It’s the mega list! All of our favorite things to do with kids in Baltimore this summer in one handy place. The best of Charm City — and beyond! Need more fun ideas? Be sure to download our Summer Adventure Guide.

Hands-On Creative Fun

Clay For You and Me

Did you know Baltimore Clayworks offers classes for kids of all ages? There are even Parent-and-Me classes for elementary school aged kids and preschoolers! MORE

Creative Fun at the Walters

With a host of kid-friendly activities, The Walters Art Museum is definitely NOT a look-but-don’t-touch space! We love their kid-friendly play/art space and their family programming is outstanding (everything from their art carts, to preschool art classes, to drop-in weekend art projects). Best part? The Walters is 100% free and open Wednesday thru Sunday. MORE

Glowga at The Creative Cow

Worth the trip to Harford County! The Creative Cow is a fun interactive arts studio that offers splatter painting, imagination playground blocks, art projects and more. They’re teaming up with Mama-Bear Yoga for a Glowga party on June 23rd! Kids ages 7-11 will do yoga under black lights followed by creativity and fun in the splatter zone with neon paints. Glow sticks and neon face paints will also be provided! MORE

Paint Together

Sure, you know Painted Palette offers sip + paint classes for adults, but you should also know about their (cool) workshops for families! Offered once per month times throughout the month, these classes are designed for kids and feature kid-friendly canvases. Stay and paint with them (or just watch!) or drop and pick them up after class. Stay tuned for details about (cool) progeny’s NEW series with Painted Palette. We’re painting animals and nature at some super fun places around the city! MORE

Tinkergarten

Tinkergarten is coming to Baltimore this summer! Head to Oregon Ridge Park or Meadowood for fun nature-inspired classes! whole new series of activities that allow kids to deepen their learning while they simply have fun outside! Check out their website for free trial class offers. MORE

Make a Comic Book

Head to Yankee Doodle Art Studio in Hunt Valley to make your own comic book! They have all the materials and can bind your book on site. Not into book making? They have lots of other arts and crafts options to keep little fingers busy! (You can even pick up a book to go package, make the book at home, and return for binding!) MORE

Family Sundays at The BMA

Join the Baltimore Museum of Art every Sunday for activities the entire family can enjoy. Explore your creative side with active hands-on art-making workshops in response to works on view. Take extra time for a stroll in the sculpture garden and a stop for brunch at Gertrude’s. MORE

Story Time Teas

Join (cool) progeny and The Corner Pantry for our new Mommy + Me Story Time Teas! Full tea service, craft, story time and surprises! MORE

Have a Just for Fun Photoshoot

Did you know that Laura Black Photography now offers a photography studio at Wee Chic in Green Spring Station? A professional, art photographer available at your convenience to capture just for fun pics! Studio Sessions are $40 and last 40 minutes — and your fee goes toward image purchases! Grab your kiddo’s favorite threads and schedule! MORE

KERPLUNK! Family Drop-in Art

Families and kids of all ages are invited to tour Creative Alliance’s galleries and design unique art projects linked to the exhibitions Saturdays from 12 PM – 3 PM all summer long. Participants stop in for a quick visit or stay for the entire afternoon exploring art materials. Youth must be accompanied by an adult. No registration required! FREE! MORE

Storyville

A true gem! Storyville (located at the Baltimore County Public Library Rosedale and Woodlawn branches) is a child-sized village that includes developmentally appropriate books and activities. It gets busy on weekday mornings so go early or plan to go after lunch. MORE

Stories at Everyman Theatre

Kids can flow into stories at Everyman Theatre as part of their Yoga Storytelling program in June. Younger kids will love joining mom for Mommy + Me Storybook Drama. Join for one class or all four! Advanced registration is strongly encouraged as these popular classes fill quickly! MORE

Culture & History Explorations

Become a Junior Ranger at Ft. McHenry

Head to Ft. McHenry and request an activity booklet for your child to complete to become a junior ranger! Comes with a pretty (cool) badge! Just turn your packet in at the Visitor’s Center for badge. MORE

