Baltimore Day Trip: Family-Friendly, Walkable Edition

🦀 Looking for the best family friendly experiences in Baltimore? As a Maryland native, I’ve spent years exploring Baltimore—and I always tell people: if you only have one day, start at the National Aquarium and then choose your own adventure at one of the many fun experiences nearby. The Inner Harbor is one of the most walkable, family-friendly part of the city, packed with bucket-list attractions, great local food, and some of the prettiest views in Baltimore.

This guide is the ultimate one-day itinerary for families visiting Baltimore—highlighting the top things to do, best local restaurants, and walkable stops that make this one of the best day trips in Maryland. So if you only have one day in Baltimore? Here's what I would do.

1. Things to do

2. Where to Eat

3. 1 Day Itinerary

4. Free Downloadable Travel Guide

5. Free Unit Study
   

Things to Do:

1. National Aquarium – One of the top things to do in Baltimore with kids. With over 13,000 animals and immersive exhibits, this nationally acclaimed aquarium is known for award-winning conservation work and hands on educational programs. Be sure to check out one of their behind the scenes tours, a 4D film, or a VR experience. Plus don't miss their new outdoor exhibit, Harbor Wetland, which is free to the public and a welcome bit of greenery in the city.

2. American Visionary Art Museum – One of the most unique art museums in Maryland. This museum features unforgettable works by self-taught artists—mosaic-covered buildings, kinetic sculptures, and bright, moving installations. This is definitely not your typical "boring art museum". Bonus: the outdoor exhibits are free to explore during open hours.

3. Harbor Playground and Skate Park– One of the best free things to do in Baltimore with kids and teens. Located next to the Maryland Science Center, this shaded waterfront playground offers fantastic harbor views and room to run.

4. Maryland Science Center + IMAX – A top indoor activity in the Inner Harbor for families. The exhibits cover everything from dinosaurs and astronomy to physics and health. The IMAX theater screens educational 3D films that are as entertaining as they are informative.

5. Federal Hill Park – One of the best viewpoints in Baltimore. This historic park dates back to the 1700s and offers panoramic views of the Inner Harbor skyline. One of Baltimore's prettiest greenspaces.

   
   

Best Local Eats:

1. Matriarch Coffee – Cozy women-owned café located right on the water. Serving ethically sourced beans from female-run farms in Rwanda, this café supports education and job training programs for women. A top pick for coffee lovers looking for local spots in Baltimore. Grab a delicious coffee and pastry and support something bigger while you're at it.

2. Miss Shirley’s Café – Frequently ranked among the best restaurants in Baltimore, Miss Shirley’s is famous for its over-the-top brunches and use of Maryland-grown ingredients. Don’t miss the Crab Omelet, Oreo Pancakes, or Coconut Cream French Toast—they’re all local favorites.

3. Blue Agave – This family-owned taco bar in Federal Hill is a favorite local dinner spot. Known for bold flavors and fresh ingredients, it’s one of the best places in Baltimore for tacos. Definitely get the ceviche—it’s some of the best in the city.

Our 1 Day Itinerary:

1. Grab coffee and pastries from Matriarch Coffee, a cozy waterfront café that supports global women’s initiatives.

2. Visit the National Aquarium and explore world-class exhibits featuring 13,000+ animals.

3. Check out the free Harbor Wetlands exhibit and book a behind-the-scenes tour at the National Aquarium.

4. Let the kids run off energy at the Harbor Playground and skate park. A very cool waterfront playground with Inner Harbor views.

5. Stop 5- Choose your next adventure

   1. Visit the American Visionary Art Museum for wild, self-taught art and outdoor installations.

   2. Check out the Maryland Science Center for hands on science and catch a 3D film in the IMAX theater.

6. Walk to the top of Federal Hill Park for some of the best views of the Inner Harbor skyline.

7. End the day with dinner at Blue Agave in Federal Hill. Don’t skip the ceviche—it’s one of the best in Baltimore.

   
   
   
   

CLICK HERE for a free downloadable travel guide!

Want to turn this visit into an educational trip? Check out our free unit study to add to your trip! Great for homeschoolers, field trips, or just a fun enrichment opportunity for the whole family. CHECK IT OUT.

Ready to Plan Your Adventure?

For more family-friendly road trips and info on our favorite destinations for adventurous families check out our adventures at We Chose Adventures. Join us as we explore more family-friendly experiences, epic road trips, and the best getaways in the Mid-Atlantic and beyond!