Baltimore has many family-friendly and historic places to see.
Located an hour north of Washington, D.C., Baltimore is known for a variety of historical landmarks and events, but also offers a variety of new and modern family-friendly events and activities. For families looking to introduce their children to a dose of culture, or for those just looking to get their family out of the house, Baltimore offers a variety of different places to see.
Museums
Baltimore has as many as two dozen family-friendly and informative museums. Readers of Lonely Planet voted the American Visionary Art Museum the top sight in the city. In addition to art museums, there is also a railroad museum, a Babe Ruth Museum, and historical museums, such as the Civil War museum. Some of the museums, like the Baltimore Maritime Museum's lighthouse, offer free admission, while most offer reduced admission for children, making museum visits an economical option for a family-friendly boredom buster.
Live Performance
There are a variety of live theatre options for families to enjoy in Baltimore. Creative Alliance offers live performances and music in addition to free art galleries and film previews. Other theaters include Center Stage, which showcases classics such as Shakespeare, the Lyric Opera House for live opera, or Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, where the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra performs. For families with older children, there are great live music venues offering everything from local and lesser-known musical acts to big-name bands and musicians.
Historic Sites
There are a variety of landmarks and historic sites in Baltimore that can be educational and informative for residents and for families who are visiting the city. The grave of Edgar Allen Poe, the famous poet and author, is one of the more notable landmarks in the city. During the Halloween season, there are tours held at the memorial, and every January 19 there is a party located there to celebrate the author. For history buffs, or those seeking to learn more about the history of the area, Fort McHenry is a treasure trove of information about the War of 1812 and the Civil War.
Activities
For families with older children there are several ghost tours that run throughout the city, specifically around the city's maritime area and Fell's Point. When the weather is nicer in Baltimore, families can get outdoors and try a variety of recreational activities, including sailing or bike riding around town. For families visiting or new to the city, tours by land and water are available, at a reduced rate for children 12 and under, from the Baltimore Ducks.
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