Maryland is great for planning family vacations or day trips with kids.
Families who visit this area have access to nearby attractions, including a unique educational experience at the nation’s capital in Washington, DC, and boating trips in the Chesapeake Bay.
Read on to learn about ten fun things to do in Maryland when you’re a family with kids!
Contents
- 10 Things to Do in Maryland with Kids
- 1. The National Aquarium – Baltimore
- 2. The Maryland Science Center
- 3. Six Flags America – Amusement Park
- 4. Ocean City, Maryland
- 5. Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum
- 6. Dinosaur Park – Laurel MD
- 7. Port Discovery Children’s Museum – Baltimore
- 8. Jolly Roger Amusement Park – Ocean City
- 9. Ocean City Beach
- 10. Clara Barton National Historic Site – Glen Echo
- Maryland Safety Overview
- Frequently Asked Questions
10 Things to Do in Maryland with Kids
1. The National Aquarium – Baltimore
About the Aquarium
Baltimore’s National Aquarium is a local favorite that attracts visitors worldwide.
The facility houses over sixteen thousand aquatic species.
Some species housed in the aquarium have been collected from the Chesapeake Bay, while others have been brought from exotic locations and displayed for aquarium visitors to learn about and admire.
Onsite Attractions
- Atlantic Coral Reef
- Our Ocean Planet
- Kelp Forest
- Dolphin Discovery
- Amazon River Forest
Contact Information
Address: 501 East Pratt Street, Baltimore, Maryland – 21202
Website: https://aqua.org/visit
Phone: 410-576-3800
Operating Hours
Monday – Thursday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Friday – Sunday: 9:00 am – 8:00 pm
Pricing and Fees
Adult: $49.95
Youth: $39.95
Child: Free
Senior: $39.95
Online Ticketing Options: Yes
2. The Maryland Science Center
About the Science Center
The Maryland Science Center is one of the many family-friendly attractions in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.
Parents and kids will love participating in life-sized interactive science exhibits that teach essential science concepts in a fun and exciting way.
This facility features an onsite planetarium where families can learn about critical components of our planet and how the solar system works.
There is also an outdoor observatory where visitors can extend their experience.
Maryland’s Science Center even offers virtual (and actual) field trips for parents and kids to learn even more about science.
Onsite Attractions
- Planetarium
- IMAX Theater
- Interactive Science Exhibits
- Live Science Encounters
- Virtual Field Trips
Contact Information
Address: 601 Light Street, Baltimore, Maryland – 21230
Website: https://www.mdsci.org/
Phone: 410-685-2370
Pricing and Fees
Adults: $26.95
Children: $20.95
Seniors: $25.95
Operating Hours
Monday – Friday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Closed Tuesdays
3. Six Flags America – Amusement Park
About the Park
Six Flags operates this five-hundred-acre theme park, open seasonally from March through October.
It features thrill rides like rollercoasters, sixteen water rides for families who want to cool off on a hot day, and its newest Steampunk-themed ride, which will be opening to honor its twenty-fifth anniversary.
This fun-filled amusement park has attractions and rides for every family member.
The park is suitable for families and children of all ages, although some rides are limited to visitors over 48 inches tall.
Onsite Attractions
- Steamtown – Opening 2024
- Superman – Ride of Steel
- The Joker’s Jinx
- Bahama Blast
- Bamboo Chutes – Mini Slides
Contact Information
Address: 13710 Central Avenue, Bowie, Maryland – 20721
Website: https://sixflags.com/america
Phone: 301-249-1500
Pricing and Fees
Their website reports that everyday ticket prices start at $45.95.
Operating Hours
Operating hours vary by season, day, and weather.
Online Ticketing Options: Yes
4. Ocean City, Maryland
About Ocean City
When looking for kid-friendly venues in Maryland outside of Baltimore’s city limits, take the family for a day trip to Ocean City.
This beachside town is packed with family-friendly attractions for land-based and seasonal water-based activities.
Take advantage of swimming and sunbathing at Ocean City Beach, or go for a leisurely stroll along the boardwalk.
Families seeking higher-intensity adventures can spend time at the Jolly Roger Amusement Park or Trimper Rides of Ocean City.
Onsite Attractions
- Ocean City Beach
- Boardwalk
- Jolly Roger Amusement Park
- Trimper Rides of Ocean City
- Shopping/Restaurants
Contact Information
Address: Ocean City, Maryland – 21842
Website: https://oceancitymd.gov
Phone: 410-289-8221
Pricing and Fees
Daily ticket prices for Jolly Roger Amusement Park start at $28.00 per person.
Operating Hours
Vary by day – check the website for updated hours
Online Ticketing Options: Yes
5. Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum
About the Museum
Kids will love learning about the history of the old boats of Chesapeake Bay when they visit the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum.
This waterfront museum has interactive exhibits and a functional shipyard.
They also offer educational seminars and workshops for kids and families who want to dive deeper into the history of Chesapeake Bay boats, lighthouses, and shipyards through interactive storytelling and live performances.
Onsite Attractions
- Live Performances
- Floating Fleet
- Museum Store
- Members Marina
Contact Information
Address: 213 North Talbot Street, Saint Michaels, Maryland – 21663
Website: https://cbmm.org
Phone: 410-745-2916
Pricing and Fees
General admission – valid for two days.
