Bethesda, Maryland

1. See a Performance at Strathmore

For more than 30 years, Strathmore has presented affordable and exciting performances at the Bethesda Music Center. As a non-profit, multi-disciplinary arts venue, Strathmore hosts performers who entertain visitors with a variety of musical performances across all genres.

The 16-acre site houses several music rooms, an outdoor performance pavilion, a sculpture garden, and a boutique.

The music center has also partnered with organizations such as the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, The National Philharmonic, and Maryland Classic Youth Orchestras to support musical education and performance in the community. Strathmore also presents its shows at a recently-built venue called AMP.

10701 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda, MD, 20852, Tel. +1 301-581-5100

2. Play in Cabin John Regional Park

Cabin John Regional Park offers a unique blend of nature and recreation. Cabin John boasts a variety of attractions, including the Pauline Betz Addie Tennis Center, the Cabin John Ice Skating Rink, the Locust Grove Nature Center, the Tai Chi Court, and the Robert C. McDonnell Campground.

A dog park and a miniature train with a two-mile track are also located on park grounds. If you are wondering what to do in Bethesda with kids, this is a great place to visit.

There are picnic and playground areas that are equipped with tables, grills, pavilions, and even snack bars. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy Cabin John's lighted baseball field, softball fields, and handball and volleyball courts.

Two hiking and biking trails—one that is five miles long and another that stretches for nine miles—also wind their way throughout the property.

7400 Tuckerman Lane, Bethesda, MD, 20817, Tel. +1 301-765-8702

3. Imagination Stage

Imagination Stage was founded in 1979 in order to provide arts education to young people. It is now known as the largest multidisciplinary arts theater group for youth in the mid-Atlantic area. Imagination Stage offers performances, classes, and theater camps for youth ages 1-18, and each of these programs is designed to be accessible and affordable for all. The classes at Imagination Stage are divided up by age and offered on a semester schedule. In addition to classes, there are fun, family-friendly shows offered at Imagination Stage throughout the year. The center is also equipped to welcome field trip groups and parties.

4908 Auburn Avenue, Bethesda, MD, 20814, Tel. +1 301-961-6060

4. Round House Theater

Round House Theater seeks to educate and inspire audiences of all ages through the performing arts. During each performance season the Round House Theater offers a variety of exciting and informative shows. Round House also has its own troupe of talented teens who are part of the theater's Teen Performance Company.

These youth get to work alongside professional performers, and they routinely star in Round House theater productions. The Round House Theater is located within walking distance of more than 20 restaurants, which makes it a perfect spot for dates or a night out with the family.

4545 East-West Highway, Bethesda, MD, 20814, 240-644-1100

5. KID Museum

KID Museum was founded by an innovative group of parents who wanted to help children utilize their natural creativity. Located in the Davis Library, KID Museum offers a series of programs and courses to help children develop useful skills while having fun. Ongoing art classes, computer programming courses, and 3D printing workshops are just a handful of KID's unique educational programs.

KID Museum also holds regular events where kids are taught special skills that aren't part of the ongoing curriculum. Lastly, KID Museum has options for after-school workshops, summer camps, and preschool programs. KID Museum is one of the best things to do in Bethesda, Maryland for families.

KID Museum, 6400 Democracy Blvd., Bethesda, MD, 20817, Tel. +1 301-897-5437

6. Bethesda Salt Cave

Located in downtown Bethesda, the Bethesda Salt Cave is modeled after a traditional Himalayan salt cave. The salts inside Bethesda Salt Cave are used in therapy sessions, where people come to the cave to breathe in the salt air. There have been several indications that the salt air helps alleviate sleeping problems, provides relief to people with asthma or allergies, and helps improve lung function, but Bethesda Salt Cave doesn't make any medical guarantees.

Salt Cave sessions last for 45 minutes. The sessions are generally public, but private sessions are available upon request. Bethesda Salt Cave also offers yoga classes, meditation courses, sound bowl concerts, and essential oils workshops.

4709 Montgomery Lane, Bethesda, MD, 20814, Tel. +1 301-312-6377

7. National Museum of Health and Medicine

During the Civil War, the National Museum of Health and Medicine (NMHM) was known as the Army Medical Museum. For years it served as a central hub for research in general medicine, treatments for infectious diseases, and medical conditions related to war. The National Museum of Health and Medicine received its current name in 1989, and now holds several exhibitions detailing recent advances in military medicine, anatomy and pathology, and Civil War medicine.

The museum also has five collections on display that teach visitors about human anatomy, the anatomy of the brain, and the history of military medicine. The museum is only four miles away from central Bethesda.

2500 Linden Lane, Silver Spring, MD, 20910, Tel. +1 301-319-3300

8. Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper Club

Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper Club is the premiere spot for enjoying jazz music from top artists. Each night a different performer takes the stage as guests dine on delicious soups, salads, and entrees. The dinner menu offers a variety of options, including vegetarian and gluten-free dishes. Bethesda Blues & Jazz has a lively yet intimate setting perfect for a date or a night out with friends.

The elegant concert hall seats 500 people total, and there is a dance floor that is made available on the club's specified “dance nights.” In addition to nightly performances, Bethesda Blues & Jazz is available to rent for special events. The building is suitable for many functions, including birthday parties, corporate events, and weddings.

7719 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD, 20814, Tel. +1 240-334-4500

9. Ratner Museum

Dennis and Phillip Ratner own and operate the Ratner Museum, which has a unique focus on Jewish history and Israeli exhibits, and it boasts a wealth of unique, historic artifacts. Many of the sculptures in the museum were made by Phillip Ratner, an artist with years of sculpting experience.

In addition to Phillip Ratner's works, the museum has a wide range of paintings, books, and photographs that depict various aspects of Jewish culture and beliefs. The Ratner Museum also has exhibits dedicated to American history, such as the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island collections. Tours, lectures, concerts, and readings are routinely held at the Ratner Museum for student groups as well as the public.

10001 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, MD, 20814, Tel. +1 301-897-1518