes for dancers of all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re interested in modern dance, ballet, or hip-hop, you’ll find a class that inspires and challenges you to move with grace and confidence.
17. Explore the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum: Reach for the stars and explore the wonders of aviation and space exploration at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Discover iconic aircraft, historic spacecraft, and interactive exhibits that celebrate the history and science of flight and space travel.
18. Go Mini Golfing at Go Ape Adventure Park: Embark on a mini golf adventure at Go Ape Adventure Park, where you can enjoy a fun-filled round of mini golf on a scenic course surrounded by lush greenery and challenging obstacles. Perfect for families, friends, and couples alike, mini golf offers hours of entertainment and friendly competition in a picturesque outdoor setting.
19. Attend a Workshop at Pyramid Atlantic Art Center: Get creative and explore your artistic talents at Pyramid Atlantic Art Center, a vibrant arts organization that offers workshops, classes, and studio space for artists of all ages and skill levels. From printmaking and bookbinding to papermaking and mixed media, Pyramid Atlantic Art Center provides opportunities for hands-on creativity and artistic expression.
20. Take a Pottery Class at CREATE Arts Center: Unleash your creativity and learn the art of pottery at CREATE Arts Center, a community arts organization that offers pottery classes for beginners and experienced potters alike. Discover the joy of working with clay as you learn basic techniques, create unique pottery pieces, and express yourself through this timeless art form.
21. Go Biking on the Capital Crescent Trail: Hit the trails and explore the scenic beauty of the Capital Crescent Trail, a popular multi-use trail that stretches from Georgetown to Silver Spring along the historic C&O Canal. Whether you’re a cyclist, jogger, or walker, you’ll love the picturesque views, shaded paths, and peaceful ambiance of this beloved trail.
22. Explore the National Aquarium: Dive into an underwater adventure at the National Aquarium in Baltimore, where you can explore immersive exhibits showcasing marine life from around the world. From colorful coral reefs and tropical fish to majestic sharks and playful dolphins, the National Aquarium offers unforgettable encounters with the wonders of the ocean.
23. Go on a Ghost Tour of Historic Frederick: Step back in time and explore the haunted history of Frederick, Maryland, on a guided ghost tour of the city’s most haunted sites. Hear chilling tales of ghostly encounters, tragic events, and unsolved mysteries as you wander the historic streets and alleys of this charming and haunted town.
24. Visit the International Spy Museum: Uncover the secrets of espionage and intrigue at the International Spy Museum in Washington, D.C., where you can explore exhibits on the history of spying, learn about real-life spies and intelligence operations, and test your spy skills in interactive exhibits and challenges.
25. Attend a Wine Tasting at Great Shoals Winery: Sip and savor your way through a wine tasting at Great Shoals Winery, located just a short drive from Silver Spring in Mount Airy, Maryland. Sample a variety of award-winning wines made from locally grown fruits, including apples, peaches, and berries, and discover your new favorite wine to enjoy with friends and family.
26. Go Zip Lining at Adventure Park at Sandy Spring: Soar through the treetops and challenge your sense of adventure with a zip-lining experience at Adventure Park at Sandy Spring, a thrilling outdoor adventure park that offers multiple zip lines, ropes courses, and aerial challenges for adrenaline junkies of all ages.
27. Visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture: Explore the rich and diverse history of African Americans at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Discover powerful exhibits, personal stories, and cultural artifacts that illuminate the African American experience and celebrate the contributions of African Americans to society.
28. Take a Nature Walk at Wheaton Regional Park: Escape to nature and enjoy a leisurely walk or hike through Wheaton Regional Park, a scenic parkland that offers miles of wooded trails, picturesque picnic areas, and peaceful streams. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including deer, birds, and other native species, as you explore the natural beauty of this beloved park.
29. Go on a Food Tour of Downtown Silver Spring: Embark on a culinary adventure and explore the diverse flavors of downtown Silver Spring on a guided food tour. Sample delicious dishes from a variety of local restaurants, eateries, and food vendors, and learn about the culinary history and culture of this vibrant community as you savor the flavors of Silver Spring.
30. Challenge Yourself at Big Escape Rooms: Put your problem-solving skills to the test and embark on an exhilarating adventure at Big Escape Rooms in Silver Spring. Gather your friends, family, or coworkers and work together to unravel mysteries, solve puzzles, and escape from themed rooms before time runs out. With a variety of challenging scenarios to choose from, Big Escape Rooms offers an unforgettable experience for players of all ages, making it the perfect after-church activity for groups looking for thrills and excitement.

With so many engaging after-church activities to choose from in Silver Spring, Maryland, you’re sure to find the perfect way to spend your day in this vibrant community. Whether you’re exploring its cultural attractions, enjoying outdoor adventures, or seeking creative experiences, Silver Spring offers something for everyone to enjoy. So why not plan your next adventure in Silver Spring today?