Baltimore with Kids
Baltimore, Maryland is a perfect family getaway. There is so much to do within an easy radius, and it is close to places like Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and the Maryland and Delaware beaches if you want to make a longer trip out of it. We visited again for the 3rd time (with the kids), and we have been a few times without them as well. You can read about where we stayed here. I compiled this list of 17 things to do with your kids in Baltimore, most of which we have done on one of our family Baltimore trips.
This is one of our favorite science centers that we have visited as a family. It is hands-on learning at its finest, with lots of exhibits that kept the kids (and us) very interested an entertained. It is right in the Inner Harbor of Baltimore. Our favorite exhibits were the dinosaurs/paleontology, Newton’s Alley, and Your Body: The Inside Story (the kids particularly liked anything toilet-talk related). They also have an IMAX theater and a planetarium. Teachers can get in free (basic admission) with teacher ID.
Future Paleontologist?
Outside of the Maryland Science Center, Baltimore
2. Walking around the Inner Harbor
On a nice day, just walking around the Inner Harbor area is a fabulous activity. You can see some gorgeous views from different points around the harbor. Plus there are places for the kids to run around when it’s not too crowded.
Walking around the Inner Harbor, Baltimore, MD
Inner Harbor view from Maryland Science Center – bring bread to feed the ducks!
The Top of the World is an observation area on the 27th floor of Baltimore’s World Trade Center. From their website “Top of the World has expansive windows that frame the Inner Harbor, the surrounding city and beyond to the Chesapeake Bay. Discover Baltimore’s history as guides reveal fascinating facts and personal reminiscences that make Baltimore come alive! ”
One of the premier aquariums in the USA, Baltimore’s National Aquarium has lots to see and do for families. There are 2 rainforest areas (my favorite!), dolphins, jellyfish, and tons of other sealife to learn about. We saw the 4D Spongebob show, which was a huge hit (although the kids were sad that it was short).
Jellyfish at the National Aquarium
If you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all, or so I’m told. We have visited a Ripley’s before, and the kids LOVED it! Yes it is cheesy and weird, but it is something fun for the family to do. This location is right in the Inner Harbor and very convenient to all of the other Inner Harbor attractions.
6. Port Discovery Children’s Museum
We visited this Children’s Museum when the kids were a bit younger, and it was awesome. They say that it is for kids under the age of 10, but I would say that it would probably be best for about ages 8 and under. There is a lot of hands-on pretend play and learning opportunities for the kids. The Museum is within walking distance of other attractions, such as the Aquarium.
7. Fort McHenry National Monument
This was one of our highlights of our last trip to Baltimore. We hadn’t known anything about it prior to our visit, but we learned a lot while we were there. This fort was known for its role in the War of 1812, when it was attacked by the British Navy. The attack was what inspired Francis Scott Key to write the poem “The Star-Spangled Banner”.
A cannon at Fort McHenry
There are places to explore, like the old cells and dungeons
The grounds at Fort McHenry are beautiful for walking around and exploring
8. Water Taxi
“The coolest distance between two points.” The Water Taxi Stops at Baltimore’s Best Attractions: Aquarium, Harborplace, Science Center, Rusty Scupper, Pier Five, Harbor East, Maritime Park, Harborview, Locust Point, Fell’s Point, Captain James, Canton Park, Fort McHenry
9. Oriole Park at Camden Yards
My husband would be really proud of me for writing this. He loves visiting different ballparks, and this is a favorite. We were not in the right season to visit this time, but I am sure we will get here with the kids at some point. The stadium is in a convenient location within the city, which makes it very easy to get to. You can take a tour of the park too, which sounds like it would be a fun thing to do with the family.
10. Little Italy
We walked a few blocks from the Inner Harbor to Little Italy for dinner. The streets are well-kept and lined with Italian flags and too many Italian restaurants to choose from. We didn’t choose well, as our dinner was not very good & was quite disappointing (at Daleiso’s). The line for Amicci’s was much longer, which was probably a sign that we should have eaten there. We had dessert at Vaccaro’s Pastry Shop, which was very good (and had a long line)
Little Italy, Baltimore, MD
11. Buying Candy
When we are traveling, we can never resist the candy shops, even if they are overpriced and hyped up like It’s Sugar. Located right in the heart of the popular attractions, this place is hard to miss (and hard to drag the kids away from). It looks like there is a 15% off coupon, so you might want to print that out in case you end up spending 100 bucks on candy that you could have gotten from CVS for $10. It is kind of neat (and scary for a parent) to see ginormous versions of candy favorites though.
12. Eating
There are tons, and tons, and tons of chain kid-friendly restaurants to choose from in the Inner Harbor area. Realizing and being perfectly aware that these are not gourmet chowhound-worthy places, you can still get a decent meal in a family friendly atmosphere knowing that some place will have the kid trifecta of mac & cheese, chicken fingers, and/or burgers. My kids wanted to go to Noodles and Company, and we don’t have one around here. It was very good, and a very reasonable price.
13. Urban Pirates
We have not done this, but a friend of mine has & did recommend it. They have family adventure cruises that include pirate activities, games, songs, blasting water cannons, and a hunt for stolen treasure.
14. Paddle Boats
You can rent paddle boats & electric boats right in the harbor. All passengers must be at least 2 years old and weigh at least 35 lbs. All passengers are required to wear life vests while onboard the paddle and electric boats. Children aged 12 years and below must be accompanied by an adult. After dark, all passengers 17 years and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Baltimore Inner Harbor Paddle Boats
15. Historic Ships
You can take a tour of the various historic ships that are located right in the harbor. They have different types of programs and tours, such as audio tours. There are 4 ships (Sloop-of-War USS Constellation - Pier 1, Inner Harbor, Submarine USS Torsk - Pier 3, Inner Harbor, Lightship Chesapeake - Pier 3, Inner Harbor, USCG Cutter Taney - Pier 5, Inner Harbor) and you can pay to visit one, two, or all four ships.
One of the Historic Ships with a street performer entertaining nearby
16. Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse
You can tour this lighthouse, which is right in the Inner Harbor, for free. We climbed up inside of it and read the information inside to learn about the history of the lighthouse. Plus it makes for a pretty photo.
Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse, Baltimore, MD
17. The Maryland Zoo
For you zoo lovers out there, this is said to be a nice, small zoo. It sounds like a good place to spend a few hours, especially if your kids like to see animals. In addition to the regular zoo animals, you can pay some extra money to ride the carousel, fee a giraffe, ride a camel, or take a train ride.
OVERALL…..
We love visiting Baltimore with the kids. There is so much to do, and it only gave me flashbacks of The Wire* one time.
*one of the best shows ever made, go watch it right now!
