Things to Do Near Port of Baltimore

Sharks, puffins, dolphins, and touch tanks — the one Baltimore stop every kid remembers

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.

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 three-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.

Pirate adventure cruise around the harbor — 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 — kids steer while you pedal

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

Pro tip: The dragon boats are iconic 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 — history brought 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.

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.

Hop-on hop-off harbor boat — kids love riding 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.

Cobblestone streets, vintage shops, and waterfront hangouts — Instagram-worthy neighborhood

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.

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 — free and takes 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.

Iconic baseball stadium — even when the O's aren't playing, the ballpark tour is worth it

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.

Cobblestone streets, craft cocktail bars, and waterfront views — Baltimore's most walkable neighborhood

Best for: Couples, foodies, history buffs, anyone who likes a good bar

Pro tip: 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.

The wildest, most original museum you've never heard of — outsider art that defies description

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.

Renovated food hall in Federal Hill — 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 — pass 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.

Last all-sail warship built by the U.S. Navy — 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.