Looking for a fun and educational outing for your little ones in Baltimore? Look no further! Our city is home to a fantastic array of children’s museums, each offering unique experiences that will spark curiosity and inspire creativity.
From interactive exhibits to engaging programs, these museums provide a perfect blend of play and learning. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor, these top picks are sure to make your family’s visit to Baltimore unforgettable.
1. Port Discovery Children’s Museum
Address: 35 Market Place, Baltimore, MD 21202
Unique Features & Attractions: Interactive exhibits designed for children ages birth through 10. Giant cargo ship exhibit. Water play area. SkyClimber indoor ropes course. Role-playing exhibits like a grocery store and construction site. Toddler-friendly areas.
Mission & Initiatives: Inspire curiosity and creativity through hands-on learning. Provide educational experiences for children and families. Promote early childhood development.
Special Exhibits: Regularly hosts special exhibitions and events throughout the year.
History of the Museum: Founded in 1976. Originally located in Baltimore County. Moved to the Inner Harbor in 1992.
Educational Initiatives: Offers educational programs and workshops for children and families. Provides field trip opportunities for schools and daycare centers.
Amenities Available: Gift shop. Café. Restrooms. Locker rentals. Stroller rentals.
Best Times to Visit: Weekdays, especially during off-peak hours, to avoid crowds. Consider visiting during special events and exhibitions.
Website: https://www.portdiscovery.org/
Phone Number: (410) 727-8120
Email Address: info@portdiscovery.org
Testimonial: “Port Discovery is a fantastic place to take kids of all ages. The exhibits are engaging and educational, and the staff is friendly and helpful. It’s a great way to spend a day in Baltimore.“
Want to learn about similar attractions? Check out our article about the Best Things to Do With Kids in Baltimore, MD, here.
2. Sankofa Children's Museum of African Cultures
Address: 4330 Pimlico Road, Baltimore, MD 21215
Unique Features & Attractions: Interactive exhibits focusing on African history and culture. Hands-on activities for children. African art and artifacts. Cultural performances and events.
Mission & Initiatives: To educate, inspire, and connect children to the African continent’s vast physical and cultural diversity. Promote world understanding through engagement with African art, cultures, geography, and history.
Special Exhibits: Rotating exhibits highlighting different African countries, cultures, and historical periods.
History of the Museum: Founded in 2016. Aims to fill a gap in cultural education for African American children and families.
Educational Initiatives: Offers educational programs and workshops for children and adults. Provides school field trips and group tours.
Amenities Available: Gift shop. Meeting rooms.
Best Times to Visit: Weekends and during school holidays. Check the museum’s website for specific hours of operation.
Website: https://www.sankofakids.org/
Phone Number: (443) 708-7046
Testimonial: “The Sankofa Children’s Museum is a wonderful place to learn about African cultures. My kids loved the interactive exhibits and the knowledgeable staff. It’s a great way to introduce children to the rich history and diversity of Africa.”
3. Maryland Science Center
Address: 601 Light St, Baltimore, MD 21230
Unique Features & Attractions: Interactive exhibits on various science topics. Dinosaur Mysteries exhibit full-size dinosaur skeletons. Davis Planetarium. IMAX Theater. Kids’ Room for younger children. Rooftop Observatory. Newton’s Alley: A hands-on exhibit exploring energy, force, and motion.
Mission & Initiatives: Inspire curiosity and learning about science. Promote STEM education. Engage visitors in hands-on experiences. Foster a love of science and discovery.
Special Exhibits: Regularly hosts special exhibits and events throughout the year.
History of the Museum: Opened in 1976. Originally part of the Baltimore Inner Harbor revitalization project.
Educational Initiatives: Offers educational programs for schools and groups. Provides teacher resources and professional development. Hosts summer camps and workshops.
Amenities Available: Gift shop. Café. Locker rentals. Stroller rentals. Accessible facilities.
Best Times to Visit: Weekdays, especially during off-peak hours
Consider visiting during special events and exhibitions.
