Six Flags America (sixflags.com), one of the largest theme parks in Maryland, is a 30-minute drive east of Temple Hills. The theme park is home to thrilling rides such as the Batwing, a Batman-themed rollercoaster, and the Tower of Doom, a free fall from a 140-foot tower. Visitors also have access to Hurricane Harbor, Six Flags' adjacent water park. Hurricane Harbor has the Tornado, a 60-foot inner tube ride, and Hurricane Bay, the water park's wave pool. Six Flags America and Hurricane Harbor are open from Memorial Day weekend in May to late August.
Clinton, Maryland, is home to the Surratt House (surratt.org), which served as a safe house for Confederate forces during the American Civil War. Built in 1852, the Surratt House was originally a plantation farm and home to Mary Surratt, the first lady to be executed by the United States government for treason. Mary Surratt was found guilty of conspiring with John Wilkes Booth in the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. At time of publication, the House is open for tourists throughout the year on Thursdays through Sundays. The Surratt House hosts art gallery events and educational movie nights. Temple Hills is 15 minutes north of Clinton.
The neighboring city of Oxon Hill is home to Oxon Grove Park (nps.gov/oxhi), a national park located next to the Potomac River. Oxon Grove Park is 10 minutes west of Temple Hills. During the early 19th century, the grounds of the national park were a plantation home. One of the marquis attractions at Oxon Cove Park is Oxon Hill Farm. Children are allowed to pet the barnyard animals at the farm, including pigs, cows and geese. The Farm offers guided tours, and a wagon ride is available. The wagon ride travels on trail that winds through the natural areas of Oxon Cove Park.
Located in Suitland, the Airmen Memorial Museum is within 15 minutes of Temple Hills. The Air Force Sergeants Association founded the museum in 1988 to honor veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces who performed parachuting duties and pilots. Artifacts, photographs and books of enlisted U.S. airmen are some of the exhibits at the Airmen Memorial Museum; the oldest artifacts predate World War I. Throughout the year, the museum displays special temporary exhibits. The museum is within one mile of Andrews Air Force Base.
