Best Summer Educational Programs For Kids In Baltimore

It's officially summer, which presents a challenge for many families. Kids are out of school looking for a smart way to fill their time. Luckily, Maryland offers many hands-on activities for summer learning. If you are looking for educational things to do to keep your kids mentally stimulated this summer, this list is for you.

Reginald F. Lewis Museum
830 E Pratt St.
Baltimore, MD 21202
(443) 263-1800
www.lewismuseum.org

The Lewis Museum is hosting a Saturday Child Series program geared towards kids ages 6 to 11. This summer series will feature hands-on art workshops alongside musical and theatrical performances on select Saturdays of each month. The events will take place from noon to 1 p.m.; reservations are required and tickets can be requested here.

Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum
901 W. Pratt St.
Baltimore, MD 21223
(410) 752-2490
www.borail.org/

Reading allows kids to travel to new places. Mentally, at least. The B & O Railroad Museum and Ellicott City Station are offering a All Aboard Summer Reading Program, "I've Been Readin' on the Railroad." This reading program will run from June 20 to August 22. Children who participate in "I've Been Readin' on the Railroad" Summer Reading Program can win big. Participants who read at least 10 railroad-related books, complete a personal reading journal, and return it to either museum by August 22 can win a free book and an opportunity to win an engineer's outfit!

Maryland Science Center
601 Light St.
Baltimore, MD 21230
(410) 685-2370
www.mdsci.org

This summer, families in the DMV area are invited to experience Friday night stargazing at the Maryland Science Center at Baltimore's Inner Harbor. This family-friendly event takes place every Friday night from at the rooftop Observatory via the MSC from 7 to 10:30 p.m, and it's a great way to learn about planets and constellations. Bonus: It's free!

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Port Discovery Children's Museum
35 Market Place
Baltimore, MD 21202
(410) 727- 8120
www.portdiscovery.org

The coolest kid's museum in America had partnered with Target to offer $2 Family Fun Night. Yep, the third Friday of every month this summer, Port Discovery will offer discounted admission from 4 to 8 p.m. General admission is just $2 per person after 4 p.m. There is also a new exhibit titled "Heart & Seoul: Growing Up in Korea" at Port Discovery which runs from June 4 to Sept. 5.

Nature Quest At Outdoor Trails In Maryland

Nature Quest provides a great chance to experience the great outdoors in Maryland. Why not get active with friends and family while discovering some of the greatest parks and trails in Baltimore County? Although this event takes place year-round, summer provides the perfect opportunity to get started on some free, fun outdoor adventure. Here is how is works: visit at least five trails to attend the 2016 Nature Quest Fest for free. Find about more about Nature Quest here.

Here is a list of participating parks: Benjamin Banneker Historical Park, Cromwell Valley Park, Lake Roland, Oregon Ridge Nature Center, Marshy Point Nature Center, Honeygo Run Regional Park and Maryland Agricultural Center.

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Tradina DeMary is a photo journalist. She is better known as Baltimore Budget Events Examiner, one of the best social event enthusiasts in Baltimore City. She is very zealous about city living and urban exploration in the D.C., Maryland and Virginia area. She has a background in applied information technology with a master's degree from Towson University. When she is not busy attending social events and taking photos for the Examiner.com. She manages a website about personal growth through poetry, cooking, music, DIY projects and consumer advocacy. Such a local lifestyle guru her other professional news column can be found at Examiner.com here. www.examiner.com/budget-events-in-baltimore/tradina-demary