Exhibits & Experiences

OPEN Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays | Fridays: 1 PM – 4 PM, Saturdays: 10 AM – 5 PM, Sundays: Noon – 5 PM  (Closed Monday – Thursday)
Admission is free for members. Visitors enter for $5 per person. Free for children under two.

Design and make a mini-robot, build with giant life-sized building blocks, launch rockets towards the moon, create a theatrical play and more in Port Discovery’s newest hands-on experience, The Construction Zone in the Atrium at Port Discovery sponsored by M&T Bank! 

• Design! Can a robot make real art? Find out when you design and build a mini-robot in the Prototype & Play area. Be an architect as you draft and draw plans for a new playground, building, and more with spirographs and lightboxes. Build and draw at  building and art stations.  
• Build! It’s a box...it’s a plane...it’s a castle! When you add imagination to giant blocks, there’s no limit to what you can create. As you build, dress up using hats, goggles, puppets, and more – and work together to create a scene straight out of your dreams.  
• Launch! 3...2...1...Blastoff! Launch a rocket towards a mini-moon and explore how physics helps things fly (and land). Plus, learn about space in a hands-on Sun, Earth, Universe mini-exhibit. 
• Act! Take 10! Dress up, dance, sing, act – and take center stage in the Black Box Theater! Plus enjoy interactive theater performances including puppets, silly scientists, singers, dancers and other family-friendly performers.   
• Move! Jump around and play games in our Game Zone. Crawl and toddle around The Oasis. Enjoy drop-in performances and programs that are playful and educational.  

Located in the Atrium at Port Discovery Children’s Museum (directly next door to the Main Museum), The Construction Zone will be open for a limited time and features unique opportunities for little learners ages birth to 10 to explore the art, science, and fun of construction.

The Construction Zone is one of the interactive, educational activities children and families can enjoy while Port Discovery constructs two new immersive exhibits, the Port Exhibit and the SkyClimber, and works on Museum improvements including an efficient new lobby, new nursing area, more family seating areas, a renovated lunchroom, and updated restrooms. The new exhibits and improvements are designed to improve the visitor experience and fuel play and learning for future generations of children.

Presenting sponsor: M&T Bank. Supported in part by W.R. Grace.

Spark your child’s imagination as you play and learn together at Port Discovery’s Pop-Up Play Space at The Shops at Kenilworth! Located at The Shops at Kenilworth, the Pop-Up Play Space features fun and educational programs, messy art (think paint!), and fun, hands-on building activities, as well as previews of the exciting new exhibits to come at Port Discovery Children’s Museum.

• Build:  Get hands-on as you design, build and create!
• Learn: Take part in educational activities that engage children in playful learning.
• Create:  Join us in the messy art area (think paint!)

Port Discovery’s Pop-Up Play Space is one of the interactive, educational activities children and families can enjoy while Port Discovery constructs two new immersive exhibits, the Port Exhibit and the SkyClimber, and works on Museum improvements including an efficient new lobby, new nursing area, more family seating areas, a renovated lunchroom, and updated restrooms. The new exhibits and improvements are designed to improve the visitor experience and fuel play and learning for future generations of children.

Exciting changes are coming to Port Discovery! We’re raising funds to bring our members, visitors and future generations bold new exhibits, improved guest amenities and expanded programs that will continue to inspire children to dream big, imagine and learn through play. New exhibits and improvements planned include:

A new signature exhibit: The Port

Become the captain of an imaginative adventure on a massive ship! Role-play as the ship’s captain, sailors, navigators and engineers as you explore the seas, discover how products make their way around the world, and work together to move, stack and explore what’s inside shipping containers. Operate a gantry crane, learn how to navigate a boat, and more! Plus, learn about the Port of Baltimore – and the many jobs and products that make up one of the world’s most active ports! Planned opening: 2019.

This project has been financed (in part) with Federal funds from the National Maritime Heritage program, administered by the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. However, the contents and opinions contained herein do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Department of the Interior, nor does the mention of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or recommendation by the Department of the Interior.

This program received Federal financial assistance for preservation of historic maritime resources and for increasing public awareness and appreciation for the maritime heritage of the United States. Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended, the U.S. Department of the Interior prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability or age in its federally funded assisted programs. If you believe you have been discriminated again in any program, activity, or facility as described above, or if you desire further information, please write to: Office of Equal Opportunity National Park Service 1849 C Street, NW Washington, DC 20240

A new four-story Skyclimber:

Soar to new heights as you try to reach the clouds! Dare to dream – and test your courage – as you get climb your way up and around a four-story SkyClimber that takes you from underwater” up “into the clouds.” As you climb and reach new heights, you’ll build confidence and problem-solving skills while having fun with new friends. You’ll even trigger sound effects from Mother Nature as you climb high above Port Discovery and reach for the stars. Toddlers can get in on the action, too, with a soft play area on the ground level. The SkyClimber will replace Port Discovery’s current KidWorks exhibit.​ Planned opening: 2019.