Adults: $17.00
Children: $6.00
Seniors: $14.00
Active Military: Free
Operating Hours
Sunday – Saturday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Online Ticketing Options: Yes
6. Dinosaur Park – Laurel MD
About the Park
This dinosaur-themed park has outdoor play spaces for kids of all sizes and a dinosaur fossil garden where families and kids can search for their favorite dinosaur bones from up to a hundred and fifteen million years ago.
Parents and kids who visit the park say they frequently find fun relics to study and take home.
Be sure to visit the dinosaur park in Laurel if you’re in Prince George’s County!
Onsite Attractions
- Hiking
- Picnicking
- Fossil Finding
- Maryland State Dinosaur
Contact Information
Address: 13100 Mid-Atlantic Boulevard, Laurel, Maryland – 20708
Website: https://pgparks.com/parks_trails/dinosaur-park
Phone: 301-627-1286
Pricing and Fees
Free
Operating Hours
Monday-Sunday: Dawn to Dusk
7. Port Discovery Children’s Museum – Baltimore
About the Museum
The Old Fish Market in the Inner Harbor was converted into three floors, including various interactive exhibits and open play areas.
They offer interactive educational experiences and live entertainment for kids and families.
Members and active duty military get in free with ID!
Onsite Attractions
- Educational Drop-in Programs
- Immersive Exhibits
- Open Play Areas
- Programs and Events
Contact Information
Address: 35 Market Place, Baltimore, Maryland – 21202
Website: https://portdiscovery.org/visit
Phone: 410-727-8120
Pricing and Fees
Non-member: $23.95
Kids Under 1: Free
Active or Retired Military: Free
Operating Hours
The museum typically opens between 10:00 and 11:00 a.m. on opening days — reservations are required.
Online Booking Options: Yes
8. Jolly Roger Amusement Park – Ocean City
About the Park
This coastal amusement park features four roller coasters, a wave pool, and rides for family members of all ages and sizes.
Its location puts it close to other popular seaside hotspots, making it an ideal destination for weekend or family day trips.
Onsite Attractions
- Carousel
- Tea Cups
- Wild Cat
- Youth Adventure Area
- Happy Swing
Contact Information
Address: 2901 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, Maryland – 21842
Website: https://jollyrogerpark.com
Phone: 410-289-3477
Pricing and Fees
Starting at $28.00 per person
Operating Hours
Sunday – Saturday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
9. Ocean City Beach
About the Beach
Families who want to get back to nature can have a blast at Ocean City Beach!
This famous beach features a ten-mile stretch of public beach where families with kids can swim, fish, kayak, sunbathe, and revel in the maritime wildlife.
Visitors have easy access to seaside restaurants, the Ocean City boardwalk, downtown Ocean City, and a ton of shops and amusement parks.
This beach is often labeled as one of the best that offers live entertainment and movies on the beach during summer!
Onsite Attractions
- Boardwalk
- Eateries
- Amusement Parks
- Swimming
- Fishing
Contact Information
Address: Ocean City, Maryland – 21842
Website: https://oceancity.com/beach-guide
Phone: 410-289-8221
Pricing and Fees
Free General Admission
Operating Hours
Daily: 5:00 am – 12:00 am
10. Clara Barton National Historic Site – Glen Echo
About the Site
Clara Barton’s National Historic Site in Glen Echo honors the founder of the American Red Cross.
Parents who want to take their kids on an educational field trip can visit the site.
It initially operated as the first headquarters of the Red Cross alongside the Potomac River.
This historic site offers 30-45 minute guided tours inside the original Red Cross headquarters Friday through Sunday.
Onsite Attractions
- Historical Venue
- American Red Cross Memorabilia
- Guided Home Tours
- Virtual Programs
Contact Information
Address: 5801 Oxford Road, Glen Echo, Maryland – 20812
Website: https://nps.gov/clba/index.htm
Phone: 301-320-1410
Pricing and Fees
Free General Admission
Operating Hours
Friday – Sunday: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 pm
Maryland Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Maryland Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
- SCAMS RISK: HIGH
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any free attractions for families with kids in Maryland?
Families on a budget can have a fantastic day visiting some of Maryland’s most popular family venues for free.
For free, frugal families can visit Ocean City Beach, Ocean City Boardwalk, and the Clara Barton National Historic Site.
What are some of the best places for families with kids to visit in Baltimore?
Baltimore is a hotspot for people of all ages, including families with kids.
The Port Discovery Children’s Museum, The Baltimore Science Center, and The National Aquarium are two examples of a few of the popular local hotspots that regularly attract families from around the world.
Where can I take my kids to the beach in Maryland?
Ocean City Beach is one of the state’s most popular and visited beaches.
It sits along a ten-mile stretch of sand and connects with a variety of popular eateries, shops, and amusement parks.
Beach visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, kayaking, and maritime wildlife watching in Ocean City.
What should I know about visiting Maryland with kids?
Maryland offers a variety of indoor and outdoor attractions where kids and families can learn, explore, and have fun.
Households will enjoy visiting amusement parks, museums, local historical sites, and coastal beaches.
Families with kids can take advantage of Maryland’s well-connected transportation system to travel between fun venues.
Be sure to dress appropriately for the weather, bring water and snacks.
Most importantly — have foldable strollers or wagons on hand for carrying around tuckered-out tots!
