Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Federal Hill Park (no website; Warren Avenue, Baltimore; 410-396-6132)offers a serene, and free, respite from the hubbub of activity in Baltimore's Inner Harbor. The historic park, a lookout during the Civil War and the War of 1812, has a playground and space where you can have a picnic. The playground has swings, slides, sand and offers views of the harbor. If your child likes dogs, watch the canines frolic at the dog run. Walk to the Inner Harbor, where the National Aquarium (aqua.org/) is; you can see the sea lions outdoors, free.
Brookside Gardens (montgomeryparks.org), near the Washington, D.C. suburbs of Bethesda and Silver Spring, and 30 minutes from Baltimore, offers free admission. The garden, in Wheaton, Maryland, has an interactive children's garden where kids can touch and smell flowers. Young children also like the Butterfly Garden, where plants attract colorful butterflies, and the forest-like Woodland Walk. In cold weather, explore the two conservatories. Free special events include an Earth Day Family Bird Walk, where families look for nests and migratory birds.
The Harborplace Amphitheater, in Baltimore, offers free outdoor performances in spring and summer. The Amphitheater, between the Harborplace Pavilions, features an array of musicians, dancers and magicians. The free entertainment can be enjoyed while sitting in seats, but there is also plenty of space if your kids want to get up and dance. Walk over from the Inner Harbor, a tourist area filled with restaurants. The indoor Harborplace features street performers year round.
The Walters Art Museum (walters.org) in Baltimore offers free admission as well as free art activities. These recurring interactive art programs are for kids of all ages. Best of all, kids make a take-home piece of art, which can mean no extra money spent at the gift shop. The museum's family- friendly exhibits include knights' armor, statues and colorful Faberge eggs. The museum's Family Activity Center offers kid-friendly activities like coloring sheets and scavenger hunts through the museum.