Port Discovery Children's Museum
A vibrant, three-level children's museum in Baltimore offering endless hands-on exhibits and imaginative play for kids.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to play
Port Discovery Children's Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to play
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant, three-level children's museum in Baltimore offering endless hands-on exhibits and imaginative play for kids.
"An excellent museum to let your kid(s) run loose in!"
Pack a change of clothes! :sweat_drops:
The water play area is a blast but can get you wet. Essential for a comfortable visit!
Validate your parking :car:
Save money on parking by getting your ticket validated at the museum.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Giant Slide
Central atrium
A thrilling three-story spiral slide that's a guaranteed hit for kids and adults alike. Pure exhilaration!
SkyClimber
Main exhibit area
An impressive multi-level climbing structure that challenges kids to explore and conquer new heights.
Water Play Area
First floor
Splash, pour, and experiment in this interactive zone. Bring a change of clothes – you might get wet!
The Playhouse
Exhibit area
A creative space where kids can step onto a stage, adjust lighting, and put on their own shows.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Parking & Entry Fees
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack a change of clothes! :sweat_drops:
The water play area is a blast but can get you wet. Essential for a comfortable visit!
Validate your parking :car:
Save money on parking by getting your ticket validated at the museum.
Bring your own snacks :apple:
While there's a cafeteria, it mainly offers snacks. Bringing your own food is a good option.
Check hours online :computer:
Hours can vary, so always check the official website before your visit.
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack a change of clothes! :sweat_drops:
The water play area is a blast but can get you wet. Essential for a comfortable visit!
Validate your parking :car:
Save money on parking by getting your ticket validated at the museum.
Bring your own snacks :apple:
While there's a cafeteria, it mainly offers snacks. Bringing your own food is a good option.
Check hours online :computer:
Hours can vary, so always check the official website before your visit.
Embrace the play :raised_hands:
This museum is all about hands-on fun. Let kids explore and get messy!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Port Discovery for its engaging, hands-on exhibits and the sheer amount of fun it offers children of all ages. The museum's design, safety, and inclusive features are frequently highlighted as major strengths, making it a top choice for family outings in Baltimore. Some guests find the adult admission price a bit high, but the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive.
"This is a great children's museum. The design and safety of this place are outstanding. It has so many activities for children of all ages. The giant slide in the middle of the building is one of the best features here. The Egyptian area was good for children and adults alike. My only complaint is that the entry fee of 25 dollars is not worth for the accompanying adults and feels a bit excessive when both parents visit with a single child. They should consider at least halving the adult entry fee."
Praghalathan Kanthakumar
"What a great place for kids (obviously) but adults too! It is a very interactive museum with a ton of sensory areas for kids. The wait wasn’t long for us and as soon as you enter you have three levels of pure fun-from hands on activities to climbing areas, and even an awesome funky slide. The museum does have equipment is your child has any sensory issues (they have headphones for kids to block noise out, white board for writing, etc) which was very inclusive. We easily spent 3+ hours here and still kept finding fun areas. We enjoyed the water area (but obviously you may get wet!) and the huge climbing area at the front. This is an excellent museum to let your kid(s) run loose in! They have an area where you can do arts and crafts as well (painting, making things, etc) so we got to take home some fun items we made. There is also a seating area where you can eat your lunch or purchase food. The bathrooms were clean and they had a water bottle fill station as well. The staff was excellent and very friendly and helpful. Shout out to the music man with the guitar, you are awesome!"
Amber
"This is a great place to bring kids to enjoy hands-on exhibits through various types of play. There are three full levels of rooms to explore, as well as a large play area in the middle. There may not be as much for older kids (11+), but it will depend on their interests. There is a cafeteria, but you can only purchase snacks from vending machines. It is best to bring your own food, or you can leave and buy something nearby and return - your admission bracelet allows you to come and go for the entire day. Overall, a clean and fun place where you could easily spend half a day or more. There is parking nearby."
Lisa F
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Port Discovery Children's Museum is located at 35 Market Pl, Baltimore, MD 21202. It's easily accessible by car and public transportation. The nearest parking garage is the Harbor Park Garage at 55 Market Pl, Baltimore, MD 21202, which offers discounted rates with museum validation.
Yes, the Harbor Park Garage is directly connected to the museum, making parking very convenient. Visitors can get a discounted rate by having their parking ticket validated at the museum.
Baltimore has a public transportation system that can get you close to the museum. Check local transit schedules for bus or light rail routes that serve the downtown Baltimore area.
