Surrounded by spectacular parks, green areas and historic neighborhoods intersected by beautiful cobblestone streets, Baltimore is an ideal city for families to enjoy. From themed museums to aquariums, recreational centers, playgrounds and stunning NFL and major league ballparks, there’s something for everyone.
And, if you enjoy a delicious seafood dish or lobster, this city is known for its seafood, especially its blue crabs! But above all, Baltimore is a key place when it comes to cool places to go with family and kids across the country!
Here we bring you a round-up of all kinds of fun, educational, outdoor, and several other things to do with kids in Baltimore, Maryland! Be sure to check them out so you know what to plan next time you’re coming to town!
20 Best Things to Do in Baltimore with Kids
1
Port Discovery Children’s Museum
Port Discovery Children's Museum has three floors of fun activities for kids 8 and under. Bring your kids for a full day of exploration, games and more! Popular exhibits include the SkyClimber, Wonders of Water, and more. As a certified sensory museum, it is an accessible option for children of all needs and abilities. Discover amazing things to do with kids in Baltimore here at Port Discovery Children's Museum!2
National Aquarium
The National Aquarium is perfect when it comes to things to do in Baltimore with kids! Enjoy exhibits like the Blacktip Reef, the Atlantic Coral Reef, and others that are even award-winning! Kids will see unique species like fascinating blacktip reef sharks, and more.3
Inner Harbor
One of the most famous places to visit in Baltimore is the Inner Harbor. From museums to aquariums, panoramic city views, a planetarium, and entertainment options (like live music shows), there’s something for everyone here. You will find tons of things to do with kids in Baltimore!4
The Maryland Zoo
Right at the top of the best things to do in Baltimore with kids is to visit the Zoo. There are not only animal encounters, although a particularly cool one is to meet the penguins. You can also try out the Wildlife Quest Virtual Reality, an interactive attraction that allows you to travel into animal habitats. Also, don’t miss out on the Rhino and Otter Training or feed a giraffe!5
Urban Pirates
Take your kids for an “Argh-tastic” experience boarding the interactive tour of Urban Pirates. Dive in a super fun adventure for an hour and a half filled with water cannon blasts, games and treasure hunts! It’s suitable for all ages, so it’s perfect for things to do in Baltimore, Maryland, with kids.6
Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Baltimore is home to one of the most famous baseball teams, the Orioles. If your kids love this game, then you must take them to Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The stadium also features activities for the little ones, such as a playground and a moon bounce. And if the mascot, the Oriole Bird, is around, maybe you can take a picture with your kid.7
The Baltimore Museum of Art
When it comes to educational and cultural activities, a visit to the Baltimore Museum of Art should be at the top of the list. What's interesting is that on the first and third Sundays of each month, the BMA offers free things to do in Baltimore with kids. At these events, families can participate in gallery tours, make-and-take projects, and artist-led workshops.8
Federal Hill Park
This is a perfect plan for family outdoor activities. With 10.3 acres of large green spaces, playgrounds, and fantastic panoramic views of the Inner Harbor, Federal Hill Park is great for things to do with kids in Baltimore! Enjoy a picnic or celebrate your child's birthday party here!9
Cylburn Arboretum
The Cylburn Arboretum is a natural oasis right in the city. With an impressive 200 acres, it is almost a natural lung full of gardens and natural beauty. Here you will find educational but fun things to do in Baltimore with kids at its Nature Center. Stroll the wooded trails and visit a historic mansion that is also located here. Kids can participate in summer nature camps and field trips!10
Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum
The most important name in baseball is Babe Ruth, and if you're a fan of the sport, you can't miss the opportunity to visit this museum. You will find everything about the life of ‘The Bambino’ through photographs, memorabilia and more that the kids will appreciate and enjoy!11
Maryland Science Center
The Inner Harbor is a destination full of exhibits and interactive activities for the whole family. The Maryland Science Center has an IMAX theater where kids can uniquely watch movies. Some of the exhibits that kids will enjoy the most are Dinosaur Mysteries and the Kids Room. The center also offers camps, workshops, and other educational activities.12
The Baltimore Streetcar Museum
Among the things to do in Baltimore with kids you must consider, is visiting the Baltimore Streetcar Museum. You will feel like stepping back in time with antique collections of this transportation system. Some even date back to the early 1900s! Don’t miss out on the opportunity of going for a ride on one of these streetcars.13
Top of the World Observation Level
One of the must-see attractions when visiting Baltimore, Maryland is the Top of the World Observation Level. Located on the 27th floor of the World Trade Center, there is no place to get a better panoramic view than from here. Kids will be able to see up to four states if they are lucky enough to go up on a clear day. It's also one of the free things to do in Baltimore with kids: kids under 3 get in for free!14
Topgolf
When it comes to fun things to do with kids in Baltimore, Topgolf is a popular destination! The venue combines entertainment, sports, and fun by offering games for all skill levels. Topgolf offers a unique golfing experience with microchipped balls and over 90 all-weather bays.15
Baltimore Water Taxi
One of the best things to do with kids in Baltimore is the Water Taxi. Hop on to explore the landmarks and history of the city. There is an especially fun way for kids to enjoy the boat ride: the Scavenger Hunt. To participate, kids must pick up a scavenger hunt booklet at the ticket booth or on board the taxi. When the task is completed, a prize is awaiting you!16
Hard Rock Cafe Baltimore
One of the most important restaurant franchises in the world, Hard Rock Café, has a location in Baltimore. You will be surrounded by memorabilia of famous musicians and bands. The venue has a special kids menu and even offers "Rock Om", a yoga class. Enjoy a delicious burger and live music at the same time!17
M&T Bank Stadium
Baltimore, home of the Ravens, invites you to visit M&T Bank Stadium. When you attend an NFL game, you'll find plenty of kid-friendly activities, including the Ravens Walk, a pregame festival outside the stadium that features games, live music, food, and more. Kids can participate in in-game contests and take pictures with the mascots on game day.18
Druid Hill Park
One of the most historic parks in town is Druid Hill Park. Established in 1860, it's one of Baltimore's best things to do with kids. It covers 745 acres (impressive!) and is home to the Maryland Zoo and the Howard P. Rawlings Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, which features a variety of exotic plants and flowers! It's great to enjoy a summer day!19
Chessie Dragon Paddle Boats and Electric Pirate Ships
Similar to the Water Taxi but more intended for kids, we have the Chessie Dragon Boats and Electric Pirate Ships. The first ones are pedal-powered, while the second ones are fueled by solar energy. These attractions are perfect for family-friendly activities!20
Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture
This is an excellent choice for things to do in Baltimore, Maryland, with kids. Among the exhibits that stand out is "Black Woman Genius: Elizabeth Talford Scott—Tapestries of Generations," featuring this outstanding artist.Depending on the city’s environment, history, and natural diversity, plans to enjoy it with the family may vary. For instance, if you are looking for things to do with the kids in Orlando, you surely will not hesitate to take them to Disney World.
So, if you are planning to visit Maryland and are looking for things to do in Baltimore with kids, now you know you must visit the Inner Harbor, among other educational but fun places like the National Aquarium!