Ride a Street Car

Open Saturdays and Sundays in the summer, the Baltimore Streetcar Museum offers unlimited rides on their classic street cars with paid admission. Have little littles? Kids under 4 are FREE. MORE

Attend a Cultural Festival

Baltimore has some of the best (BEST) cultural festivals during the summer. Some of our favorites? The Feast of St. Anthony Italian Festival, St. Nicholas Greek Folk Festival, 35th Annual Latino Fest, Federal Hill Jazz & Blues Festival, African American Festival, and Polish Festival. MORE

Ride a Fire Engine

The Discovery Room at the Fire Museum of Maryland is a place where children of all ages are encouraged to be hands-on! A 1938 Mack fire engine is available to be explored, while child-­size turnout gear is provided as well, including coats, helmets, and boots. You’ll find fire­ related books, toys, and videos, too. Open Wednesday – Saturday during the summer months. MORE

Step into History

The Star-Spangled Banner Flag House allows you to step into living history and immerse yourself in one of the most riveting stories in our nation’s history – the creation of the American flag. Featured exhibits located in the museum building include a discovery gallery for children, where kids can design a flag and fly it on the gallery’s flagpole, cook at a replica of the Flag House kitchen and more. Open Tuesday-Saturday. Children under 6 are FREE. MORE

Learn Wicked History

Join Baltimore Wicked History Tours to plumb the depths of Baltimore’s underbelly. Crawl through the streets in town and hear about times past when some struggled to survive and others thumbed their noses at authority. From speakeasies to underhanded villains to celebrated personalities who passed through Baltimore’s streets. This is a Baltimore history tour like no other. Some might call it wicked. For older kids (as you might expect!) MORE

Nature Adventures

Tales and Tails at Irvine Nature Center

Named Maryland’s Best Story Time, Tales and Tails at Irvine Nature Center is fun for everyone! Join them Friday mornings for a few animal stories followed by an animal meet and greet! Get an up-close and hands-on experience with Irvine’s animals. All ages. No need to register–just show up! Get there early to get the best seats, since this program often has quite a crowd. MORE

Explore Butterflies at Ladew

With programs for big kids, littles, and families, Ladew Topiary Gardens is a perfect summer destination! Make sure to register for story time in advance (they fill up quickly!), or just drop by to wander through the 15 thematic ‘garden rooms.’ Our favorite spot? The Butterfly Garden! A quaint on-site cafe operates 7 days a well from 11 AM – 3 PM in the former stables. MORE

Camp at the Zoo

A trip to the Maryland Zoo should already be on your summer bucket list, but if you have older kiddos consider signing up for an overnight adventure! After all, the zoo is where the wild things snore, right? Overnight adventures are for families with children aged 6 and up. Fair warning: it’s BYOT (bring your own tent). Not ready for an overnight at the zoo? Check out their After Hours dates and times when ticket prices drop to $10/pp and you can hobnob with giraffes and elephants during the (cool)er evening hours! MORE

Explore Kilgore Falls

Get an up-close look at the waterfall made famous in the Disney movie “Tuck Everlasting” at Kilgore Falls in Rocks State Park. MORE

Go for a Hike

Get the kiddos moving their DNA! Some of our favorite places to go exploring are Irvine Nature Center, Gunpowder Falls State Park, Gwynns Falls Trail, Lake Roland, Patapsco State Park, Oregon Ridge Park, and Rachel Carson Park.

Get Icky at the Aquarium

The National Aquarium’s most unique residents take center stage in this brand new tour! With the help of an Aquarium expert, you’ll get a close look at the weird world of some of our creepiest, crawliest, most strange and often misunderstood animals.Explore behind-the-scenes areas to learn how the Aquarium care for these fascinating creatures, and hear incredible stories that may just change your perception about these misfits of the animal kingdom. For ages 8+. Have littles? They’ll love touching moon jellies in the hands-on Living Seashore exhibit. MORE

Get Muddy at Oregon Ridge

Mud Days return to Oregon Ridge Park on June 25th and 26th. Make mud pies, mud sculptures, mud paintings, and more! MORE

