Baltimore with Kids: 15 Fun Family Activities & Attractions (2025 Guide)
Looking for the best family things to do in Baltimore? You’ve come to the right place! Baltimore might not be the first city that comes to mind when planning a family vacation, but “Charm City” definitely lives up to its nickname with a treasure trove of kid-friendly attractions.
I’ve personally tested these spots with kids of various ages, and I’m excited to share the 15 best family activities in Baltimore that combine fun, education, and those special moments that make family trips memorable.
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💡 Pro Tip: Before diving into specific attractions, I recommend getting the Baltimore Harbor Pass which includes admission to multiple attractions at a discount. On my last trip with my nephew, we saved nearly $40 per person by bundling the National Aquarium, Maryland Science Center, and a few other spots!
🐬 Animal Attractions in Baltimore for Families
When it comes to family things to do in Baltimore, the animal attractions are absolute standouts that your kids will be talking about for months.
National Aquarium
20,000+ Animals Interactive Exhibits
The National Aquarium at the Inner Harbor is hands-down one of the most impressive aquariums I’ve visited anywhere. The multi-level Blacktip Reef exhibit with floor-to-ceiling viewing windows is mesmerizing – we spent nearly an hour here alone watching sharks and rays glide by. The “Living Seashore” touch pool is another highlight where kids can gently touch moon jellies and horseshoe crabs under staff supervision.
🌟 My Experience: When my 6-year-old niece visited the Blacktip Reef, she pressed her face against the glass and didn’t move for 20 minutes straight! The staff was incredible, taking extra time to answer her endless questions about shark teeth and dolphin communication.
Highlights:
- Blacktip Reef with 500+ fish and floor-to-ceiling views
- Dolphin Discovery exhibit with daily presentations
- Living Seashore touch pool experience
- Multi-level tropical rainforest with free-flying birds
Price Range: $39.95 adults, $29.95 children 3-11
⚠️ Warning: The National Aquarium gets extremely crowded on weekends and during school breaks. If possible, visit on weekdays or take advantage of their half-price Friday nights after 5 p.m. for significant savings.
Maryland Zoo
135 Acres 1,500+ Animals
Located in scenic Druid Hill Park, the Maryland Zoo offers a more relaxed animal experience than the bustling aquarium. The Farmyard area is particularly great for younger children who can pet and brush goats and sheep. Older kids tend to love the Penguin Coast exhibit, which houses one of the largest colonies of African penguins in North America.
Highlights:
- Penguin Coast with over 100 African penguins
- Interactive Farmyard with petting opportunities
- African Journey exhibit with elephants, giraffes, and lions
- Polar Bear Watch with underwater viewing areas
💡 Pro Tip: Download the zoo’s app before your visit to access maps, feeding schedules, and special events. When I visited with my nephews last spring, we used the app to time our visit to the giraffe feeding station perfectly, and they got to hand-feed lettuce to a 16-foot giraffe!
Price Range: $24 adults, $19 children 3-11
🏛️ History-Focused Family Activities in Baltimore
Baltimore’s rich history comes alive at these family-friendly attractions that make learning exciting rather than a chore.
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
War of 1812 Site National Anthem Birthplace
Just south of downtown, Fort McHenry is where Francis Scott Key was inspired to write “The Star-Spangled Banner” during the War of 1812. This historic fort offers a perfect blend of outdoor space for kids to run around while soaking in some American history.
🌟 My Experience: During our visit last summer, my 10-year-old nephew participated in the Junior Ranger program and was absolutely beaming with pride when he received his official badge. The daily flag-changing ceremony brought tears to my eyes – it’s performed with such reverence and makes history tangible for children.
Highlights:
- Junior Ranger program with activity booklets and badges
- Daily flag-changing ceremonies
- Living history demonstrations (weekends and summer)
- Beautiful waterfront location with harbor views
Price Range: $15 per vehicle, children under 15 free
B&O Railroad Museum
Historic Roundhouse Train Rides Available
Located west of downtown, the B&O Railroad Museum is a train lover’s paradise. Housed in a beautiful historic roundhouse, it features one of the most significant collections of railroad treasures in America. The ability to climb aboard actual historic trains is a huge hit with kids of all ages.
Highlights:
- Historic train rides along first commercial railroad track
- Climb aboard vintage locomotives and rail cars
- Kids play area with train tables and activities
- Beautiful 1884 roundhouse architecture
💡 Pro Tip: Plan to spend at least 2-3 hours here, and check the website before visiting to see when the train rides are running. They don’t operate every day, and my niece was heartbroken when we visited on a non-ride day!
