Best Upcoming Exhibits For Kids In Baltimore

When that final school bell rings, parents will look to find ways to occupy children's time. There are several places of interest in the Baltimore area that will deter the summer whining of boredom and having nothing to do. Here is a sampling of exhibits available to experience. Some are permanent, while others are visiting exhibits.

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

This museum features interactive exhibits designed for children up to age 10. Children can learn as they crawl, walk and explore their way through the fun, but safe, exhibits. The exhibits include a mock Royal Farms gas station as well as a three-story tree house. There are visiting exhibits as well, so children never get bored with what Port Discovery has to offer. The Lego Castle Adventure, a visiting exhibit available May 26 - Sept. 20, 2015, lets visitors build castles using Lego materials and learn about castles.

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

The Maryland Science Center, a popular tourist attraction located in Baltimore's Inner Harbor, features hands-on and interactive exhibits. Visitors can learn various scientific principles such as Newton's Laws of Motion. The museum allows children to satisfy their natural scientific curiosity through investigation of its permanent and transitional displays. In addition, the IMAX theater features movies in 3D. The Planetarium allows visitors to explore the planets and solar system. Every Friday night from 7:00 - 10:30 pm, patrons can visit the observatory to gaze at the stars, depending upon the weather.

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

All aboard! The B&O Railroad Museum, located in the southwestern part of the city, allows kids to experience an up-close and personal interaction on a train. Kids will be able to use all of their senses as they experience the historical aspect of the trains and a train ride. The B&O Railroad Museum is also a great place to have a birthday party. From July 31 - Aug. 2, 2015 children can enjoy "Chuggington: A Traintastic Adventure!" based upon the popular television show. They will learn about teamwork, safety and leadership. Hours of operation for B&O are Mondays to Fridays from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., and Sundays from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Related: Best Art Exhibits for Kids In Baltimore

The National Aquarium
501 W. Pratt St.
Baltimore, MD 21202
(410) 576-3800
www.aqua.org

The National Aquarium is home to over 17,000 animals of various species. The Aquarium is a favorite place for families to visit where they can get an up-close-and-personal view of life underwater. From fish to dolphins to sharks, visitors are sure to find something to suit their fancy. Some exhibits are permanent features. The National Aquarium is located at Pier 3 in Baltimore's Inner Harbor. Guided tours are available. The hours of operation are Mondays-Sundays from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Baltimore Museum Of Art
10 Art Museum Drive
Baltimore, MD 21218
(443) 573-1700
www.artbma.org

For fun with your children, the Baltimore Museum of Art on Wyman Drive has many treasures in-store. Children can learn about art effects such as lighting, shading, coloring, as well as take art history lessons. Children will develop an appreciation for the work of the famous artists on display such as Matisse, Renoir, Monet and others. There is also an online activity available that teaches children about French artist Henri Matisse's paintings. The BMA is free and open to the public.

Related: Best Chirldren's Museums In Baltimore

Vickie Lawson is a freelance writer whose work can be found on Examiner.com.