Best Activity Centers For Kids
Port Discovery Children's Museum
35 Market Place
Baltimore, MD 21202
410-727-8120
www.portdiscovery.org
Ignite learning and inspire growth with a trip to Port Discovery. Both an indoor play place and museum, Port Discovery is a three-story venue that leads much to the imagination. Kids will stop by Port Discovery's "farm," shop at the "roadside market" areas and look for clues at "Miss Perception's Mystery House." New exhibits teach important history lessons, such as Port Discovery's Egyptian tomb. Your kids will learn about the lands from afar in an interactive environment.
Maryland Science Center
601 Light Street
Baltimore, MD 21230
410-685-2370
www.mdsci.org
There are over 170,000 square feet of stations and exhibits to inspect and analyze at the Maryland Science Center. Get blown away in the tornado cortex simulator at the TerraLink center, and work in the field labs at the Dinosaur Mysteries exhibit. Children will explore the deeps of space at SpaceLink, and they will be able to walk through the chamber of an open heart at the Your Body station. Kids will also enjoy watching movies in iMax and learning about the solar system in the Planetarium. Promote your child's inner scientist with a trip to the Maryland Science Center.
Mad Science
11436 Cronridge Drive
Owings Mills, MD 21117
410-998-9855
www.madscience.org
Do not be alarmed if your child returns from Mad Science with the typical mad scientist laugh. Yes, they may be up to no good, but rest assured, Mad Science is a thought-provoking experience that your kids will love. Mad Science encourages discovery and exploration of hands-on science projects and engaging workshops. Mad Science's staff consists of highly-trained professionals who help with sparking imaginative learning in every child. Schools have regularly invited Mad Science to lead assemblies on school curriculums between kindergarten and the sixth grade.
Urban Pirates
912 S. Ann Street
Baltimore, MD 21231
410-327-8378
http://urbanpirates.com
Join the Urban Pirates for a Family Adventure Cruise along the harbor. Kids and adults will dress up like pirates and hit the deck for fun and adventure. The swashbuckling crew will teach you how to walk and sing like a pirate during your voyage for hidden treasure. Prove worthy of being the captain's mate so you can claim a stake from the treasure chest. Be careful or the plank will be your fate. Man water cannons and ward off any salty dogs that get in the ship's way.
Planet Fun
6000 Greenbelt Road
Greenbelt, MD 20770
301-982-2444
http://planetfunplayland.com
When it comes to fun, Planet Fun may be a part of a whole new universe. Planet Fun is an inside amusement park with games, bumper cars and even a haunted roller coaster. The spooky ride will create shrieks and screams has kids make the final loop. Hop on the El Paso train for a ride back to the Old West, where law and order was not always followed. Direct your kids to Planet Fun but be warned, it may be hard to leave orbit.
Gymboree Play & Music
Nottingham
7830 Rossville Boulevard
Baltimore, MD 21236
410-663-0200
www.gymboreeclasses.com
Developing cognitive, physical and social skills are very important during early childhood. Gymboree Play & Music is the global leader in creativity and encouraging confidence in your child's first years. Gymboree has centers in 30 countries and provide a safe and fun environment for your children to learn and grow. Become a member of Gymboree and participate in weekly classes, receive expert advice in childhood development and save with discounts on Gymboree clothing. Gymboree Play and Learn classes promote play with learning along a seven-level program, and Family Fun classes have exercises for siblings and friends.
Bounce R' Us
1821 Whitehead Road
Baltimore, MD 21207
410-944-8888
www.baltimoremoonbounce.com
Jump over to Bounce R' Us for room-to-room moon bounce fun. There is plenty of room to slide, skip, tumble and run. Eat pizza or host a party complete with goodie bags and interactive activities for your guests. There are also arcade games and designated play times for organized programs. Bounce R' Us also welcomes field trips and makes for an ideal location for a school fundraiser.