A mixture of businesses and homes, Catonsville is surprisingly full of fun and interesting things to do.
Sitting on the border of Baltimore City, Catonsville is a hop and a skip away from the hustle and bustle. And while it has a bit of the vibrant atmosphere you expect from the city, Catonsville can also be laid back and a great place to get some peaceful quiet – especially at the parks and museums! Check out some of these fun things you could do while there.
Catch a show at Lurman Woodland Theatre
This outdoor community amphitheater has been organizing free concerts and other programs for the community since 1992. During the summer months, you can grab a blanket and a packed picnic basket and spend hours listening to various musical styles like country, bluegrass, reggae, Cajun, and more.
Let the kids run wild at Patapsco State Tire Park
While there are tons of fancy parks in Catonsville with modern structures, this unique park built entirely out of hundreds of recycled tires is a different experience. It’s built for kids ages five and above and lets their imagination run wild – though don’t be surprised if you see a couple of adults letting their inner child free. The Tire Park spans two acres and has numerous structures to jump on, hop across, climb, swing on, and more.
Visit the Spring Grove Alumni Museum
Spring Grove Alumni Museum is a modest museum located on the campus of the Spring Grove Hospital Center. It gives visitors an idea of what it was like running hospitals in the past compared to today. The exhibits have a collection of artifacts, photographs, and drawings, and depict the changes hospitals have seen over the years.
Take a walk on the Number Nine Trolley Trail
The Number Nine Trolley Trail is a historic site that was used by the Catonsville and Ellicott City Electric Railway Company and once transported passengers between Ellicott City and Baltimore. The 1.25-mile is now paved for walkers, joggers, and bikers and sits alongside The Cooper Branch, which is a beautiful natural stream complete with a waterfall.
Get artistic at The Pottery Cove
This paint-your-own pottery studio is a Catonsville favorite for little ones as well as adults. Get your creativity flowing by either signing up for one of their paint nights or just walking in with your kids or a friend. There are hundreds of different figurines, ceramics, etc. to choose from and it’s a guaranteed fun time all around.
Explore the Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum
Commemorating the naturalist and author of the same name, Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum is a wonderful place to explore while in Catonsville. The site spans 142 acres and even has a replica of his cabin on site. The museum tells the story of this inspiring man’s life and contributions while other aspects of the park include a picnic site, an herb garden, a restored 19th-century farmhouse, several onsite trails, and a pavilion for larger gatherings.
Check out an event at the UMBC Event Center
Catonsville is home to a majority of the UMBC campus, (University of Maryland, Baltimore County), including the UMBC Event Center. This state-of-the-art, multipurpose arena hosts university sporting events throughout the year as well as concerts, trade shows, and other community events.
Unwind at an old-school dive bar
Listen, if you want flashy lights and contemporary co*cktails then this isn’t the place for you. Morsbergers Tavern LLC is the epitome of chill nightlife in Catonsville; the atmosphere is completely laid back and it’s a place to relax with comfort bar food, good music, and a game or two of billiards or darts. But if you do want cool music, comfortable lounges, and craft beer, drive five minutes down the road to the Lime Light Inn.
Have a delicious South Asian meal
Firstly, there are all sorts of restaurants in Catonsville, from American and Italian to Greek and Korean. But because of the area’s large South Asian community, you’ll also find a ton of different restaurants that cater to them. Try some sizzling hot kebabs at Kebab Hut, have some delicious biryani at Paradise Biryani Pointe, or choose from an array of curries at Indian Delight. If you’re in the mood for a little bit of everything, or you don’t know what to pick, head on over to the food court at The Hub Asian Food Hall.
On an unrelated side note of foods to eat while there, check out the Catonsville branch of Grilled Cheese & Co., which has delicious artisanal grilled cheese sandwiches.
Find a rare souvenir while consignment shopping
Catonsville is home to several consignment stores like Objects Found and the Artful Flea. These local businesses are wonderful little shops with so many hidden gems tucked into every nook and cranny. You can find fashion, furniture, art, decor, and so much more at highly reasonable prices.
Take some Insta-worthy pictures at the Hilton Mansion
This beautiful historic home can be found situated within the Community College of Baltimore County in Catonsville. The unique design and stunning architecture are bound to take your breath away, and the fact that it overlooks the Patapsco River only adds to its beauty. Let this backdrop stun in your next post!
Watch a show at the Thomas-Rice Auditorium
Indulge in a bit of the fine arts at the Thomas-Rice Auditorium. Intriguing plays, dance performances, concerts, and more. Past events include “Into the Woods: Sondheim’s Musical Fairy-Tale Mashup,” “James and the Giant Peach: A Musical Adventure,” and “A Few Good Men: Aaron Sorkin’s Military Courtroom Drama.”
