501 E. Pratt Street, 21202; 410-576-3800
Located in the heart of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor and attracting more than 1.6 million visitors each year, the National Aquarium in Baltimore is one of the city’s top tourist attractions and is a beloved site of local residents. The aquarium’s award-winning facility holds more than 1 million gallons of water, inviting the public to view more than 10,500 specimens and 560 species in environmental exhibits. The main floor features a large pool of stingrays, and as visitors work their way up to the fourth floor, they will encounter local habitats and an array of obscure fish. The top of the building features the bright, natural-lit rainforest exhibit, and on the way down, pathways are surrounded by an open pool of shark variety where kids can get an up-close and personal look at the slow-moving, mysterious sharks behind the glass. Visitors will also want to see the aquarium’s newest exhibit, Jelly Invasion, and may choose to include a dolphin show and/or the 4D Immersion Theatre with their admission. Many downtown residents choose to purchase family memberships, which include these attractions in addition to unlimited free admission and other benefits. Parents of babies should be prepared to carry their child in a back or front pack baby carrier. Strollers are not permitted; however, aquarium staff will store your stroller and provide a child carrier for those who do not have their own.
Druid Hill Park, 21217; 410-396-7102
Located in Druid Hill Park, the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore encompasses 160 acres of natural settings that replicate the native habitats of more than 1,500 birds, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles in the zoo’s collection that represent nearly 200 species. Watching the elephants, penguins, moneys, and giraffes are just a few of the main attractions at the zoo. The Polar Bear Watch features an authentic Tundra Buggy, from which the playful bears can be seen frolicking in and out of the water. Families can also take a ride on a camel’s back, or visit the Kids Zone petting zoo. Local residents look forward to the annual ZooBoo celebration taking place the weekend before Halloween. The zoo is open daily from 10 a.m.–4 p.m., closing only on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Children under 2 years old are free. Annual memberships are also available, offering year-round admission, free or reduced admission to over 100 other zoos, and discounted guest admission passes. Summer camp programs are also available for children entering grades 3–9.