When I think of a vacationing on a harbor, I think of warm breezes, ice cream cones and outdoor entertainers - not winter jackets, cold air, hats and mittens. But, the Baltimore harbor was an amazing winter escape. The National Aquarium, historic ships, and museums kept us busy for 2 days and left us wanting to come back for more.
It's been a while since we last went to Baltimore, and I forgot how scenic the harbor was. It's a great size for families with kids - not too big, not too small. Not only is it bursting with shopping and restaurants, but there are so many educational opportunities and lots of history. Did you know Baltimore's Inner Harbor was once the second leading port of entry for immigrants to the U.S.? It's also the largest seaport in the Mid-Atlantic United States.
The kids loved having an adventure on an old submarine and sailing ship. We learned about how people ate, slept, communicated and lived in such small quarters. Even though my sons are both young, my husband and I could really see them take it all in and try to understand how things worked back in the "old'n days" as my 6 year old would say.
To say the National Aquarium was busy would be an understatement. It was absolutely jam packed. They were even assigning entry times to guests who were purchasing their tickets that day. We really should have purchased tickets ahead of time, but, the staff was very friendly, they tried to make everything as seamless as possible. Once we got in, the kids were completely fascinated by the scuba diver who was swimming with the sting rays. I actually think my 3-year old was more intrigued by the scuba diver than the fish.
The dolphin show was amazing! We sat in the splash zone, and yes, we got splashed. This was absolutely the best part of the aquarium. The dolphins and trainers really put on a great presentation, and it was another chance for the kids to learn about protecting the Earth. If you go to the National Aquarium, you have to go to the Dolphin Show
Thank you, Baltimore. We wish we could have stayed longer and we will be back!
What should we see next time we go?