10 Best Family-Friendly Things to Do on a Baltimore Vacation

A Baltimore vacation packs quite a punch, especially if you’re traveling as a family. With endless museums, timeless harbor views and plenty of great seafood to go around, the city is idyllic for just about any interest area. And, as the birthplace of the American national anthem, it’s an especially great cruise destination for music enthusiasts, those hungry for fascinating history sites or anyone who’s feeling a little (or a lot) patriotic. A Baltimore family vacation really has something for everyone.

If you’re on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing Royal Caribbean cruise port for the whole family, look no further. There are loads of fun things to do in Baltimore with kids, from the sea to the city streets. Read on to narrow down the best activities to add to your list!

Unlocking Charm City: 10 Fun Things to Do in Baltimore With Kids

1. Walk the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail

Spanning 560 miles on both land and sea, this trail features many sites from the War of 1812, including battlefields, forts like Fort McHenry and museums.

● Cost: Free.

● Time needed: 2-12 hours (you can easily spend the whole day here).

● Age group: All ages.

2. Chase Curiosity at the Maryland Science Center

This Inner Harbor site includes three floors of interactive exhibitions for all ages, featuring dinosaurs, displays on how energy works and other scientific topics.

● Cost: $$.

● Time needed: 2-4 hours.

● Age group: All ages.

3. Picnic at Federal Hill Park

With canons, grassy areas and overlooks, this is the best spot in Baltimore for city and water views — stop by Belvedere Square first to get picnic supplies!

● Cost: Free.

● Time needed: 20 minutes-2 hours.

● Age group: All ages.

4. Pay Your Respects at Edgar Allan Poe's Grave

Poe fans of all ages should visit Westminster Burial Ground, the writer’s final resting place, before walking over to his house and museum a few blocks over (for fun, bring one of his collections to read from while you’re there).

● Cost: Free.

● Time needed: 10-30 minutes.

● Age group: Tweens and teens.

5. Play Pretend at Port Discovery Children's Museum

If your kids are high-energy, three floors of sensory spaces and hands-on, immersive, themed play areas are just the thing.

● Cost: $$ (but veterans, babies under 1, active military and spouses of active military are free).

● Time needed: 3-4 hours.

● Age group: 10 and under.

6. Encounter Sea Life at the National Aquarium

Nature fans should add this to their East Coast itinerary — with reef, rainforest, wetland and other habitats, this aquarium is packed with plants and animals of all kinds.

● Cost: $$ (but kids 4 and under are free).

● Time needed: 2-5 hours.

● Age group: All ages.

7. Drink in Culture at The Walters Art Museum

Art-loving families are in for three floors of paintings, sculptures, decorative objects and other works that span thousands of years — Mount Vernon Place is nearby, and makes for the best outdoor break.

● Cost: Free.

● Time needed: 2-4 hours.

● Age group: 6 and up.

8. Walk the Decks of the Most Historic Ships in Baltimore

Touring the USS Constellation, USCG Cutter 37 or the USS Torsk historic ships is one of the most fun things to do in Baltimore with kids who love history or boats.

● Cost: $$ (but kids under 5 are free).

● Time needed: 30 minutes-3 hours (depending on how many ships you hit).

● Age group: 4 and up.

9. Celebrate The Great Bambino in His Home City

If your kids play or love to watch baseball, don’t miss the Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum, which features plenty about the namesake player and Oriole-specific exhibits (it’s also very close to the stadium itself).

● Cost: $$.

● Time needed: 1-2 hours.

● Age group: 5 and up.

10. Get Lost in Druid Hill Park

Home to the Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory & Botanic Gardens, a zen garden, recreational facilities, the Druid Hill Reservoir, the William Willace Monument, walking trails and picnic areas, this 745-acre park is the best place for those wanting an outdoorsy Baltimore vacation.

● Cost: Free.

● Time needed: 2-12 hours (you can easily spend the whole day here).

● Age group: All ages.

