baltimore travel with kids

Baltimore Travel with Kids

Under 13 At the National Aquarium (501 E. Pratt St.), kids will love the Children’s Discovery Gallery on the upper level of the Pier 4 Pavilion. Another highlight is Dolphin Discovery, where Atlantic bottlenose dolphins captivate visitors. The dolphins always draw a crowd but you can stop in as many times as you like. (Tip for parents: Strollers are not allowed inside the aquarium.)

The interactive Children's Zoo at The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore (Druid Park Lake Dr. & Gwynns Falls Pkwy.), in Druid Hill Park , offers activities, animal encounters and playgrounds just for youngsters. And don’t miss Penguin Coast, home to a colony of more than 60 African penguins. The medium-size, flightless birds live in a natural environment that imitates their South African habitat.

Teens There’s plenty to see at the American Visionary Art Museum (800 Key Hwy.), but our fave is undoubtedly “Whirligig”—a 55-foot-tall, multicolored wind-powered sculptural landmark. This is no run-of-the-mill museum; many of the diverse works on display are by “visionary artists” usually without formal training and often self-taught. Don’t leave without visiting Sideshow; the museum gift shop is packed with kitschy and nostalgic items like retro magic kits, plastic army men, sock monkeys and wax lips.

In addition to savoring mouth-watering American cuisine at the Hard Rock Cafe (601 E. Pratt St.), teenagers will enjoy immersing themselves in rock history. The collection includes memorabilia from such rock legends as The Beatles, the Grateful Dead and Pink Floyd, and of course there is a display for the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll—Elvis Presley. Be sure to visit the Rock Shop for limited-edition merchandise.

Teens could spend all day wandering around the Inner Harbor trying the many offerings of tasty junk food. For a break from noshing, however, they'll enjoy a trip to the Top of the World Observation Level (401 E. Pratt St.). Big windows offer panoramic views of the harbor and downtown Baltimore that are cool enough to commemorate using their iPhone.

All Ages Not only is the Inner Harbor (bounded e. and w. by President St. and Greene St. and n. and s. by Lombard St. and Key Hwy.) an active commercial port, it is also home to family-friendly museums and restaurants that will satisfy every palate. Kids and teens alike will enjoy visits to Historic Ships in Baltimore (301 E. Pratt St.) and the Maryland Science Center, IMAX Theater and Davis Planetarium (601 Light St.).

Deciding on places to eat can really be a dilemma in Baltimore. For a homey atmosphere and excellent Italian food, try Amicci’s (231 S High St.) in the heart of Little Italy. Then stop at Vaccaro’s Italian Pastry Shop (222 Albemarle St.) for cannoli, gelato and tiramisu to go.

Francis Scott Key penned “The Star-Spangled Banner” after Fort McHenry survived bombardment by British forces all night. The next morning he saw his country’s flag was still flying. Take your family on a self-guiding tour of Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine (Fort Ave. & Lawrence St.). See the barracks, uniform and weapons displays, a powder magazine and the 1814 guard house.

The Preakness Stakes , the second jewel of horse racing’s Triple Crown, runs the third Saturday in May at Pimlico Race Course (5201 Park Heights Ave.). Musical concerts, the Frog Hop race, the Crab Derby and hot air balloon launches are among the fun things to do during the Preakness Celebration (various locations) held the week before the race.

The second weekend in June brings HonFest (1002 W. 36th St.), which gets its name from “hon,” short for honey, an endearment used by many Baltimore women. Fashion-forward kids will be surprised to see women rocking beehive hairdos, bright-blue eye shadow, spandex pants and leopard prints!