Baltimore · Baltimore City County, MD

Family things to do in Baltimore

Scout analyzed 142 Baltimore places and surfaced the ones that actually fit family.

Places analyzed

142

Matches

29

Typical spend

$20

Typical visit

1.6 hr

Complete outings

Family Discovery Day in Downtown Baltimore

Family Discovery Day in Downtown Baltimore

Treat the family to morning drinks and breakfast bites at the harbor before spending hours climbing and exploring Port Discovery Children's Museum. Wrap up with a casual meal and outdoor play by the water.

Science Fun & Park Play in Inner Harbor

Science Fun & Park Play in Inner Harbor

Start your day with discovery at the Maryland Science Center, where hands-on exhibits and an IMAX theater will captivate all ages. Recharge with a casual, kid-friendly meal nearby, then conclude with some outdoor playtime and scenic views at a lively waterfront park.

Full Day of Trains & Play in Pigtown

Full Day of Trains & Play in Pigtown

Spend a full day exploring the National Museum of Railroad History, marveling at classic locomotives and engaging in interactive exhibits. Afterwards, enjoy a casual family lunch in the area, and cap off the day with some outdoor fun at a nearby park.

Family Zoo Day in Druid Hill Park

Family Zoo Day in Druid Hill Park

Start your day with a quick coffee and treat before immersing the family in a day of wildlife wonder at The Maryland Zoo. Enjoy a casual lunch, then cap off the day with some playtime at Druid Hill Park.

Kid-Friendly Morning in Downtown Baltimore

Kid-Friendly Morning in Downtown Baltimore

Start your family's morning with imaginative play and discovery at the Port Discovery Children's Museum, where interactive exhibits spark joy and learning. Afterward, enjoy a relaxed and delicious brunch at Blue Moon Cafe, a local favorite known for its creative breakfast dishes. Conclude your outing with a fun, low-key visit to West Shore Park, letting the kids enjoy the fountain and open space.

Scout-verified spots

Food & Drink

Arundel Donuts

Arundel Donuts is a quick stop for a sweet treat, suitable for a casual morning or afternoon pick-me-up. Expect to spend $5-15 per person for donuts and coffee, with a visit lasting around 15 minutes.

FoodShoppingRelaxed
★ 4.8$5–$15 typical45 min visiteasy parking
Sherwood Gardens

Guilford

Sherwood Gardens

Sherwood Gardens is a free garden, best enjoyed for a relaxed outdoor stroll during daylight hours, especially in spring. Expect to spend about an hour here, possibly pairing it with a meal nearby.

OutdoorsViewsRelaxed
★ 4.8$0 typical2 hr visiteasy parking
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

Fort McHenry

Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

Spend 2-3 hours exploring the historic fort and grounds, learning about the War of 1812 and enjoying waterfront views. It's a good standalone outing for families or history enthusiasts, costing around $15 per adult.

OutdoorsSportsHistory
★ 4.8$15 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Koba Café

Riverside

Koba Café

Koba Café is suitable for a morning coffee or a casual light lunch, pairing well with a stroll in the neighborhood. Expect to spend $10-25 per person for an outing lasting about 45 minutes.

FoodShoppingArts
★ 4.7$10–$25 typical45 min visitmoderate parking
Loch Raven Reservoir Park

Outdoors

Loch Raven Reservoir Park

Loch Raven Reservoir Park is ideal for a half-day outdoor family outing, offering activities like hiking, birdwatching, and picnicking. Expect to spend little to nothing if just walking, or up to $25 for boat rentals.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews
$0–$25 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking
Ampersea

Fells Point

Ampersea

Ampersea is suitable for a dinner outing, offering New American fare in a contemporary setting. Expect a 1.5-hour visit with a per-person spend of $50-100, potentially combining it with a stroll along the waterfront.

FoodCocktailsViews
$50–$100 typical1.3 hr visithard parking
Leakin Park

Franklintown

Leakin Park

Leakin Park is suitable for a free, active half-day outing for families or solo adventurers, offering trails and sports facilities. It pairs well with a picnic or can be a destination for exercise.

OutdoorsSportsViews
$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Lake Roland Nature Council

Sports & Recreation

Lake Roland Nature Council

Lake Roland is a green space for a free outdoor excursion, suitable for a few hours of hiking or dog walking. It pairs well with a picnic or a casual meal nearby after your visit.

OutdoorsSportsAnimals
$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Rocks State Park

Outdoors

Rocks State Park

Rocks State Park is ideal for a half-day or full-day outdoor excursion, suitable for families or solo adventurers looking to hike, fish, or tube. Expect to spend $0-$10 on entry and activities, and wear comfortable shoes for significant walking.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews
$0–$10 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Matriarch Coffee - Harborplace Cafe

Inner Harbor

Matriarch Coffee - Harborplace Cafe

This coffee shop is a good spot for a quick stop to refuel during a downtown outing, or for a quiet moment to yourself. Expect to spend 30-60 minutes and $5-15 per person.

