MARYLAND

This city is very underrated in terms of how architecturally beautiful it is and the immense history. That said, it doesn’t necessarily have an overabundance of things for very little kids, but there are definitely a few highlights you won’t want to miss.

Camden Yards (Baltimore Orioles):

A truly iconic ballpark located in the heart of the city, this is well-worth the visit. The O’s have created a living history with Eutaw street (in the outfield, each time a homerun lands there it is marked with a gold ball placard). Be sure to shout O’s in the National Anthem and sing along to Country Boy during the 7th Inning stretch. Their newly added sensory room provides a quiet place for those needing a break from the stimulation and nursing mothers spaces are available on the concourse.

Inner Harbor:

With amazing views of Federal Hill across the water, and the historic Domino sugar plantation, this area is a cute photo op. The old ship docked there blows a cannon each day at certain times on the hour, so listen for the announcement prior so little ones don’t get startled. There are some touristy places to eat, but if you walk a bit further, there is a Baltimore institution (Phillips Seafood) with great crab cakes and burgers, decorated with all sorts of old photos showing the legacy of the restaurant-a bit touristy but given its location, still delivered. Banquets are deep enough that I was able to fold down my doona and my baby slept while we enjoyed a delicious lunch.

National Aquarium:

An impressive design with a massive footprint. We spent several hours and still did not have enough time to see it all. There is a dolphin show exhibit with fixed times to see the training exercises for the animals. A Jellyfish tunnel which was as serene as it was awe-inspiring. My 3-month old daughter was mesmerized watching the creatures float by. The fish throughout are incredible and moving walkways take you across various habitats and types of water environments. There is also a massive descent into deep-ocean life tanks which hold a mind-boggling amount of water. Sharks and other animals who live in the dark floated by on all sides as you walked through. Of note, strollers are NOT permitted and they require you to check them. If with a baby or a toddler with limited capacity have a plan to hold or carry them. We didn’t know that would be the case and had the carrier but it would have been very hard had we not.

Closest Airport
Baltimore [BWI]