Are you planning to visit Baltimore in the winter with kids? We’ve got you covered!
As Maryland’s largest city, Baltimore has plenty of history and fun culture to share with visitors. And the Inner Harbor is a top destination for tourists with the many fun things to do, even in winter!
Although winters in Baltimore can be chilly, with the occasional snowfall, it still is a fun, family-friendly destination for a winter weekend getaway.
There are plenty of attractions around the Inner Harbor that are fun to visit year-round. Some of our favorites are the National Aquarium, the historic ships, and the Star-Spangled Banner House.
The guide below shares some of the best things to do in Baltimore in winter with kids, both by the Inner Harbor and nearby. So, let’s start planning your winter getaway to Baltimore!
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10 Fun Things to Do in Baltimore in the Winter
1. Baltimore World Trade Center Observatory
- Location: 401 E Pratt Street, 27th Floor
- Hours: Wednesday & Thursday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm; Friday & Saturday 10am – 7pm; Sunday 11 am – 6 pm; Closed Monday & Tuesday
- Price: Starting at $5
Located in the world’s tallest pentagonal-shaped building, the Top of the World Observation Level in the Baltimore World Trade Center gives a 360-degree view of Baltimore.
Even on cloudy days, some of the most well-known landmarks in Baltimore can be seen from the 27th floor. You might even be able to see Fort McHenry!
In addition to the views, there are beautiful tributes to the victims of the attacks on 9/11. The recognition is both inside and outside of the museum with artifacts from all three crash sites.
2. National Aquarium
- Location: 501 E. Pratt Street
- Hours: Monday – Thursday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm; Friday 9:00 – 8:00 pm; Saturday & Sunday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Price: Starting at $40 (Children 4 and under are FREE)
You can’t visit Baltimore without stopping by the National Aquarium. It’s one of the most popular things to do in Baltimore, and it’s the perfect place to visit during a winter weekend getaway.
The National Aquarium is home to many different types of marine life like dolphins, colorful clownfish, sea turtles, and the enigmatic jellyfish. There are fun, interactive shows, like dolphin presentations that show off the intelligence of marine mammals.
Kids will love the “Children’s Discovery Gallery” where they can participate in hands-on activities and explore marine-themed play zones, as well as a 4D immersion theater that adds a sensory dimension to the learning experience.
3. Historic Ships in Baltimore
- Location: 301 E. Pratt Street
- Hours: Lightship Chesapeake: Friday – Monday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm; All Other Ships: Thursday – Monday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Price: Starting at $8 (Children 5 and under are FREE)
The Inner Harbor of Baltimore contains four historic ships and a lighthouse. During the winter months, the lighthouse is closed. However, visitors can still tour the ships.
The ships include the USS Constellation, the last warship designed and built by the US Navy, a submarine, a US Coast Guard Cutter, and the lightship Chesapeake (similar to the Ambrose at the South Street Seaport Museum in New York City).
It’s fun to tour the ships, especially the submarine, to learn about what life was like for the sailors on board. Kids will love trying their hand to “steer” the USS Constellation!
4. Port Discovery Children’s Museum
- Location: 35 Market Place
- Hours: Wednesday & Thursday 9:00 am – 3:00 pm; Friday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm; Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm; Closed Monday & Tuesday
- Price: $24 per person
The Port Discovery Children’s Museum is perfect for kids to get some energy out while visiting Baltimore in the winter.
Th museum offers tons of fun, interactive exhibits that children will love. Exhibits like the “Wonders of Water” exhibit, where kids can manipulate flowing water and experiment with hydraulic systems and “Tiny’s Diner” where kids get to play restaurant are some example of the awesome exhibits they have.
They also have an exhibit designed specifically to allow babies and toddlers to explore and learn through play called the “Tot Trails”.
5. American Visionary Art Museum
- Location: 800 Key Highway
- Hours: Wednesday – Sunday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm; Closed Monday & Tuesday
- Price: $24 per person
The American Visionary Art Museum is not a traditional museum but it offers a unique and visually stimulating experience for visitors of all ages.
Children will love the whimsical sculptures and colorful mosaics outside of the museum. And inside, they’ll be captivated by the awe-inspiring giant whirligigs and other kinetic artworks. They’ll also love the various workshops hosted by the museum each month.
The American Visionary Art Museum is a cool place that blends art, innovation, and fun together, making it one of the best and most unique things to do in Baltimore!
6. Maryland Science Center
- Location: 601 Light Street
- Hours: Wednesday – Friday 10:00am – 4:00pm; Saturday – Sunday 10:00am – 5:00pm; Closed Monday & Tuesday
- Price: Starting at $21
The Maryland Science Center is a HUGE museum full of many kid-friendly exhibits. Climate, archaeology, physics, astronomy, and biology are only a few of the topics covered within the walls of this museum. You could easily spend an entire day in this awesome museum.
Money-saving tip: If you have a museum membership at a science museum near you, check to see if they offer reciprocity with the Maryland Science Center. Our family membership to the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia allowed us to visit for free!
