Get Ready to ‘Set Sail’ into the New School Year on August 8th!

Ahoy, future scholars and adventurers! On August 8th, as summer winds down, prepare to embark on an unforgettable voyage at Port Discovery for our annual back-to-school event— Set Sail for School!

Join us alongside our incredible Baltimore community partners for a day packed with school-related resources, engaging activities, and fabulous free giveaways. Whether you’re gearing up for the new school year or just looking for a fun-filled day out, we’ve got something for everyone. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to get ready for school in style while having a ton of fun! 

 

Baltimore City Resident Special Admission Offer (In-Person Only)

As part of Set Sail for School, we will be offering a special admission rate for Baltimore City residents:
$5 admission per person for Baltimore City residents on August 8, 2026 only.
*On August 8, 2026, Baltimore City residents can enjoy discounted admission to Port Discovery Children’s Museum for just $5 per person. To redeem this offer, guests must present a valid Maryland ID or driver’s license with an approved Baltimore City zip code at the time of in-house purchase. Each valid ID may be used to purchase up to five discounted admissions, and only one ID may be used per transaction. Discounted admission is available for purchase in person only at the museum box office and cannot be redeemed online or applied to previous purchases. This offer is valid only on August 8, 2026, and cannot be combined with any other discounts, promotions, or offers. Restrictions apply.

2026 Special Programs & Activities

  • Ready, Set, Sail!

    In the museum atrium, we’ll have plenty of fun, hands-on activities all about setting sail! From Kiddie Pool Boat Launches, to Down the River Races, along with Buoy Swings – there’s activities suitable for all ages to get some of your school jitters out. There’ll also be Shark Reef Sensory Bins, as well as Alphabet Fishing, for more sensory and fine-motor skills focused programming to enjoy.

  • Duct Tape Pencil Cases

    Make your very own pencil case out of a bag and duct tape! Join us for a creative and practical workshop where you’ll transform a simple bag into a stylish and functional pencil case using colorful and patterned duct tape. This activity is perfect for kids who enjoy hands-on projects and want to start the school year with a unique, custom-made pencil case.

  • Teddy Talk: The First Day of School

    Join Teddy for an adorable school-themed presentation – Teddy is nervous about his first day of school, so let’s help him ease his anxiety! This special hands-on program focuses on easing anxieties about the first day of school, and offers tips for a calming and enjoyable school experience for children. With Teddy leading the way, children will learn about emotional regulation through storytelling, interactive activities, and gentle guidance, making the first day of school more stress-free for the whole family.

  • Discovery Tales

    Look, listen and sing! Gather ’round, friends. Join us as we sing songs and read stories and the whole family can enjoy.

     

Fox45 News: Port Discovery Children's Museum to welcome kids to 'Set Sail for School' | 2026

2026 Special Guests & Local Partners

  • Arts For Learning

    Arts for Learning Maryland engages the arts to ignite learning and transform education. Through partnerships with artists, schools, and communities, we create opportunities for students to imagine, create, and realize their full potential through the arts.

  • Baltimore City Public Schools Office of Early Learning

    The Baltimore City Public Schools Office of Early Learning provides Pre-K and early childhood programs focusing on social-emotional, language, and cognitive development.

  • Baltimore City Early Childhood Advisory Council

    The Baltimore City Early Childhood Advisory Council (ECAC) is a diverse group of early childhood educators, service providers, funders, public agencies, researchers, community advocates, and families — all working together to support young children and their caregivers.

    We’re united by a shared commitment: to help Baltimore’s children — from before birth through age five — grow up healthy, supported, and ready to learn. Our members share knowledge, connect resources, and advocate for stronger policies and better outcomes for families across the city.

  • Baltimore City Pre-K Campaign

    In Baltimore City, families with 3 and 4 year olds have a variety of options for free or low-cost public pre-K! For the 2026–27 school year, Baltimore City is expanding access to free, high-quality Pre-K with 31 community-based providers now offering state-funded seats—bringing the total to 765 seats, including 250 new seats added this year.

