Baltimore City is filled to the brim with things to do during Spring, and this is your go-to guide to navigating our top ten accessible picks for the perfect daytrip or week-long exploration for families in and outside of Maryland.
Historic Ships in Baltimore and the Inner Harbor
Across Baltimore’s Inner Harbor on the waterfront, are Historic Ships that you can observe on a walk through the harbor, take a look at the Seven Foot Knoll Light House, USS Torsk, or as a fun extra – check out Mr. Trash Wheel! Combine your maritime visit with a stop at Port Discovery Children’s Museum and the National Aquarium to add even more to your inner harbor visit.
Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower
Explore one of the tallest buildings in Baltimore for free during their walk-in hours, where you can journey through 12 floors of art studio space featuring modern art right from local artists. If you’re looking to add on to an arts and culture focused visit, you can also visit the Baltimore Museum of Art, Walters Art Museum, or the Peale – all of which are free to visit with rich creative history. Still on your creative journey? Visit the American Visionary Art Museum and walk through the free sculpture plaza and gardens.
Federal Hill Park
If you’re looking for an outdoor, harbor view of the city: Federal Hill Park is your destination. There’s plenty of park benches for seating and picnicking, alongside a playground, basketball court, and local restaurants. The park is also accessible by the Charm City Circulator and MTA Bus, with close access to the Inner Harbor – not to mention being right by the Maryland Science Center, American Visionary Art Museum, and Rash Field Park!
Fort McHenry National Monument
The fort served as a valiant line of defense in the Battle of Baltimore on September 13-14, 1814, which inspired Francis Scott Key to write what would later become the U.S. national anthem. The fort has more than enough history to take you and your family on a journey through time! The majority of this 43-acre park is free, except for the historic zone – but you can do a 3D virtual tour to explore the buildings of the historic star fort to view the history and artifacts currently on display.
Cylburn Arboretum
On the outskirts of the city right, Cylburn Arboretum is a 200-acre natural space filled with trees, gardens, wooded trails, and a nature center. Open year-round, this gem shines in the spring and summer when the flowers come back to bloom in celebration of the warmer seasons! Extend your nature adventure by visiting Rawlings Conservatory or the Maryland Zoo, or walk the trails of Druid Hill Park and visit each of the pavilions!
Masonville Cove
Tucked away in South Baltimore is one of our neighborhood’s hidden wildlife treasures—Masonville Cove. It’s a peaceful escape where you can stroll safely along beautiful waterfront trails, taking in the sights and sounds of nature right in the city. Each month, there are a variety of free events and programs designed to bring the community together and foster learning and fun. Come discover this special green space and enjoy all the natural beauty and activities it has to offer!
Filbert Street Garden
The Filbert Street Garden is a hidden gem in South Baltimore where the community can come together and learn about nature. Visitors and the community can get hands-on experience with planting, harvesting, and even learning about animal husbandry and local wildlife with local professionals. Throughout the year, there are fun seasonal events that bring people together to enjoy the garden.
R/C Hollywood Cinema 4
R/C Hollywood Cinema 4 is a small, family-owned theater located in Arbutus. It’s a cozy spot where you can kick back in comfy recliner seats and enjoy a great movie. They only serve popcorn and candy, so it’s all about simple, good fun. Whether you’re catching the newest film or just hanging out with family and friends, it’s a nice little theater to enjoy a movie day!
Baltimore Underground Science Space
BUGSS is a nonprofit community lab that makes science accessible to everyone. They offer classes, seminars, and lab space so people can safely explore biology and biotechnology. They aim to create open conversations and hands-on learning, helping people understand both the exciting potential and ethical concerns of new biological technologies.
Middle Branch Fitness and Wellness Center
A relatively new recreation center featuring indoor and outdoor pools, a free gym experience, and an indoor track. It also hosts a variety of free events and programs designed to bring the community together and promote fun and wellness for everyone!
If you’ve gotten this far and looking for more — don’t worry! This blog post was created in partnership with Macaroni KID South Baltimore, co-written by Danyelle Jackson — who’s got even more family friendly events in Baltimore City on their events calendar.
We hope that you and your family discover, learn, and most importantly — have fun!
