“Good Morning Baltimore! Every day’s like an open door!”

Does anyone else sing that song in their head whenever they hear the city, Baltimore? It’s from the musical Hairspray, by the way.

Anyway, I grew up in a town west of Baltimore, Maryland and I was able to take my family back for a weekend. What’s somewhat sad is that even though I lived close by as a kid, there was so much I never got to do!

Thankfully we were all able to experience new things together during our awesome trip.

If you have kids like us and want to explore the Inner Harbor area, keep reading to learn about several museums you can visit with your children.

[Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Visit Baltimore, but all opinions are my own.]

#1: Miss Shirley’s Cafe

Of course you can’t have a full day of walking without breakfast! Start your day early at Miss Shirley’s Cafe, a place where the breakfast is served all day, and in a classic Maryland theme. How would you like to try a Maryland crab omelet?

They have several locations throughout Maryland (including the BWI airport!), but I recommend eating at the Inner Harbor location to begin with. They provide parking validations (for your time eating), and you also have the benefit of ending your day back where you started. I love walks that end where they begin 🙂

#2: Baltimore Museum of Industry

The Baltimore Museum of Industry was by far my family’s favorite place of the day. It holds so much history, including part of an original canning building from the 1860s. There are also interactive parts, like a really cool car that you can go in and pretend to drive. Parker almost had a complete meltdown when we had to leave that area…

What’s more, they have children’s boxes setup throughout the museum. In the boxes are interactive activities that young children can do. Parker especially loved trying to sew with shoestrings in the sewing room!

If you are lucky enough to visit on a Saturday between May to November, you can enjoy a nice Farmer’s Market right outside the museum too. While we were there, they had a local band playing along with local bakers and companies selling their products. I highly recommend it!

#3: American Visionary Art Museum

I have to give a little disclaimer here, we went to the American Visionary Art Museum because I thought it sounded cool and unique. And as much as it was, indeed, cool and unique, it didn’t mesh with our family as much as I wanted it to.

The hallways are tight so lugging a stroller around isn’t super easy and the art showcased is not traditional, which may be too “modern” for some. If you have ever been to a Dreamscapes exhibit, they’re very similar.

There aren’t many interactive parts either, which made it a little hard to keep the attention of my son (and husband haha). However, if you are into more modern art, this is the place for you!

#4: Maryland Science Center

Unfortunately we didn’t make it here during our most recent trip, but I have fond memories of it from when I was a child. The Maryland Science Center sits along the Inner Harbor and would be right after the American Visionary Art Museum on your walk.

This museum is fun and interesting for all ages, complete with a planetarium and IMAX theater. You will learn and actively participate in themes such as gravity, electricity, cells, body parts, space, pretty much any science related thing.

One of my favorite things to do there is sit a real bed of nails! Odd, I know, but where else can you do that?

#5: Walters Art Museum

We did spend time at the Walters Art Museum between going to the American Visionary Art Museum and the National Aquarium, but it’s not really close enough to walk so I would consider this an optional stop. This museum is free – yes, FREE – and has a lot of really cool stuff.

The building it’s in was the original home of Henry Walters, who gave it to the City of Baltimore in 1934, along with an impressive art collection he inherited from his father. Today, you can see ancient Greek and Roman artifacts/busts, Egyptian mummies, medieval European paintings/statues, 14th century Chinese sculptures, and much more.

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Fun Fact: My sister volunteered at the Walters Art Museum when she was in high school and knows a lot of behind the scenes secrets. To learn one, check out my Instagram post about it HERE.

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Although not instinctually “kid-friendly” because there are no interactive parts, I would say it is still a great place to bring children (and for them to learn from!). The workers are all very kind and help you out with anything you need. Plus, there are so many different types of exhibits that it doesn’t get boring.

#6: National Aquarium

The National Aquarium is an absolutely must-see spot in Baltimore! You may recognize it based on its unique exterior and colored walls.

Inside holds what you might expect at an aquarium –  fish, fish, and more fish. However, don’t do what we did and miss the dolphin show! There is an indoor bridge attachment in the main area that takes you to the dolphin show and other fun attractions. I blame it on the kids being tired, but we totally forgot to check that part out during our trip.

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Pro Tip: The aquarium does not allow strollers throughout the exhibits. While they provide a guarded stroller drop-off room, be prepared to carry your babies that can’t walk yet.

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Fortunately, the National Aquarium is right across the street from Miss Shirley’s Cafe (it’s closer than it looks in the map) so you can quickly get back to your car after that full day of walking. Or driving, I won’t judge you 🙂