Although television, computers, smartphones, and other electronics would seem to be full-time activities for youngsters, they will inevitably come up for air long enough to say “I’m bored!” What to do? Whether you’re a parent, babysitter, or nanny, someone has to come up with an idea. Preferably, it won’t cost a thing, and it will stimulate the child’s imagination. You can always bring out the box of elbow noodles and watercolor paints to make a collage, find a new or favorite book at the library, tour the deck of the Pride of Baltimore 2, or go sightseeing on the Charm City Circulator bus, but there are many other options in Baltimore. Here are 10 suggestions for free fun, and at least one should be perfect for your family.
Address: 601 E. Fayette St., Baltimore, MD 21202 Hours: Friday, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Saturday, noon to 3 p.m. by appointment only | Groups and visitors may also schedule a visit by completing an online request.
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This museum is new as of Spring 2017, so there’s a good chance you and your children haven’t seen it yet. Baltimore has the eighth-largest police force in the country, with 3,100 civilian and sworn personnel, and it has been in existence since 1784. The museum lets you see some of the force’s 200+ year history through photos, documents, uniforms, badges, guns, polygraph machines, cell blocks, and other memorabilia. Visitors can walk into an old cell block, stand in front of a lineup, and use smartphones to hear more information by scanning a QR code. The museum is on the ground floor of the Bishop L. Robinson Sr. Police Administration Building.
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Lots of places around Baltimore offer a free family movie during the summer. The American Visionary Art Museum has several bonuses to their film offerings. Arrive early, starting at 5 p.m., and you’ll have free admission to the museum. A selection of free or low-cost pre-movie programs are offered, including a bike ride, yoga, kickboxing, Pilates, etc. The movies are shown at 9 p.m. on Thursday night at the Hughes Family Outdoor Theater on the eastern slope of Federal Hill. (The downtown view is another bonus!) Among the movies shown in 2017 — selected to complement the current exhibit “Yummm!” — are “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” (1971), “Julie and Julia,” and “E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial.” In case of rain, the movie is shown indoors in the Jim Rouse Visionary Center. Light fare from local restaurants, beer, and music are available in the Sculpture Barn for an additional fee.
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The BMA is free, except for some special exhibits and events, so there’s plenty to see and do on a regular basis. Never taken a child to an art museum? Prepare to have fun. Look at the paintings and ask your child to tell you what’s happening. Ask the child to mimic the poses of the people in the painting. Another great option, of course, is to participate in the many organized art programs created for children. Free Family Sunday may find you exploring your creative side with such hands-on projects as sculpting a silver tea service, building Baltimore furniture, sewing American portraits, making a hat, or making black and white prints. Family activity guides are available in the African, Modern, and American galleries.
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The Walters Art Museum, the home of another of Baltimore’s great art collections, is always free — except for some special exhibitions and programs. There’s something intriguing and unexpected well beyond “art” at this museum, so you can explore how art and life merge. The museum offers a ton of family art programs that include creating your own art, live performances, checking activities in the child-friendly Family Guide, or playing dress-up. Drop-in art activities are scheduled on weekends. Programs are available for children from newborns to 23 months and beyond. Find self-guided exploration activities on the museum’s Mobile Guide.
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Between the Maryland Science Center (additional fee) and the Baltimore Visitor Center (always free) is the Walter Sondheim Fountain with 53 interactive water jets for kids to run through. Don a bathing suit or have more fun by running through the water sprays in your clothes. Parents can let the kids play while relaxing at the tables under umbrellas. Be sure to bring sunblock, a towel, and a change of clothes for anyone who’s getting wet — including yourself!
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There’s more than 200 acres to this nature preserve with several hiking trails through the woods filled with numerous tree varieties and other flora, including Japanese maples, paperbark maples, sugar maples, wildflowers, and lilies among the more than 3,000 trees. The mansion, built in 1863, is fascinating for those who like interior design and has some 19th century tapestries and furnishings. Leashed dogs are welcome. Check the calendar for free firefly walks, guided garden walks, bonsai lecture, concerts, and fairs.
There are dozens of playgrounds in and around Baltimore, many with unique features. This playground — on the land where the old Memorial Stadium sat — was built in 2005 as part of the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Family Center Y. It burned down 2008 and was rebuilt in 2009 from recycled plastic “lumber.” The new build included lots of swings, climbing equipment, and a built-in xylophone, all on a soft-ish rubber surface. Walk the nearby Thanksgiving Place Labyrinth, and bring a picnic to enjoy on the tables.
This Washington Monument was built in 1815, so it’s definitely the first in the United States. (The one in Washington, D.C., was built in 1848.) It was built in the Mount Vernon area, well north of downtown Baltimore, just in case it collapsed. Check out the displays on the ground floor for free. Stop by on a Wednesday summer night for a movie and other free events throughout the year. For a fee ($6 for adults and $4 for children), and with a reservation (book online), visitors can climb the 228 steps to the top for an OMG! view of the city. You’re allowed 20 minutes to go up, look around, and climb down, and there’s a limit of five people at a time.
Patterson Lanes have been around since 1927, and it’s a great place for children to learn how to bowl duckpins (12 lanes) and score on paper sheets the way we used to do it. (No automatic scoring here!) The new owner started a renovation in early 2017 that will cost about $250,000. It includes bathrooms, a snack bar, and a new bumper system for children. Stoneleigh has 16 duckpin lanes and also pencil-and-paper scoring sheets. Children 15 and under can bowl two games for free every day at Patterson and on select days at Stoneleigh. They must have bowling shoes, either their own or rented. A discounted family pass is available, but purchase is not required.
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This Georgian mansion and gardens date from the 1700s, and the National Park Service offers something different to see and experience in the 63 acres every time you visit. They offer guided tours of the mansion, lower house, and grounds. Or take your own self-guided tours of the gardens and outbuildings via Virtual Tours on your electronic device. Beyond the architecture and décor, visitors can play with toys of the 18th and 19th centuries, including marbles, jacks, Game of Graces, hoop and stick, and other items. Compare them with today’s toys. Compare the wardrobe of yesteryear and today. There are so many interesting ways to explore history that can’t be experienced in a book or classroom!
Did we list all your favorite free things to do around Baltimore? Let us know in the comments below!