Explore Rawlings Conservatory

The Rawlings Conservatory and Botanic Gardens in Druid Hill Park has distinct environments that allow the display of plants from all over the world. Visit them on Sundays from 1:30-3:30pm for Plants and People Sundays or late afternoons on Wednesdays during the Druid Hill Farmers Market! MORE

Arts Experiences

The Little Mermaid

Take your Disney-loving princess (or prince!) to see Charm City Player’s Baltimore debut of The Little Mermaid! 11 kid-friendly performances are offered from June 18th – July 17th. Be sure to take advantage of their pre-show royal tea party where you can take pictures with the cast and get autographs. Special price includes reservations at one of Ariel’s Royal Tables, light fare food and drinks PLUS premium seating for the show. Advanced registration required for tea; Show tickets are just $15 and include free face painting! Be sure to get to the show early. MORE

See Harry Potter with the BSO

Potter Fanatics: this is a don’t-miss! Audiences will be able to relive the magic of the film in high-definition on a giant screen while hearing the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra perform John Williams’ unforgettable score. August 4-6th. MORE

Catch an Outdoor Movie

Baltimore has it’s share of cinematic fun every summer —- especially for the kid crowds! AVAM offers Flicks on the Hill on Thursdays in July and August. (Travel + Leisure called it one of the world’s BEST Free things to do!). They’re showing a variety of films, including Karate Kid and Star Wars: Episode VII. The Shops at Kenilworth launches their Summer Moonlight Movie Series on June 10th. Don’t miss Minions and Zootopia! Downtown Partnership of Baltimore kicks off Pics in the Park with a showing of Inside Out on May 28th. Bel Air Downtown Alliance shows family flicks in Shamrock Park all summer long. Pan and The Good Dinosaur will be shown, among others. All outdoor movies listed are FREE.

Water Ballet and Science

Fluid Movement presents their 15th annual water synchronized swimming event this summer: SCIENCE FAIR. Catch the action at Druid Hill Park Pool on July 30th/31st, or at Patterson Park Pool August 5-7th. $5 show special for the July 5th performance! MORE

Explore AVAM’s Gardens

The American Visionary Art Museum is a fantastical place to visit, but the kids aren’t always in the mood to cooperate with a ‘hands in your pocket’ museum day (most of the exhibits at AVAM are look-but-don’t-touch). So the outdoor (FREE) sculpture plaza and wildflower garden is a perfect solution! The giant whirligig is a sure pleaser. MORE

KIDSCAPE

Kidscape, the children’s world of Artscape, invites school-age children to “explore what’s out there” by participating in crafts, demonstrations and activities that are out of this world! Festival-goers are encouraged to shoot for the stars while learning about space and making memories with their family and friends. Artscape takes place July 15th – 17th. Be sure to download their app before you go! MORE

A Night at the Drive-In

Bengies Drive-In Theatre features the BIGGEST movie theatre screen in the USA. They feature current triple features on almost every Friday and Saturday night, classic cartoons, vintage trailers and intermissions clips, in-car heaters and Dusk till Dawn shows! Please note that a radio is required to listen to the movies. Put the kiddos in their pjs and go! You may not bring outside food and beverages unless you purchase an outside food and beverage permit for $10. Children under four watch for free! MORE

See an Outdoor Concert

It’s Summer Concert season! Grab your favorite picnic blanket, fill the wagon with kids, and make an evening or afternoon of it! Some of our favorite places for free family-friendly music events are Patterson Park, Belvedere Square, Ladew Topiary Gardens, and Hunt Valley Towne Center. Many will have food and other activities on site so be sure to check before you go!

