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Port Discovery

35 Market Place Baltimore, MD 2120

Varies by Season- Check the Website

$$

indoor-activities

Port Discovery Children's Museum 

Port Discovery Children’s Museum is like a science center, a playground, a water park, and a craft studio all rolled into one.  Located in the historic Fish Market building in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, its 80,000 square feet throughout three floors houses exhibits and programs designed to be interactive and hands on, allowing children to learn through play. 

Some recent renovations and additions have helped to earn their spot as Baltimore Magazine’s 2019 Best Kids’ Activity as well as our list of Top Spots in Baltimore for Little Kids.  Be sure to check out their new SkyClimber activity area where kids (and some of the more daring parents) can climb their way up and around the four-story structure and into the clouds (complete with some simulated thunder and lightning). Those brave enough to make it to the top can either take the fast way down - a four-story slide, or they can climb back down through the rope netting structure that surrounds it. Port Discovery Staff is helpfully stationed throughout your ascent just in case anyone needs some help along the way. 

You can also check out The Port exhibit where you can become the captain or work like a stevedore of a life-sized cargo ship.  This exhibit provides an excellent hands on approach to learning about the Port of Baltimore and the many jobs and products that make up one of the world’s most active ports!

There are simply too many activities to mention here, checking out their website is really the best way to get a feel for everything they have to offer.  What I can tell you is that one minute our kids were serving up pretend breakfast at an impressively stocked play diner, then the next minute they were solving hieroglyphic puzzles to help them make it through a mummy’s tomb.  Not bad for a morning’s work.

Some pro tips for visiting the museum with your crew: check out the Studio Workshop first so that your creations can dry while you play. Stop at The Oasis in the middle of your visit so that they kid can recharge their batteries while enjoying a quiet space filled with calming activities. Finally, the Wonders of Water exhibit helpfully provides rain jackets and water shoes for borrowing, but we recommend packing an extra set of clothing, just in case.

The museum is a great choice for kids of almost any age, from toddlers to older kids and everyone in between. Tot Trails is an exhibit created especially for infants and toddlers. Other areas, including The Wonders of Water and Chessie’s Grotto, also have play areas designed for smaller children. Children on the older end (think ages 8-10) will especially love exploring the indoor soccer field, Adventure Expeditions and the Studio Workshop. 

The museum offers convenient stroller parking on each floor in addition to a centrally located elevator. There is no restaurant, but families can utilize tables and high chairs in a designated eating area. There are vending machines available with snacks and drinks if you haven’t brought food from home. The eating area also houses free lockers that families can utilize during their visit. For nursing mothers, The Oasis features a private room with a couch that is perfect for those that would like a quiet space for baby to eat. 

The museum is accessible most easily from I-83 but isn’t too far from I-95 if you’re traveling in from outside the city.  There is limited street parking available (mostly metered) but they also provide parking validation for the Harbor Park Garage.

Whether you’re a Baltimore native or you’re just visiting the city, Port Discovery should be number one on your list of things to do!

Thoughtfully captured by:
Katie Raspa
Our work in Baltimore is truly a family affair. Husband and wife, Matt and Katie, work together to head up our ambassador team in Charm City. Katie is a Maryland native and has lived in the state her whole life. She moved to Baltimore in 2007 after graduating from the University of Maryland, College Park with a bachelor's degree in early childhood education. She has been working in the field of early childhood education as a teacher and family coach for the past 12 years. Katie also holds a Masters of Education in Literacy from Loyola University. She is passionate about giving kids and families the knowledge and tools that they need to thrive. Matt grew up in the Highlandtown neighborhood of Baltimore. As a city native, Matt is a great resource on all that the city has to offer. After months of helping Katie explore the city for her role at a Happy Active Family, he decided to put his love of writing to use and officially come on board as an ambassador. Matt and Katie have two girls, ages 5 and 7. They spend their weekends camping, hiking, or exploring other hidden gems in their area. Tap into their insider knowledge by downloading the app today!
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