Price Range: $20 adults, $12 children 2-12 (train rides extra)
The Walters Art Museum
Free Admission Family Programs
Don’t skip this gem in the Mount Vernon neighborhood thinking it’s too stuffy for kids! The Walters Art Museum has made impressive efforts to be family-friendly with interactive exhibits and dedicated children’s programming. The medieval armor collection is always a hit, and the museum offers free Family Art Center activities on weekends where kids can create their own masterpieces.
Highlights:
- Completely FREE admission
- Medieval armor and weapons collection
- Family Art Center with weekend activities
- Ancient Egyptian artifacts
Price Range: FREE!
🔬 Science and Technology Museums for Baltimore Family Fun
These interactive museums make science and learning incredibly fun for kids of all ages.
Port Discovery Children’s Museum
3 Interactive Floors SkyClimber Structure
Located near the Inner Harbor, Port Discovery is designed specifically for children with three floors of interactive exhibits. The centerpiece “SkyClimber” is a massive climbing structure that lets kids navigate between floors. The hands-on exhibits encourage play-based learning, with areas designed for different age groups.
🌟 My Experience: I brought my 7-year-old niece and 4-year-old nephew here on a rainy day, expecting to stay for maybe two hours. We ended up spending the entire day, and they still didn’t want to leave! The SkyClimber structure gave them a safe way to burn off energy, and I was impressed with how the staff gently introduced STEM concepts through play.
Highlights:
- SkyClimber three-story climbing structure
- “Adventure Expeditions” with ancient Egypt theme
- The Port water play area
- Dedicated Toddler area for children under 3
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re also planning to eat at Phillips Seafood nearby, keep your museum receipt—kids eat free with a paying adult and Port Discovery receipt!
Price Range: $19.95 per person, free for children under 2
Maryland Science Center
Hands-on Exhibits IMAX Theater
The Maryland Science Center at the Inner Harbor features three floors of hands-on exhibits, a planetarium, and an IMAX theater. It’s designed to make science accessible and fun for visitors of all ages. The “Dinosaur Mysteries” exhibit with life-sized dinosaurs and fossil dig pits is always a highlight.
Highlights:
- “Dinosaur Mysteries” with fossil dig pits
- Davis Planetarium shows
- “Newton’s Alley” physics demonstrations
- IMAX theater with educational films
How to Save Money:
- Check Groupon before your visit for discounted membership deals
- Visit after 5pm on Fridays for discounted “Fridays After Five” pricing
- Consider the Harbor Pass if visiting multiple Inner Harbor attractions
Price Range: $26.95 adults, $19.95 children 3-12 (IMAX extra)
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🌳 Parks and Nature Spots for Families in Baltimore
When your family needs a break from museums and attractions, these green spaces offer perfect respite.
| Park Name | Best Features | Cost | Best For Ages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cylburn Arboretum | 207 acres, gardens, hiking trails, Victorian mansion | FREE | All ages |
| Lake Roland Nature Center | 503 acres, wetlands boardwalk, natural playground | FREE | 5-12 |
| Federal Hill Park | Harbor views, playground, sloped lawns for kite flying | FREE | 3-10 |
| Rawlings Conservatory | Historic glass conservatory, exotic plants, seasonal displays | $5 suggested donation | 6+ |
Cylburn Arboretum
207 Acres FREE Admission
This 207-acre arboretum north of downtown is a peaceful retreat with manicured gardens, hiking trails, and a historic Victorian mansion. There’s plenty of open space for running around, seasonal scavenger hunts, and nature programs specifically designed for children.
🌟 My Experience: I took my nature-loving nephew here last spring, and the staff gave him a special scavenger hunt sheet to find different tree species. The look of accomplishment on his face when he completed it was priceless. We ended with a picnic lunch under a beautiful magnolia tree in full bloom.
Highlights:
- Beautiful garden collections
- Nature trails with varying difficulty levels
- Historic mansion with weekend tours
- Seasonal children’s activities and programs
Price Range: FREE!
⛵ Adventure Activities for Families in Baltimore
For families who crave a bit more excitement, these unique Baltimore experiences deliver.
Urban Pirates
1-Hour Cruise Interactive Adventure
Set sail on the Chesapeake Bay aboard a pirate ship from the Inner Harbor! This interactive cruise lets kids dress up, learn pirate phrases, and participate in a treasure hunt and water cannon battle. The entire 1-hour cruise is interactive, with crew members staying in character the whole time as they lead kids through games and activities.
