Traveling to Baltimore?
Pack Light. Travel Happy. Rent baby gear in Baltimore.

Mobtown, otherwise known as Baltimore, doesn’t have the most family friendly ring to it. But fear not! Baltimore’s nickname is not a reflection of how fun it can be for your entire family, including the little ones! We did some poking around and with the help of some local mommies, created an awesome list of must dos with babies, toddlers, and kids in Charm City (we prefer this nickname, don’t you?). So put on your walking shoes, get ready to take in some history, eat some crab and enjoy a great harborside, east coast destination!


Visit the Baltimore Harbor.

Your Family-Friendly Baltimore Travel Guide!

The first stop on your Baltimore adventure has to be the Baltimore Harbor. In fact, you’ll likely spend multiple days there because there’s tons to do! Krystle Barnes, @queenofthebeehive and local Maryland mommy, shares a list of super family friendly things to do in the Inner Harbor area: “Being a family that lives near a city like Baltimore is such a pleasure. From the National Aquarium to the Port Discovery Museum, there are many different attractions to check out. Even as your children get older, there is no lack of adventure. The Inner Harbor offers paddle boats, the Maryland Science Center and Ripley’s Believe It or Not which appeals to the older crowd. We love to spend the day walking around and taking in the city life. Lots of quaint kid friendly restaurants, and desserts galore.”


Tips for visiting the National Aquarium of Baltimore.

Baltimore National Aquarium
image courtesy of National Aquarium

Here’s a bonus tip about visiting the National Aquarium from Amanda Rodriguez, @thedudemom, a Baltimore mom who blogs and explores the city with her kiddos: “Heading to the National Aquarium? Bring the baby carrier! They don’t allow strollers to peruse the halls of the aquarium so you’ll have to carry baby and all of your accouterments during your visit. On the bright side, they have ample stroller storage available!” This travel tip is totally BabyQuip approved! Why bring all the baby gear anyways? Rent a carrier from one of our local Baltimore BabyQuip Quality Providers and you’ll be all set to explore the aquarium for hours!


How to navigate the city.

Thurgoods Water Taxi

If the kids are getting a little tired of walking, hop on a water taxi. You’ll get a great tour of the harbor and a view of Baltimore from a different perspective! One pass buys unlimited rides for the day so you can definitely get on and off (as many times as you want) to explore!


Where to eat near the Harbor.

Your Family-Friendly Baltimore Travel Guide!

Last but not least, while you’re still enjoying the harbor area, make sure to grab some lunch at one of the many restaurants! You can’t go wrong with any of the seafood restaurants and most of the restaurants in the area are kid-friendly.


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Visit Camden Yard for a Baltimore Orioles game.

Your Family-Friendly Baltimore Travel Guide!
image courtesy of Krystle Barnes

Take a walk to Camden Yard, which is not too far from the harbor, and check out an Orioles game while baby naps! Camden Yard feels like an old timey baseball stadium but it isn’t old at all; it opened in 1992! It’s a great ball park to enjoy a game at, and the kids will love the aptly named “Kid Corner.” Pro tip: if you purchase one Upper Deck adult ticket, two kids 9 and under get in free! After the game, head on over to the birthplace of Babe Ruth for some good old fashioned, baseball history. You can walk there (it’s about a half a mile) or hop in your rental car. Either way, you’re guaranteed a great sports history lesson!


Best museums for kids in Baltimore.

Your Baltimore itinerary definitely needs to include a day (or two!) of museums. Baltimore is full of history; it was established in 1729 so if we do our math right that’s over 300 years of history! There’s a few museums we think you should add to your list, especially if you’re traveling with small children:

Museum Of Industry
  • The first is the Baltimore Museum of Industry. They’ve got two programs specifically for kiddos that give them an immersive experience: The Wee Workers program for preschoolers and the Weekend Workers program for kids of all ages! From building a roller coaster, to doing arts and crafts, or relaxing during a story time, there’s plenty to do at this awesome museum.
  • Definitely checkout the Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park and Museum. You’ll learn about African American history in general and specifically to Baltimore, the marine railway, and more! There’s also an art gallery which is a great quiet place to stroll with a napping baby and perfect for mom and dad to relax a bit. 
  • Last up, make sure to visit The Star-Spangled Banner Flag House. Your kids will learn all about the American flag, how it was made, who made it, and most importantly, it’s super hands on so the kids can take part in all the museum activities. 

Visit the oldest neighborhood in Charm City.

Your Family-Friendly Baltimore Travel Guide!

After you soak up Baltimore history from your museum tours, spend some time in Fell’s Point; one of the oldest neighborhoods in Baltimore. You’ll feel like you’re stepping back in time and living in Baltimore circa the 1700s! Pay attention to your surroundings in Fell’s Point. The streets are full of old cobblestone and random markings, signs, and carvings from years past. For the kiddos, make sure to grab a treat at Insomnia Cookies in the neighborhood. We give you permission to have dessert before dinner!


Best restaurant: Miss Shirley’s Cafe

Shirley'S Restaurant Baltimore

We’ll wrap up our list with food; because, let’s face it, we’re all just traveling for the food, right? You need to visit Miss Shirley’s Cafe while you’re in Baltimore. It’s a Baltimore staple and they have several locations. So, no matter where your Baltimore adventures take you, you’ll be able to find a Miss Shirley’s near you! They are a “Best of Baltimore” restaurant and have been featured on the Travel Channel. But most importantly, they serve up some delicious east coast meets sea food meets southern comfort food. Miss Shirley’s is super kid and family friendly too. Your little ones can chow down on some delicious Belgian waffles or fried chicken. After walking throughout Baltimore and building up a healthy appetite, Miss Shirley’s will be the perfect place to refuel!

On your mark, get set, and go! To Baltimore! Print out this blog and use it as your itinerary. And when you stumble on awesome family-friendly things to do in Charm City, make sure to let us know by commenting below!

Traveling to Baltimore?
Pack Light. Travel Happy. Rent baby gear in Baltimore.