Take a break in The Oasis, a quiet room where families can lounge on pillows and read a book together, play a game or solve a puzzle.

The activities in this exhibit are appropriate for children six-years-old or younger. ALL guests are welcome but we ask adults supervise older children as they share this area with our younger guests.

Get Fresh! Be Healthy Corner 
Located within The Oasis, The Get Fresh! Be Healthy Corner is an interactive exhibit that promotes healthy eating and highlights locations where fresh fruits and vegetables can be purchased throughout Baltimore City. Get Fresh! Be Healthy Corner is generously sponsored by: Kaiser Permanente

Soar to new heights as you try to reach the clouds! Dare to dream – and test your courage – as you get climb your way up and around a four-story SkyClimber that takes you from underwater” up “into the clouds.” As you climb and reach new heights, you’ll build confidence and problem-solving skills while having fun with new friends. You’ll even trigger sound effects from Mother Nature as you climb high above Port Discovery and reach for the stars. Toddlers can get in on the action, too, with a soft play area on the ground level. The SkyClimber will replace Port Discovery’s current KidWorks exhibit.​ Planned opening: 2019.

Become the captain of an imaginative adventure on a massive ship! Role-play as the ship’s captain, sailors, navigators and engineers as you explore the seas, discover how products make their way around the world, and work together to move, stack and explore what’s inside shipping containers. Operate a gantry crane, learn how to navigate a boat, and more! Plus, learn about the Port of Baltimore – and the many jobs and products that make up one of the world’s most active ports! Planned opening: 2019.

This project has been financed (in part) with Federal funds from the National Maritime Heritage program, administered by the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. However, the contents and opinions contained herein do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Department of the Interior, nor does the mention of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or recommendation by the Department of the Interior.

This program received Federal financial assistance for preservation of historic maritime resources and for increasing public awareness and appreciation for the maritime heritage of the United States. Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended, the U.S. Department of the Interior prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability or age in its federally funded assisted programs. If you believe you have been discriminated again in any program, activity, or facility as described above, or if you desire further information, please write to: Office of Equal Opportunity National Park Service 1849 C Street, NW Washington, DC 20240

Please note: Adventure Expeditions is temporarily closed as Port Discovery builds bigger, bolder, and better new exhibits.  Join us for play and learning in The Construction Zone in the Atrium at Port Discovery sponsored by M&T Bank and at Port Discovery's Pop-Up Play Space in the shops at Kenilworth while construction is underway. Visit www.PortDiscovery.org/Construction for more information. 

Travel back to 1920's Egypt for the adventure of a lifetime! Part physical adventure and part mental obstacle course, in this exhibit, you must decipher hieroglyphics and find clues that will lead you to a pharaoh's lost tomb!

Recommended for ages 7 and up. 

Please note: The BGE Studio Workshop is temporarily closed as Port Discovery builds bigger, bolder, and better new exhibits.  Join us for play and learning in The Construction Zone in the Atrium at Port Discovery sponsored by M&T Bank and at Port Discovery's Pop-Up Play Space in the shops at Kenilworth while construction is underway. Visit www.PortDiscovery.org/Construction for more information. 

Everyone is an artist! BGE Studio Workshop is the space to express the artist in you! Programs change three times each year. Recommended for ages 2 and up.

Art programs in Studio Workshop are made possible by the Citizens of Baltimore County and by the Howard County Arts Council through a grant from Howard County Government.

Please note: Kick it Up! is temporarily closed as Port Discovery builds bigger, bolder, and better new exhibits.  Join us for play and learning in The Construction Zone in the Atrium at Port Discovery sponsored by M&T Bank and at Port Discovery's Pop-Up Play Space in the shops at Kenilworth while construction is underway. Visit www.PortDiscovery.org/Construction for more information. 

Get fit and healthy in our soccer and games stadium complete with electronic scoreboard and goals. Designed as an indoor soccer stadium, Kick It Up! is a unique exhibit that offers hands-on programs to get children's arms and legs moving and hearts pumping. 

When children are not engaging in a friendly game of soccer, the field transforms into an interactive, ExerKid games arena where they can surf, snowboard, and skate through challenging courses on balance boards, ride bikes, compete in an "i-Dance off", and play challenging games against the electronic T-Wall.

Healthy messaging through visually compelling electronic signage in the exhibit provides helpful tips and facts on health and nutrition during play.

For a complete schedule of activities happening in Kick It Up!, check our daily Cool Things to Do upon Museum arrival. 

Please note: PD Presents is temporarily closed as Port Discovery builds bigger, bolder, and better new exhibits.  Join us for play and learning in The Construction Zone in the Atrium at Port Discovery sponsored by M&T Bank and at Port Discovery's Pop-Up Play Space in the shops at Kenilworth while construction is underway. Visit www.PortDiscovery.org/Construction for more information. 