Highlights:
- Interactive pirate crew and adventure
- Water cannon battles
- Face painting and temporary tattoos
- Treasure hunting and pirate oaths
⚠️ Warning: Wear clothes that can get wet! The water cannons are a big part of the fun, and even though they provide ponchos, you’ll likely still get splashed.
Price Range: $22 per person, children under 3 free
Baltimore Water Taxi
Harbor Transportation All-Day Passes
The Baltimore Water Taxi isn’t just transportation—it’s an attraction itself! These blue and white boats criss-cross the harbor, giving you a unique perspective of the city while getting you to various attractions. There’s something magical about being on the water, and the water taxi offers great views of harbor attractions.
💡 Pro Tip: Consider purchasing an all-day pass if you plan to visit multiple waterfront attractions. On our last trip, we used it to hop between the National Aquarium, Fort McHenry, and Fell’s Point for dinner – much more fun than driving and parking at each spot!
Price Range: $18 all-day adult pass, $9 children 3-10
⚾ Sports Experiences for Kids in Baltimore
Baltimore’s passionate sports culture offers unique experiences for families.
Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Baseball Experience Family-Friendly
Even if you’re not a baseball fan, Camden Yards is worth visiting as one of America’s most beautiful ballparks. Located downtown, it’s easily accessible and offers family-friendly pricing compared to many other MLB stadiums.
🌟 My Experience: Taking my 8-year-old nephew to his first baseball game here was magical! We arrived early to explore Eutaw Street, got some player autographs during batting practice, and he was selected to participate in a between-innings contest. After the game, he got to run the bases as part of their Sunday kids’ program – a memory he still talks about years later.
Highlights:
- Sunday “Kids Run the Bases” program
- Interactive play area with games and activities
- Historic Eutaw Street promenade with shops and food
- Family-friendly pricing and promotions
Price Range: Starting at $15 per ticket
🍝 Cultural Exploration with Children in Baltimore
Baltimore’s diverse neighborhoods offer authentic cultural experiences that families can enjoy together.
Little Italy
Cultural Experience Family Restaurants
Southeast of downtown, Baltimore’s charming Little Italy neighborhood offers a taste of Italian heritage with family-friendly restaurants, bakeries, and seasonal festivals. The Italian desserts are a big draw, especially the gelato and cannoli. The neighborhood also has bocce courts where kids can try their hand at this traditional Italian game.
Highlights:
- Authentic Italian restaurants with kid-friendly options
- Vaccaro’s Italian Pastry Shop for amazing desserts
- Summer outdoor movie nights
- Seasonal festivals like Madonnari Arts Festival
💡 Pro Tip: Visit during the Madonnari Arts Festival in the fall when the streets fill with amazing chalk art, or during outdoor movie nights in summer when films are projected onto a restaurant wall under the stars. My nieces were mesmerized watching “Luca” while enjoying Italian ice on a warm August evening!
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❓ FAQs: Common Questions About Family Things to Do in Baltimore
What’s there to do in Baltimore with kids?
Baltimore offers a wealth of family-friendly attractions including the National Aquarium, Maryland Zoo, Port Discovery Children’s Museum, and numerous parks and historical sites. Many attractions offer interactive exhibits specifically designed for children of different age groups.
Is there anything fun to do in Baltimore?
Absolutely! From pirate boat adventures and water taxi rides to exploring Fort McHenry and watching Orioles games, Baltimore offers diverse activities for families. Urban Pirates cruises and the massive SkyClimber at Port Discovery are particularly exciting for kids.
Is Baltimore worth visiting as a tourist?
Yes, Baltimore makes an excellent family destination with its mix of educational attractions, outdoor spaces, and cultural experiences. The Inner Harbor area in particular is very tourist-friendly with numerous attractions within walking distance of each other.
What is Baltimore famous for?
Baltimore is known for its historic Inner Harbor, Fort McHenry (birthplace of the national anthem), distinctive neighborhoods like Little Italy, and its maritime heritage. For families specifically, the National Aquarium and Camden Yards are notable attractions.
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Ready for an Unforgettable Baltimore Family Adventure?
Baltimore truly deserves its “Charm City” nickname, especially when exploring with children. Whether you’re watching penguins waddle at the Maryland Zoo, exploring marine life at the National Aquarium, or setting sail on a pirate adventure, Baltimore provides those special moments that family trips are made of!
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Suggested Meta Description: Discover the 15 best family things to do in Baltimore in 2024! From the National Aquarium to Urban Pirates cruises, this guide shares kid-tested attractions, money-saving tips, and personal experiences for an unforgettable family trip to Charm City.