Travel with Romeo & Juliet

Chesapeake Shakespeare Company’s signature theater experience! You’ve never seen Romeo and Juliet like this… The audience will travel with the actors and the action as the story unfolds outdoors on multiple sets in the ruins at the picturesque Patapsco Female Institute Historic Park. Perfect for older tweens + teens — be sure to wear comfortable shoes. Have younger thespians? Take them to see The Three Musketeers! Thanks to generous underwriters and media partners, children’s tickets are FREE for The Three Musketeers. MORE

Cirque du Soleil’s Toruk

TORUK – The First Flight is a show inspired by James Cameron’s AVATAR, and takes the audience to the world of Pandora thousands of years before that seen in the film AVATAR. It is the first Cirque show narrated by an English speaking Storyteller, and incorporates amazing puppetry, illuminations and kites. It flies into Royal Farms Arena from June 9th – 12th. MORE

Active Fun

Kids Bowl Free at Stoneleigh Lanes

All summer long, your kiddo can bowl for 30 minutes FREE at Stoneleigh Lanes Mondays thru Wednesdays and Fridays from 11 AM to 4 PM (must have bowling shoes or rent them). MORE

Splash in the Sondheim Fountain

Located in West Shore Park (near the Maryland Science Center), the Walter Sondheim Foundation incorporates water jets shooting up from the ground, timed. LOTS of fun. And free. Just bring an extra pair of clothes and shoes! MORE

DIY Playground Tour

Make it the summer of play! Check out our list of fun-fabulous playgrounds and start plotting your next play adventure. Don’t miss Our Playground at Stadium Place, the scrap tire playground at Patapsco, or Annie’s Playground. All worth the drives! MORE

Get a Little Zen

Summer is a perfect time for your minis to get a little zen. Check out our list of kids yoga classes and sign up to try one! Some are mom + me — who will have the better form? MORE

Rockin’ Jump

Towson’s newest trampoline park has something for the whole family. Toddler programs (Rockin Tots — just $10 per child/parent duo), fitness classes, a rock wall, slam dunk zone, dodge ball — it’s all there. Plus massage chairs (just saying). MORE

Hula Hoop at the Market

You’ll find Baltimore Hoop Love at the Baltimore Farmer’s Market and Bazaar on Sunday mornings under the JFX, or at the Hamilton/Lauraville market on Tuesday evenings. Hoop along with them and burn a few calories before you dive into that fresh-from-the-fryer donut. (C’mon. We know they are a staple on your market run!) MORE

Picnic, Swim, and Kayak

As Gunpowder’s featured day-use park, Hammerman features a swimming beach, food concessions, four picnic pavilions, picnicking, playgrounds, canoe/kayak and sailboat rentals, fishing, short hiking trails and two short water trails. $3/person, $5/person on the weekends. Rent a kayak with Ultimate Watersports — for an hour or the day! MORE

Free Youth Sports Leagues

BmoreKids Sports offers FREE co-ed football, grass volleyball, and soccer leagues all summer long at Herring Run Park, Patterson Park, and South Baltimore Little League Fields. Leagues are not super competitive but are instead for kids of all abilities who want to have fun! Kids can join as a team (get your family friends together!) or as ‘free agents’ and will be assigned a team. MORE

Bike + Tube the NCR Trail

The Torrey C. Brown Trail, formerly known as the Northern Central Railroad Trail (NCRT) extends 20 miles, stretching from Ashland Road in the Hunt Valley area to the state line. The trail is 10 feet wide with a stone dust surface — perfect for strollers and bikes! Note: Children under 16 are required to wear a helmet when riding a bike. Be sure to stop for ice cream at Monkton Station! Older kids will love a biking/tubing adventure. Monkton Bike can give your bike a tune-up if needed, too. MORE

Try the High Ropes Course

Designed for ages 5-9, the tree-level ropes course at Terrapin Aventures has 22 different fun elements that kids can walk, balance, swing, zip, and crawl through. The explorer’s rope course is right next to the Terrapin Towers, so the big kids (aka parents) can ‘play’ and always be in sight of their little ones. High flying fun! MORE

Chill Out at the Ice Arena

Nothing beats a little time on the ice when the day is really hot! Head to the Mt. Pleasant Ice Arena for their public skate sessions Mondays – Thursdays from 12 PM – 2 PM. Admission to public skating sessions is $4.00 and skate rental costs $2.00. MORE

