We probably head out to Baltimore twice a year to visit the museums and walk around the Inner Harbor. It’s just over an hour away from us, so it’s close, but not too close, and when we go we try to get there early to get home in time for naps. Baltimore is a great place to go with kids and there’s loads to do that’s also free of charge. Take a look at my ten favorite free family activities in Baltimore.
1. Visit an Art Museum. General admission to The Walters Art Museum is free every day. Enjoy twice-weekly toddler and preschool arts programs, or simply wander around the museum to check out ancient art exhibits. Once a month, take a 45-minute family tour for those ages 6 and up.
2. Walk Amongst the Sculptures. Head to the American Visionary Art Museum and enjoy the free sculpture plaza and wildflower gardens. Head to the Tall Sculpture Barn to see a life-size, interactive chess set. Or enjoy the wildflowers that surround the Meditation Chapel.
3. Hop on the Bus. Take a free ride on the Charm City Circulator, which will take you just about anywhere you need to go, including all the touristy hot spots. It’s also a great way to take a seat and enjoy the air conditioning on a hot summer day.
4. Enjoy Free Outdoor Entertainment. You and your kids will love the live music and entertainment to be found in the HarborPlace Amphitheatre. Street performers perform daily, and regional and local bands play on Saturday and Sunday nights in the summer.
5. Take a Walking Tour. Head to the Inner Harbor Visitor Center to pick up a guided tour along Heritage Walk April through October. Heritage Walk is an easy three mile walking trail that connects 20 historic sites and museums in an area that spans four city neighborhoods.
6. Head Out for a Bike Trail. Grab your bike and head to Gwynns Falls Trail, a 15-mile trail system that connects over 30 neighborhoods in west and south Baltimore with parks, cultural resources and historic landmarks. Don’t forget your bike helmet!
7. See How Fudge is Made. Take a free tour of The Fudgery to see what goes into making fudge. You and the kids will enjoy watching the fudgemakers sing and dance while they work. Of course, you should also pick up a few tasty fudge varieties to take home with you too.
8. Explore Nature. Head to the Cylburn Arboretum on weekends to visit the Nature Museum, which features mounted Maryland birds, eggs, rocks, fossils and hands-on exhibits. For just $1, kids can enjoy the twice-monthly nature story hour.
9. Tiptoe Through the Tulips. Stop by Sherwood Gardens in late-April and early-May to see the free gardens at their peak. More than six acres in size, Sherwood Gardens has no gates and is open to the public to stroll at their leisure.
10. Feed the Ducks. Just outside the National Aquarium, you’ll find Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Waterfront Park. Bring a bag of bread crumbs and relax at this beautiful, urban retreat.
Have you taken your kids to Baltimore? I’d love to hear what you’ve been able to do for free in Charm City. Let me know in the comments section below.
Photo Credit: kymagirl
