As the school year winds down, my mind turns to the summer and how to get my kids off their devices and out and about! Here's a list of 6 family-friendly, must-visit museums in Baltimore to add to your summer activity checklist! 

1. The Walters Art Museum

    The Walters offers free drop in art activities for children every Saturday and Sunday between 11-4 pm. Thirty minute, drop-in family tours are also available every weekend during this time and are a great way to introduce your children to the museum through programming designed just for them! Additional special programming is also offered for babies, preschoolers, young children and teens. Visit HERE for additional information.

 2.  Historic Ships in Baltimore

    The Historic Ships experience in Baltimore includes visiting up to three ships: the USS Constellation, the USS Torsk (and the nearby Lightship 116 Chesapeake) and the USCGC Taney (and Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse). Children love experiencing the living history offered by exploring these ships first hand and imagining what life aboard them must have been like. All ships are open daily throughout the summer and admission for children 5 and under is free!

3. The Fire Museum of Maryland

    The Fire Museum is one of the largest fire museums in the country and is filled with firefighting trucks and equipment. Children can climb on trucks, dress up like firefighters, and learn fire safety. Special programming throughout the year, including an antique car show scheduled for August 4, can enhance your visit. The museum is open year round on Saturdays from 10-4.

4. College Park Aviation Museum  

    An affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, the College Park Aviation Museum is a family friendly museum that exposes children (and adults!) to the history of flight and innovation of aircraft. Special, child-friendly programming is offered, including “Afternoon Aviators” on the first Saturday of every month and a preschool storytime the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month. Visit HERE for more information. Open Daily 10-5, museum admission is a steal at $5/adult ($4/seniors) and $2/child (children under 1 are free).

5.  The Baltimore Streetcar Museum

    The Baltimore Streetcar Museum is a little slice of Baltimore history, showcasing not only the history of streetcars, but of amazing city at a crucial point in its history. In addition to the numerous streetcars exhibited, the museum supplements visitors' experiences with a exhibits, photographs, and even streetcar rides. The museum is volunteer run and open weekends throughout the summer. 

6. The Baltimore Museum of Industry

    The Baltimore Museum of Industry offers children a different perspective on museums, celebrating both innovation and the common working man. This museum’s mission to be “a rally cry for anyone who is ready to be just as industrious, just as brave, just as innovative, and just as dedicated to doing the things that turn a great city into something greater” is inspiring for all. The summer Calendar of Events is found HERE. Scroll down for child-friendly offers every week throughout the summer. And be sure to check out the Farmer’s Market held every Sunday from 9 am-1pm through November 24, 2018.

7.  The Baltimore Museum of Art

    The BMA welcomes families and children of all ages. Admission and activities are FREE, including special child focused activities every Sunday from 2-5 PM throughout the summer as part of their Free Family Sunday programming. Visit any day of the week (except Monday, they’re closed) and pick up a free gallery-focused activity booklet for your child. There’s  There’s even a family-friendly audio tour you can download on your iphone or pickup at the information desk. And don’t forget to visit the Sculpture Garden! Kids love it!