I admire the fact that Baltimore has such a good variety of museums for kids.
Baltimore is a city that has a lot to offer when it comes to kid-friendly activities. One of the most popular options are the various children's museums located throughout the city. These museums are designed to be both fun and educational, providing kids with an interactive way to learn about a wide range of topics.
One of the most well-known children's museums in Baltimore is Port Discovery Children's Museum. This museum features 80,000 square feet of exhibits spread out over three floors. Kids can explore a variety of exhibits, including a life-sized cargo ship, a three-story urban treehouse, and an interactive theater. The museum also offers a range of programs and events, including story times, art classes, and STEM workshops.
In addition to Port Discovery, there are several other children's museums in Baltimore worth checking out. Ellicott Mills Children's Museum is a newer museum that offers a range of exhibits focused on science, technology, engineering, and math. The Baltimore Museum of Industry is another great option for kids who are interested in learning about the city's history and the role it played in shaping American industry. Overall, Baltimore's children's museums offer a fun and educational way for kids to learn and explore.
Exploring Baltimore's Kid Museums
Baltimore is a city that offers a wealth of family-friendly activities, including a variety of museums that cater to kids of all ages. These museums provide a unique opportunity for children to learn about culture, heritage, and history while having fun.
One of the most popular kid museums in Baltimore is Port Discovery Children's Museum. This museum is designed for kids between the ages of 2 and 10 and provides a range of interactive exhibits that encourage play and learning. Some of the highlights include the SkyClimber, a pretend cargo ship, and an indoor sports court.
Another museum that is worth visiting is the American Visionary Art Museum. This museum showcases the work of self-taught artists and features a range of visionary art pieces that are both eye-catching and thought-provoking. Kids will love exploring the museum's unique exhibits and learning about the artists who created them.
For families interested in STEM, the Maryland Science Center is a must-visit museum. This museum offers a range of interactive exhibits that allow kids to conduct their own science experiments, excavate dinosaur fossils, and learn about the solar system. The museum also features a planetarium that offers a range of shows and presentations throughout the day.
Overall, Baltimore's kid museums offer a unique opportunity for families to explore the city's culture and heritage while providing a fun and entertaining experience for kids. Whether you're interested in art, science, or history, there's a museum in Baltimore that's sure to capture your imagination.
Port Discovery Children’s Museum
Port Discovery Children’s Museum is a must-visit destination for families in Baltimore. This interactive museum is one of the top children's museums in the nation, with over 80,000 square feet of space and three floors of interactive exploration.
Interactive Exhibits
Port Discovery Children’s Museum offers a wide variety of interactive exhibits that inspire curiosity and creativity in children. The museum features exhibits that explore themes such as art, science, and technology. One of the most popular exhibits is the SkyClimber, which is best for children ages five and up. The SkyClimber is a challenging exhibit that allows children to climb four stories high and reach for the clouds.
The Port
Another popular exhibit at Port Discovery Children’s Museum is The Port. The Port is a giant pretend cargo ship where children can set sail together and try their hand at jobs like captain, engineer, and more. This exhibit is perfect for children who love to play pretend and explore their imaginations.
Indoor Sports Court
Port Discovery Children’s Museum also features an indoor sports court where children can play and exercise. This is a great place for children to burn off some energy and have fun.
Admissions
Admission to Port Discovery Children’s Museum is affordable, and museum members receive free admission. The museum is open to guests, members, and groups from 12 PM to 5 PM, Tuesday through Friday. Groups can also visit the museum from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM.
Overall, Port Discovery Children’s Museum is an excellent destination for families with children in Baltimore. The museum offers a wide variety of interactive exhibits, including the challenging SkyClimber and the giant pretend cargo ship, The Port. The indoor sports court is also a great place for children to play and exercise. Admission is affordable, and museum members receive free admission.
Maryland Science Center
The Maryland Science Center is a popular destination for families with young children. It is located in the heart of Baltimore's Inner Harbor and offers a variety of interactive exhibits and programs that promote science education and exploration.
Planetarium
The Maryland Science Center boasts a planetarium as one of its major highlights, giving guests an opportunity to discover the mysteries of the cosmos.. The planetarium features a state-of-the-art digital projection system that creates a fully immersive experience. Visitors can choose from a variety of shows that cover topics such as space exploration, the solar system, and the stars.
Admission Fees
The Maryland Science Center offers a range of admission fees depending on the age of the visitor and the type of admission they choose. General admission for adults is $24.95, while children between the ages of 3 and 12 can enter for $19.95. Children under the age of 3 can enter for free.
In addition to general admission, the Maryland Science Center offers a variety of special packages and memberships. For example, a family membership includes unlimited admission for a year, discounts on programs and events, and free admission to more than 300 science centers and museums worldwide.
Overall, the Maryland Science Center is a great place for families to learn about science and explore the wonders of the universe. With its interactive exhibits, planetarium, and educational programs, it offers a unique and engaging experience that is both fun and educational.
