15 Best Things to do in Baltimore with Kids!

Traveling with kids can be both fun and challenging, but Baltimore makes it easy. The city has a mix of history, culture, and hands-on activities that children enjoy. From museums filled with trains and dinosaurs to outdoor parks with wide open spaces, there are plenty of places where families can spend time together. In this guide, we’ll walk you through 15 best things to do in Baltimore with kids, that explain each spot in detail, talk about what makes it special, and give you some practical tips.

1. National Aquarium

Opened in 1981, National Aquarium is one of Baltimore’s most exciting family attractions. Inside, it holds more than 17,000 animals representing over 750 species from around the world. Guests can explore exhibits like coral reefs, oceans and coastal waters, along with areas designed to show rainforests and river habitats. Highlights include Shark Alley, where visitors watch sharks glide past them, and Atlantic Coral Reef, a lively display filled with bright, colorful fish. Another favorite is the Upland Tropical Rain Forest, home to birds, sloths, and monkeys in a tropical setting.

2. Maryland Science Center

Inside Maryland Science Center visitors will find hands-on exhibits that cover topics like outer space, dinosaurs, health, and basic physics. The planetarium inside brings the night sky to life with star shows, that amaze both kids and adults, while IMAX theater plays sci-fi movies on a massive screen that everyone can enjoy together. The Dinosaur Mysteries section is a favorite, with life-size models and displays that explain how dinosaurs lived long ago. Another highlight is Newton’s Alley, where interactive experiments help children learn about motion, sound and energy in a fun and easy to understand way.

3. The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore

Opened in 1876, Maryland Zoo sits inside Druid Hill Park and spreads across more than 135 acres. It is home to over 1,500 animals from nearly 200 different species, giving families plenty to see and learn about. Visitors can also explore exhibits like African Journey, which showcases animals from across African region, and Penguin Coast has nearly 60 African penguins live in this area designed to look and feel like their natural home. The zoo also hosts daily feedings, talks by keepers, and special programs like breakfast with the animals, making each visit both fun and educational.

4. Port Discovery Children’s Museum

The Port Discovery Children’s Museum is a lively space designed to help kids learn while having fun. Spread across nearly 80,000 square feet, it offers plenty of room for children to climb, build, imagine, and explore. One of the biggest highlights is the SkyClimber, a tall play structure where kids can move through different levels. Another favorite spot is the pretend cargo ship, where little ones can step into roles like captain, engineer, or crew member. Beyond daily visits, the museum hosts school field trips, birthday celebrations, and programs that make it a popular choice for groups and families.

5. Baltimore Museum of Art

Started in 1914, Baltimore Museum of Art is a free museum that holds more than 95,000 pieces of art from different cultures and times. Its collection includes paintings, sculptures, textiles, drawings, and photographs that give visitors a wide view of artistic history. One of the most well-known sections is the Cone Collection, which showcases works by artists such as Henri Matisse, Vincent van Gogh and Pablo Picasso. The building itself was designed in the 1920s by architect John Russell Pope, and outside, two sculpture gardens invite families to enjoy art in an open-air setting.

6. Top of the World Observation Level

The Top of the World Observation Level sits high on the 27th floor of Baltimore’s World Trade Center and gives guests a complete view of the city from every side. This building is known as the tallest five-sided tower in the world and stands right next to the Inner Harbor, making it easy to spot famous landmarks, waterfront areas, and even sports stadiums from above. Inside, displays share stories about Baltimore’s history, well-known people, and local neighborhoods details. It’s also a favorite place for families and travelers to take photos and capture the city’s skyline.

7. Urban Pirates

For a different kind of adventure, Urban Pirates takes group tours out on the harbor aboard the “Fearless“, a pirate-style ship that leaves from Ann Street Pier in Fells Point. The ride lasts about an hour and is filled with activities like games, dancing, and stories told by crew members dressed as pirates. Children get to join the fun by putting on pirate sashes, learning simple pirate phrases, and even firing water cannons from the ship’s side. For adults, there are evening cruises where guests can bring their own drinks, enjoy music, and relax with lighthearted entertainment.

