Downtown | Greater Baltimore
4337 Harford Road, 21214; 410-444-4440
Located in the Lauraville neighborhood of northeast Baltimore, the Red Canoe is a locally owned bookstore and cafe with a wonderful assortment of unique books for children. Occupying two colorfully painted adjoining row houses with separate entrances for the bookstore and cafe, the Red Canoe embraces a handsome and cozy atmosphere with local artwork and reading nooks. The bookstore holds weekly preschool sing-alongs and book clubs, while the cafe sells a variety of salads, sandwiches, beverages, and muffins that have been recognized as the best in Baltimore.
6105 Kenwood Avenue, 21237; 410-887-0512
Storyville is an interactive early learning literacy center at the Rosedale branch of the Baltimore County Public Library. Designed for children from birth to 5 years old, the charming village-like kid haven is furnished with engaging age-appropriate books, sensory toys, and learning activities within the two-story house, theater, store, and Chesapeake Bay waterfront learning areas. Preschoolers will enjoy presenting plays and puppet shows, toddlers can rock in a toy boat or gaze at the stars in Toddler Bay, and non-walking infants can experience tummy time or crawling around under butterflies, dragonflies, and pull-up flowers in the Baby Garden. Admission is free.