Baltimore - is this itinerary doable?

[Anonymous]

I'd like to visit Baltimore with kids 13,11,9 and 2. And I'd like to do it as cheaply, yet engagingly as possible. Kids not thrilled with museums, and it is summer, so I'd like to stay outside as much as possible. Here's what I'm thinking:

1. Harbor Connector Water Taxi (Tide Point)
2. Canton Waterfront Park
3. Fort McHenry
4. Cross Street Market

I was thinking we'd drive to the water taxi then ride from Tide Point to Canton Park. Website says "no round trip". I think if we get off at Canton Park, walk around, and return 15-30 minutes later, we should be ok - do I have that right? Then drive to Fort McHenry and then to Cross Street Market.

Looks like it would cost $36 to take water taxi to/from Fort McHenry. Maybe I should? I'm frugal, but I don't want to be driving around hunting for parking, or paying more to park to ride the "free" taxi

Then we'll end at the Cross Street Market and spend all the dough we saved.

This is all based on on-line research, having not been to Baltimore before. Thoughts, or other recommendations?

[Anonymous]

I can tell you only about Fort McHenry. There is plenty parking and if you feel like it, bring a picnic and a disk to play with or a kite to fly. There is plenty waterfront space that you can spread out on. We go there a couple of times a year and it is a nice place to relax and run around. Enjoy.

[Anonymous]

Thanks, the crickets were starting to get to me, thinking, either Baltimore isn't considered "travel", or "travel" and "kids" just aren't synonymous. I'm new to SAHM role and taking kids without hubby and working on building confidence with small day-trips like this.

[Anonymous]

I think I (and maybe others) are at a loss because your itinerary doesn't include the National Aquarium, MD Science Center or Port Discovery. Those are often the focal points of any excursions to Baltimore from this area (and they are all really great -- but can be pricey).

[Anonymous]

You could also just hang out by the Inner Harbor... there are often performers in a little amphitheater by the water, and there's paddle boating and a tall ship docked there, as well as shops and eateries.

[Anonymous]

I think the Water Taxi goes to/from Ft. McHenry, but other than that I can't speak to any more of your plans. I agree with 12:20, too. Most of my day would involve the Inner Harbor.

[Anonymous]

I agree with 12:20. The trip actually sounds kind of boring for the kids (sorry).

Cross Street Market is pretty small and while Federal Hill is good for walking around and shopping, it's not somewhere I would take three kids unless they liked browsing in and out of little stores. Canton has been improved a lot in the last 10 years, but I don't know what kids would find interesting about it -- I've never been to the "water front park" but the Canton square is two blocks long with bars and restaurants surrounding it. It's great for me to go out with my girlfriends, but I wouldn't go out of my way to bring my kids there.

I would suggest starting the day at either the Aquarium or the Science Center, and then having a picnic lunch at Ft. McHenry in the afternoon. You can park at FMH and take the water taxi over to the Harbor. When you're done with the Aquarium/Science Center, take the taxi back to FMH. (There is a lot to see just walking around the Inner Harbor, as a PP mentioned). This way, you'd only pay for one of the main attractions in the Inner Harbor, which would still make it an economical trip.

Ft. McHenry *is* nice and pretty, and a PP had a good suggestion for bringing kites and frisbees and such (and maybe the 2 y/o would nap on a blanket after a busy morning).

Good luck! I lived in Baltimore for 10+ years and love the city. I take my kids back often but we're usually visiting family/friends and not sight seeing so much.

[Anonymous]

No offense, 13:10, that's why I asked. I'm not really interested in Canton, it's just that I saw that there is no charge for the water taxi ride from Tide Point to Canton. I know the kids would enjoy the ride just for the sake of it, so we'd exit Canton due to the "no round trip" policy. I also appreciate your thoughts on Cross Street Market. I wonder if the Lexington Market would be better. I imagined it a bit like the San Fran fish market. Not interested in Aquarium or kids' museum due to cost and is something we can do in DC. Kinda like going to lunch in a chain restaurant. I want to get the flavor of the city. Anyway, we'll focus on the fort and Harbor and see how the day goes! Thanks all

[Anonymous]

Sounds like you have your plans set, but just want to throw this out there. The DC aquarium totally pales in comparison to the Baltimore one. The DC aquarium feels more like a glorified pet store (and I have been several times and enjoyed it) when compared to Baltimore. Outside of Atlanta, I think Baltimore has one of the best aquariums in the country. You're definitely missing out. But maybe another trip.

[Anonymous]

I've enjoyed walking around Fells Point with kids, which is walkable from the Inner Habor/Aquarium. You can eat in Little Italy too, which is family friendly and near both the Aquarium and Fells Point. There is even a toy store in Fells Point on one of the cobble stone streets, next to a 7-11 for Icees. Also an art gallery nearby, which is free. I would take the water taxi to Fells Point, walk around and get lunch, walk to the inner harbor, and then take the water taxi back to Fort McHenry.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think I (and maybe others) are at a loss because your itinerary doesn't include the National Aquarium, MD Science Center or Port Discovery. Those are often the focal points of any excursions to Baltimore from this area (and they are all really great -- but can be pricey).

+1

I would totally delete your itinerary and start over.

I would do:

1) Baltimore Aquarium (it's the inner harbor too, so you get to do both).
2) Port Discovery - it's right near the acquarium.
3) Canton waterfront for crabs at Bo Brooks.
3) Go home.

[Anonymous]

No to Lexington Market if you are a typical DCUMer. It will freak you and your kids out. Lots of drug addicts and homeless people and it stinks. Cross Street Market will not be fun for kids either.

The Inner Harbor is fun to walk around. You could spend most of the morning at Ft McHenry and then water taxi back to the Harbor, eat lunch and then spend the afternoon (when it is hottest and you will want AC) at the aquarium. If you don't want to pay for the aquarium, just walk around, go in harbourplace, see what ever performers are out and about and maybe go on the ships (the submarine, the tall ship and one more, can't remember what it is).

My street cred: I work in Baltimore and grew up here and whole family is still here. I also eat lunch at Lexington Market about twice per week and would never take an average DC friend).

[Anonymous]

Now that the thread is warming up, I'm chuckling. I really appreciate feedback from those who know Baltimore and understand my trying to do this on a dime. I may try the Aquarium based on the recommendations. Toy stores, 7-11 and free museums get a thumbs-up I'm not a typical DCUMer, but am used to NYC alone with kids, so I may try one of the markets. Or not. If I do, I'll be sure to report back!

[Anonymous]

You might try the baltimore visionary arts museum. very funky and fun.

[Anonymous]

Omg that toy store is a cracker box. We loved it, but had our stroller with us. There was one other couple with a stroller, two employees, myself, dh, our stroller and one other customer and it was absolutely claustrophobic!