Is this your first trip to Baltimore, or have you visited many times? Either way, your ideal first stop is at the Baltimore Visitor Center conveniently located in the heart of the Inner Harbor near the Maryland Science Center. This new 8,000-square-foot glass building offers incredible views of the city, and information about everything you want to see and do. The state-of-the-art center, open daily from 9am to 6pm, is a resource through which you can purchase tickets for major attractions and shows, including Baltimore Harbor Pass, a value-added combination pass to many of the attractions listed below, make hotel and dinner reservations, and plan your itinerary conveniently and easily. Call the center at (
410/659-7300). For more details and other information about Baltimore, you can also visit www.baltimore.org.
When you need a break from all the activity, enjoy the pleasant vistas from West Shore Park, located between the Visitor Center and the Science Center, new since April 2006. Bring the family here to lounge on the lawn under shady trees near a lovely public garden.
Great Fun for the Kids
(Toddler to Age 8)
The National Aquarium in Baltimore
501 East Pratt Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
410/576-3800
Recently expanded to twice it's original size including a new waterfront park, this institution was one of the first in the Inner Harbor' s revitalization. Take the kids for a walk through a living tropical rainforest and enjoy learning about the over 16,500 animals and sea creatures who call this place home. Visit the Marine Mammal Pavilion for a fun and fascinating live dolphin show where active underwater cameras give the audience a glimpse into the adaptation process that Atlantic coast dolphins use to survive. Everyone will enjoy the antics of these delightful creatures and will cheer as they respond to the cues they have learned from their trainers. A frog exhibit, "A Chorus of Colors," is a recent addition to the aquarium and it features the beautiful array of colors of frogs from all over the world. The family is also greeted with a chorus of rippits that are sure to make for an excellent tune. And new in the December 2007 season, is the 4D Immersion Theater, where a film comes to life through not only sights and sounds, but smells and motion as well.
Port Discovery
35 Market Place
Baltimore, MD 21202
410/727-8120
Located one block northeast of the Inner Harbor, this exciting, state-of-the art children's museum is the third largest in the nation and was also named one of the top five children museums in the US by Child Magazine. Mainly focusing on ages 2-10 years, the museum has a strong emphasis on early childhood learning and has recently added exhibits and activities for newborns to 4-year-olds. The interactive displays throughout the 80,000-square-foot museum are designed to indulge children's natural curiosity by offering fun, discovery and exploration.
B&O Railroad Museum
901 West Pratt Street
Baltimore, MD 21223
410/752-2490
The B&O Railroad Museum, home to the oldest, most comprehensive collection of railroad artifacts in the Western Hemisphere, was closed in February 2003, when a fierce snowstorm caused the roof of its home, the historic 1884 Baldwin Roundhouse, to collapse. After massive fund-raising efforts to restore this national treasure located in the city considered to be the birthplace of American railroading, the landmark museum is "back on track." More than 150,000 damaged pieces of the collection have been restored, including locomotives, rolling stock and memorabilia such as lanterns, dining car china, signals, etc. The renovation also allowed for some re-design and the expansion of educational programming and family-oriented activities. From April-December, families can enjoy a train ride on the first commercial railroad track in America (included in the admission price). There is also a seasonal family area which features a wooden train play set, interactive car pump demonstrations and a intricate toy train model that travels through a mini city.
National Museum of Dentistry
University of Maryland
31 South Greene Street (at Lombard)
Baltimore, MD 21201
410/706-0600
Located in the building which housed the world's first dental school, this offbeat but fun museum is the only one of its kind! Exhibits include interactive and instructional collections of gear, gadgets and interesting info such as, the permanent display, "32 Terrific Teeth" (a life-size model of an "iron jaw" circus act). Other current and past special and traveling exhibits include: the "Tooth Jukebox," where you can play a tune and "Branches, Bristles and Batteries" which explores the evolution of toothbrushes.