B&O Railroad Museum
The B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in American railroading history. The Western Hemisphere's largest and oldest collection of railroad artifacts can be found at the museum, comprising 19th and 20th century equipment beyond compare. The museum was originally opened by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&O) company on July 4, 1953, as the Baltimore & Ohio Transportation Museum. Today, it is a full affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and shares and preserves the storied legacy and experiences of American railroading.
Visitors to the museum can explore the history of the B&O Railroad, which was the first common carrier railroad in the United States. The museum's exhibits include historic locomotives, passenger cars, freight cars, and cabooses, as well as tools, photographs, and other artifacts that tell the story of the railroad and the people who built it.
The museum also offers a range of programs and activities for kids and families, including a dedicated hands-on play area for early learners called Junior Junction. Visitors can also take a train ride on the museum's historic railroad, which runs on a mile-long stretch of track behind the museum.
Overall, the B&O Railroad Museum is an excellent destination for anyone interested in the history of American railroading. With its extensive collection of artifacts, interactive exhibits, and family-friendly programs, it offers a fascinating and educational experience for visitors of all ages.
American Visionary Art Museum
The American Visionary Art Museum is a must-visit destination for families traveling to Baltimore. This unique museum showcases the work of self-taught artists and features a variety of visionary art pieces that are both eye-catching and thought-provoking.
Interactive Art Studios
One of the highlights of the American Visionary Art Museum is the Interactive Art Studios. These studios provide visitors with the opportunity to create their own art and explore their creativity. The studios offer a range of activities, including painting, drawing, and sculpture. Visitors of all ages can participate in these hands-on activities and create their own unique art pieces.
Musical Exhibits
The American Visionary Art Museum also features a range of musical exhibits. These exhibits showcase the work of musicians who have pushed the boundaries of traditional music and explored new forms of expression. Visitors can listen to music from a range of genres, including jazz, blues, and rock and roll.
Overall, the American Visionary Art Museum is a fascinating destination that offers visitors the opportunity to explore the world of art and creativity. Whether you are interested in interactive art studios or musical exhibits, there is something for everyone at this unique museum.
Sankofa Children's Museum of African Cultures
Sankofa Children's Museum of African Cultures is a unique museum located in Baltimore, Maryland. The African continent is rich in physical and cultural diversity, and the museum wishes to provide children from various backgrounds with an opportunity to discover and explore this. Through educational and inspirational activities, the museum connects children to the African continent, informing them about its culture and history.
The museum offers an ever-changing lineup of exhibits, ensuring that there is always something for everyone to enjoy. The exhibits showcase the rich and diverse cultures of Africa, including art, music, dance, and traditional clothing. Children can learn about the different languages spoken in Africa, the geography of the continent, and the history of African kingdoms.
The museum also offers educational programs, workshops, and events for children of all ages. These programs are designed to be interactive and engaging, allowing children to learn about African culture and history in a fun and meaningful way. The museum's mission is to inspire children to explore the world around them and to appreciate the diversity of cultures that exist in our world.
Visitors to the museum can expect to see a range of exhibits, including traditional African masks, musical instruments, and clothing. The museum also has a collection of artifacts from various African countries, including Ghana, Nigeria, and South Africa. Visitors can learn about the different cultures and traditions of these countries and how they have influenced African culture as a whole.
In conclusion, Sankofa Children's Museum of African Cultures is an excellent place for children to learn about African culture and history. The museum's exhibits, educational programs, and events are designed to be interactive and engaging, ensuring that children have a fun and meaningful learning experience. The museum's mission is to inspire children to explore the world around them and to appreciate the diversity of cultures that exist in our world.
Fire Museum of Maryland
The Fire Museum of Maryland is a must-visit destination for families looking to learn about the history of firefighting. Located in Lutherville, Baltimore County, the museum houses a collection of more than 40 pieces of antique fire apparatus, including fire trucks, tools, photos, and memorabilia.
One of the highlights of the museum is its exhibit dedicated to the Great Baltimore Fire of 1904. Visitors can learn about the fire and its impact on the city through primary documents, actual engines that fought the fire, and original footage by Thomas Edison. The museum also offers a program for students that guides them through the exhibit and the 1871 Fire House.
In addition to its exhibits, the Fire Museum of Maryland also has a Discovery Room that kids love. The room is filled with interactive displays that teach children about fire safety and firefighting. The museum also offers educational programs for school groups, scouts, and other organizations.
Since opening its doors in 1971, the Fire Museum of Maryland has become a nationally renowned institution. It offers an exciting, valuable, and educational experience for visitors of all ages. Whether you are a history buff or just looking for a fun family outing, the Fire Museum of Maryland is a must-visit destination.
Baltimore Museum of Art
The Baltimore Museum of Art is a must-visit destination for families with kids in Baltimore. This museum is renowned for its extensive collection of art, including works from Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas, and the Pacific Islands.
