Tag Archives: Baltimore Museums

Interactive Fun & Learning at the Maryland Science Center

[Note:  This post was written by KFDC Contributor Emily Moise, a local writer and mom of two young children.   She always has excellent recommendations for kids’ activities around the DC area. See some of them herehere and here.  You can also read a KFDC write-up about the Maryland Science Center from several years back — we loved it when the kids were younger and used to visit at least a couple of times a year!]

 

Parenting in pandemic times has often felt like being stranded on a deserted island (I hope you packed lots of snacks!). With many local businesses for kids shuttering or altering their offerings, it has been a daily forage for something, anything to do. If only it was as warm as a deserted island right now.

There are diamonds in the rough, though – especially if you’re willing to journey a bit – and Baltimore’s Maryland Science Center is one of those places. While it’s a 40-60 minute drive from the DC metro area, and not as new and shiny as the National Children’s Museum, it’s everything you would hope a children’s science museum to be…and more.

Upon entering, your kids will immediately spy a fan-favorite: dinosaurs. Unlike the Natural History Museum, you’ll find hands-on exhibits that are spot-on for young minds, like dusting sand off bones and measuring them to determine the species. I’m not sure what my kids were listening to on the telephone audio stations, but they were excited to absorb anything and everything. Try not to get sidetracked here, because there is just so much more to explore.

Newton’s Alley” on the second level is packed with interactive exhibits that teach principles of physics and “people power” in fun, age-appropriate ways. A seated pulley, tornado simulator, weighted wheel race, and more. There is so much to try – and little ones will want to get their hands on everything (thank you, hand sanitizer). Stay close by, because many exhibits will require adult instruction or strength depending on your kids’ ages.

Next, we were immersed in exhibit after exhibit teaching my kids about their personal favorite: the human body. Test your strength and reaction time, remove parasitic bugs from a human body, activate a fart machine — there’s something for kids of any age and attention span within that area. Before rushing off to the next exhibit hall, we made sure to test out our depth perception in an optical illusion room hooked up to a video camera.

Across the way, we found the space exhibits – much of which is still over my kids’ heads (I can relate). We breezed through but made sure to stop and play a few games that sorted planets by size and distance from the sun. The can’t-miss feature is the planetarium, which we returned to for a later showtime exploring constellations through storytelling. After almost four hours at the Science Center, my kids lasted a decent 15 of the 30 minute showing.

Are you exhausted yet? I haven’t even gotten to the best feature for little ones, which we almost missed since it’s on the third level: the Kid’s Room. This is a confined space designed for kids ages 8 and under, featuring water play, a ship to captain, and my daughter’s favorite: a pneumatic mail chute to send messages in tubes overhead. If you’re a member or repeat visitor with toddlers and preschoolers, I imagine this area is the go-to every time.

 

Speaking of membership, there is currently a Groupon deal for an annual family membership that pays for itself in just a few visits (get it through the end of January). We plan on returning soon to check out more exhibits, workshops in The Shed (or SciLab for older ages), new shows in the planetarium (featuring Big Bird and aliens!), science experiments on the Demo Stage, and documentaries in the IMAX theater. See the full calendar of events.

Maryland Science Center
Where: 601 Light St | Baltimore, MD 21230 (Directions & Parking)
When: Friday, 10am – 4pm, Saturday and Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Admission: $19.95/age 3-12, $25.95/adult, $24.95/senior (+$5 for IMAX)
COVID Policy: Masks required 

 

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Filed under All ages, Maryland, Museums

Where to Play on the Weekdays: June 12-16

Stay cool in the sprays at Turkey Thicket playground

Stay cool in the sprays at Turkey Thicket playground



Monday – Cool off on the hot day at a spray park. There are a bunch of playgrounds within the DC Department of Parks and Rec that have areas where kids can splash around. See locations here, and find a list of other interactive fountains and splash pads around the area in the Guide to Summer in DC.

Tuesday – Venture up to Baltimore for a day of play and learning at Port Discovery. Several levels full of awesome hands-on exhibits, including the current KLUTZ: Amazingly Immature! Exhibit, keep kids entertained all day long. Hours are 10am – 5pm. Admission is $14.95 for ages 2 and up, free for under 2. And if you think you might go a few times this year, I recommend checking out their membership options.

Wednesday – Jump with joy at Flight Trampoline Park in Springfield, VA. This bouncy nirvana hosts Kid Flight sessions, when the whole park is open only to children under the age of 6, from 10am – 2pm Monday through Friday. Special pricing starts $10/hour, and an accompanying adult jumps free! I recommend buying tickets and submitting waivers online in advance to save time when you get there.

Thursday – Roam the enchanting gardens at Dumbarton Oaks in Georgetown while you still can — starting July 10, they will close for renovations until March 15, 2018. The grounds don’t open to the public until 2pm, but you can play at nearby Montrose Park or grab a bite to eat on M Street beforehand. I promise, it’s worth waiting for the afternoon visit. Admission is $10/adult, $5/ages 12 and under. No entry fee for Montrose Park.

Friday – Play with light and technology at XYZT: Abstract Landscapes, the debut exhibit at the brand new ARTECHOUSE. All ages will be dazzled by 10 digital installations that are meant to be manipulated (and awed!) by guests. Hours are 10am – 4pm, and timed tickets are required. Admission is $15/adult, $10/child.


