Baltimore in 2 Days for Families - Port Discovery Children's Museum - hands-on play for toddlers and early school-age kids
A practical, low-stress 2-day itinerary for families with young children (infants to pre-teens). Prioritizes stroller-friendly routes, short transfers, regular breaks for snacks/naps, clean restrooms/changing facilities, and interactive, kid-focused attractions.
Highlights
- Port Discovery Children's Museum - hands-on play for toddlers and early school-age kids
- National Aquarium - accessible route with quiet corners and baby-care facilities
- Maryland Science Center - interactive exhibits and planetarium
- Federal Hill & Patterson Park - playgrounds, open lawns, and easy stroller routes
Itinerary
Day 1
Inner Harbor day with a mix of hands-on museum time, aquarium visit, and waterfront breaks. Designed to avoid long lines and give time for naps and snacks.
Hotel check-in / drop bags (Hyatt Regency Inner Harbor)
Drop luggage, use family-friendly elevator, confirm crib/rollaway if needed and pick up a neighborhood map from concierge.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask the front desk to hold luggage if you arrive before check-in — they'll often store gear so little ones can explore without bulky bags.
- Request a room on a lower floor or near the elevator to minimize stroller carrying; confirm crib availability in advance.
- Hyatt Regency has accessible elevators and family restrooms near the lobby — good spot for initial diaper changes and stroller parking.
Port Discovery Children's Museum — play-based learning
Interactive exhibits perfect for ages 6 months–10 years: Tot Trails, the Port Neighborhood, art studio and water play areas (some exhibits seasonal). Plan 2–3 hours with snack breaks.
Tips from local experts:
- Recommended ages: 6 months–10 years. Toddlers love Tot Trails and water play; early-elementary kids enjoy the maker spaces.
- Stroller note: large stroller parking is available at the entrance — bring a small blanket or strap for quick diaper changes; family restrooms and changing tables are on-site.
- Arrive at opening or mid-morning to avoid peak-daytime crowds; bring a change of clothes for water-play areas and pack a light snack for a short rest in the quiet zone.
Lunch at Miss Shirley's Cafe (Inner Harbor) — family-friendly Southern-inspired menu
Comfort food with a kids' menu and high chairs; staff are used to allergies and can adapt where possible.
Tips from local experts:
- High chairs and kids' menu available; popular breakfast/brunch items (order early to avoid lines on weekends).
- Allergy-aware: mention common allergies when ordering — kitchen is accustomed to requests but still confirm at the counter.
- Short stroller-friendly path from Port Discovery — ask for a booth for a bit more space when dining with toddlers and gear.
Inner Harbor Waterfront Promenade — stroller-friendly stroll & snack break
Gentle walk to let kids run briefly, feed babies or have a small snack; benches, shade, and public restrooms near the harbor.
Tips from local experts:
- Promenade is paved and stroller-friendly; bring a light blanket for a quick sit-down snack on the benches or grassy spots.
- Public restrooms and family restrooms are located near the Harborplace area — good stop for a quick change.
- Watch boat activity from the promenade — bring a small pair of binoculars for older kids to make the walk an activity.
National Aquarium — sea life and quiet corners
Explore exhibits from jellyfish to sharks; family facilities include a nursing room/baby-care area and accessible routes for strollers.
Tips from local experts:
- Recommended ages: 1–12. Toddlers enjoy the touch exhibits; older children love the large Atlantic coral reef and shark tunnel.
- Use the provided stroller route map and note the baby-care/nursing room (ask at info desk) for comfortable feeding or diaper changes.
- Aim for a 2:15–2:30 pm start to avoid morning school groups; use quieter exhibits (jellyfish and Amazon) if the main tank area is crowded.
Early family dinner — The Cheesecake Factory (Harborplace) — flexible menu
Wide-ranging menu with options for picky eaters; easy parking for strollers and a predictable, kid-friendly atmosphere.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive early (around 5:30 pm) to reduce wait times with small children — ask for a corner table for more space.
- Kids' portions and familiar dishes available; staff can usually handle simple allergy requests if told when ordering.
- Family restroom facilities are nearby in Harborplace; plan a short walk after dinner to soothe kids before returning to the hotel.
Back to hotel — wind-down and bedtime routine
Return to the hotel to give kids time to bathe, nap, or follow bedtime routine. Keep the evening calm after a full day.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep the bedtime routine consistent — pack pajamas and a favorite small toy to help with sleep in a new place.