7. The Baltimore Museum of Industry
- Location: 1415 Key Highway
- Hours: Wednesday – Saturday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm; Sunday 11:00 am – 4:00 pm; Closed Monday & Tuesday
- Price: Starting at $8 (Children 5 and under are FREE)
The Baltimore Museum of Industry is a fun museum that features the history of American innovation and industrial development.
Kids will enjoy its interactive exhibits, where they can roll up their sleeves and engage in hands-on activities like assembling a model airplane, learning about the mechanics of printing presses, or exploring a life-sized bus.
The museum offers an engaging and educational experience making history come alive in a fun way.
8. Fort McHenry
- Location: 2400 East Fort Avenue
- Hours: Daily 9:00 am – 4:45 pm (Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day)
- Price: $15 (Children 15 and under are FREE)
Fort McHenry holds a significant place in American history. It’s where the words for our national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner” were written, during the War of 1812.
For families visiting with kids, this historic fort offers a chance to step back in time. Kids can explore the well-preserved fortifications, watch reenactments of historical events, and even participate in hands-on activities like helping to fold the flag in the traditional manner.
Like other National Park Service locations, kids can participate in the Junior Ranger program by completing fun activities and learning about the fort’s role in U.S. history.
Money Saving Tip: You can use your National Parks Pass at Fort McHenry for FREE entry. If your child is in Fourth Grade, they can receive an Every Kid Outdoors pass for FREE entry to all National Parks during their school year.
9. The Star-Spangled Banner Flag House
- Location: 844 East Pratt Street
- Hours: Tuesday – Friday 10:00 am – 3:00 pm; Saturday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, Closed Sunday & Monday
- Price: Starting at $7 (Children 5 and under are FREE)
Betsy Ross may get credit for making the first flag of the United States (and we love visiting her house in Philadelphia), but there is also another famous flag-maker in American history.
While Mary Pickersgill isn’t a household name, she should be. She’s the woman who made the flag that inspired “The Star-Spangled Banner,” the United States National Anthem.
She and her family were commissioned to make a flag 30 feet high, 42 feet long, with stars that were two feet from point to point. She made the flag in her house in Baltimore, and it flew at Fort McHenry, which guarded the entrance to the Baltimore harbor.
The Star-Spangled Banner Flag House is a beautiful museum dedicated not only to Mary Pickersgill but also to the flag and the history of the United States National Anthem.
The museum exhibits depict what life was like for Mary Pickersgill at the time. Details about the flag that she made as well as the timeline and process of making the “Star-Spangled Banner” the national anthem are also on display.
There is a cute children’s play area inside the museum where kids can pretend to live during the revolutionary time, perform a puppet show starring Mary Pickersgill and family, and also complete some fun crafts!
Travel Tip: There is limited complimentary parking available on Albermarle Street. A parking pass can be acquired inside the museum at the visitor’s desk.
10. B&O Railroad Museum
- Location: 901 West Pratt Street
- Hours: Daily 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Price: Starting at $12
The B&O Railroad Museum is full of of American railroad history, offering an immersive experience for visitors of all ages.
Kids will love exploring the collection of historic locomotives and rail cars, including the famous “Tom Thumb” steam engine. They can also hop on a real-life train for a ride around the museum’s spacious grounds!
The museum also offers interactive exhibits where kids can try their hand at operating model trains, dress up in period costumes, and explore a kid-sized train play area.
Another fun activity at the B&O Railroad Museum are the rides on the Mile One Express! Visitors can take a 20-minute train ride along the first mile of commercial railroad. Rides are typically offered on weekends in the winter. Visit their website for the most up-to-date information.
11. M&T Bank Stadium Tours
- Location: 1101 Russell Street
- Hours: Varies
- Price: $150 per group up to 25 people
Football fans will love the opportunity to tour the Baltimore Raven’s home field. Tours offers guests a behind the scenes look at the stadium and its operations.
Tours last about 75-90 minutes and are offered sporadically throughout the year, including the winter months. Visit their website to find availability.
Family-Friendly Restaurants in Baltimore
There are many delicious restaurants in Baltimore. And you’ll find plenty of options near the Inner Harbor.
Some of the best restaurant options for families in Baltimore are:
- Miss Shirley’s Café for breakfast and lunch
- Hard Rock Café for lunch and dinner
- The Blackwall Hitch for dinner (we love the one in Alexandria!)
Where to Stay in Baltimore With Kids
The nice thing about Baltimore’s Inner Harbor is the vast selection of hotels nearby. You can choose from many of the major hotel chains.
Homewood Suites is within walking distance of many of the attractions on this list, offers complimentary breakfast and offers large rooms. The Hyatt Place has large rooms and an indoor pool. And the Staybridge Suites, which is a short walk to the National Aquarium, features large suites with kitchenettes.
Wrapping Baltimore in the Winter With Kids
We loved visiting Baltimore in the winter! Even though it’s typically thought of as a spring and summer destination, Baltimore is awesome to visit anytime of year.
It makes a perfect weekend getaway from Philadelphia or Washington, DC. And with its awesome history, museums, and noteworthy aquarium, there are plenty of fun way to spend your time.
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