Things to do with kids in Baltimore

Things to do with kids in Baltimore

1. SeeInner Harbor

   American Visionary Art Museum

   The most eclectic and interesting collection of contemporary art from non-professional artists, with many works of beauty, some of paranoia, and a fair share of sheer obsessive personality disorder!

   Wed-Sun 10AM-5PM·Adults $15.95, discounts available for seniors, children and large groups

2. SeeSouth Baltimore

   Babe Ruth Museum

   This museum is actually in the house where the Great Bambino himself was born. The museum isn't huge, but should be considered a can't-miss attraction for baseball fans. There is a white baseball "trail" leading from Camden Yards straight here, so it isn't hard to find. Plan to spend about a half hour looking at the exhibits on his life, and also the neat new one on the 500-homer club.

   Tue-Sun 10AM-5PM·$6 adults, $3 children 3-12

3. SeeWest Baltimore

   Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum

   Located in a beautiful historic railroad roundhouse is a large collection of locomotives and railcars dating back to the very earliest railroads of America. Train rides are sometimes available. Very kid friendly.

   Mon-Sat 10AM-4PM, Sun 11AM-4PM·Admission $18, discounts for seniors and children available

4. SeeSouth Baltimore

   Baltimore Museum of Industry

   Baltimore's museum of the common man defies the idea that history is just about politicians, wars, and artists. You'll see recreations of a cannery, a turn of the century textile factory, a printing press, Dr Bunting's old pharmacy, and exhibits on the Domino Sugar Factory. There are plenty of good hands-on activities for kids—they can even become child laborers in the textile shop!

   Tue-Sun 10AM-4PM·$10/8/6 (adults/seniors/children & students)

5. DoDowntown

   CFG Bank Arena

   Baltimore Arena or Royal Farms Arena

   Baltimore city's largest indoor venue is host to frequent sporting and other major performances. It's an old clunker, and they're looking to replace it, but it's still fine to bring your family here.

6. SeeDowntown

   Enoch Pratt Central Library

   An excellent free library with a one-of-a-kind archive of rare books and documents, including many related to Edgar Allan Poe and H.L. Mencken, and an extensive 16mm film collection including many avant garde rarities. The children's department has a goldfish pond.

   Mon-Wed 10AM-8PM, Thu 10AM-5:30PM, Fri Sat 10AM-5PM, Sun 1PM-5PM

7. SeeSouth Baltimore

   Fort McHenry

   Really a must-visit for any tourist in Baltimore, this is the birthplace of the Star Spangled Banner, the United States National Anthem. The fort's military history is best known for its central role in the defense of the country in the War of 1812, simply named the Battle of Fort McHenry. At the time, Baltimore was the industrial powerhouse of the United States, and was a critical producer of ships and armaments. Fort McHenry remained relevant in future wars: a prison for captured Confederate soldiers in the Civil War, a military hospital during WWI, and again an active Coast Guard base during WWII. Since 1925 it has been designated as a National Park (and since 1939 doubly listed as a National Monument), and is today a museum, with plenty of cannons and nooks and crannies to explore. Back to the National Anthem, it was Francis Scott Key, who escaped here from British captivity in the War of 1812, and joins Edgar Allen Poe, Thurgood Marshall, and H L Mencken as a preeminent icon of the city and the eponym for dishes at restaurants, bridges, and one impressive golden statue in Bolton Hill. He might be a little sad to see that the flag is not still there. It was getting extra raggedy after all these years, and was moved to the National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. for preservation.

   9AM-4:45PM daily·$15, children under 15 are free

8. EatNorth Baltimore

   Golden West Cafe

   The Golden West Cafe is very popular, and not without good reason. The atmosphere is casual and comfortable (and family-friendly), with almost beautifully tacky "golden western" decor. The "southwestern" food on offer is very good, even for the relatively high prices. The service is slow and inattentive—don't be shy about hollerin' at your server if he's ignoring you. The bar here is one of the better places in Hampden to enjoy a beer, and it's open Su-Th until 1AM, F Sa until 2AM.

   Mon-Fri 10AM-3PM, 5PM-10PM; Sat 9AM-2:30PM, 5PM-10PM; Sun 9AM-2:30PM, 5PM-8:45PM·$8-15

9. SeeEast Baltimore

   Great Blacks in Wax

   Only the American Visionary Arts Museum could claim to be more unique than this very off-the-beaten-path museum, and it might be wrong. The catchy name betrays the extremely disturbing content (make sure your kids are prepared). It's appropriately disturbing, though, as much of African American history is horrifying even without seeing it reproduced with life-sized wax figures. The first room you enter sets the tone: a cramped slave ship, packed with brutalized slaves watched over by a sadistic slavemaster. The lynching scene is in a separate room downstairs, so you can get through the museum without getting those particular nightmares. It's not all doom and gloom, though, as the story of African Americans is full of personal triumphs and huge contributions to the society of not just this country, but of the world.

