Start in Baltimore with either one so the kids can see Fort McHenry, the National Aquarium, and the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum. Then head east to the Eastern Shore and Ocean City (or a Delaware beach, if you prefer), or head west to the mountains. End in Annapolis with a visit to the Naval Academy and a boat ride.
Days 1-2: Baltimore for Kids
All kids like Fort McHenry. The rangers talk on their level, there are lots of cannons to see and nooks and crannies to climb into, and the waterfront lawn outside the fort wall is great for running around or enjoying a picnic. Or have lunch at Harborplace, where there's plenty of kid-friendly food. The National Aquarium has dolphins and a rainforest, a bit of Australia, and a 4-D movie. You'll probably spend the whole afternoon here. Then head to Little Italy for some pasta. Finish with cannoli and gelato at Vaccaro's.
On your second day, pick a couple of museums according to your interests -- kid-oriented museums are everywhere in Baltimore. Port Discovery is a children's museum. The Baltimore Museum of Industry has guides who tell great stories and let kids handle some of the artifacts. Everyone likes the massive locomotives and diminutive model trains at the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum. Give your children some inspiration at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture, where many of the displays tell very personal stories. Sneak a little art education into the day with a visit to the Walters Art Museum, home of some impressive armor, or the Baltimore Museum of Art, where kids can simultaneously enjoy the outdoors and the arts in the sculpture garden. Baseball fans can spend the afternoon in the presence of greatness at Sports Legends at Camden Yards or the Babe Ruth Museum.
Days 3-5, Option A: Ocean City
Enough city life. Throw the bathing suits into the car and head to Ocean City for a couple of days of surf and sun. Spend all 3 days building sand castles and bodysurfing during the day and playing miniature golf in the evening. Or book a fishing trip, rent a kayak, or visit Assateague Island or Frontier Town amusement park. In the evening, take the kids to Ocean Downs to watch the harness races. Admission is free, and the lead horse comes up to the fence so children can pet his nose. Or head to Salisbury for a Delmarva Shorebirds minor league baseball game.
Days 3-5, Option B: Western Maryland
Get out your hiking boots, your bathing suit, or your skis -- whatever the weather, there's something to do here. Base your family at Deep Creek Lake so you can ski at Wisp Resort, hike to Muddy Falls at Swallow Falls State Park, or enjoy Savage River State Forest. Sign up at one of the outfitters for a white-water rafting trip, fly-fishing, dog-sledding or a kennel visit, or boat or snowshoe rental.
Days 6-7: Annapolis
Two days in Annapolis are plenty for children. Just make sure you visit the Naval Academy (sign up for a tour that takes visitors by Bancroft Hall in time for noon formation), and then take a ride on the Harbor Queen. Children give both of these high marks. You can easily do this all in a day, with lunch at the City Dock in between. Take a carriage ride in the historic district in the evening.
Spend your second day hiking or kayaking at Quiet Waters Park, or head down Route 2 to Six Flags America for some big-time thrills. Children also like the State House and the Annapolis Maritime Museum in Eastport.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
