Activities and attractions in downtown Baltimore continue to reopen, as the state’s positive COVID test rate and hospitalization rate remain low. That’s great news for everyone – and especially for families who want to get out of the house and enjoy the fun, educational opportunities the city has to offer.
Here’s a look at some of the most fun activities for families to enjoy right now in downtown Baltimore:
Port Discovery Reopens
Downtown’s excellent children’s museum, Port Discovery, will reopen to members the weekend of Oct. 10 and to the general public the weekend of Oct. 17.
To keep visitors safe, the museum has put several new policies in place, including requiring advance tickets, masks, and social distancing, and increased cleaning and disinfecting.
All of the museum’s exhibits and experiences will be open, though with some potential modifications – and some may be briefly closed throughout the day for additional cleaning. In addition, Port Discovery has a slate of educational programs designed with social distancing in mind. These include a shadow puppet theater, a craft involving making paper puppets, and an interactive exhibit all about the Slinky.
Historic Ships Are Back in Business
After many months of closure due to coronavirus, the Historic Ships in Baltimore are once again open to visitors. Currently, tickets must be purchased in person (online sales are not available); they are available at the Pier 1 Ship’s Store by the USS Constellation or at the Pier 3 Ticket Booth.
The Historic Ships include the Constellation, a Civil War-era Navy ship, the LV116 Chesapeake, a Bay lightship, the USS Torsk, which was part of the fleet fighting during World War II, the Coast Guard Cuter USCGC Taney and the Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse.
The National Aquarium Has Great New Deals
The Aquarium, which has been open for a few months, has some excellent opportunities on the table right now.
Maryland public health workers, including medical professionals, hospital employees, and emergency medical service providers, can purchase general admission tickets for themselves and those with them who would normally pay adult rates (ages 12-64) for just $5.
Friday nights are a great time to head downtown for anything – especially a tour of the Aquarium, as tickets are half-price after 5 p.m. each week. The promotion, which is supported by M&T Bank, means those days are a bit busier than others, so reserving tickets in advance is a good idea.
From now through Feb. 28, 2021, Maryland residents receive $10 off adult admission and $5 off child admission before noon, every day except Saturday.
Plus, the Aquarium has partnered with the Enoch Pratt Free Library for a fun kids’ program called Read to Reef. Kids can request a bookmark with a special code from the library, then read five aquatic or conservation-themed books. Once the reading is done, you can enter the code on the bookmark to make a reservation and receive free admission to the Aquarium from now through Jan. 18, 2021. Bookmarks must be requested by Halloween.
Where to Park when Heading Downtown
Whether you’re ready to hop on a boat, hoping to explore life under the sea, or itching for some kiddie fun at Port Discovery, the best way to start your trip to downtown Baltimore is by finding a convenient parking spot.
With its location at 55 Market Place, Harbor Park Garage is just steps from Port Discovery, the Aquarium, and the Historic Ships. It’s also convenient to many restaurants and other venues that make for a good addition to a family trip to the Inner Harbor.
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, the garage is well-lit, clean and safe. It is easily accessible from I-83 and other major routes in and out of the city, and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable – they are always happy to answer questions about where to go and what to do or where to go or about the garage’s policies and approach to safety and sanitation.
For more information about Harbor Park Garage, visit https://harborparkgarage.com/