Mid April visit

Question

Hello,

Visiting Baltimore in mid April with 2 adults and 1 child. How does this look?

Day 1

Drive to Baltimore-6hr drive staying at a hotel in Linthicum heights.

Check in to Hotel

Go to Orioles game. Dinner at game. Is boogs bbq good? Always heard a lot about that.

Day 2

Maryland Science Center

Cross Street Market lunch

Federal Hill Park

Walk around Inner Harbor

National Aquarium

Dinner Nicks Fish House

Day 3

Day trip to DC

National Zoo

Lunch- District taco

Visit washington monument- go to the top

Lincoln Memorial

Dinner- G & M restaurant

Day 4

Breakfast at miss Shirley's cafe

Drive home

Is it possible to do everything listed for Day 2 in one day? Not sure if its too much in one day.Is everything in walking distance on Day 2? If so. Is a good place to park at the harbor park garage?

Also, the national aquarium is really expensive. Is it worth the high cost?

Anything I missed that a 10 year old would enjoy?

Thank you for any advice that is offered.

Answer

Your trip to Baltimore and DC sounds like a lot of fun! You’ve planned out some great activities, and it looks like a solid itinerary overall. Below are some thoughts and suggestions to help make your visit more enjoyable.

Day 1: Arrival and Orioles Game

It sounds like a fun way to start your trip with a baseball game! Boog's BBQ at Oriole Park is definitely a popular choice, known for its delicious BBQ offerings, especially the pulled pork sandwiches. The food is good for a ballpark setting, and it's a nice way to experience the atmosphere of the stadium.

Since you're staying in Linthicum Heights, you'll be around 10-15 minutes from Camden Yards. Just make sure to plan enough time to get to the stadium, park, and find your seats before the game starts.

Day 2: Exploring Baltimore

It’s definitely possible to do everything you’ve listed for Day 2, but it will be a full day. You’ll need to keep a good pace to make sure you hit all the spots. Here’s a breakdown:

Maryland Science Center: This is a great start for the day, especially with kids. It’s right by the Inner Harbor, so it’s easy to get to. Plan for at least 1.5–2 hours to explore exhibits, depending on your interest.
Cross Street Market: It's a great spot for lunch! It's just a short walk from the Science Center, offering a variety of food options. It's a local favorite, and the vibe is casual. You’ll find seafood, tacos, sandwiches, and more.
Federal Hill Park: After lunch, take a 10-minute walk to Federal Hill Park, where you’ll have great views of the harbor and the city skyline. It’s a nice spot to relax and take in the scenery.
Walk Around Inner Harbor: The Inner Harbor is the heart of Baltimore’s waterfront, and it’s very walkable. You can enjoy the sights, pop into shops, or stop for a coffee or treat.
National Aquarium: The aquarium is indeed pricey, but many visitors find it worth the cost due to its diverse exhibits and immersive experiences. If your child loves marine life, it's a top attraction. However, if you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, you could consider skipping this and exploring the harbor or visiting the Port Discovery Children’s Museum instead.

For parking, the Harbor Park Garage is a good option as it’s centrally located and very close to many of the Inner Harbor attractions. Parking can be pricey, but it’s one of the most convenient options in the area.

Day 3: Day Trip to DC

Visiting DC from Baltimore is doable in a day, but it will be a long day. The drive to DC is about 1 hour each way, so you’ll need to plan accordingly:

National Zoo: The zoo is great for kids and free to enter! It's home to giant pandas, elephants, and many other animals. It can take 2-3 hours to see most of the exhibits, so be sure to plan your time accordingly.
District Taco: If you're looking for a casual and tasty lunch, District Taco is a good choice. It's a local favorite for tacos, and there are a few locations around the city.
Washington Monument: You can visit the Washington Monument, but keep in mind that tickets are required to go to the top, and they can be limited. It’s best to plan ahead or try to get tickets in advance.
Lincoln Memorial: This is a must-see for any DC trip, especially with kids. The memorial is large, and the view of the Reflecting Pool towards the Washington Monument is iconic.

Keep in mind that traffic and the size of DC mean you’ll want to prioritize the sites you most want to see. You may want to skip some if you feel pressed for time.

Day 4: Relaxing and Breakfast

Breakfast at Miss Shirley's Café is a great choice, as it’s one of Baltimore's most popular spots for a delicious breakfast or brunch. Expect to wait, as it’s a local favorite, but it’s well worth it!

Additional Thoughts

It’s a lot to pack into one trip, especially with a child. Here are a few additional tips:

If your child enjoys museums, consider visiting the Port Discovery Children’s Museum in Baltimore. It’s very interactive and perfect for kids aged 2-10.
If you have extra time, check out the Baltimore Museum of Art or The Walters Art Museum for some cultural enrichment.
For a more relaxed day, you might want to visit Theresa’s Garden or the Baltimore Inner Harbor water taxi for a unique view of the harbor and some downtime.

Overall, your itinerary is packed with fun activities, and I think you’ll have a great time! Just make sure to allow some flexibility for breaks and any unexpected delays. Enjoy your trip!