One of the best things about the Baltimore Museum of Art is that admission is free, making it an affordable option for families. In addition to its impressive collection, the museum offers a range of family-friendly activities and programs.
For example, the museum hosts "Free Family Sundays at Home" for families who can't make it to the galleries. These downloadable arts and crafts activities allow families to explore the collection and see how art connects to daily life.
The Baltimore Museum of Art also offers drop-in art activities for kids, so they can create their own masterpieces. Parents can take advantage of the museum's website, which offers creative activities for parents to do with kids while exploring the exhibitions, such as acting out a painting.
Overall, the Baltimore Museum of Art is a fantastic destination for families looking to explore art and culture in Baltimore. With its free admission and family-friendly activities, it's a great way to spend a day with the kids.
Additional Activities in Baltimore
National Aquarium
The National Aquarium is a must-visit attraction for families with kids. It is home to more than 20,000 animals, including dolphins, sharks, turtles, and exotic fish species. The aquarium offers a variety of exhibits, including the Amazon River Forest, the Jellies Invasion, and the Blacktip Reef. Visitors can also enjoy interactive experiences like touching stingrays and horseshoe crabs and watching 4D movies. The National Aquarium is located in the Inner Harbor and is open daily.
Urban Pirates
For a unique and exciting experience, families can take a cruise with Urban Pirates. The pirate-themed boat ride offers a fun-filled adventure for kids and adults alike. The crew will teach kids how to talk like a pirate, hoist the Jolly Roger, and search for treasure. The boat ride also includes water cannons, face painting, and storytelling. The Urban Pirates cruise departs from the Inner Harbor and runs from April to October.
Dining
Baltimore offers a variety of dining options that cater to families with kids. The Inner Harbor is home to many restaurants that offer kid-friendly menus and activities. Some of the popular options include Johnny Rockets, Hard Rock Cafe, and Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. For a more casual dining experience, families can visit the food court at the Harborplace Mall. The food court features a variety of fast-food options and indoor seating.
In addition to the Inner Harbor, families can also explore the Fells Point and Canton neighborhoods for dining options. These neighborhoods offer a variety of restaurants that cater to families, including Italian, Mexican, and Asian cuisines.
Overall, Baltimore offers a variety of activities for families with kids, including the National Aquarium, Urban Pirates, and dining options in the Inner Harbor and surrounding neighborhoods. Families can also explore other attractions, such as the Port Discovery Children's Museum and the Maryland Science Center, for more educational and interactive experiences.
Planning Your Visit
When planning a trip to Baltimore with kids, visiting one of the city's many kid-friendly museums is a must. Here are some tips to help you plan your visit.
Discounts
Many of Baltimore's museums offer discounts for families, military personnel, and students. It's worth checking the museum's website before you go to see if there are any special offers available. For example, the Baltimore Museum of Art and The Walters Art Museum both offer free admission, and the Port Discovery Children's Museum has discounted admission for military families.
Reviews
Before visiting a museum, it's always a good idea to read reviews from other families who have been there. This can give you a sense of what to expect and help you plan your visit accordingly. Websites like TripAdvisor and Yelp have reviews from real people who have visited the museums, so you can get an idea of what they liked and didn't like.
Ratings
In addition to reviews, it's also helpful to look at the museum's ratings. Many websites, like TripAdvisor and Google, have a rating system that allows visitors to rate the museum on a scale of 1-5 stars. This can give you an idea of how highly the museum is regarded by other visitors.
Photos
Looking at photos of the museum can also be helpful in planning your visit. Many museums have photos on their website, but you can also find photos on social media sites like Instagram. By looking at photos, you can get an idea of what the museum looks like and what exhibits are on display.
Things to Do
Finally, it's important to plan ahead for what you want to do at the museum. Many museums have special exhibits or events that are only available for a limited time, so it's worth checking the museum's website to see what's on offer. You can also plan ahead by looking at the museum's map and deciding which exhibits you want to see first.
By following these tips, you can plan a fun and memorable trip to Baltimore's kid-friendly museums.
I think that families growing up in or passing through Baltimore will have an excellent variety of kids museums.

Hello, explorers! I’m Judith Eve, the founder and principal writer for HeyFamilyTravelers and CruisingtonPost.
My home is nestled in beautiful South Florida, where the sun kisses the waves and the beach stretches out like an endless welcome mat. It’s a gorgeous place that brings joy and inspiration, but my spirit has always been captivated by the allure of distant shores and unique cultures. The thrill of packing a suitcase, stepping aboard a plane or a ship, and waking up in a new destination never fails to ignite my soul.
I started my life’s adventure as a mother of two wonderful children who have since blessed me with three delightful grandchildren. The memories we’ve built exploring the globe together are the treasures of my heart. This love for family and travel is the core of HeyFamilyTravelers, a place where I share our stories, tips, and experiences, aiming to inspire other families to embark on their own adventure-filled journeys.
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Happy Travels,
Judith Eve