Port Discovery Children’s Museum
Baltimore, MD
Located in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, the Port Discovery Children’s Museum is one of the best places in town for kids to play, explore, and get creative. Featuring a wide range of interactive play areas and immersive environments located across three floors, the family-oriented museum also offers a range of entertaining programming.
The basics
Baltimore's Port Discovery Children’s Museum invites kids aged 10 and under (and their parents or guardians) to enjoy hours of play and exploration. Before you visit, book tickets online in advance; as a popular destination, limited walk-in tickets are available.
Once inside, kids have the freedom to make the most of more than a dozen different open play areas across three floors. Popular options include the soaring SkyClimber slides, the Chessie’s Grotto toddler play area, the BGE Art Cove (where kids can make their own artistic creations), and much more. Before visiting, be sure to research the calendar of educational drop-in activities and other events.
Things to know before you go
- The Port Discovery Children’s Museum is accessible to disabled visitors and offers a range of sensory-friendly programs.
- There is no restaurant or café on-site, but visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drink to consume in a designated area.
- Kids must be accompanied by a parent or guardian when visiting the museum, and solo adults cannot visit without an accompanying child.
- Children under 1 years old visit the museum for free, while discounted admission is offered during the museum’s Community Days.
- Kids need to be wearing socks to access certain play areas.
How to get there
The Port Discovery Children’s Museum is located at 35 Market Place in Baltimore, right in the Inner Harbor area. If using public transit, the museum is just moments from the Shot Tower station, served by Metro SubwayLink services. A range of buses, including the Charm City Circulator, also frequent the area. If you’re planning to drive, paid parking garages are located nearby.
When to get there
The Port Discovery Children’s Museum is generally open daily, typically from mid-morning until early evening, though it has later opening hours on Fridays. Last admission is 30 minutes prior to closing. Note that the museum’s visiting hours change throughout the year, so it’s worth consulting its calendar before your visit.
National Aquarium
Another popular Baltimore destination for families is the National Aquarium. Also located in the Inner Harbor, right on the waterfront, the aquarium features a wide range of animal species in award-winning habitats. It’s a great educational destination for visitors of all ages.
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