A children’s museum in the middle of a nightlife complex may seem a bit odd, but the location of Baltimore's Port Dsicovery in the Power Plant Live! plaza makes a daytime visit to this complex of restaurants a worthwhile family pastime. Located in the old Fish Market building, “kid-powered” Port Discovery is just a quick walk (even for little legs) from the Inner Harbor.
Designed for kids ages 2 to 10, Port Discovery is a place where children can kindle their creativity while expending large amounts of energy. The average visit is 2 to 3 hours, though families with stamina could stay all day. Dominated by KidsWorks, a three-level climbing structure, the Baltimore children's museum’s other exhibits all surround the giant jungle gym.
KidsWorks:
Kids slide, glide and climb to Port Discovery's top floor and back on this three-story climbing structure. KidWorks, recommended for ages 5 and up, is great fun for kids but can be a little nerve-wracking for parents since little ones can exit two floors up. The musuem installed lighted pathways for four age groups plus netting barriers to keep little ones from mixing with big kids. The one-way flow of traffic means that kids who change their minds must keep plugging on to the next floor. Intrepid adults who tag along through the narrow tubes and across the rope bridges may end up having as much fun as the kids.
Level One:
In addition to the bottom level of KidsWorks, the first floor is home to a number of attractions and exhibits, including MPT Studio, the venue for the Port Discovery's puppet shows, plays and even karaoke sometimes. Performance times are posted daily. The R & D DreamLab, another popular spot on this floor, gives kids the opportunity to build with real tools. Adults who want to see the rest of the museum may find it tricky to move their future engineers out of this area.
Exhibits about farm life, Down at the Farm, as well as a roadside market, Harvest Hill, where kids can buy, sell and barter goods and move hay bales with a crane, are fun for all ages. Little ones will love to fill ‘er up at the gas station. A mini soccer field will tire them out, though KidsWorks usually is good for that. Also on the first floor are the entry, gift shop, coat room and ticketing area. The atrium, which used to house the ticketing area, was closed in 2006 and entry is now through doors farther down the plaza.
Level Two:
Travel back in time and explore the Pyramids in Port Discovery's Adventure Expedition. Some kids younger than age 7 may find the dim lighting and the tomb-like atmosphere a little too spooky, though most will enjoy the hands-on activities. Older kids can uncover secret hieroglyphics and solve the mystery inside the tomb.
Babies and toddlers can explore Port Discovery's Sensation Station in the safety of this enclosed space designed for those age 4 and younger. A ball pit, mini-KidWorks, books, puzzles and blocks are among the items that adults and children can enjoy together. The Oasis is a space designed for quiet time. Read a book or participate in an interactive story time here.
Level Three:
The Harvey M. Meyerhoff Gallery features rotating exhibits and interactive programs. Just off this spacious gallery, Miss Perception’s Mystery House is oh-so Baltimore with beehive-hairdoed characters in a wacky house. Kids can solve the mystery or just play with the interactive exhibits.
Nothing goes together like kids and food. Let them pretend to serve you supper at the realistic 1950s- style diner. While they’re at it, they might learn a little math at the cash register or a song from the jukebox. Each month, Whole Foods Market sponsors a "Cook & Tell” program, where kids can enjoy an interactive story time, followed by a cooking demonstration based on the story.
Visitor Information:
Port Discovery, the Children's Museum in Baltimore
35 Market Place Baltimore, MD 21202
410-727-8120
Admission
$10.75 ages 2 and up Free, under 2 and membersHours
October – May:- Tues. – Fri. 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Sat. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sun. 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.
- Mon. – Sat.10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sun. 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Starting on Monday, June 2, 2008, the Wonders of Water exhibit will be closed on Mondays.
- Labor Day 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Fri. 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Sat.10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sun. 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Closed Monday - Thursday
Holiday Hours at Other Baltimore Attractions
Parking
Guests can park at Central Parking's Harbor Park Garage (adjacent to Port Discovery at the corner of Lombard St. and Market Place) on weekends for $7. Bring your parking ticket to Port Discovery's box office for validation. Cars must exit the garage by 6 p. m. More Inner Harbor parking resources
Events
Port Discovery offers a wide array of ongoing and one-time-only events and activities for all ages.
Gift Shop
Polished rocks, arrowheads, books, jewelry and clever toys are among the items on sale at the museum store, which is open to the public. Museum admission not required. The store’s hours are generally the same as the museum’s, but to confirm, call 410-864-2686.
Dining
Kids may prefer the adjacent McDonald’s, but adults will want to venture out on the plaza to try one of the many restaurants in Power Plant Live!, though keep in mind not all are open for lunch.
Birthday Parties
Party packages range from a walk-in celebration that includes a T-shirt, balloon bouquet and return pass for the birthday kid for $25 (everyone else pays regular admission) to an extravaganza that includes admission, a party room, pizza or burgers, invitations, return passes for all children, balloons, a host and more. Activities such as making your own finger paints (ages 1-4) or discovering the science behind cotton candy (ages 5-12) are part of deluxe party packages. Port Discovery will even take care of the party bags for an additional fee.
Membership
Annual passes range from $75 (2 people) to $125 (6 people).