Take a Swing at Golf

Pine Ridge Golf Course offers $10 Saturday clinics for kids ages 7-11 — intended for those new to the game! Weekly clinics are limited to the first twenty students who sign up for that time period. They’ll even provide clubs! MORE

Take a Dip

No pool membership? No worries! Baltimore City operates six large Park pools, 12 neighborhood pools, three indoor pools (limited Summer availability), and two splash pads. Admission is just $2 for Park pools and $1 at walk-to pools per two-hour session (you can get a summer pass for $30). Roosevelt Park, Patterson Park and Riverside Park pools all have wading pools, too! If you’re up for a bit of a drive, head to Chesapeake Beach Water Park (it’s about an hour). MORE

Pint-Sized Ninja Training

Take your mini to Urban Evolution for tiny ninja training! Preschoolers can get a feel for Parkour in a play- and story-based environment. Older kids (you know, those who are using your living room as their personal obstacle course) will love nano parkour. Serious ninjas? Well, they have a training program for them, too. MORE

Fishing Derby

Learn basic skills like how to identify a fish, try to catch a fish, and more at Lake Roland on June 11th! Other activities will include games, crafts, and making your very own fishing pole! Participants age 16 and over must have a DNR fishing license. A fun way to explore Lake Roland and hone your skills without leaving the city limits! MORE

Get Social

Playdate Together with the JVC

Looking for a fun and gratifying family activity? Want to make a difference in the life of a senior? Geared towards families with young children (3 months – preschool), Playdate Together is a multi-generational interactive program that includes sing-alongs, books, and more at a senior facility. Playdate Together brightens the senior residents day. MORE

Family Fun Days at Power Plant Live

Fam-friendly country hoedown, ice cream & 80s party, and a Caribbean beach party are all headed to Power Plant LIVE! on Sunday afternoons this summer! Enjoy games, activities, food, and more. All events are FREE to attend and you can purchase a kid lunch + activity pack for just $12. Use code COOLPROGENY for $2 off the package! MORE

Kick Back at a Summer Social

Summer Socials at West Shore Park are hands down the best way to kick off a summer weekend in the city! Family-friendly music (not kid music, but you won’t have to worry about anything NSFP — not safe for preschool). Great food. Kid fun. Amazing views at West Shore Park. Libations from Dooby’s. Super casual and laid back. After all, it’s summer, hon. Offered select Fridays. MORE

Global Bubble Parade

Grab your bubble wand, wear your most colorful sparkly outfit, and head to Hampden on June 5th for the Global Bubble Parade! The event is organized by 100happydays foundation. We hear there will be mobile refilling stations. Definitely necessary for walking with bubbles! Pace will be kid-friendly and leashed dogs are welcome. MORE

Dance Party at Port Discovery

Put on your favorite beach attire and enjoy a special evening of dancing, playing, exploring, and making great memories with your family at Port Discovery’s Family Beach Dance Party on June 25th! Make your own fab crab, hula hoop station, dance tunes with DJ Holly, pizza, and more. A fun way to explore the museum! MORE

Party with the JCC

Rock the Block at the Rosenbloom Owings Mills JCC for a fun family weekend activity at the Community Block Party! The ball fields will be transformed into a bustling street fair as the Jewish Community Center launches its third annual Community Block Party. June 5th from 10 AM – 3 PM. FREE! MORE

Foodie Fun for the Pint-Sized Crowd

Race Matchbox Cars at Play Cafe

Head to Play Cafe for snacks (they have a TV tray option for kids where they can fill each spot with kid-friendly foods!), a fabulous latte, and play in their super fun play space. Don’t miss Monday morning story/art time with Danny Joe and Friday family dinner and movie nights. New this summer: SNOWBALLS! MORE

Maryland Ice Cream Trail

Maryland has nine dairy farms that offer fresh, delicious on-farm ice cream. Together, they make up the Maryland’s Best Ice Cream Trail. Visit each creamery and get your trail passport stamped before September 23rd. MORE

