Annapolis, the capital of Maryland, isn’t the first place to come to mind when vacationing with kids. However, the historic city offers many fun ways to spend the day! Less than an hour from both Baltimore and Washington, DC, Annapolis would make a great day trip from either city. Annapolis is considered one of best places in Maryland to visit. After, spending a day in Annapolis with kids, and we can see why!
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Fun Things to Do With Kids in Annapolis
Pirate Adventures on the Chesapeake
If your kids love pirates and mermaids, then they would enjoy a pirate adventure cruise! Pirate Adventures on the Chesapeake take kids on a treasure hunt across the Annapolis Harbor. Along the way, they’ll encounter other pirates trying to steal their treasure! Will the kids find the treasure? Take a cruise to find out!
Pirate Adventures run trips mid-April through October. Trip times vary depending on the month. Located on the harbor at the end of Third Street, you will find a large facility that can also host birthday parties or other group events. You can read our review about this kid-friendly boat ride in Annapolis here.
Family Fishing Adventures
A fun way to spend a beautiful day in Annapolis with kids is to take them on a fishing adventure! Family Fishing Adventures is the perfect way to expose your kids to the art of fishing. The 1.5 hours fishing trip to just enough time to catch and release rockfish, white perch, and blue crabs while floating on the Severn River.
Fishing trips run May- mid-October. Trip times vary depending on the month. The Family Fishing Adventures boat can be found anchored next to the lower level of the Annapolis City Marina parking garage, between Fifth and Fourth Streets in the Eastport neighborhood. We go into more detail about this kid-friendly fishing adventure here.
Many people, when thinking about Annapolis, think about the US Naval Academy in the city. You can walk along the grounds of the Academy, or you take a guided tour. Tours are offered daily, but times vary depending on the time of year. You can read more information about the tours they offer here.
The Maryland State House
For those history lovers, the Maryland State House is a must-visit! As the oldest state capitol building that is still in use today, the Maryland State House has been the location of many historical events.
As the Nation’s Capitol at the end of the American Revolution, the Treaty of Paris was ratified at the Maryland State House in 1784. Also, The Maryland State House was the location that George Washington resigned from Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army. His resignation allowed him to return to Mount Vernon for a few years of quiet before becoming the first president of the United States of America.
Explore Historic Annapolis
In addition to the state house, there are other historical building that would be fun to visit with kids in Annapolis. Historic Annapolis oversees several properties in the historic area and offers tours of some of them. Kids will love the William Paca Garden, especially the several levels and maze-like feel. You learn more about Historic Annapolis and the tours they offer here.
Annapolis Maritime Museum
Located in the last oyster-packing plant in Annapolis, the Maritime Museum explores the city’s rich maritime heritage. With exhibits like aquariums, learning about the oyster industry, and the history of the Chesapeake Bay, kids will learn about Annapolis while having fun!
Places to Eat in Annapolis With Kids
Boatyard Bar & Grill
At the corner of Severn Avenue and Fourth Street, the Boatyard Bar & Grill is a popular spot to eat, and rightfully so. Known for their crab cakes, the Boatyard Bar & Grill is a casual, family-friendly restaurant with delicious food at reasonable prices. It seems to be a favorite spot of the Naval Academy Midshipmen, as we saw many students in their Summer White uniforms.
Bread and Butter Kitchen
Open for both breakfast and lunch, the Bread and Butter Kitchen is an excellent option for light fare. Its location along the harbor gives you great views of the city and the Naval Academy.
The Red Bean
If you are the mood for some coffee or tea or want to satisfy your sweet tooth, consider visiting The Red Bean on Main Street. This cafe is a short walk from the Maryland State House. The Circulator stops near the cafe at Church and Main Street, making it easy to get to no matter where you are in the city.
Other Things To Do In Annapolis With Kids
The Circulator
Annapolis provides a FREE trolley service that transports you around downtown. The Circulator picks up rides at four parking garages in the city and makes several stops for shopping and eating around the town. You can track the Circulator here or download a free app for your phone.
Downtown Playground
One of the best things about Annapolis is how compact and walkable it is. However, kids don’t always love walking in a city. We make it a little more fun for the kids when we are visiting cities to find a playground. Annapolis has a great playground very close to both the State House and the marina.
Located on the corner of Newman and Compromise Streets, this gated playground is large and shaded. Plenty of bench seating is available for parents to relax while the kids swing, climb, and play!
Explore the Marina
Annapolis is home to many beautiful boats and ships! It’s fun to explore the marinas and check out the enormous yachts anchored in the harbor. One of the best views to see all of the boats are on the Spa Creek Drawbridge (Compromise/6th Street). Conveniently, the drawbridge connects to the Eastport neighborhood of Annapolis, where many of the above-listed attractions are located.
Take a Hike at Sandy Point State Park
Less than a 15-minute drive from the historic area of Annapolis, Sandy Point State Park offers beautiful views of the Chesapeake Bay and Bridge! Visitors can swim, crab, fish, and boat within the park. There are even a few hiking trails in Sandy Point State Park that are easy enough for kids of any age. Keep in mind, there is an entry fee for the park. The cost varies depending on the time of year.
Have You Been to Annapolis With Kids?
Overall, Annapolis has more kid-friendly things to do than we expected! We especially loved our time on the water. And for more fun in the area, you can visit Ferry Point Park Beach and some of the delicious restaurants in Kent Narrows.
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