Things to Do Near Port of Baltimore

Sharks, puffins, dolphins and touch tanks. This is the Baltimore stop kids tend to remember.

Best for: Families with kids of all ages — the crown jewel of Baltimore

Pro tip: Buy timed tickets online to skip the line. The Living Seashore touch tank lets kids pet horseshoe crabs and sea stars. The rooftop rainforest has free-flying birds and a sloth. Allow at least 2 hours — kids won't want to leave. Stroller-friendly throughout. The Blacktip Reef shark exhibit and the rooftop Australian rainforest are the highlights. Buy timed tickets online in advance to avoid the line. The jellyfish exhibit is surprisingly mesmerizing.

Three floors of interactive exhibits, including a giant indoor treehouse, built for kids to run wild.

Best for: Families with kids ages 2-10

Pro tip: The SkyClimber — a four-story climbing structure — is the highlight for active kids. Water play area means bring a change of clothes. Multiple themed rooms keep different ages happy. Perfect for burning off energy before a week on a ship.

Hands-on science exhibits, a planetarium, and a dinosaur gallery — education disguised as fun

Best for: Families with curious kids who like to touch everything

Pro tip: The dinosaur exhibit and the Kids Room (ages 0-5) are the big draws for younger ones. Planetarium shows run on a schedule — check times when you arrive. The Newton's Alley physics playground keeps kids busy for a long time. The planetarium shows are legit — check the schedule for times. The dinosaur exhibits and space-themed galleries keep teens engaged. IMAX adds to the experience. Good rainy day option.

A pirate adventure cruise around the harbor with treasure hunts, water cannons and face paint.

Best for: Families with kids ages 3-10 who love pirates (so basically all of them)

Pro tip: Crew leads kids through a treasure hunt on the water — they learn pirate dances, fire water cannons, and search for treasure. Kids get eye patches, face paint, and temporary tattoos. Book in advance — sails sell out on weekends and holidays.

Dragon-shaped paddleboats in the harbor, where kids steer and you pedal.

Best for: Families wanting a quick, fun, on-the-water activity

Pro tip: The dragon boats are Baltimore. Launched from the Inner Harbor waterfront — kids love steering through the harbor. No experience needed. Great way to see the waterfront from a different angle. Available spring through fall.

Cannons, ramparts and a Junior Ranger badge bring the history to life for kids.

Best for: Families with school-age kids interested in history or who love running around outdoors

Pro tip: Pick up the Junior Ranger booklet at the visitor center — kids complete activities and earn a badge. The grassy grounds are perfect for running around. Cannons and military reenactments on select days make history come alive. Very close to the cruise terminal. Way cooler than it sounds. Walk the ramparts where soldiers defended against the British bombardment in 1814. The visitor center film is short and sets the scene well. Close to the cruise terminal, so timing is easy. The fort is just minutes from the cruise terminal — perfect for a morning visit before boarding. The views of the harbor from the ramparts are excellent. The short film in the visitor center sets the scene well. The flag that inspired the anthem was 30 by 42 feet.

Brand-new waterfront playground with climbing structures, splash pad, and harbor views

Best for: Families with toddlers and young kids who need to burn off energy

Pro tip: Opened in 2022 — this modern waterfront park has a fantastic playground, a seasonal splash pad, and a skate park. Benches for parents with clear sightlines. Right next to the Maryland Science Center and the American Visionary Art Museum. Free and easy.

Kids tend to love riding this hop-on hop-off harbor boat between stops and watching the ships.

Best for: Families wanting to cover ground without exhausting little legs

Pro tip: The all-day pass lets you hop between Inner Harbor, Fell's Point, Canton, and Fort McHenry. Kids love the boat ride itself as much as the destinations. Stroller-friendly on all boats. Great for families with tired walkers. The all-day pass lets you hop on and off at different stops around the harbor — Fell's Point, Inner Harbor, Canton, Fort McHenry. It's basically a mini harbor cruise that doubles as transportation. Great way to cover ground without walking.

Cobblestone streets, vintage shops and waterfront hangouts that photograph well.

Best for: Teens who like exploring, shopping, and good food spots

Pro tip: Walk the cobblestone streets and browse the mix of vintage shops, bookstores, and boutiques along Broadway and Thames Street. Dangerously Delicious Pies has insane pie slices. The waterfront has great spots for photos. One of the oldest neighborhoods in Baltimore — cobblestone streets date to the 1700s. Start at the waterfront and wander up Broadway. Max's Taphouse has 140 taps if you want a pre-cruise beer. The Wharf Rat and Horse You Came In On (allegedly the oldest bar in America) are worth a visit.

Multi-level driving range with games, food, and music — fun even if you can't golf

Best for: Groups, teens who want something active and social

Pro tip: You don't need to know how to golf — the games are point-based and the targets light up. Food and drinks are solid. Book a bay in advance, especially on weekends. Great option for a group of teens.

Climb the hill for the best panoramic view of the city. It is free and takes about 10 minutes.

Best for: Anyone who wants a quick activity with a great view

Pro tip: The view from the top is the most photographed in Baltimore — the entire Inner Harbor, downtown skyline, and harbor. Quick climb up, take some photos, and head back down. Combine with Cross Street Market next door for food. Climb the hill for the best view of the Inner Harbor, downtown, and the harbor shipping lanes. It's a short walk from the Cross Street Market if you want to combine the two. Sunrise and sunset are both spectacular from here.

Even when the O's aren't playing, the tour of this ballpark is worth the time.

Best for: Sports fans, baseball lovers, anyone interested in architecture

Pro tip: If the Orioles are playing on your cruise day, catching a few innings before boarding is a legendary move. If not, the ballpark tour takes you through the dugout, press box, and behind the scenes. Located right next to the Inner Harbor.

Outsider art that defies description, in one of the most original museums in the city.

Best for: Art lovers, anyone who appreciates quirky and unconventional

Pro tip: This isn't your typical museum — it's dedicated to self-taught, visionary artists. The outdoor sculpture garden (including a giant whirligig) is free. Even the gift shop is uniquely weird. Located in Federal Hill, easy to combine with a walk through the neighborhood.

A renovated Federal Hill food hall with oysters, coffee, tacos and craft beer under one roof.

Best for: Foodies, couples, anyone wanting a quick bite with variety

Pro tip: Recently renovated with a great mix of vendors. Grab a coffee, oysters, or a full meal. The market has been here since the 1840s but feels modern now. Walk here from Federal Hill Park for a nice morning combo.

Seven miles of waterfront walkway past historic ships, museums and street performers.

Best for: Anyone wanting a scenic walk before boarding

Pro tip: Walk from the Inner Harbor toward Fell's Point along the promenade — it's about 1.5 miles and goes past Harbor East's restaurants and shops. The USS Constellation and the Lightship Chesapeake are docked along the way. The water taxi is an option if walking seems like too much.

The last all-sail warship the U.S. Navy built. Climb below decks for a taste of 1850s naval life.

Best for: History and maritime enthusiasts, couples looking for a quick activity

Pro tip: The ship is docked at Pier 1 in the Inner Harbor — you can walk right up to it. Self-guided tour takes you below decks. Great photo opportunity with the harbor as backdrop. Combined tickets with other harbor attractions save a few bucks.