Pick Your Own Adventure

Spring has been a little wet so berry season might not have it’s usual splendor; that means it’s even more important to get out and support our local farms! Take the kids to Hybridoma Organic Fruit Farm or Larriland Farm for strawberry picking. We’ve got a round-up of area pick-your-own farms. Check it out, grab a basket, and go for a farm adventure! MORE

Skee Ball and Pizza

Delicious pizza plus skee ball. SCORE! Johnny Rad’s has a a pizza to please everyone. From the naked (just cheese) to the Caprese (finished with a balsamic reduction) to the Vegan Templeton (no cheese at all!), your whole family will be splendidly satiated. Have a Skee Ball tournament while you wait for the pie — dramatically decreases your tantrum odds. MORE

Mini Scoops at The Charmery

Any day you get to swing by for a scoop at The Charmery is a good day. But a free scoop? That’s an AMAZING day! The Charmery celebrates it’s birthday this July with fun and FREE MINI SCOOPS (with purchase of a regular scoop). Be sure to stay tuned to their website for details and the exact celebration day! MORE

Snowballs at Summer Shack

It’s not a sno-cone, it’s a snowball! Stop by Summer Shack Snowballs in Lutherville for your favorite flavor (with marshmallow if you’re a true-blue Baltimorean!). The (cool)est thing about Summer Shack? It’s entirely run by kids. Draw on the fence, blow bubbles, and jump rope while you wait! MORE

STEM Play

Check Out The Lab

All summer long, The Lab at aMuse Toys offers fun for kids of all ages! Join them for open play, STEM opportunities, Spanish classes, story times, and mini-camps. They even offer classes for adults. Because class is way more fun in a toy store (right?!?). Just be sure the kids bring their allowance to pick up a little something. You won’t get in and out of the store without it. MORE

Science and Main and More

Take a walk down Main Street and discover how science interacts with your everyday life at the Maryland Science Center in their new Science and Main exhibit! Use a catapult to have a food fight, see your voice, make a paper airplane and more! Patio Parties, Bubble Days, Mess Fest, and the Science Center’s 40th Birthday Bash are just a few more of the fun things happening at MDSCI this summer. MORE

Quintessential Charm City Fun

Summer Reading at Enoch Pratt

The Enoch Pratt Summer Reading program kicks off on June 15th! Register at any library and read all summer long for fun prizes. Don’t miss their preschool story times — great way to beat the heat with littles! Check your branch for times. MORE

Join the Junior Orioles Dugout Club

For just $25, the Junior O’s Dugout Club offers 2 separate 6-game packages with discounted tickets for specific games and lots of O’s swag (sunglasses, hat, magazine subscription, and more) tucked in an Oriole’s messenger bag. Game day perks include discounted food, bounce houses, face painting, and more. An added benefit of the Dugout Club is that you can purchase tickets for other family members or friends to join for as little as $6 a ticket. MORE

Take a Circulator Adventure

For whatever reason, kids love riding the bus. Go on a free Charm City Circulator adventure and explore the city! MORE

Chuggington at the B&O

Don’t miss Chuggington: A Traintastic Adventure returning this summer to the B&O Railroad Museum for a fun filled day of train rides, challenges, family fun and activities this July! Young Trainees have the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities, complete several challenges, and earn rewards for their participation. MORE

Paddle the Inner Harbor

Scotland may have it’s ‘Nessie’ but only at the Inner Harbor will you spot a Chesapeake Bay ‘Chessie’ Monster. So often we forget to play tourist in our own city! Head to the Inner Harbor and rent a Chessie paddle boat for half an hour. Each boat holds four and a half hour rental costs $20. Proceeds benefit Living Classrooms (just an added bonus!). MORE

Ride Mini Trains at Leakin Park

The Chesapeake and Allegheny Steam Preservation Society has operated working model miniature trains in Leakin Park since 1983. The organization offers free rides for children and adults from 11 a.m. to 3:00 p.m on the second Sunday of the months from April through November (weather permitting). Parking is available near the Eagle Drive entrance to the park, off of Windsor Mill Road. MORE