With the mission to promote fun and play-based learning, Port Discovery Children’s Museum is one of the best family-friendly places in Maryland to have an adventurous and delightful day with your kids. The magical settings and immersive atmosphere will engage kids completely and make their visit educational and memorable. Opening gates in 1998, the museum has secured many awards, including the best children’s museum in America by Forbes and Parent Magazine. Moreover, the ideal location in Inner Harbor, Baltimore, makes it even more attractive, offering chances to explore other must-visit destinations and easy access by local transportation.
I took my 7 year old son and 9 years old daughter there last summer and it was so much fun that they didn’t want to leave this place. Additionally, I will be highlighting the star features and signature exhibits of the museum along with sharing how our experience was there.
Tickets Information, Museum Hours, and More
Most people think that the Port Discovery Children’s Museum tickets are a bit more pricey, $24.95 per person for adults and kids age one and above. However, I must say it’s worth it because when you see your kids learning new things and enjoying the exhibits, you won’t regret paying a little extra for their fun. Moreover, all members and military persons (working or retired) will get a free entry. You can book Port Discovery Children’s Museum tickets and check all details of event tickets here.
Furthermore, the museum operates on different days of the week, with a schedule that varies weekly. For example, this week, visitors can jump into the fun and adventure from Wednesday to Sunday. The opening hours also shift, following the weekly schedule. I recommend you to always check the visiting hours and operating days on their official website.
On the other hand, Phillips Seafood welcomes kids from Port Discovery Baltimore to savor free food on their day of exploration if they are wearing the wristband.
Top Attraction and Exciting Exhibit at Port Discovery
1- The SkyClimber
Featuring the most adventurous attraction on the first floor, The SkyClimber is what kids love the most. Spanning from the first floor to the upper floor, it allows little adventure seekers to experience multiple-climbing structures and test their navigating skills. Moreover, this towering climbing play area will boost confidence, problem-solving and strategic thinking abilities, and motor skills of children. At first, my daughter was slightly afraid to climb the structures but with my little motivation she went to the fourth story with great techniques. This was a moment of pride for me, as she did it with remarkable efficiency. So, if you want to unwind the hidden abilities of your kids and instill confidence in them, Port Discovery Baltimore is truly an exceptional place to visit.
2- Kick It Up!
An indoor stadium on the first floor, set to offer an assortment of fun games and sports, Kick It Up is where kids refine their athletic abilities. In addition, the key features of this sport arena include:
- Teamwork spirit
- Interactive games setup, including soccer
- Supportive atmosphere
- Confidence building
- Physical health and fitness
3- The Port
Allowing visitors to explore the double story port structure with life-size ship, an engine room, and ship bridge, The Port is another fan-favorite and crowd-pulling exhibit at the museum. My kids loved steering the ship, loading cargo, practicing with gantry cans, and exploring what’s in the ship containers. Being a captain of the ship and sailing with his new crew was the highlight for my son’s day at the museum. Moreover, this exhibit stands out as one of the most engaging activities for kids, offering a deep insight into the city’s maritime culture and significance.
4- The Playhouse at Port Discovery
Our next stop was the playhouse at Port Discovery Baltimore, offering a fun-filled creative and imaginative stage setting. My kids got dressed in costumes and took part in the theater show. Moreover, other participatory and dynamic features of this space include:
- Engaging performances and shows, including Little Puppet Show
- Offering opportunities to design and stage your own production
- Experiencing the diverse forms of art and culture
- Building coordination, confidence, and other body control skills
5- Wonders of Water
Exploring fascinating facts and trying hands-on water activities, Wonders of Water remains the most adorned exhibit at Port Discovery Children’s Museum. In addition, the kids’ favorite features of this place include:
- Plumbers Park where they can design their own foundation using pipes and learning the fundamental rules of water pressure and plumbing system
- Besides, Steam Tables, allowing kids learn about water movement, currents, and more
- To boot, Water Chimes and Bubble Hoop offer learning science behind water sounds and surface tension
6- Tiny’s Diner
Another exciting and imaginative exhibit at Port Discovery Baltimore, Tiny’s Diner allows little adventurers to enjoy role-playing characters. My daughter enjoys being in the kitchen, assisting in cooking or serving dinner with me. This Tiny’s Diner was her favorite place in the museum, where she put on the apron and had a blast pretending to be a chef. Moreover, preparing fantasy food, serving the imaginary recipes while working as a team and calculating bills is what kids enjoy most in this space.
Other Fun Things to do at Port Discovery Baltimore
- Nothing beats the fun and excitement of having a Port Discovery Birthday Party, making it a thrilling experience.
- A safe space designed for infants and toddlers, Tot Trails introduces the kids to an interactive space to develop their cognitive abilities, allowing them to explore new colors and shapes.
- Adventure Expeditions featuring an exhibits reflecting on the ancient egyptian era- exploration through different artifacts and replicas
- Furthermore, BGE Art Cove highlighting the creative and visual arts with engaging activities
- The Overlook offering joyous and captivating climbing experience for all ages
- Toddler’s Play Area designed with Chesapeake Bay theme, packed with various adventurous activities
Port Discovery Children’s Museum Events
An exhilarating lineup of seasonal events and programs offer non-stop entertainment and fun things to do in Baltimore for kids. To boot, the special events at the museum include:
- Sensory-Friendly Days
- Spring Break
- Winter Break
- National Ice Cream Day Celebration
- Set Sail for School
- Let it Shine
Get a complete detail of annual events and workshops at this museum here.
Wrapping Up
We have captured hundreds of Port Discovery Children’s Museum Photos as a memory of this place and our thrilling visit. We couldn’t explore all exhibits at the museum during our last visit, as we had to travel back to our town before sunset. However, the kids enjoyed it so much that they planned another trip there for their coming vacations and I promised to take them back. Undeniably, this museum offers a memorable family getaway, inspiring learning, boosting the natural growth of children, and enjoying a playful day out.
If you want to explore more kids-friendly places in Baltimore, read about our recent article, Maryland Science Center, here, covering everything about this place.