Baltimore, Maryland, is a city with a rich history. Founded as a seaport in 1706 for the tobacco trade with England, the city is known as the birthplace of the clipper ship and is also known for some of the best crabcakes you’ll ever eat. Families will find so many things to do it can be hard to narrow it down. So we’re here to help! Let’s take a closer look at the top 10 family-friendly activities in Baltimore.
Get Fishy at The National Aquarium
The National Aquarium is one of Baltimore’s top tourist attractions, for good reason. This world-class aquarium is home to over 17,000 animals from over 750 species, including sharks, dolphins, and sea turtles.
Exhibits include the Amazon River Forest and the Jellies Invasion, which features a stunning (and stinging) collection of jellyfish. One of the most impressive sights is a 150-year-old, 5,000-pound finback whale skeleton, affectionately known as Omega, which hangs from the ceiling in Blacktop Reef.
The aquarium also invites guests to join the sea creatures’ daily animal feedings and offers interactive exhibits, such as the Dolphin Tour and Shark Alley, where you can walk on a bridge just inches above the sharks and rays.
Engage Your Brain at Maryland Science Center
The Maryland Science Center is a perfect way to sneak some learning into your day. This interactive museum is designed to inspire curiosity and learning about science and technology. Your young scientist can experiment with the laws of motion in Newton’s Alley or be a paleontology sleuth in the Dinosaur Mysteries exhibit. Maybe someone wants to operate a fish cam or dress up like a turtle in the Kid’s Room. And astronauts will want to check out Life Beyond Earth.
The museum also schedules programs and workshops, and an IMAX theater that boasts a 5-story screen currently offers shows about butterflies, sea lions, bears, and mountain adventure.
Indulge Your Creative Streak at the Baltimore Museum of Art
For a more cultural experience, head for the Baltimore Museum of Art. This museum is home to over 95,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. Divided into separate galleries, art, from ancient to contemporary, is beautifully displayed.
Check out the spectacular Moon Dust installation by Spencer Finch. Lighted globes of different sizes, which represent the moon’s atomic makeup, are suspended from the ceiling, creating a massive and beautiful chandelier. Programs such as Artful Stories, which includes storytelling, music, and art activities, will delight children. Once outside, visit the Sculpture Gardens, where 3 acres of walking trails house 33 sculptures from the past 100 years.
Play Ball at Oriole Park at Camden Yards
For sports fans, a visit to Oriole Park at Camden Yards must be on the agenda. This historic ballpark is home to the Baltimore Orioles, and it’s known for its stunning architecture and views of the city skyline.
Take a guided tour of the park and learn about its history and architecture. Of course, you’ll want to catch a game during the baseball season, and while you’re there, check out Eutaw Street.
Eutaw Street has a carnival atmosphere between the park and the B&O Warehouse, with vendors, concessions, and the team store. But don’t forget to look down. Because to give credit to the great athletes inside the park, 101 brass baseballs mark the sidewalks where home runs have landed outside the stadium.
Commune with Nature at Druid Hill Park
Druid Hill Park is one of Baltimore’s largest parks, with 745 acres to roam, run, or maybe even catch a quick nap. The park features miles of trails that wind through forests and meadows, as well as a lake and a zoo (more on the zoo later).
If you have plant lovers in the group, visit the Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory and Botanic Gardens. The stunning Victorian Glass Conservatory opened in 1888, is the second oldest steel frame and glass building in the country. Five distinct areas feature year-round displays.
The park also has several playgrounds and picnic areas, as well as a disc golf course. It’s a perfect spot to let the kids run off some steam.
For the Wee Ones: Port Discovery Children’s Museum
The Port Discovery Children’s Museum is specifically designed with young children in mind. This interactive museum encourages creativity and exploration with exhibits that focus on science, math, and the arts.
Plenty of themed open play areas let your wiggle worm wiggle with abandon. The Adventure Expeditions exhibit features a life-sized cargo ship ready to be boarded. Tiny’s Diner gives kids a chance to role-play different jobs in a restaurant. The BGE Studio Workshop allows children to explore sensory play and art, and the Playhouse at Port Discovery is designed to unleash your performing artist.
Get Goosebumps on Baltimore Ghost Tours
Baltimore is known for its haunted history, and what could be better than a ghost tour to learn about the city’s spooky past?
There are several ghost tours available in Baltimore, such as Fells Point Ghost Walk and Mount Vernon Ghost Walk, each focusing on specific stories from the area. You’ll take a guided walking tour of some of the city’s most haunted sites, such as cemeteries (no surprise there!), abandoned buildings, and historic homes.
Learn about seances gone wrong and hotel guests who never checked out. Of course, the best time to go is at night. Boo!
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
In the War of 1812, Fort McHenry is a significant historic location that played a crucial part. It inspired Francis Scott Key to compose the “Star-Spangled Banner.”As you explore the fort and its grounds, you’ll no doubt consider the events that led to the song. When you focus on the present moment, you will be treated to the breathtaking sights of Baltimore Harbor.
The fort also offers a range of programs and events, such as Flag Talks, which teaches about the history and significance of the American flag, and cannon and musket firing demonstrations.
Extra credit: If your children complete a Junior Ranger activity booklet (downloadable online), they will receive an official Junior Ranger badge and certificate!
Get Wild at the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore
Who doesn’t love a zoo? The Maryland Zoo is home to over 1,500 animals from around the world, including big animals (elephants, giraffes, rhinos) and small ones (hedgehogs, newts, bats).
Habitats such as the Penguin Coast and the African Journey offer a glimpse into how the animals would live in the wild. Experience a live animal encounter with the zoo’s knowledgeable animal care team.
The zoo also hosts educational programs and events. A favorite is Zoo Snooze, where you can spend the night at the zoo and learn about the animals after dark.
Take to the High Seas at Urban Pirates
For a unique, fun-filled experience, check out Urban Pirates. This company will take you on a pirate-themed cruise aboard a replica pirate ship, complete with costumes and activities for kids.
Choose from the Family Adventure or Sunset Cruise for pirate-themed fun like treasure hunts and face painting. Learn to talk, sing, and dance like a pirate and man the water cannons against intruders!
The cruises also offer food and drinks for purchase because being a pirate makes you hungry. It’s a fun twist on history and a different perspective on the city—from the water.
The 10 Best Family-Friendly Activities in Baltimore in Summary
Baltimore is a city that never disappoints. Whether you’re into history, art, nature, sports, science, food, hip-hop, or ghosts, Charm City can deliver. Pack the kids and have a healthy sense of adventure. Oh, and probably some sneakers.
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