   Tue-Sat 9AM-6PM, Sun noon-6PM (summer days are open on Mondays as well)·$12/10

10. EatMidtown

    Helmand

    The city papers love it, the locals love it, even the Karzai family loves it—this truly may be Baltimore's favorite restaurant. The decor is urbane and fairly upscale, but it's fine to wear jeans. The food, despite the restaurant's popularity, is remarkably well-priced. Focus on the appetizers; it's not a bad idea to order a bunch of them, and only one entree to share. Aushak is a specialty here, but if you haven't had kaddo (sauteed pumpkin with a garlic yogurt sauce), order it.

    Sun-Thu 5PM-10PM, Fri Sat 5PM-11PM·$18-30

11. SeeInner Harbor

    Historic President Street Station

    The surviving headhouse of Baltimore’s first railway station. The platforms and train shed no longer survive, but the building narrowly escaped demolition on several occasions, and has been operated by volunteers as a museum since 1997. Formerly the Baltimore Civil War Museum, it still includes some exhibits on the station’s role during the U.S. Civil War. Operated by Friends of the President Street Station, and being considered for inclusion in the National Park System.

    Daily 10AM-4PM·$3/adult, $2/student, children under 12 free

12. SeeInner Harbor

    Ice Rink at Baltimore's Inner Harbor

    Ice skating rink at the Inner Harbor open during the holidays from mid/late November to early/mid January (check website for exact hours and dates).

    Mon-Thu 3-8PM, Fri 3-11PM, Sat 11AM-11PM, Sun 11AM-8PM·Adults $9; kids, military, seniors $7; skate rental $4

13. SeeFells Point

    Jewish Museum of Maryland

    A museum dedicated to regional Jewish history, with lots of hands on, family-friendly exhibits, as well as artwork, historical photographs, and multimedia exhibits. Tours of two local historic synagogues are given at 1PM and 2:30PM.

    Tue-Thu, Sun noon-4PM; closed Jewish and Federal holidays·$8, $4/students, $3/children

14. SeeInner Harbor

    Maryland Science Center

    Great family outing, full of hands-on, interactive science exhibits for kids of all ages.

    Tue-Fri 10AM-4PM, Sat Sun 10AM-5PM·General admission $26.95, discounts available for seniors, children and military

15. DoEast Baltimore

    Mt Pleasant Ice Arena

    Open year round, this indoor ice rink is too far away for your average city visitor, unless they have a car, but it's a good escape for a family from touring the sights.

    Mon-Thu noon-2PM, Fri 8:30PM-10:30PM, Sat 3PM-5PM,8:30PM-10:30PM, Sun 3PM-5PM·$4, $2 skate rentals

16. SeeInner Harbor

    National Aquarium

    One of the best aquariums in the nation, the Baltimore Aquarium is famous for its tropical rain forest exhibit, its efforts to saving marine mammals, and its large shark tanks. Well worth the price of admission, it's a draw for marine scientists and civilians alike. Due to its popularity, expect to be in long lines to purchase tickets and then have to wait to enter several hours later, especially during weekends or vacation times; to avoid this, plan ahead and purchase tickets early or online.

    Mon-Thu 9AM-5PM, Fri Sat 9AM-8PM, Sun 9AM-6PM, seasonal hours vary·General admission $49.95, discounts for seniors and children available. Half price Fridays after 5PM.

17. SeeDowntown

    National Museum of Dentistry

    Almost humorously clean, this is an unusual tourist destination, even by Baltimore standards. The collection is decidedly weird, including the first toothbrush in space, historical dental equipment and exhibits on old (and unpleasant!) procedures, and even George Washington's not-exactly-wooden dentures! Best for those who have a professional interest in dentistry, parents who want to get their kids to see (or be scared into seeing) just how good they actually have it in modern dentistry, or for grizzled veteran tourists who have lost all interest in traditional attractions.

    Wed-Fr 10AM-4PM·$10 adults; $5 seniors, students, and children under 13

18. DoEast Baltimore

    Parkville Bowling Lanes

    Similarly remote, and a similarly fun escape from the city center. It is Maryland style duck-pin bowling, so it's especially great for kids who aren't yet ready to wield the big balls. They also have a video arcade, pizza and beer, and easy parking.