Maryland Zoo
Druid Hill Park
Baltimore, MD 21217
410/366-LION
The third oldest zoo in the country (dating from 1876) is located in lovely Druid Hill Park, and it has recently undergone some exciting improvements. Now visitors can save their energy to explore the park, and be transported from the main gate to the zoo's central plaza on a new tram. Once inside, families can visit Polar Bear Watch, an exhibit about life in the Arctic featuring Alaska and Magnet, the zoo's resident polar bears; and see new chimpanzees, including a baby born here in 2006. Kids of all ages will enjoy an old-fashioned carousel ride. Also, new is a new giraffe feeding station and the return of the zoo's flamingos.
Fun for Older Children
(Up to Age 18)
Harborplace
200 East Pratt Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
410/332-4191
At the heart of Baltimore's Renaissance is the shopping and restaurant complex housed in two glass structures, Pratt Street Pavilion and Light Street Pavilion. Shop for gourmet food, crafts and indigenous gifts, as well as in popular national retail stores. When hunger pangs strike, there are restaurants and snack bars representing many international cuisines, including local seafood, pizza, burgers etc.
ESPN Zone at the Power Plant
601 East Pratt Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
410/685-3776
Dating from the early 1900, this industrial complex, formerly the power plant of the Baltimore City trolley system, currently houses a fantastic entertainment complex. This re-cycled architectural treasure, with its immense metallic smokestacks, is now the home of the worlds' first ESPN Zone whose 35,000 square feet is 1/3 restaurant, 1/3 sports bar and 1/3 interactive game room. Everyone will enjoy "The Screening Room's" 13 giant screens (simultaneous broadcasts of different events) and a multitude of sports memorabilia including a scale model of Wrigley Field created from Wrigley's chewing gum wrappers. Next, sample a meal at the Studio Grill where you are served at a replica set from an ESPN's program. Finish off by trying your hand at the Sports Arena, a 10,000-square-foot, high-tech arcade with virtual reality and interactive sports games galore. If you have any energy left, there is a basketball half-court and a hockey area where you can try out your skills. For non sports fans in your family, a huge Barnes and Noble bookstore is located directly next to the ESPN Zone, sharing part of the building whose unique architectural features are present throughout the store.
Maryland Science Center
601 Light Street
Baltimore, MD 21230
410/685-5225
A great place to explore all aspects of science from paleontology to marine biology to physics, including lots of demonstrations and hands-on activities for budding scientists to investigate. In the spring of 2004, the Davis Planetarium, the Crosby Ramsey Memorial Observatory, an IMAX Theatre and other popular areas of the museum were joined by major renovations and additions. In "TerraLink," the Earth Sciences exhibit, a weather station with a replica of a TV newsroom set enables kids to play meteorologists as they monitor earthquakes, and in the "Dinosaur Mysteries" Hall, little explorers can unearth prehistoric evidence in interactive dig pits, and see examples of over 30 pre-historic creatures. The expansion also allows plenty of room so that Baltimore can host the nation's best touring exhibits. Additionally, the National Visitors' Center for the Hubble Space Telescope continues to offer visitors the opportunity to come face to face with space while learning about the birth and death of stars, the meaning of galaxies and black holes, as well as observing fascinating details of the solar system.
Baltimore Museum of Art
10 Art Museum Drive
Baltimore, MD 21218
443/573-1700
The repository of the Cone Collection, the largest collection of works by Pierre Matisse in the world, as well as treasures of the 19th century, modern and contemporary art and an outdoor sculpture garden.
Walters Art Museum
600 North Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
410/547-9000
The collection of William and Henry Walters spans 55 centuries and includes Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Islamic, Medieval, Renaissance and 18th-and 19th-century European and American art, East Asian bronzes, Asian ceramics and a collection of manuscripts and rare books. In October, 2005, the Renaissance and Baroque galleries were re-installed in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the completion of the museum's original Palazzo Building.