    These childcare centers, family childcare homes, and Head Start programs give families more options to find the Pre-K setting that best fits their needs. For the full list and description of Baltimore City Pre-K programs, visit BaltimorePreK.com.

  • Johns Hopkins Community Physicians Canton

    Johns Hopkins Community Physicians aims to bring Johns Hopkins Medicine to our communities, by giving patients and teams the time and attention they need to achieve their best health. Our physicians, physician assistants and certified registered nurse practitioners provide routine checkups and well-child visits, treatment of minor illnesses and injuries, as well as support in managing chronic illnesses, such as allergies and asthma,

     

  • Maryland Family Network

    Maryland Family Network (MFN) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that young children and their families have access to high-quality early care and education services throughout the state of Maryland. MFN works to improve the availability, affordability, and quality of child care and early learning programs. It provides advocacy, resources, training, and technical assistance to child care providers, educators, and families to promote positive outcomes for children’s development and school readiness. MFN also operates a network of Family Support Centers that offer services such as parenting education, health screenings, and referrals to community resources.

    Maryland Family Network aims to support families with young children by providing resources and guidance on early childhood education and care. Their expertise and advocacy help ensure that children receive quality care and education, setting a strong foundation for future academic success. Maryland Family Network’s presence promotes parental involvement and community support, emphasizing the importance of early learning and family well-being in preparing children for school and beyond.

  • Mayor's Office of Children & Family Success

    At the Mayor’s Office of Children and Family Success (MOCFS), our mission is to drive transformative change in the City of Baltimore by using a three-generation approach to deliver comprehensive services that pave the way for the success of Baltimore’s children and families.

  • Our House Baltimore

    Our House Baltimore is more than a play space—it’s a vibrant hub where families can enjoy excellent food and coffee, engage in meaningful programming, and connect in a space designed to nurture their whole experience.

    Our House Baltimore exists to empower families, create joyful memories, and foster a sense of belonging. It’s a space designed by caregivers, for caregivers and children, with the goal of enriching the lives of all who step through our doors.

  • The Nanny Network

    The Nanny Network is a mission-driven, full-service child care & household staffing agency serving the Baltimore, Washington, D.C. and New Orleans metropolitan areas. Founded in 1995, our 30 year track record is built on years of dedication, trust, and success in helping families and companies thrive while simultaneously making the world a better place.

    The Nanny Network’s main purpose is to empower families while simultaneously increasing the number of women in leadership. The company is also passionate about workforce development and is committed to offering a myriad of flexible job opportunities with a well rounded benefits package that sets its employees up to succeed, at work and at home.

  • Maryland Food Bank

    The Maryland Food Bank is a non-profit organization leading the movement to end hunger in Maryland. They have an extensive network of community and organizational partners across the state that distribute food to the Marylanders who need them.

    They supply the food to hundreds of food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and faith-based organizations that serve food-insecure Marylanders. They supplement this work with outreach programs that provide direct food assistance, educate the public on the importance of good nutrition, and fight hunger through innovative means.

  • Maryland Public Television

    Maryland Public Television, commonly known as MPT, is a public television network that broadcasts throughout the entire state of Maryland and the District of Columbia and into parts of Delaware, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. MPT is Maryland’s only statewide broadcaster. Headquartered in Owings Mills, MPT is a member of the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) and is a producer of both locally and nationally distributed TV programs and digital content.

Set Sail for School at Port Discovery offers kids and their families a great start to going back to school and entering Pre-K! It’s all about supporting success in school—from our partners who are there to offer resources and services to our museum activities that reinforce positive parenting skills for caregivers as they develop healthy routines at home. And of course, we will have plenty of fun on hand too, including jump roping, puppet shows and DIY back-to school art projects!

Dr. Rachel Demma, Vice President of Learning, Visitor Experience & Community Engagement
Port Discovery Children's Museum

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