FoodShoppingRelaxed
$5–$15 typical45 min visitmoderate parking
Gunther & Co.

Brewers Hill

Gunther & Co.

Gunther & Co. is suitable for a brunch or dinner date, offering New American dishes and craft cocktails in an airy bi-level space with a patio. Expect to spend 1.5 hours and around $35-$75 per person, depending on drinks and courses.

FoodCocktailsOutdoors
$35–$75 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking
Mera Kitchen Collective

Mid-Town Belvedere

Mera Kitchen Collective

Mera Kitchen Collective is a good spot for a casual meal of Latin American and Middle Eastern cuisine, often paired with an evening out. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and around $20-40 per person for food and a drink.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed
$20–$40 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking
The Food Market

Hampden

The Food Market

The Food Market is ideal for a dinner outing, offering creative American cuisine and cocktails. Expect to spend 1.5 hours and around $30-75 per person for a meal and drinks.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed
$30–$75 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking
Oregon Ridge Nature Center

Outdoors

Oregon Ridge Nature Center

Oregon Ridge Nature Center is a great spot for a half-day family outing, offering trails, a nature center, and a playground. Expect to spend little to nothing on entry, though specialized activities like skiing may have costs.

OutdoorsSportsAnimals
$0–$10 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Blue Moon Cafe

Fells Point

Blue Moon Cafe

Blue Moon Cafe is a popular breakfast spot with a funky setting, good for a casual morning meal. Expect to spend 1-1.5 hours and around $15-25 per person.

FoodRelaxedPlayful
$15–$25 typical45 min visithard parking
The Barn & Lodge At The Rotunda

Hampden

The Barn & Lodge At The Rotunda

This American restaurant serves as a good standalone meal for lunch or dinner, typically lasting just over an hour. Expect to spend $20-40 per person for a casual dining experience.

FoodRelaxedSocial
$20–$40 typical1.3 hr visiteasy parking
Café Dear Leon

Canton

Café Dear Leon

This bakery is ideal for a quick solo treat or a casual family breakfast. Expect to spend 30 minutes and around $5-15 per person for pastries and coffee.

FoodShoppingRelaxed
$5–$15 typical45 min visitmoderate parking
Bird in Hand

Charles Village

Bird in Hand

Bird in Hand is suitable for a relaxed solo outing to read, work, or grab a coffee and a light meal. Expect to spend $10-25 per person for an hour-long visit.

FoodShoppingRelaxed
$10–$25 typical45 min visitmoderate parking
Patapsco Valley State Park - Hollofield Area

Outdoors

Patapsco Valley State Park - Hollofield Area

This state park is ideal for a half-day or full-day outdoor excursion, offering hiking and river access. It typically costs $5-10 per vehicle for entry, making it an affordable nature escape.

OutdoorsViewsAnimals
$5–$10 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Kilgore Falls

Sports & Recreation

Kilgore Falls

Kilgore Falls is a scenic spot for a few hours of outdoor exploration, suitable for a cheap family or solo adventure, especially during good weather. Expect to spend 2-3 hours hiking to and from the falls, with no cost for entry.

OutdoorsSportsViews
$0 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking
Druid Hill Park

Druid Hill Park

Druid Hill Park

Druid Hill Park is a large urban park suitable for a half-day to full-day outing, offering diverse activities like zoo visits, trail walks, or sports. It can be a free experience or cost up to $25 per person if entering the zoo.

OutdoorsSportsAnimals
$0–$25 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Mama's on the Half Shell

Canton

Mama's on the Half Shell

Mama's on the Half Shell is good for a relaxed seafood meal, particularly for oysters and ample portions. Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours and $35-75 per person, making it a good anchor for a Canton outing.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed
$35–$75 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking
Gunpowder Falls State Park Hammerman Area

Chase

Gunpowder Falls State Park Hammerman Area

This state park is ideal for a half-day or full-day outdoor excursion, offering activities like kayaking, swimming, and picnicking. Expect to pay an entrance fee and potentially for equipment rentals.

OutdoorsSportsViews
$5–$20 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Cascade Falls Trailhead

Outdoors

Cascade Falls Trailhead

Cascade Falls Trailhead is suitable for a 1.5-2 hour scenic hike, offering a free outdoor activity. It pairs well with a picnic or a meal at a local eatery before or after the adventure.

OutdoorsSportsViews
$0 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

What Scout found

  • 60 of the 142 analyzed Baltimore places fit family.
  • 43% of matches are outdoor or partly outdoor.
  • 42% have easy parking.
  • Dominant moods: Relaxed, Playful, Social, Adventurous, Scenic, Educational.

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