Fun for the Family
Oriole Park at Camden Yards
333 West Camden Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
888/848-BIRD
Camden Yards is the official home of the Baltimore Orioles and is located a few blocks from Babe Ruth's birthplace. Opened in 1992, this state-of-the-art stadium is walking distance from the Inner Harbor and combines modern features with a nostalgic "retro" feeling for baseball's long history and the stadiums of the past. Given year-round, the 1½ hour guided tour takes you to the press room, the scoreboard control room and the dugout.
Sports Legends at Camden Yards
Camden Station
310 West Camden Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
888/438-6909, 410/727-1539
Located adjacent to Camden Yards on two floors of the historic 1856 Camden Station, this comprehensive 22,000-square-foot museum, opened in May, 2005, features artifacts and interactive exhibits about the history of sports in Baltimore. Focusing on its importance to the city, as well as Baltimore's many contributions, fans will learn about the Baltimore Orioles, Colts and Ravens, as well as the Negro Leagues and college teams with featured athletes such as Johnny Unitas, Jamie Foxx and, of course, Babe Ruth.
Die-hard Ruth fans should follow the painted baseballs on the street to visit The Babe Ruth Historic Birthplace and Museum (410/727-1539, 216 Emory Street Baltimore, MD 21201) a rowhouse just 3 blocks west of Camden Yards for exhibits on the life and times of this most important native son.
Geppi's Entertainment Museum
Camden Station
310 West Camden Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
410/625-7060
Sharing Camden Station with the Sport Legends museum, this unique 17,000-square-foot facility opened in 2006 is dedicated to the 230 year history of popular culture and its affect on entertainment and education in America. Displays include the first successful recurring characters used in toy manufacturing and advertising - Palmer Cox's Brownies, up through Star Wars action figures and Sponge Bob. Visit with Buster Brown, Disney characters, Felix the Cat, Howdy Doody, Agent 007, Burt and Ernie and more. You can reminisce with your kids while you show them the toys that you and your parents played with, and learn about the history of comic characters as you marvel at the huge comic book collection - if only your mother hadn't thrown yours out!
Ride the Ducks of Baltimore
Light Street Pavilion at Inner Harbor
Baltimore, MD 21202
877/887-8225
Take a unique ride in a 1945 Army DUKW. Already popular in many other American cities, this part truck/part boat has been converted into a comfortable vehicle for a unique 80-minuted guided tour (April - November) through the streets of Fell's Point, Federal Hill, Little Italy and past some of the city's famous landmarks. The tour climaxes with a plunge into the Inner Harbor for a waterside view of town, and passengers are provided duckbill "quackers" to add to the fun.
Ed Kane's Water Taxis
410/563-3901, 800/658-8947
Want to go from the Science Museum to Fell's Point? Hop aboard on of the blue and white boats for all-day, unlimited on-off service between more than 30 attractions and neighborhoods. Pay once and ride all day.
Double-Decker Bus Tour of Baltimore
877/BALTIMORE
For land-only lovers, hop aboard a traditional London open-top double-decker bus for a 90-minute narrated tour of all of Baltimore's major sites, with stops at 16 attractions including Harborplace, the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum, the Maryland Zoo in Druid Hill Park, and Camden Yard. Tickets are valid for 24 hours and you can hop on and off whenever the spirit moves you. Buses leave hourly from the Visitor's Center.
National Historic Seaport of Baltimore
802 South Caroline Street
Baltimore, MD 21231
410/783-1490
Baltimore's rich maritime history is represented by over 15 historic sites at or near the waterfront. The NHS offers a 3-day pass for one free admission at each attraction and water transportation on the Harbor Shuttle. Included are the Baltimore Museum of Industry, the Fireboat Base, Historic Fell's Point, the Flag House and Star Spangled Banner Museum, and the following highlights:
U.S.S. Constellation Museum
Pier 1, 301 East Pratt Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
410/539-1797
Plan to spend some time learning about naval history and the Civil War era. The U.S.S. Constellation, built in 1854, is the only surviving Civil War all-sail naval vessel. De-commissioned in 1955, it was moored in Baltimore for restoration and presentation. Since then, it has hosted more than 7 million visitors who learn about its rich history, both during and after the Civil War, and participate in educational tours on the workings of the 179-foot sailing sloop, the restoration process, as well as demonstrations of knot tying, tools, and games played during the Civil War. Top this all off by learning some sea shanties, and your visit is complete!
