When you travel as a family, there will always be places for you to go and things for you to do. With that said, when you go to places like Baltimore, you may wonder how you can get the right balance between suiting the needs of your family and doing things that you love. This is easier to do when you know that you have a good plan of action in place. If you want to find out more, then take a look below.
Start with Accommodation
The first thing you need to do is begin with accommodation. You need to make sure that you look into self-serve accommodation if you can, as you will find that they offer a much more relaxing experience overall. You generally aren’t bound to the staff to do what you need, and this is great to say the least. You can also look into things like long-stay apartments, as they can help you to find something that suits your needs. You also need to find a place that you feel ticks all of the right boxes for you. Sometimes you may pick locations because they are good for the kids, and this is great, there is nothing wrong with that, but if you know that someone is going to get bored or frustrated when staying there, then this is a big sign that you need to try and make a change about that. When you go to Baltimore, you will find that there are a lot of things you can do to try and keep the kids on the go, and if you plan, you should notice a huge difference. If you want a good starting point, look into family hotels near National Aquarium Baltimore.
Source: Pexels
Exploring Local Cuisines
Another thing you can do is try and explore the local cuisine. You need to check out the local eateries, and you also need to try and find a way to experience the city much more authentically. If you happen to be a big fan of fish, then this is great. Baltimore has a huge range of seafood restaurants, and there is also a wide range of seafood establishments. You can also try something like the Maryland crab soup if you want to experience the local cuisine. If you have kids, however, then you may find that they aren’t that inclined, and although there is nothing wrong with this, you will want to accommodate that. You should also try and look into other ventures that your kids will love, as this way you can make sure that everyone is happy.
Finally, you have to learn to relax. You may find that you are constantly having to keep an eye on your kids. This can be a stressful practice, but if you can take the time to know how to relax. Being on the go is great, but if you do not factor in ways to relax, then this will really impact you, and it will make it much harder to have the best time.
Top Family Attractions in Baltimore
One of the best things about Baltimore is that it offers attractions that cater to every age group. Here are some family favorites:
- National Aquarium – A must-see, with sharks, dolphins, jellyfish, and even a rainforest habitat under one roof.
- Maryland Science Center – Interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and an IMAX theater that will wow both kids and adults.
- Port Discovery Children’s Museum – Perfect for younger kids with hands-on exhibits, climbing structures, and creative play areas.
- Baltimore Zoo (The Maryland Zoo) – A great day trip where kids can meet giraffes, penguins, and other animals up close.
- Harbor Cruises – Take a boat ride around the Inner Harbor for a fun way to see the city from the water.
If your family loves history, you can also check out Fort McHenry National Monument, the birthplace of the U.S. national anthem.
Outdoor Fun and Hidden Gems
Baltimore isn’t just about museums and aquariums—it has plenty of outdoor fun too. Take the family to Patterson Park, known for its playgrounds, walking trails, and open spaces. If your kids love being active, Canton Waterfront Park is perfect for picnics and biking.
For something unique, ride the Historic Carousel at the Inner Harbor, or take a short drive to the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum, where kids can climb aboard real trains.
Getting Around the City
When traveling with kids, convenience matters. Baltimore offers several family-friendly transportation options:
- Charm City Circulator – A free bus service that makes it easy to hop between key attractions.
- Water Taxi – A fun and scenic way to move between neighborhoods.
- Walking – The Inner Harbor is pedestrian-friendly, with plenty of shops, street performers, and kid-friendly stops.
Don’t Forget to Relax
Finally, you have to learn to relax. You may find that you are constantly having to keep an eye on your kids. This can be a stressful practice, but it’s important to factor in downtime. Spend an afternoon strolling along the harbor, stop for ice cream, or simply enjoy watching the boats go by.
Being on the go is great, but if you don’t balance sightseeing with relaxation, you might burn out before the trip ends. Remember—the best family memories often come from the little moments, not just the big attractions.
Final Thoughts
Planning a family trip to Baltimore doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right accommodation, a mix of kid-approved activities, and time set aside to relax, you’ll have everything you need for an unforgettable vacation. From crab cakes to carousel rides, Baltimore truly has something for every member of the family.
So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready—your perfect Baltimore family adventure is waiting!
