Itching to get out of town for a change of scenery? Now is the perfect time to once again pack up the family and hit the road! This time we are heading south to some cool cities (Baltimore, Annapolis and Washington, D.C.) and exciting venues within a day’s drive.
To ensure a successful trip, have a plan in place before getting in the car, especially since there are constant updates with the pandemic still in effect. Be sure to check state regulations as well as policies for any site you want to visit.
Now onto the fun stuff! Outlined below are some entertaining activities to explore in Baltimore, MD, Annapolis, MD, and Washington, D.C. Pick one or pick them all for different weekend exploits…We are on the road again!
Activities are Booming in Baltimore, MD
Take the family on a straight jaunt down I-95S and you can enjoy Baltimore’s Inner Harbor for the day. There is so much to do you may want to plan – and stay – for an entire weekend!
No trip to the Inner Harbor would be complete without visiting The National Aquarium where you can take advantage of Half Price Friday Night admission. Reserve a seat in the 4D Theater for one of several shows including Shark: A 4D Experience and 4D Film: Being a Dolphin.
When you finish touring the Aquarium, make some time to take in the fleet of ships permanently docked in the Harbor. It is a spectacular group of vessels ranging from the USS Constellation to the USS Torsk, a submarine you won’t want to miss! The Historic Ships have some specialty tours available such as USS Constellation History Tour and Maritime Macabre Lanternlight Tour. Book sure to book in advance.
Oriole Park at Camden Yards was the first baseball stadium of its kind, combining old-time ballpark nostalgia with state-of-the-art facilities. Since Opening Day game in April of 1992, the stadium has been drawing spectators from all over the country ever since. Be part of the 30th Anniversary celebration this season and take time to visit the Birdland Murals in Orioles Legends Park behind centerfield.
If the Orioles are on the road when you journey to Baltimore, you can still take in some baseball history with a tour of the Babe Ruth Birthplace Sports Legends Museum. Baltimore takes great pride in calling George Herman “Babe” Ruth a native son and his birthplace has a wonderful collection of memorabilia. The museum is a short walk from the Inner Harbor and stays open an hour later during home evening games.
In the mood for some transportation information? We have got you covered. Explore the B&O Railroad Museum conveniently located near the Inner Harbor. Guests can experience a train ride on the first commercial mile of track laid in America and view one of the oldest and most comprehensive American railroad collections set up in a historic roundhouse museum.
Complete your trip to Baltimore with a tour of Fort McHenry National Monument, which played a pivotal role during the War of 1812 and is historically known as the place where Francis Scott Key wrote The Star Spangled Banner. Time your visit to coincide with either the morning or evening flag change for a spine-tingling patriotic event.
To view our full guide to Baltimore destinations, click here.
On to Amazing Annapolis, MD
The beautiful capital city of Maryland provides both history and adventure for the family with a serene setting right on the Chesapeake Bay. This historical seaport city is only 26 miles south of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, making it an easy destination whether as an add-on or a solo trip.
Jump into the entertainment when you arrive by booking Pirate Adventures on the Chesapeake where your swash bucklers can have a grand time living the life of a pirate. Now celebrating their 20th season, participants can search for a sunken treasure and fire the water cannons for some yo-ho-ho excitement! Special Pirates and Princesses cruises are scheduled for September 18 and October 16, so be sure to book in advance.
Annapolis is home to the U.S. Naval Academy, and a visit to these hallowed grounds provides the opportunity to witness traditions such as the Formal Dress Parade. Carve out some time to marvel at the beauty of the space that provides so much rich history and trains our country’s future Naval officers. A user-friendly online site makes trip planning simple.
There is no better place to discover the rich maritime heritage of the Chesapeake Bay than at the Annapolis Maritime Museum and Park. Book a sailing adventure on one of the few remaining skipjacks, the Wilma Lee, or take in a tour of the Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse, the last screw-pile lighthouse on the Bay. Check the online schedule for the September Sunsets Fall Concert Series and for more information on the 17th Boatyard Beach Bash on September 10.
Historic Annapolis formed in 1952 out of the desire from citizens to preserve the historical buildings in the heart of the city. For the past six decades, the historic district has maintained its charm and integrity, offering the Museum of Historic Annapolis, the William Paca House and Garden, and Waterfront Warehouse for touring. Check online for times of operation for these free admission tours.
Want to see the city in a fun, engaging fashion? Try Annapolis Scavenger Hunt: Red Bricks and Blue Views for an epic adventure with the entire family. It is the perfect opportunity to take in the historic aspect and the harbor views while in Maryland’s capital. Book in advance to learn some secrets of our nation’s growth.
To view our full guide to Annapolis destinations, click here.
Onward to Our Nation’s Capital: Washington, D.C.
The question is not what to do in DC but what not to do! The possibilities are limitless and there is something for everyone. Museums? They have got that? Monuments? Got that covered, too!
A trip to Washington, DC will require advanced planning based on the number of days you outline to spend plus the ages and interests of your children. Start with the Washington, DC Sightseeing Pass which offers flexibility and selection on which attractions you want to see. Currently two money-saving, time-saving passes are offered: the DAY Pass or the FLEX Pass. Check online for the option most suitable for your family.
Another great way to see all of the monuments is on a bike tour. Several years ago our family embarked on a tour of all the major monuments in DC; with limited time we were able to visit everything from the Lincoln Memorial to the Jefferson Memorial to the Vietnam Memorial. The bike tour made it possible and fun to reach all epic monuments in one outing. There are several companies available for booking.
If walking is more your speed, spend time strolling through the National Mall and Memorial Park where you can view several of the iconic memorials in our country’s capital, such as the Washington Monument, the Korean War Veterans’ Memorial, and the World War II Memorial. It is a great place and fantastic space to dawdle and absorb history.
There may be no better known collection of museums than the Smithsonian Institution, and all located in one city. Popular venues among the Smithsonian include the National Space and Air Museum (reopening October 14 with eight new galleries), the National Portrait Gallery, and the National Zoo (celebrating 50 years of giant panda care!). While the museums are fully open and operating, check in advance for update
d visitor protocol and where advanced tickets may be needed.
An early piece of history all school-age children learn about is the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, so why not stop by Ford’s Theater to immerse yourselves in the happenings from the evening of April 15, 1865. Visitors will not only learn about this fateful day and the following investigation, but tickets can be purchased to attend the current play being held in the theater itself. Check online for a current schedule and advance ticket purchases.
Complete your Washington trip with a visit to the International Spy Museum, sure to be a favorite for everyone in the group. Visitors can “go undercover” on their own secret mission and be debriefed at the end of the tour. Advance ticket purchase is strongly recommended due to the popularity of this museum.
Remember: plan ahead, check hours and availability of tickets, and then have tons of fun exploring these spectacular cities beckoning for you to explore.
To view our full guide to Washington D.C. destinations, click here.
First published March 2021, updated August 2022