Maryland Science Center

The Maryland Science Center sits at Baltimore's Inner Harbor in a building that's been delighting family visitors since 1976. A 4.4-star rating from nearly 1,000 reviews reflects a museum that consistently delivers — not just for one age group, but for the mixed-age family reality of kids ranging from preschool to middle school.

What makes the Maryland Science Center work for families is the combination of elements under one roof: a hands-on science museum, an IMAX theater, and the Davis Planetarium. Most science museums do one of these things well; fewer do all three at a level worth a trip to Baltimore from Washington DC.

For families making the drive from DC (about 45-60 minutes), the Science Center anchors a full Baltimore day. The Inner Harbor location puts you within walking distance of the National Aquarium, Federal Hill Park, and dozens of waterfront restaurants — making it easy to turn one museum visit into a full day out.

The KidZone on the lower floors is calibrated for children under 7, with hands-on activities that don't require reading or adult explanation. Older kids gravitate toward the physics demonstrations, dinosaur fossils, and Maryland-specific environmental exhibits. The result is a museum where different ages can genuinely be interested simultaneously, which is the holy grail of family outings.

Important booking note: IMAX and planetarium shows sell out on weekends. Purchase those add-ons online before arriving or on the morning of your visit to ensure you get the show times you want. General admission with a show or two will push family costs into the $100-150 range for a family of four, so manage budget expectations accordingly.