Families looking for fun things to do in Baltimore this summer have no shortage of options. Whether it’s staying cool indoors from the humid heat or finding an outdoor spot to cool off, Baltimore City has got several hidden gems for you to explore or revisit! This is your go-to Summer guide to navigating our top ten accessible picks for the perfect day trip or week-long exploration for family friendly fun in and outside of Maryland.
Cool off at Public Swimming Pools in the City
There are three major public swimming pools in the city, such as Patterson Park Swimming Pool, Riverside Swimming Pool, and Druid Hill Park Swimming Pool, all of which are free for Baltimore residents and visitors who create a CivicRec account before arriving. with as long as you create a Civic Rec account before arriving. Each of these locations are inside local Baltimore City parks, with Riverside Park in South Baltimore, Patterson Park in East Baltimore, and Druid Hill Park in North Baltimore – giving families a fun and affordable way to cool off during the summer while exploring different neighborhoods throughout Baltimore.
Experience Interactive Arts at Black Cherry Puppet Theater
Baltimore’s Black Cherry Puppet Theater is a non-profit association of artists and performers that have been presenting family-friendly performances and workshops for children and adults since 1980. The theater is in Southwest Baltimore next to the historic Hollins Market and has several hands-on events for puppet making or interactive performances for families. It’s a wonderfully cozy theater that emphasizes community-focused arts programming.
Discover Free Books at The Book Thing of Baltimore
Located in Waverly, the Book Thing of Baltimore opens their doors monthly for donations and free books! All books are free at this volunteer-run, used book hub, making it a treasure trove of knowledge and creativity to explore. Make an activity of finding a unique book to bring back home for story time and add onto your children’s book collection or donate old books to make room for new ones!
Explore Summer Programs at Enoch Pratt Free Library
If you’re looking for somewhere indoors to take the kids and continue learning during the summer, your local Enoch Pratt Free Library may have free programming for families throughout the season. In addition to story times and creative craft sessions, many branches offer summer reading programs, educational activities, and free family events that help children stay engaged while school is out.
Take a stroll around West Shore Park, Walter Sondheim Fountain
The West Shore Park fountain, also known as Walter Sondheim Fountain, is an interactive musical fountain located next to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor on the west side of the boardwalk. You and your family can stop by on your walk through West Short Park and play in the fountain, which has rows of jet nozzles that can spray water up to six feet in the air! During your visit, you may also catch one of the fountain’s timed water shows set to Baltimore-inspired music, making it one of the most popular free summer attractions in the Inner Harbor area.
Be active with the family at Riverside Park
Riverside Park in Baltimore is the perfect spot for a fun and healthy family outing! This beautifully maintained park offers a variety of fitness options, including bodyweight exercises and cardio machines, making it easy to stay active together. Just outside the park, you’ll find inviting pool amenities that kids of all ages will love, providing a refreshing way to beat the summer heat. During the summer, Riverside Park comes alive with outdoor events and concerts, making it one of South Baltimore’s most family-friendly destinations for recreation, community events, and outdoor fun.
Learn Circus tricks at In the Dark Circus Arts
In the Dark Circus Arts offers fun classes for families to enjoy together! Kids and parents can learn circus skills like trapeze, juggling, and aerial fabrics in a supportive and exciting environment. During the summer, Riverside Park comes alive with outdoor events and concerts, making it one of South Baltimore’s most family-friendly destinations for recreation, community events, and outdoor fun.
Celebrate at the bay During Sail250® Maryland & Airshow
Join the whole family for an exciting weekend at the Baltimore Inner Harbor from June 26–28, 2026! Enjoy tours of tall ships and Navy ships, spectacular flyovers above the harbor, and live performances by local and military bands. Strolling performers and street entertainment keep everyone entertained, while delicious seafood programming offers tasty bites for all. Kids can participate in the “Parade of Nations” during Kids on the Bay, and everyone can experience the official Welcome Ceremony hosted by Denise Koch of WJZ-TV. With activities and fun for all ages, it’s the perfect family outing to celebrate community, culture, and fun at this lively festival!
Build Your Perfect Baltimore Family Day with Port Discovery Children’s Museum!
Build your perfect Baltimore family day by starting your early morning with a walk around Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, where you can visit Walter Songheim Fountain and check out the boats in the harbor. After your walk, explore exhibits at Port Discovery Children’s Museum, and then end the day with a family-friendly performance at Black Cherry Puppet Theater or an evening event at Riverside Park.
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.
