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6 Must-Sees That Make Baltimore a Perfect Family Escape

     

    Six Must-Sees That Make Baltimore a Perfect Family Escape

    With kids, you want to escape, but not too far, which is why Baltimore is an ideal getaway for me and my family. We live just outside Washington, DC, so several times a year we hop in the car and drive 90 minutes to Charm City.

    There’s a lot to see and do in Baltimore, and for all ages, so whether you have toddlers or teenagers in tow, everyone will be happy on a day trip or a week-long visit to Baltimore. Here are six of my favorite attractions that are must-sees if you visit Baltimore.

     

    National Aquarium: Not only is the National Aquarium an incredible place to see tropical fish, dolphins and turtles, but you’ll find some amazing educational programs. One of my favorites is Sleepover with the Sharks, which takes place twice a month and offers an unforgettable overnight sleepover and the ultimate opportunity to see sharks, rays and jellyfish up close and minus the crowds.

    For an extra fee, you and your kids can also enjoy a Dolphin Encounter and sit side-by-side with trainers in a private, weekly 2.5 hour training and play session with the dolphins. You’ll then get an all-access pass and priority seating in Our Ocean Planet: The Dolphin Show (playtime follows the show).

     

    Maryland Science Center: Selected as one of the 10 Best Science Centers for Families, the Maryland Science Center doesn’t disappoint. In one afternoon, you and your family can learn about dinosaurs, your body, energy-efficient cars, space and blue crabs. Check out Science Live for on-stage demos several times a day on topics such as chemical reactions, static electricity and optical illusions.

    In addition to demos and exhibits, the Maryland Science Center also features multiple IMAX movies throughout the day. Or, check out any of three different Planetarium shows that take place each afternoon. Friday Night Stargazing in the Observatory is a fun way to view the night sky in search of planets and constellations every Friday evening (weather permitting).

     

    Port Discovery Children’s Museum: A good place for the younger set, you’ll find loads of interactive activities like a make-believe farm, roadside market and convenience store. Kids will also love the indoor soccer field, the Dream Lab and KidWorks, a three-story urban treehouse.

    Overnight adventures are held weekly for girl and boy scouts ages 5 to 12. They’re also available to private groups and offer the opportunity to explore time travel, African masks, a dream lab, and various other learning activities.

     

    B&O Railroad Museum: Stop in to see one of the oldest and most historic railroad collections. Kids will enjoy hands-on activities, like climbing into the cab of a steam locomotive and watching a railroad movie in the theatre car. Stop by Wednesday through Sunday to take a train ride on the first commercial railroad track in America.

    For Thomas fans, check out the Day Out with Thomas and the new Mystery on the Rails Tour 2012. Your kids will enjoy a 25-minute ride with a full-size Thomas the Tank Engine, storytelling and live music. Younger kids can take a kiddie train ride through Choo Choo Blueville or hop on the Train Carousel.

     

    Urban Pirates: You and your family can climb aboard a pirate ship for an exciting pirate adventure. The crew will teach kids how to talk, sing, dance and play games like a pirate. Your kids may even come home with tattoos and facial hair (drawn-on, of course).

    Cruises depart daily five times a day in the summer, and look out for special events, like Grandparents Day and Talk Like a Pirate Day in September. You’ll also find half-price specials on Fridays. If you’re thinking about a trip to Baltimore, sign up to receive the Groupon deals newsletter since I’ve seen deals on the Urban Pirates cruises a time or two.

     

    Fort McHenry National Monument: Stop by Fort McHenry if only to learn more about the Battle of Baltimore in 1814 that inspired Francis Scott Key to pen our national anthem, “The Star Spangled Banner.” Sit down for a short orientation film and plan to spend at least an hour or two touring the fort.

    Don’t forget to pop by the Visitor Center for the Junior Ranger activity booklet that can earn your kids a Junior Ranger badge and a certificate. This is a great way to get your kids more involved in Fort McHenry as they explore the fort to answer questions in their booklets.

     

    Erin Gifford is a family travel blogger who lives just outside Washington, DC with her husband and four children. She blogs at Kidventurous, which was recently selected as the Best Family Travel Blog by the editors of Parents magazine. You can follow her on Twitter – @kidventurous

    Baltimore sounds like a great big family vacation destination. Stop by SixSuitcaseTravel to find  hotels that accommodate your big family of 5, 6, 7, 8.

    Theresa Jorgensen

    Theresa Jorgensen

    Theresa Jorgensen is a mother to four children including twins. She recognized the necessity for a comprehensive resource of hotels that cater to big families with rooms and suites for 5, 6, 7, or 8 people in a single room while traveling with her own family. In 2008, she established SixSuitcaseTravel to compile a database of such hotels. Over time, the website has grown to include travel advice, itineraries, road trip suggestions, national park guides, and more. Theresa takes pleasure in assisting other big families in creating unforgettable travel experiences.