Engaging children in visual arts and theater at an early age helps children develop social and emotional skills while encouraging creativity, building problem-solving skills, and sparking imaginative thinking that benefit children in school and beyond. Port Discovery's PD Presents space provides a flexible theater space where visitors may find interactive plays, performances featuring theater, dance, and music, demonstrations from cultural organizations, science shows, and much, much more! Find PD Presents on Port Discovery's first floor towards the rear of the building.

Please note: The Royal Farms Convenience Store and Fill'er Up Station is temporarily closed as Port Discovery builds bigger, bolder, and better new exhibits.  Join us for play and learning in The Construction Zone in the Atrium at Port Discovery sponsored by M&T Bank and at Port Discovery's Pop-Up Play Space in the shops at Kenilworth while construction is underway. Visit www.PortDiscovery.org/Construction for more information. 

Learn how to make healthy choices in a convenient world in this mini interactive convenience store! Pretend you are the customer or employee and stock and scan various foods. Check the items in your cart against the food pyramid to see how many healthy food items you selected. Be sure to fill the Royal Farms VW Beetle with gas and check its tire pressure before you leave!

The Royal Farms Convenience Store and Fill'er Up Station is generously sponsored by Royal Farms. 

Please note: Tiny's Diner is temporarily closed as Port Discovery builds bigger, bolder, and better new exhibits.  Join us for play and learning in The Construction Zone in the Atrium at Port Discovery sponsored by M&T Bank and at Port Discovery's Pop-Up Play Space in the shops at Kenilworth while construction is underway. Visit www.PortDiscovery.org/Construction for more information. 

In this realistic 50's style diner, kids can "cook" and serve food to their parents while using their math skills to ring up orders at the cash register. Recommended for ages 2 and up.

Special thanks to the IKEA Baltimore store for its generous support of Tiny's Diner. 

Please note: Tot Trails is temporarily closed as Port Discovery builds bigger, bolder, and better new exhibits.  Join us for play and learning in The Construction Zone in the Atrium at Port Discovery sponsored by M&T Bank and at Port Discovery's Pop-Up Play Space in the shops at Kenilworth while construction is underway. Visit www.PortDiscovery.org/Construction for more information. 

In Tot Trails, children are encouraged to explore and learn about their world while parents can learn about their children through interaction and observation! While exploring some very unique landmarks and landscapes of Maryland, children and their caregivers engage in hands-on exploration in a space that sparks imagination and inspires curiosity. Children and parent can enjoy programs featuring reading and singing that also help children develop language and literacy skills. Infants can develop their gross motor skills and balance coordination as theycrawl, roll, and wiggle through cushioned, mirrored "tidal pools" and "dune walk." Young toddlers  test their problem-solving skills as they maneuver their way through the Mountain Trail and Paw Paw Tunnel, while exercising their imaginations by digging for fossils and playing with puppets. Visit after visit, caregivers are encouraged to play, interact, and observe their child as they discover new ways to connect learning and play.

Tot Trails is generously sponsored by M&T Bank. The Tot Trails Book Nook is generously sponsored by Maryland 529.

Please note: Wonders of Water is temporarily closed as Port Discovery builds bigger, bolder, and better new exhibits.  Join us for play and learning in The Construction Zone in the Atrium at Port Discovery sponsored by M&T Bank and at Port Discovery's Pop-Up Play Space in the shops at Kenilworth while construction is underway. Visit www.PortDiscovery.org/Construction for more information. 

Make a splash in this new wet and wonderful area of Port Discovery! WOW!, helps children understand human interactions with water in fun, exciting and interactive ways. Featuring: Earth Today (a real-time atmospheric display created by Animated Earth LLC featuring global data from NASA, NOAA and USGS), Water Chimes, Build a Fountain, Plumbers Park, Stream Table, Bubble Hoop and more!

Note: You will get wet in WOW!, but it's OK, there are slickers and crocs for everyone. You may want to bring a change of dry clothes.

Nano is an engaging and interactive mini-exhibition about nanoscale science, engineering, and technology for family audiences. Explore hands-on activities to discover the importance of things too small for the eye to see in nanoscale science.  

• Build a Carbon Nanotube
• Play “I Spy ” to discover nano in familiar places
• Compare the relative effects of static electricity and gravity
• and more! 
   

Developed by the NISE Network with funding from the National Science Foundation under Award Nos. ESI-0532536 and 09040143. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions
or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

Here We Grow!, Port Discovery’s own agricultural exhibit, introduces children and families to the processes, products, and people who work on farms. Here We Grow! explores farming through themes of science and technology, history, local ecology, global economics, and art. Interactive exhibit components will immerse children and students into the world of farming!

Support for Here We Grow travel has been provided in part by Maryland Soybean Board, Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association, Allied Milk Producers, and Maryland Agricultural Education Foundation, Inc. The Here We Grow! exhibit was developed by Port Discovery with funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services under grant award number MA-10-13-0567-13, the Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board, the Wright Family Foundation, the Maryland Soybean Board, the Maryland Agricultural Education Foundation, and other generous agricultural partners. The views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this exhibition do not necessarily represent those of the Institute of Museum and Library Services