Opening October 2025: Two New Exhibits Launch a Modern Era of Play at Port Discovery

Port Discovery Children’s Museum in Baltimore is excited to announce the opening of two brand-new interactive exhibits, Galactic Builders and SKIES, debuting in October 2025. These immersive experiences mark the beginning of an exciting multi-year renovation plan designed to transform Port Discovery into an updated, redesigned community space for playful learning.

Whether your child dreams of building rovers and launching rockets, or prefers curling up in a cozy reading nook, or has the imagination to build the best blanket fort ever, our newest exhibits offer something for every imaginative mind. Galactic Builders and SKIES will be located on our third floor, offering over 4,500 square feet of new exhibit space.

Blast Off into Galactic Builders

Get ready for an out-of-this-world experience! Galactic Builders invites kids to explore the realm of engineering and physics through a vibrant space-themed play area. This exhibit encourages children to think like scientists and engineers by testing parachutes, building rovers, and launching rockets, all in a playful, creative environment.

Galactic Builder Highlights:

STEM Activities: Hands-on experiences like rover building and rocket launching

Engineering and Physics: Exploration of forces, gravity, and aerodynamics.

Systems Thinking: Teaches how different parts of a system interact through design and testing.

Collaborative Problem-Solving: Builds teamwork and communication in group challenges.

Creativity and Innovation: Inspires creative thinking and unique solutions.

Inquiry-Based Learning: Encourages curiosity, experimentation, and testing ideas.

Find Calm and Wonder in SKIES

Sometimes, we all need a little quiet time to recharge, reset, and reenergize – that’s exactly what SKIES offers. This fully immersive, low-sensory exhibit captures the beauty of the sky’s daily journey from sunrise to sunset. It’s a calming space where kids and families can slow down and enjoy gentle sensory experiences inspired by clouds, sunlight, and the moon.

SKIES Highlights:

Sensory Development: Provides a low-stimulation environment for exploring textures, light, and sound.

Emotional Regulation: Supports self-soothing, mindfulness, and focus.

Social-Emotional Learning: Fosters kindness, cooperation, and shared play.

Literacy and Character: Features reading nooks with books promoting positive character traits.

Observation and Curiosity: Sparks wonder about the sky and natural phenomena.

Fine Motor Skills and Creativity: Encourages tactile play and creative building.

SKIES provides a welcoming environment for everyone, from children who benefit from a sensory-friendly space to families seeking a peaceful moment of quiet reflection.

“With these two new exhibits, we have created unique experiences to ignite imaginations but can also meet kids where they are. Galactic Builders’ engineering STEM play will challenge kids to return over and over to improve their space vehicle designs, while SKIES provides deliberately chosen low-sensory activities for kids to foster reflection and wonder.” -Hope Myers, VP of Exhibits & Facilities of Port Discovery

The Beginning of Something Big

The debut of Galactic Builders and SKIES marks the beginning of a multi-year transformation at Port Discovery. Over the next few years, we will be introducing more innovative exhibits and upgraded spaces that will make learning fun, engaging, and accessible for all children.

Our goal is to make Port Discovery not just a museum, but a vibrant, accessible and ever-evolving community learning lab where children and their families can return again and again to explore, create, and connect through the power of play.

We can’t wait to share these new worlds with you. Stay tuned to our website and social media for sneak peeks, and updates as we continue this exciting journey.