- If younger children need white noise, ask the front desk for a fan/white-noise recommendation or a quiet room location.
- Use this time for parents to check the plan for Day 2 and set out daytime gear (snacks, refillable water bottle, sunscreen for spring).
Day 2
Interactive science day and neighborhood playgrounds. The schedule keeps transfers short and includes a mid-afternoon longer play break for high-energy kids.
Breakfast at Miss Shirley's Cafe (Federal Hill location)
Family-friendly breakfast with plentiful kid options and quick service to get you to the morning attraction on time.
Tips from local experts:
- High chairs and kids' plates are available; order classic breakfast favorites that usually please small eaters.
- Federal Hill location is close to morning stops — ask for a table near the entrance for stroller space.
- If you need a quick grab-and-go, Miss Shirley's will prepare child-friendly items to take with you to the park or museum.
Maryland Science Center — hands-on exhibits & planetarium
Interactive exhibits focused on physics, dinosaurs, and a kid-accessible planetarium. Excellent for curious kids aged 3–12.
Tips from local experts:
- Recommended ages: 3–12. Little ones will enjoy the Discovery Shop and tactile exhibits; older kids like the planetarium shows (check schedule and book tickets early).
- Stroller-friendly floors and family restrooms with changing tables make it easy for parents with infants.
- Plan a planetarium show if times align — it’s a calmer, darkened break for toddlers who may need a rest after active play.
Lunch at Phillips Seafood (Inner Harbor) — easy harbor views and flexible menu
Casual seafood restaurant with simpler kid-friendly plates and accommodating staff for allergy or picky-eater requests.
Tips from local experts:
- Kids' options include simple plates (fries, grilled chicken, mac & cheese); staff are used to modifying orders for allergies.
- Choose early seating to avoid crowds; ask for a table away from the kitchen if your child is noise-sensitive.
- High chairs are available; restrooms with changing tables are a short walk from the dining room.
Federal Hill Park — lookout, playground & short stroller walk
Large green space with playground and panoramic harbor views — a calm post-lunch spot to burn energy and take photos.
Tips from local experts:
- Playground surfaces are stroller-accessible to the surrounding paths; use the benches in the shade for snack or diaper changes.
- Great spot for kids to run off energy before an afternoon nap; bring sun hats and a small blanket for a quiet rest on the grass.
- The hill has good sightlines for parents; avoid the steeper slopes with very young toddlers or use the paved paths.
Patterson Park — playgrounds, duck pond, and (seasonal) splash fountain
One of Baltimore's best family parks with multiple playgrounds, open lawn, and a charming duck pond. In late spring the splash fountain may be active — great for cooling off.
Tips from local experts:
- Stroller-friendly paved loops make this park easy for families; larger playgrounds have fenced sections ideal for younger children.
- Seasonal splash fountain usually runs in late spring/summer — bring a change of clothes and water shoes if it's operating in May.
- Clean public restrooms and picnic tables nearby; plan 60–90 minutes so kids can play and older children can explore the walking paths.
Early dinner at R. House (Remington food-hall) — lots of choices for picky eaters
Food hall with many vendors offering diverse options — great for families with different tastes and dietary needs, plus indoor seating.
Tips from local experts:
- Good for picky eaters — multiple vendors mean everyone can pick something they like; look for vendors with kids' portions.
- Seating can be communal; arrive a bit early to secure a table and look for family restrooms or changing facilities inside.
- The space is casual and stroller-friendly, but during busy times it can get crowded—ask vendors about quieter corners or take food to-go to eat at a nearby park.
Transfer back to hotel / departure prep
Short transfer to collect luggage or head to the airport/train. Use this time for a final restroom/change stop and to confirm travel arrangements.
Tips from local experts:
- If you have late departures, ask the hotel for luggage storage and a quiet lounge area to keep children comfortable before departure.
- Plan for 30 minutes buffer for traffic or stroller folding when traveling to BWI/Amtrak; car services or rideshares in Baltimore are used to child seats—bring your own if preferred.
- Use this transfer as a chance to let kids have a final snack and bathroom break; many hotels will provide a child cup or small snack on request.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 2 |
| Highlights | 4 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Families |
| Transfers | 1 |
| Restaurants | 5 |
| Total Activities | 13 |
| Total Places | 13 |
| Activities Types | Hotel, Attraction, Restaurant, Neighborhood, Outdoor, Transfer |
