Family Fun Guide To Baltimore's Port Discovery Children's Museum

By Christian Kendzierski

With February's chilly temperature still keeping us indoors, we found a spot where you and your child can run around all day and stay warm, too! Port Discovery Children's Museum, located in Baltimore's downtown area, is a great place where children's imagination can run wild. There is so much to do, parents will know their kids will sleep well that evening! The museum has three floors full of historical, creative, practical, educational and, most importantly, fun exhibits. All activities are designed to promote learning for the 2 – 10 year-old child. Take a look at some of the permanent exhibits you and you kids will enjoy!

Hours: Tuesday – Friday: 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Saturday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sunday: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.,
Monday: Closed
Admission: $13.95 for ages 2 and up, Memberships available

Kid Works

This 3-story adventure park resides in the middle of the museum and is a kid's dream come to life. With its climbing nets, slides, ladders and tunnels, your child can get have loads of fun for hours. It is large enough for parents to climb through too but very often after one go-round, it is best for the child to go at this for his or herself. The space is wide open enough where you will be able to keep an eye on your children as they meander their way through the amazing adventure.

The Soccer Field

For the child who would rather run in circles and work on their soccer game, Port Discovery's Soccer Field is open for all kids and offers a safe environment. There are plenty of soccer balls to go around and the indoor turf gives your children the feeling he or she is playing on a professional indoor soccer field. Parents can play too; at Port Discovery, its okay to jump on the field and play a little one-on-one with your little athlete!

Tot Trails

Designed for infants and toddlers, the Tot Trails creates an area of discovery as children make their way through Maryland's historical landmarks and landscapes. Tot Trails will test your child's motor skills, enhance reading ability and spark his or her imagination. It's a great place where a parent or care-giver can witness just how your child is developing. The exhibit has tunnels to crawl through, fossils to discover, tidal waves to "swim" through and much more.

Adventure Exhibitions

Head back to the 1920s and go on a mission to discover the secrets of ancient Egypt. Port Discovery's popular Adventure Exhibition gives you the feeling you are deep in Egypt's great Pyramids with authentic lighting, desert feel, mummies, hieroglyphics and clues to discover amazing things about the past. Parents, feel free to explore this exhibit with your child; the dark lighting can sometimes spook some of the younger explorers.

Special Events and Visiting Exhibits

Port Discovery is always bringing in new exhibits and interesting events to keep each visit new and exciting. It is best to check out their website for upcoming children events and interesting visitors. The museum also offers discounted ticket pricing days, some as low as $2.00 for admission so keep an eye on those special offers. The museum has a great gift shop as well, so check it out as you exit.