Fort McHenry
2400 East Fort Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21230
410/962-4290
Another favorite stop for history buffs of all ages, Fort McHenry is probably best remembered as the inspiration for "The Star-Spangled Banner" during the British attack on September 13, 1814. Now, under the aegis of The National Park Service, the Fort welcomes visitors to a wealth of programs and activities. View the 15-minute film "The Defense of Fort McHenry" first, then proceed to the daily flag change and Ranger activities such as explanations of a soldier's uniform and knapsack, and cannon-firing demonstrations. Learn about The Battle of Baltimore during the War of 1812 and the important role of the Fort during the Civil War, the Revolutionary War, and up through World War II. Special events include Civil War Weekends, Flag Day (June 14) Celebrations and precision drill exhibitions complete with military band music.
Heritage and Specialized Tours
In addition to maritime tours sponsored by The National Historic Seaport of Baltimore, several other organizations offer theme-based programs. Baltimore's Heritage Walk (443/514-5900, 800 East Lombard Street Baltimore, MD 21202) is available as a guided, or self-guided overview tour through the Inner Harbor, Little Italy and other neighborhoods, showcasing over 20 of the city's most distinct landmarks and historical sites. Maps and tickets are available at the Visitor Center.
Fell's Point (410/675-6751, 1724 Thames Street Baltimore, MD 21231) is a fascinating part of the city where you'll find interesting boutiques, galleries, antique stores and other locally owned businesses, as well as varied pubs and restaurants along the quaint cobblestone streets of this waterfront community. Film buffs, and those who miss the television series "Homicide: Life on the Street," will enjoy seeing its "station house" and the Waterfront Bar, and scenes from the film "Tin Men" and other movies. A series of walking tours including an Immigration Tour (Baltimore was second after Ellis Island as a port of immigration), and an authentic Ghostwalk of this neighborhood are available through the Fell's Point Preservation Society (410/675-6750, 812 Ann Street Baltimore, MD 21231).
The Baltimore African-American Tourism Council sponsors "Baltimore Black Heritage Tours" (410/783-5469), with visits to sites of the Underground Railroad, historic churches, restaurants, as well as tours of the Eubie Blake National Museum (410/225-3130; 847 North Howard Street Baltimore, MD 21201).
An African-American heritage tour would not be complete without a visit to the Great Blacks in Wax Museum and Justice Learning Center (410/563-7809, 1601-03 East North Avenue Baltimore, MD 21213), presenting likenesses of over 100 distinguished African Americans including such famous natives as Billie Holiday and Thurgood Marshall. Recent expansions have allotted for the rejuvenation of an entire city block, neighborhood outreach programs, gallery space additions, a multimedia theatre, a sculpture garden, library and community meeting space. Another recent addition to the city's destinations and celebration of its African-American culture, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture (443/263-1800, 830 East Pratt Street Baltimore, MD 21202) opened its doors in 2005 as the east coast's largest museum focusing on the history and contributions of African Americans. Visitors will view rare objects and interactive exhibits covering more than 350 years of history and struggle. In addition to the galleries, there are interactive learning centers, a theater and a recording/listening oral history studio.
The Jewish Museum of Maryland (410/732-6400, 15 Lloyd Street Baltimore, MD 21202) offers exhibits and programs about the Jewish community in America, with special focus on the state of Maryland. Guided tours of two restored historic synagogues, The Lloyd Street Synagogue dating from 1845, and B'nai Israel, dating from 1876 can be arranged through the museum. Baltimore's Little Italy is a preserved neighborhood east of the Inner Harbor. Stroll through the streets, eat a little pasta and drink a little vino while experiencing this vibrant neighborhood.
Read through a list of things to do in Baltimore, MD based on reviews from across the web at www.uptake.com.
