Maryland Science Center

A trip to the Maryland Science Center is guaranteed to be a fun-filled day for all the family, both young and old. Get involved in some of the experiments on show. With three floors of exhibitions, an IMAX theatre, a planetarium and an observatory it's no surprise that this is one of Baltimore's most popular attractions.

The Maryland Academy of Science and Literature was founded in 1797 and it was this private scientific society that established the Maryland Science Center. Tragically, the majority of their early collection was destroyed in a fire. Fast-forward to 1976 when the scientific centre, which had now joined forces with the Davis Planetarium, officially opened. Approximately ten years later, the IMAX theatre was added, completing the Maryland Scientific Museum.

It really is a wonderful way to spend the day with the kids. Hours whizz by as they explore, discover and marvel at technology and nature together. Over at Dinosaur Mysteries, kids can get their hands on a genuine triceratops skull. Check out magnified DNA in the Wet Lab and get up close to real human organs and bones in Bodylink.

Younger children are catered for as well. The Kids Room lets young ones aged up to 8 play around in the water. Toddlers are free to roam and play amongst the soft toys over in Room to Grow. Meanwhile at the Demo stage, older kids are entertained by watching the chemical reactions of lie experiments.

A wonderful asset to the science centre is the IMAX theatre, which offers amazing nature shows in stunning 3D. Stargazers can also check out the universe every Friday by using the telescope in the free observatory upstairs.

The Maryland Science Center, located in Harborplace, is open every Tuesday to Sunday. If you're travelling by car, be aware that there is limited on-street parking available. A good option is to catch the Charm City Circulator shuttle bus which is free of charge.