Website: https://www.mdsci.org/
Phone Number: (410) 685-5225
Testimonial: “The Maryland Science Center is a fantastic place to learn and have fun. My kids love the interactive exhibits, and I appreciate the educational value. It’s a great place to spend a day with the family.”
Want to learn about similar attractions? Check out our article about the Maryland Science Center, here.
4. B&O Railroad Museum
Address: 901 W. Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21223
Unique Features & Attractions: Largest collection of 19th-century steam locomotives in the world. Historic railroad buildings, including the Roundhouse and Mount Clare Station. Interactive exhibits and displays. Train rides on the first commercial railroad line in America. Model train exhibits.
Mission & Initiatives: Preserve and interpret the history of American railroading. Educate the public about the role of railroads in shaping American society. Promote railroad heritage and technology.
Special Exhibits: Regularly hosts special exhibitions featuring various aspects of railroad history, such as specific locomotives, time periods, or technological advancements.
History of the Museum: Founded in 1953. Located on the site of the original B&O Railroad Mount Clare Shops. Home to the birthplace of American railroading.
Educational Initiatives: Offers educational programs for school groups and families. Provides resources for teachers. Hosts public lectures and events.
Amenities Available: Gift shop. Restaurant. Picnic areas.
Best Times to Visit: Weekdays, especially during off-peak hours, to avoid crowds and enjoy a more leisurely experience. Consider visiting during special events and train show weekends for a more dynamic experience.
Website: https://www.borail.org/
Phone Number: (410) 752-2490
Testimonial: “The B&O Railroad Museum is a fantastic place to learn about the history of American railroads. The collection of locomotives is impressive, and the train rides are a lot of fun for all ages. It’s a great place to take the whole family.“
5. Fire Museum of Maryland
Address: 1301 York Road, Lutherville, MD 21093
Unique Features & Attractions: Extensive collection of historic fire engines and equipment. Interactive exhibits. Period firehouse. Educational programs for all ages.
Mission & Initiatives: Preserve and interpret the history of firefighting in Maryland. Educate the public about fire safety and prevention. Promote fire service heritage.
Special Exhibits: Rotating exhibits featuring specific eras or themes in firefighting history.
History of the Museum: Founded in 1971 by a group of dedicated firefighters and fire enthusiasts. Housed in a historic firehouse.
Educational Initiatives: Offers educational programs for school groups, scout troops, and the general public. Provides fire safety education and demonstrations.
Amenities Available: Gift shop. Meeting room.
Best Times to Visit: Weekends and holidays, when the museum is open to the public.
Website: https://www.firemuseummd.org/
Phone Number: (410) 321-7500
Email Address: info@firemuseummd.org
Testimonial: “The Fire Museum of Maryland is a fascinating place to learn about the history of firefighting. The exhibits are well-curated and interactive, and the staff is knowledgeable and friendly. It’s a great place to take the whole family.“
6. American Visionary Art Museum
Address: 800 Key Highway, Baltimore, MD 21230
Unique Features & Attractions: Focus on self-taught, outsider art. Eclectic and immersive environment. Whimsical and often fantastical artworks. Interactive exhibits and installations. Stunning architecture and design.
Mission & Initiatives: Celebrate the power of the human imagination. Promote the work of self-taught artists. Educate the public about art and creativity. Inspire visitors to think outside the box.
Special Exhibits: Regularly hosts rotating exhibitions featuring the work of visionary artists from around the world.
History of the Museum: Founded in 1989 by Rebecca Hoffberger. Housed in a former whiskey warehouse. Dedicated to showcasing and preserving outsider art.
Educational Initiatives: Offers educational programs for all ages, including school groups and families. Provides workshops, lectures, and tours. Hosts artist residencies and fellowships.
Amenities Available: Gift shop. Café. Accessible facilities.
Best Times to Visit: Weekdays, especially during off-peak hours, to avoid crowds and enjoy a more intimate experience. Consider visiting during special events and exhibitions for a more dynamic experience.
Website: https://www.avam.org/
Phone Number: (410) 244-1900
Testimonial: “AVAM is a truly unique and inspiring place. The artwork is incredibly imaginative and thought-provoking. It’s a must-see for anyone who appreciates creativity and individuality.”
