altimore is a great place for kids! Whether you’re here for a day or a week, you’ll never run out of ways to keep them entertained. We’ve pulled together a list of just a few of the experiences that are sure to create core memories.
Arts & culture
The “Chamber of Wonders” at the Walters Art Museum is sure to delight your little ones.
Many of Baltimore’s museums offer special programming for children. The Baltimore Museum of Art and The Walters Art Museum both offer free admission as well as drop-in art activities for kids so they can create their own masterpieces. The BMA’s Family Audio Tour—narrated by Henri Matisse’s dog, Raodi, and his friends—is available via iTunes and is the perfect way to help little ones understand the art. At “weekend walk-ins,” the American Visionary Art Museum provides everything you need to create your own replica of the art on display. At the Creative Alliance, you’ll find music performances, art shows and free family drop-in art programs for kids and adults of all ages.
History & heritage
Our historical sites offer a variety of learning opportunities that transport you to a different time. At Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine youngsters can earn a Junior Ranger badge after completing an activity booklet, experience live military reenactments, musket and artillery demonstration and help raise or lower the flag flying over the fort. The B&O Railroad Museum is perfect for train enthusiasts of all ages. In addition to letting you climb aboard and play conductor, the museum has a dedicated indoor play space featuring toy trains and books. Thomas the Tank Engine regularly visits to take families on a special ride. The Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park recounts the history of Frederick Douglass, Isaac Myers and the first black-owned shipyard in the United States. Experience what boat building was like during that time with a hands-on demonstration.
Science & education
Test the laws of physics at the Maryland Science Center.
Learning doesn’t have to stop just because you’re on vacation. Bring the kids to the Maryland Science Center to learn about everything from outer space to the human body. Budding scientists can complete their own experiments and test the laws of gravity in dedicated areas for different ages. Port Discovery Children’s Museum stimulates kids’ imaginations while keeping them moving. They can test new heights in the four-story SkyClimber, or become the captain of a replica cargo ship. At the Maryland Zoo and the National Aquarium, get up close and personal with furry, slimy or scaly friends. At the Zoo, animal encounters and regularly scheduled feedings give you the chance to learn about the creatures in their care. The Aquarium brings out some of its smaller animals during critter chats where kids can ask questions about their habitat or diet.
Outdoor fun
Delve into the swashbuckling life of a pirate with Baltimore’s Urban Pirates, offering pirate-themed family adventure cruises. Once aboard the Fearless, your little seafarers can learn how to talk, dance and play games like a pirate as they search for stolen treasure and blast water cannons. Hop aboard one of the Baltimore Water Taxi’s fleet of 17 black and gold boats for a scenic way to get from one neighborhood to the next. Baltimore’s many urban parks also offer unique play spaces for kids. West Shore Park in the Inner Harbor is home to the Walter Sondheim Fountain, the perfect way to cool down on a hot day. And Pierce’s Park has climbable sculptures, musical instruments and a living willow tunnel to run through.
Kid-friendly dining
R. House has plenty of open space to run around in.
You won’t just be offered a booster seat and a coloring book at Baltimore’s restaurants. We have options for both adults and children to have a good time—from breweries with family-friendly happy hours like Peabody Heights and Union Craft, to outside-voices-allowed food halls (thank you R. House and Mount Vernon Marketplace). Woodberry Kitchen offers the little ones its own all-natural play dough, and Verde provides a little extra pizza dough to mess around with. Read about more kid-friendly dining options.
Baltimore-themed coloring pages
Download these free coloring pages of Baltimore favorites like crabs, lemon sticks and snowballs. It’s the perfect way to pass the time with the little ones while also learning about what makes Baltimore so special. And if you can’t resist picking up a crayon to join in on the fun, we won’t blame you. Click on the links below to download a PDF of the page.
Crab Page Single
Crab Page Pattern
Fifi Page Single
Fifi Page Pattern
Lemon Stick Page Single
Lemon Stick Page Pattern
Snowball Page Single
Snowball Page Pattern
