Get Curious About the Maryland Science Center
This engaging destination invites both kids and adults to learn through exploration.
The Maryland Science Center has something for visitors of all ages, from the tiniest tots to grown-ups. Head to the Inner Harbor to explore the three floors of interactive exhibits designed to feed your imagination and invite you to have fun. Learn about some of the can’t-miss stops at the Science Center and how to make the most of your visit.
Exhibits
Dinosaur Mysteries
You can’t miss the Dinosaur Mysteries exhibit on the ground floor. Grab a magnifying glass to examine fossils, measure a dinosaur’s footprint or marvel at the T-Rex and Astrodon skeletons that loom overhead.
Are you brave enough to face the jaws of a dinosaur at Maryland Science Center?
The Kids Room
Dedicated to the smallest scientists, the Kids Room emphasizes learning through play and features a water play area and a safe zone for babies under two. You’ll enjoy their wonder as they play with scarves in a wind tunnel, build Lego towers and learn about gravity with ramps.
Newton’s Alley
Newton’s Alley is one of MSC’s most popular exhibits!
One of the most popular exhibits at the Maryland Science Center is Newton’s Alley, a people-powered exhibit designed to encourage exploration of energy, force and motion. Here you can see sound, touch a cloud and even race bubbles.
Make
Roll up your sleeves—it’s time to make! Take on problem-solving challenges, invent new objects and investigate the inner workings of familiar items. Make is where art, craft, design, science and technology meet.
Space
Explore what it’s like working in outer space. Engineer rockets, drive rovers, blast away asteroids, search for exoplanets, navigate through a field of black holes or get spaghettified!
You – The Inside Story
Fans of the board game Operation will love this 12,000 square-foot exhibit, which consists of 35 interactive kiosks and play spaces designed to teach us more about how our bodies perceive and interact with the world around us. You’ll be put through tests that reveal how your body is calibrated and encouraged to ponder the body’s capabilities, limitations and possibilities.
IMAX Shows
Sit back and be prepared to be awed by a stellar IMAX film on the museum’s five-story screen—the largest indoor screen in Maryland. The program changes daily, but features a mix of travelogues, Hollywood features and 3D nature documentaries.
Harvey M. Meyerhoff Digital Planetarium
Blast off on a journey to the far reaches of the galaxy, explore other worlds, and search for familiar shapes among thousands of stars—all in the Meyerhoff Digital Planetarium. Planetarium shows generally last between 30 and 40 minutes and are included with regular admission. During the 21+ “Music Under the Dome” events, in-house curated visuals are paired with a musician’s discography to create an immersive experience. Featured artists have included Taylor Swift, Daft Punk and David Bowie.
Observatory
Take a tour of the stars above Baltimore, glimpse the planets, or safely view the sun from the high-powered telescope in the Science Center’s rooftop observatory, or learn how to use your telescope during a “Telescope Training” workshop offered throughout the spring and fall.
Every Friday, explore the night sky with a free stargazing session at the Observatory, weather permitting.
Programming
Super Science Sleepovers
If you’ve ever wanted to have your own “Night at the Museum” experience, you’ll love the family-friendly Super Science Sleepovers. Experience the museum’s exhibits in a new way, and enjoy special programming around designated themes like Star Wars and Minecraft. Say goodnight to the dinosaurs at 10:15 p.m. and wake up to a complimentary light breakfast at 6:30 a.m.
Grown Up Field Trips
The MSC believes science is for everyone, and their Grown Up Field Trips are just as educational as they are entertaining. Games and activities are based on the night’s theme, which is often nostalgic (think Nickelodeon and Jurassic Park), and local drink and food vendors are on site to keep the vibes high.
Halloween Baltimore
The Maryland Science Center hosts one of Baltimore’s hottest Halloween parties. Spend the night hopping between the venue’s multiple stages, which feature performances by drag performers, cover bands, bluegrass artists and DJs.
Tickets
General admission includes access to the exhibit halls, planetarium and the demonstration stage. You may exit and re-enter the building during your visit, as long as you’re wearing your wristband. Strollers are allowed and there’s also a café if your crew gets hungry. Parking is validated at three nearby garages. Check the website for locations. Purchase tickets here.
