I love to travel because I never know what we will find around each corner. Traveling is an education and a wonderful way to explore the world we live in. My kids and I are globetrotters and there is nothing we love more than destinations and adventures.
We just returned from our recent globetrotting experience in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. The Inner Harbor is a seaport rich in history, as well as attractions.
There are 5 Inner Harbor Destinations that are perfect for families to try out. We spent a bit of time at each of the 5 Inner Harbor destinations to take on adventure and history. We quickly discovered that Inner Harbor, Baltimore is walkable, allowing you to capture a lot in a few days.
Our 5 Inner Harbor destinations ranged from history to fun and of course some nature. The Inner Harbor is perfect for families that want a quick getaway with plenty to do for every age range. The flat, well-groomed walkways make it possible to get from Inner Harbor all the way over to Fell’s Point. Lavishly live 5 Inner Harbor Destinations out loud and travel with me from destination to destination.
Travel & Me
When we travel I really take the areas head-on and sometimes that is rough on my kids. I try to squeeze as much as possible into our time and we did awesome for just spending 3 days in the area! Now that you know we did a lot, get ready to whiz through the city and see what we enjoyed and then maybe you can plan your own excursion to the 5 Inner Harbor Destinations we chose.
Everything I chose for my family was within walking distance of our Inner Harbor hotel, which is the best way to see the area, in my opinion.
Urban Pirates
Do you like swashbuckling fun with pirates? This ‘arghhh’ is for you! Buy your tickets AHEAD of time because this adventure sells out day after day and it is so FAMILY and so fun you don’t want to miss out.
This photo shows you the building, where you check in, the great staff, the party room that is available and the bottom right is the sign when boarding the Urban Pirates ship. I can tell you that you do not need to be there much before the ship sails.
There are clean restrooms inside and the staff is Very friendly. You will be dressed up if you are an adult (they give you the vests) and if you want a tattoo you can get one like the kids as well. What I will say is you need to read my youngest’s sons discussion on his Instagram about this particular venue. Go to Where Niko Travels for more info!
Where Is This?
Urban Pirates is located in Fell’s Point, and you can access it from Inner Harbor by walking or grabbing a water taxi or driving and parking nearby. Boarding time is prompt and activities on board are interactive. Activities range from a few games, the limbo, a Congo line and of course seeking treasure while firing water cannons at a horrible pirate!
The name of the ship is Fearless and it is good wholesome family fun. There are a ‘few’ seats on the ship, this particular venue is very interactive. Plan to be part of the action, and bring your sunscreen. The perfect age for this cruise is 3-9 as kids will be dressed up in Pirate Wear (so are adults), receive tattoos, and fun Pirate names. The adventure on the water is about one hour.
Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Baltimore
Fun for a while and truly will have you questioning your beliefs. It is a good hour or more but not more than 2 hours. The timing here was perfect because it was sprinkling and we sought shelter. Plus the MJ Travels and KallieVXo like it a lot!
The kids had so much fun, it was one of their favorite stops on the trip and they learned stuff. The wax figures creeped a few of us out and made the rest of us laugh. Of course I know I will forever be the shortest no matter where we go. I am kind of used to this!
The world’s tallest man made my son feel a tad more reassured that he has ways to go before being too tall! Naturally, I was reminded that I am very ‘short’! This particular figure really was weird and we all had a tough time walking by him/it!
Then there are just those moments you can’t even find the words for….but my son got it just right!
#omg “Mom this says #penis!” #ripleysbelieveitornotbaltimore #visitbaltimore #travelwriter
The Mirror Maze and the 4D movie were other moments that we can’t show you, but this gives an overview and so much family fun! My kids have not stopped talking about the guy that worked at Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Mirror Maze that handed them plastic gloves to, “not make his mirrors dirty” because they feel like they were home, lol!
Historic Ships of Baltimore
I am all about the history when we travel and the kids, ‘eh not so much’ but they could not help themselves with these ships and the vibrant history. Climbing up and down on ladders, watching their heads not hitting the ceilings, looking out ports, touching cool ropes, seeing medical rooms, captains quarters and how the crews were crammed on in there, history was just right there.
There is not a better way to learn than through living history and the interactions they got to enjoy with the ships, the subs, etc. The Historic Ships of Baltimore are housed in the Inner Harbor and you pay one price to visit all 4. The hours vary, but the history stays the same.
In the Chesapeake you have to climb facing the ladders, however, in the USS Constellation you walk down facing forward and you watch you don’t hit your head on every level.
INSIDER’S LOOK
The ships are all within walking distance and we made it to three of the four as our timing did not work out to make it to the 4th ship. The ships are: US Submarine Torsk, the Chesapeake, USS Constellation and the US Coast Guard Cutter Taney.
The kids and I learned a lot walking through and reading. Any questions we had were answered by the staff at each of the locations.
Fort McHenry
We traveled to Fort McHenry, early on in the day, and we used the Baltimore Water Taxi system to get there. We traveled from Inner Harbor to Fort McHenry. You do want to know that the water taxi’s run about every 1/2 hour so you can plan your time and get on a taxi to get back and forth.
This was not even on my press list of places to check out, it was a suggestion by someone we met. I am glad we did this because the kids had a truly educational field trip and it never felt like a school room! The fort inspired Francis Scott Key to write what is now known as “The Star Spangled Banner”
My suggestion, pack a lunch and head over because after touring you will be hungry. Where you buy the passes to get into Fort McHenry there are restrooms in the same facility.
The scenery is breathtaking, the photo opportunities are magnificent and of course, the history is busting at the seams. We sauntered through for a while and the history element is still baffling. I can hardly believe so much happened at ONE location.
Baltimore National Aquarium
The aquarium could easily have taken an entire day to explore, but we did some short-cutting to get through this attraction. I believe the earlier you can arrive at this attraction the better. My suggestion head right for the Blacktip Reef if you love sharks because this is sure to excite! Check out the VIDEO of the sharks HERE!
The up-close encounters through the glass are stupendous and the life-sized silhouettes of the different shark species are definitely photo-worthy. Additionally, you will quickly recognize why the Sharks rule the ocean!
My daughter was so excited about the Dolphins. She made sure we took in about 3 different shows.
The Dolphin shows are great and long enough to entertain but short enough to let you still carry-on with your visit. There is plenty of seating in the dolphin show area. There is so much to see, it is hard to decide what to do first and a whole day would not exaggerate the premises but allow you to really see everything you want!
The boys loved this particular live session where Archer Fish were dining on Crickets. Touch Here to See this happening.
GOOD EATS
Chances are if you have been walking all day and touring the Inner Harbor you need good eats, and we found plenty of those at the Hard Rock Baltimore, Dick’s Last Resort & Miss Shirley’s Cafe. All of the places I found are allergen friendly and host families, singles, and parties!
Lavishly live travel to out loud as we did. The 5 Inner Harbor Destinations we visited were family perfect and allowed us to capture a bit of history and fun. Make sure to check all the websites for accurate times with opening and closing and what is being featured as this changes daily. All images and stories are my own as I lavishly live life out loud and share it with you.