    Mon-Thu 9AM-10PM, Fri 9AM-midnight, Sat 3PM-midnight, Sun noon-6PM (8PM in winter)·~$2/game

19. EatSoutheast Baltimore

    Pizza John's

    Excellent pizza from this family owned business. Authentic Italian food. Share a table with the Coruzzi family from Teramo and Collevecchio Italy.

20. DoWest Baltimore

    Preakness Stakes

    The second of the U.S. Triple Crown series of Thoroughbred racing is one of the single biggest horse racing events in the United States. The crowds are pretty huge, but the numbers are not driven by the family-friendly stands in the outfield, but rather the insane orgy of drunkenness in the infield. If you want a wild experience to remember and have virtually no compunctions of any sort, the infield is the place to be. The Black-Eyed Susan Stakes, held the afternoon before, while not as popular as the Preakness, is an important race held for 2-year-old fillies. However, Pimlico has now closed for a complete reconstruction. All races held there, including the Preakness, have moved to Laurel Park before returning to the rebuilt Pimlico in 2027.

    Third Sat of May

21. SeeFells Point

    Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture

    This new facility is the largest museum on the East Coast that is devoted to African American history and culture, ranging from local Maryland history to national. Includes a 200-seat theater for performances theatrical, musical, dance, etc.

    Wed-Fri noon-5PM, Sat-Sun 10AM-5PM·$8, $6/seniors, children, and students, free under 6

22. BuyDowntown

    Samuelson's Diamonds

    The City Paper gives Samuelson's, another venerable family-run Baltimore shop, the nod for best place in the city to buy an engagement ring.

    Tue-Fri 10AM-5PM, Sat Sun 10AM-4PM

23. SeeWest Baltimore

    The Maryland Zoo

    Large zoo set in a classic Victorian-era park. If you want to go on a weekend, purchase tickets in advance over the web to get the weekday rate; if purchasing tickets at the gate, you can save a buck by finding a Maryland Zoo flyer at the visitor's center that has a $1 off coupon.

    Daily 10AM-4PM, closed January, February, Thanksgiving and Christmas·Adults $11 weekdays and online ticketing, $15 weekends; discounted for seniors and children

24. SeeInner Harbor

    Top of the World

    An observation deck on the 27th floor of the 31-story "World Trade Center", designed by I.M. Pei the tallest pentagonal building in the world and located directly on the waterfront. It provides amazing views of downtown, the inner harbor and bay, and all of the surrounding neighborhoods.

    Summer hours: Mon-Thu 10AM-6PM, Fri Sat 10AM-7PM, Sun 11AM-6PM; non-summer hours: Wed-Sun 10AM-6PM; last admission one half hour before closing·Admission $8, discounts available for seniors, children and military

25. DoInner Harbor

    Urban Pirates

    A swashbuckling adventure on a pirate ship in the Inner Harbor! As you might expect, this is very popular with younger kids.

26. DoFells Point Not mapped

    Baltimore Ghost Tours

    A one hour walking tour of historic and haunted Fells Point in Baltimore's Inner Harbor. Also has a 2 hour haunted pub tour. Reserve by phone or email.

    March-Nov: Fri-Sat 7PM·$13, $8/kids under 13

27. SeeInner Harbor Not mapped

    Historic Ships in Baltimore

    At the piers of Inner Harbor are a collection of four different historic ships from Baltimore's maritime legacy, which have been decommissioned and converted into museums that you can tour on your own. Ticket prices range from $8-16 and are based on how many ships you want to tour (one, two or four), with discounts available for seniors and children. Admission to the lighthouse is always free.

    10AM-5PM daily, seasonal hours vary

28. DoSoutheast Baltimore Not mapped

    LatinoFest

    A two-day festival celebrating Latino culture for one weekend in June of each year since 1980, with food, dancing and live music. It draws a multicultural crowd, so if you're not Latino you won't feel out of place, although a basic knowledge of Spanish would help with some of the vendors.

    $5 admission for adults, children under 12 free

29. EatFells Point

    Little Donna's

    Intimate family-like dining.

    Dinner: Tue-Thu 5-9PM, Fri-Sat 5PM-10PM·$25-32

30. DoInner Harbor

    Port Discovery Children's Museum

    35 Market Pl

    Mon-Sat 10AM-5PM, Sun noon-5PM

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Baltimore (CC BY-SA 4.0).