The museum is designed to be accessible for families. Strollers are generally permitted, but it's always a good idea to check their specific policies or ask staff upon arrival.
If you're coming from out of town, driving and parking in the Harbor Park Garage is a straightforward option. Alternatively, if arriving by train, you can take a short taxi or rideshare to the museum.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is typically $24.95 per person, with children under 1 year old admitted for free. It's recommended to check their official website for the most current pricing and any potential discounts.
Yes, purchasing tickets online in advance is highly recommended, especially for weekends and holidays, to guarantee entry and potentially save time waiting in line.
Some visitors feel the adult entry fee is a bit high. While there aren't always specific adult discounts advertised, it's worth checking their website for any family packages or special promotions.
Yes, your admission bracelet typically allows you to leave and re-enter the museum for the entire day, which is convenient if you want to grab lunch nearby or take a break.
The museum's hours can vary, so it's essential to check their official website for the most up-to-date information before planning your visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the thrilling three-story Giant Slide, the challenging SkyClimber, the interactive Water Play Area (bring a change of clothes!), and the creative Playhouse exhibit.
Absolutely! Port Discovery is designed for a wide range of ages, from toddlers to preteens, with many sensory and hands-on activities perfect for younger children.
The museum is very inclusive and offers equipment for children with sensory issues, such as noise-canceling headphones and whiteboards for writing.
Many visitors report spending 3-5 hours or even longer, as there are three levels of exhibits and activities to explore. You could easily spend half a day or more here.
While geared towards younger children, older kids might still enjoy the more physically challenging exhibits like the SkyClimber and the Giant Slide, depending on their interests.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafeteria area where you can eat your own packed food or purchase snacks from vending machines.
Many visitors recommend bringing your own food as the cafeteria primarily offers snacks. This can be a more budget-friendly option.
Yes, being in downtown Baltimore, there are numerous restaurants and eateries within walking distance if you prefer to dine out.
Yes, the museum provides a water bottle fill station, which is a convenient and eco-friendly amenity.
The cafeteria typically offers a selection of snacks and beverages. For full meals, it's best to plan on bringing your own or dining nearby.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed for personal use. It's a great place to capture your kids' joy and discoveries!
While personal photos are fine, be mindful of other visitors' privacy. Avoid intrusive photography, especially of other families' children.
The central atrium with the Giant Slide, the SkyClimber, and the various interactive exhibit areas offer dynamic photo opportunities.
It's always best to err on the side of caution and avoid using flash photography, especially in areas with sensitive exhibits or where it might disturb other visitors.
Yes, many visitors share their experiences through videos on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Just ensure you're not obstructing pathways or other guests.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
Look for areas dedicated to early childhood development and imaginative play, such as pretend shops or cozy reading nooks. The staff are generally friendly and accustomed to the needs of families with young children, making for a stress-free outing.
💰 Budget-Conscious Visitors
Consider visiting on a weekday when crowds are typically smaller, allowing your children more space to enjoy the exhibits without feeling rushed. If you have multiple children, the value increases with the amount of time they can spend engaged and entertained, potentially making it a full-day activity.
🎒 Day-Trippers from Out of Town
Plan to spend at least 3-4 hours here to make the most of the three levels of exhibits. Remember to check their hours of operation in advance, as they can vary. The ability to leave and re-enter with your admission bracelet is also a plus if you want to grab lunch at a nearby restaurant.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Three Levels of Fun
The second floor is typically where you'll find more physically demanding activities, including the iconic SkyClimber, a multi-story climbing structure that encourages adventurous exploration. This level also houses exhibits that encourage imaginative play, like pretend grocery stores or workshops.
The third floor often includes areas for creative arts and crafts, where children can make their own souvenirs, and may also host special exhibits or performances. The Giant Slide is a central feature, often accessible from multiple levels, providing a thrilling descent for all ages.
Inclusivity and Sensory Considerations
For children who benefit from visual aids or alternative communication methods, the museum may offer whiteboards for writing or other tools to facilitate expression and engagement. This thoughtful approach allows more children to participate fully in the hands-on learning experiences, making it a welcoming environment for diverse needs.
The Value of Hands-On Learning
+1From simulating everyday activities like grocery shopping or pumping gas to engaging in creative arts and crafts, the museum provides a safe space for children to develop problem-solving skills, creativity, and a deeper understanding of the world around them. The interactive exhibits are a key reason why families return, as they consistently spark curiosity and foster a love for learning.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit