Baltimore is a tough, gritty city outside of Washington, D.C., that has much to offer you and your children. Recently popularized by the show "The Wire," Baltimore does have a reputation for violent crime, yet it is home to one of the nation's best aquariums, a first-class tourist harbor with shops and restaurants, two major sports franchises and some great museums. Even if you visit for a day, there is plenty for you to do in Baltimore with your children.
The National Aquarium of Baltimore is the city's most famous attraction. If there is only one thing you visit while in town, the aquarium is a can't miss success. The seven-story building, topped with a glass pyramid, is home to 16,500 different species of marine life. Your kids will especially love the dolphin show and the sinister shark tank. There is also a display that reproduces a local wetlands. The newest exhibits include a 35-foot waterfall and a re-creation of Australia's Umbrawarra Gorge.
National Aquarium of Baltimore
Pier 3, 501 E. Pratt St., Harborplace
Baltimore, MD 21202
410-576-3800
aqua.org
Port Discovery is a children's museum that adults will enjoy as well. The museum, which opened in 1998, is geared for children aged 2-10. The museum focuses on education and is geared to develop critical-thinking and interpersonal skills, sensory perception, development of language and cultural sensitivity. Attractions include an urban tree house filled with riddles, a replica of a diner where your kids can cook fake food and a 1920s Pharaoh's tomb to explore.
Port Discovery
Power Plant Live complex, 35 Market Pl, Inner Harbor
Baltimore, MD 21202
410-727-8120
portdiscovery.org
If it's baseball season, go to Camden Yards and watch the Orioles play. The prototype of many of baseball's new retro stadiums, Camden Yards is an architectural wonder. Grab a hot dog and some peanuts and watch a game. The shadow of Cal Ripken still lingers over this team as it still has perennial bad luck. You can purchase tickets in advance, but since games almost never sell out, you can also easily purchase them at the box office on the day of the game.
Oriole Park at Camden Yards
333 W Camden St, Otterbein
Baltimore, MD 21201
401-547-6277
baltimore.orioles.mlb.com