8. B&O Railroad Museum

The B&O Railroad Museum gives visitors a chance to step back into the early days of American rail travel. Inside, there is a wide collection of engines, train cars, and tools that show how people and goods moved across the country many years ago. A key feature is the historic roundhouse, built in 1884, which was once used to store and turn trains. Guests can walk through passenger cars, freight cars, and even working engines to get a feel for what train journeys were like in the past. It also displays model trains along with hands-on displays, turning it into an enjoyable and learning place for families with kids.

9. Maryland State Fair Grounds

The Maryland State Fairgrounds hosts the annual state fair across three weekends, usually starting in late August and running into early September. Beyond that, the fairgrounds hosts many carnival rides, delicious food, live music events, farm animals, and even horse races, creating a lively vibe. It’s a gathering spot where people of all ages take part in games, shows, and traditions that have been part of the community for years. Beyond the fair season, the grounds stay busy with year-round events like dog shows, craft markets, and seasonal festivals.

10. The Walters Art Museum

Established in 1934, Walters Art Museum has a collection of more than 36,000 items that cover over 7,000 years of history, including treasures like Egyptian artifacts, Roman sculptures, Greek pottery, and works from Asia and Africa. It started with personal collection of William and Henry Walters, and later it slowly expanded to showcase paintings, sculptures, jewelry and some rare books gathered from cultures across the world. Special sections highlight medieval armor, Asian ceramics and religious pieces, giving families with kids a great chance to experience art in many forms.

11. Lexington Market

First established in 1782, Lexington Market is among the oldest public markets in the country and has been part of Baltimore’s community life for more than two centuries. It has always been a place where people gather to share food, shop for essentials, and connect with one another. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of local favorites, including seafood, fried chicken, sandwiches, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Alongside the food stalls, there are also small shops offering flowers, spices, and handmade goods, making the market a lively mix of tradition and modern flavors.

12. Oriole Park at Camden Yards

Opened in 1992, Oriole Park at Camden Yards is the home stadium of the Baltimore Orioles. The park can hold more than 44,000 fans and has a Eutaw Street, a walkway that runs between the field and the old B&O Warehouse, where plaques mark the spots of memorable home runs. Another highlight is the Birdland Murals, a collection of bright and creative artwork by local artists that showcase Baltimore’s spirit and culture. Guests can join guided tours, step onto the field, and discover stories about the team’s past, making it a special experience for baseball lovers and visitors.

13. CFG Bank Arena

The CFG Bank Arena has been an important spot for entertainment in Baltimore ever since it first opened its doors in 1962. With space for around 14,000 guests, the arena is used for big events like concerts, sports games, and live shows. Over the years, it has hosted boxing events, basketball matchups, and performances by well-known music artists. For those looking for extra comfort, the arena also offers private suites and club sections. Owned by the City of Baltimore, the venue hosts more than 100 events every year, giving locals and families plenty of chances to enjoy live entertainment.

14. M&T Bank Stadium

First opened in 1998, M&T Bank Stadium is the home field of the Baltimore Ravens and can seat more than 70,000 fans. Located right beside Oriole Park at Camden Yards, the stadium is easy to reach and is known for clear signs, friendly staff, and plenty of food options. Built with support from the Maryland Stadium Authority, it has been upgraded over the years with larger video boards and stronger sound systems. Visitors can head to RavensWalk, a lively path between the stadium and the baseball park that has food stalls, games, and live music, creating a fun vibe for fans of all ages.

15. Amazon Fulfillment Center Tours

The Amazon Fulfillment Center Tours at the BWI2 site give guests a behind-the-scenes look at how packages are prepared and shipped. This facility is a robotics sortable center and the tour lasts around 60 to 90 minutes and covers about a mile of walking, showing each step of how orders are chosen, packed, and sent out. Along the way, visitors learn interesting details about the technology and the people who make it all work. It’s a chance to see how online shopping comes together and understand what happens before a box shows up at your doorstep.

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