How to Plan a Baltimore Family Vacation

Planning a Baltimore vacation with kids can be tricky. But it doesn’t have to be — here’s where to start:

Consider What the Seasons are Like in Baltimore

The seasons in Baltimore are pretty classic American East Coast. Here’s what you can expect every time of year:

● Winter: 30-45 degrees, rainy and some snow; best for indoor activities and lowest crowds.

● Spring: 40-75 degrees, breezy and rainy; best for cherry blossoms and low crowds.

● Summer: 70-90 degrees, humid and frequent thunderstorms; best for time on the water and farmers' markets.

● Autumn: 45-80 degrees, crisp and often clear; best for leaf-peeping and outdoor activities.

Know What to Pack for a Baltimore Family Vacation

Similar to packing lists for New England cruises, it’s key to bring seasonally appropriate clothing for a Baltimore family vacation. Here’s what else to pack:

● Clothing layers.

● Camera and/or smartphone.

● Chargers.

● Waterproof bags for electronics.

● Rain jacket.

● Comfortable, waterproof walking shoes (I like Chacos).

● Hat (for warmth or shade, depending on the season).

● Sunglasses

● Reef-safe sunscreen.

● Bug spray.

● Water bottle.

● Snacks.

● Waterproof daypack.

● Physical map of the area.

● First aid kit.

● Reusable bags.

● Foldable, lightweight stroller with hood (if kids need it).

Get Food from the Best Family-Friendly Restaurants in Baltimore

One of the most fun things to do in Baltimore with kids is to grab a bite. Here are the best family-friendly restaurants in The Monumental City:

● Verde Pizza: Stunning pizza, vegan options, kids 10 and under get a free Margherita pizza each Wednesday. 641 S Montford Ave, Baltimore, MD 21224

● Golden West Cafe: Creative atmosphere, Southwestern comfort food, vegan options. 1105 W 36th St, Baltimore, MD 21211

● Nick’s Fish House: River views, classic seafood and comfort dishes, quintessential Baltimore vibes. 2600 Insulator Dr, Baltimore, MD 21230

● Miss Shirley’s: Breakfast and brunch, vegan and kids menu options, featured on Food Network. 750 E Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21202

● Blue Moon Cafe: Cozy, artsy vibes, imaginative breakfast plates. 1621 Aliceanna St, Baltimore, MD 21231

Know Where to Stay in Baltimore With Kids

Those on a Baltimore family vacation who want to stay the night have a few options. If you want to be right there in Locust Point, choose between Courtyard by Marriott Baltimore Downtown/McHenry Row or Roost Baltimore. The former has all the features of a traditional hotel, while the latter feels more like a residence due to amenities like in-room kitchens and laundry.

Many more options are available on the Inner Harbor, where most of the attractions are. To get there from the Baltimore cruise port, take the Harbor Connector water taxi. It’s free on weekdays and is by far the most convenient way to get there.

More Baltimore Family Vacation Travel Tips

If you’re planning a cruise to the Monumental City, here are some other insider hacks for the best Baltimore vacation with kids:

● Have an indoor and outdoor plan.

● Take water taxis to get around — download the Transigo app for on-demand water taxis.

● Head straight to the Waterfront Promenade if kids feel antsy post-cruise.

● To try as much as possible, eat lots of small meals or snacks instead of having just 1-2 big meals.

● Baltimore libraries are the best spaces in the city for quiet time (the George Peabody Library or Enoch Pratt Free Library - Central Library are the best).

● Get familiar with Baltimore pop culture before you go — for example, watch “Hairspray” or read Edgar Allen Poe poems as a family.

● Shop in Hampden.

● Keep your eye out for public murals in Little Italy.

● For a cool and quiet indoor space with bathrooms, go to the Baltimore Museum of Art.

● The best way to get to or from the airport is by shuttle bus.

● Museum gift shops and art galleries have the best souvenirs.

History and Harbor Views: Book Your Own Baltimore Vacation

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