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Filed under 2017, All ages, Art, DC, Educational, Exhibit, Free, Indoor Play, Maryland, Museums, Ongoing, Outdoor, Park, Seasonal, Summer, Virginia, Weekdays

Where to Play on the Weekdays: February 29 – March 4

The National Arboretum is always a good bet on a nice day

The National Arboretum is always a good bet on a nice day



Monday – Locate secret doors, see outrageously fabulous themed rooms, and browse a trove of secondhand treasures on a tour of The Mansion on O Street. The Dupont Circle landmark is a mansion, museum, restaurant, vintage store, and hotel all in one. And visitors are welcome to explore it all. Tours offered 11am – 3:3opm. Self-guided tours start at $15. Purchase tickets in advance online.

Tuesday – Seize what’s forecast to be a beautiful day at the National Arboretum. Go for nature walks through the woods, visit the Washington Youth Garden, romp in open green spaces and at the old Capitol columns, picnic in the Grove of State Trees… so many ways to enjoy one of the loveliest places in the city. Hours are 8am – 5pm, and admission is free.

Wednesday – Let little ones bounce, climb, swing, tumble, and slide at the PG Sports & Learning Complex Gymnastics Center. The hour-long open play session begins at 11:30am, and admission is $6/child. (This also takes place on Tuesday at the same time.)

Thursday – Venture up to Baltimore to see some of the most wonderful, whimsical art around at the American Visionary Art Museum. The colorful, quirky works — some of them interactive — can be appreciated by art buffs of all ages. Hours are 10am – 6pm Tuesday – Sunday. Admission is $15.95/adults, $13.95/seniors, $9.95/students & ages 7 and up, free for 6 and under.

Friday – Catch a performance of Callaloo: A Jazz Folktale at the Discovery Theater. As this post goes live, tickets are still available for the 10:15am show. Admission is $3-6. If the show sells out, take the opportunity to explore the Smithsonian Ripley Center, where the theater is located, and the Smithsonian Castle next door.


Thredup Inc.


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Filed under All ages, Art, DC, Educational, Exhibit, Free, Indoor Play, Live Entertainment, Maryland, Museums, Nature, Outdoor, Park, Theatre, Weekdays, Winter

Go Free Beyond the Smithsonian During Museum Day Live!

Visit the Newseum for FREE during Museum Day Live!

Visit the Newseum for FREE during Museum Day Live!



Free access to amazing museums is a wonderful and convenient perk of living in the DC area. But if you find yourself always opting for the Smithsonian venues over places that charge admission, you’re missing out on many collections of art, culture, science, and nature that are fascinating, beautiful, even fun!

But thanks to Smithsonian Magazine, you can check out some of those museums without spending a dime. This Saturday, September 26, is their annual Museum Day Live!, when many museums that usually charge an entrance fee will waive it for guests. All you have to do is register to get your ticket and you can visit a participating museum of your choice for free. Tickets are good for two people, and you must print it and bring with you or show it on your mobile device to receive gratis admission.

These are some of the participating area museums (that usually require a fee) that families will enjoy:

DC:
Dumbarton Oaks Gardens (KFDC review)
Kreeger Museum
National Building Museum (KFDC review)
National Museum of Women in the Arts
Newseum (KFDC review)
Tudor Place & Historic Garden

Maryland:
Annapolis Maritime Museum
Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Art Center (KFDC review)
B&O Railroad Museum
Baltimore Museum of Art
Baltimore Museum of Industry (KFDC review)
Chesapeake Children’s Museum
College Park Aviation Museum
Port Discovery Children’s Museum

Virginia:
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum
Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum

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Filed under All ages, Annual, Art, DC, Discount, Educational, Exhibit, Fall, Free, Indoor Play, Maryland, Museums, Outdoor, Virginia, Weekend

Where to Play on the Weekdays: December 30 – January 3

A couple of chicks playing in the giant nest at the Arboretum's Youth Garden

A couple of chicks playing in the giant nest at the National Arboretum’s Youth Garden



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Monday – Visit the National Arboretum on one of the two weekdays it’s open to the public since budget cuts prompted its closing Tuesday through Thursday. Go for nature walks through the woods, visit the Washington Youth Garden, romp in open green spaces and at the old Capitol columns, and enjoy one of the loveliest outdoor spaces in the city. Hours are 8am – 5pm, and admission is free.

Tuesday – Celebrate New Year’s Eve at one of several events around town that not only welcome kids, but in most cases, center around them. See this post for a list of family-friendly options to ring in 2014.

Wednesday – Enjoy a New Year’s Day brunch (or lunch) with the kids. This thread from last year on the KFDC Facebook page generated a lot of recommendations for good places to have a family feast. Plus, a few more: Ted’s Bulletin, Carmine’s, and Cactus Cantina. And it’s probably a good idea to make a reservation or call ahead.

Thursday – See some of the most wonderful, whimsical art around at the American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore. The colorful, quirky works — some of them interactive — can be appreciated by art buffs of all ages. Hours are 10am – 6pm Tuesday – Sunday. Admission is $15.95/adults, $13.95/seniors, $9.95/students & children 7 and up, free for ages 6 and under

Friday – As the temps dip, stay warm and entertained at an IMAX movie. You’ve got your choice of several playing right now: Flight of the Butterflies 3D, The Ultimate Wave Tahiti 3D, Titans of the Ice Age 3D, and Jerusalem 3D are all playing at the Natural History Museum’s Johnson IMAX Theatre. And the Air & Space Museum’s Lockheed Martin IMAX Theatre presents Air Racer 3D, Hubble 3D, Hidden Universe 3D, The Dream Is Alive, and To Fly! Be sure to check schedules for showtimes.

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Filed under All ages, Annual, Art, DC, Educational, Exhibit, Holidays, Live Entertainment, Maryland, Movies, Museums, New Years, Outdoor, Park, Seasonal, Virginia, Weekdays, Winter