by Maureen Thomas

Created on: January 28, 2009   Last Updated: February 11, 2009

Baltimore is a year-round town! If you are looking for family fun during the dreary days of winter, Baltimore has lots of options for kids of all ages.

The Inner Harbor, is home to many restaurants, museums, and activities that are kid-friendly. The "anchor" of the harbor, the National Aquarium Baltimore, is reknowned for its scope, size, and exhibits, which range from sea rays to the rainforest. The newest attraction is the "4-D" diving experience. The aquarium remains a perennial favorite for locals and out of towners alike.

The Baltimore Science Center, also located in the Inner Harbor, features hands on scientific activities for all ages, and a huge IMAX theater. The movies shown are stunningly visual and appealing for all ages.

For those with younger kids, a visit to Port Discovery is in order. This highly interactive museum, located downtown, just outside the Inner Harbor, features hands on exhibits ranging from crafts to a pretend convenience store, and is an excellent choice for those with toddlers and elementary age children. On the outskirts of the city, the B&O Train Museum, will enthrall train lovers of all ages; wanna-be engineers even get a train ride!

Because of Baltimore's relatively mild winter climate, outdoor activities are not always ruled out. If the day is mild, as is often the case, a visit to the Zoo is a great option. Dress warmly; the zoo is large and there will be a lot of walking. However, many of the animals are housed inside, and if it does get chilly, a sojourn in the Conservancy, an architecturally impressive structure located on the grounds of the zoo will warm you up. The different rooms feature different geographic zones and exotic plants. It is lovely, amazing, and warm. When the temperature drops, ice skating at the Inner Harbor, or nearby Patterson Park is a fun way to spend a winter day; both rinks are outdoors and have skate rentals available.

Two museum options for those with older kids are the Walters Art Gallery, located in the Mt. Vernon section of Baltimore, and the American Visionary Arts Museum, on Key Highway, on the outskirts of the harbor. Check the Walters exhibits before going, usually they have at least one that would be interesting to older kids, such as Ancient Egyptians, famous maps, jewelry thorough the ages, or even an artist such as MC Escher, whose puzzle-like patterns fascinate kids and adults alike. The Visionary Arts Museum is an often unsung Baltimore treasure, the works are created by "untraditional" artists usuing non-traditional materials. Always stunning in originality and concept, the AVAM shows kids what "just anyone" can do to create art!

Of course kids will require food, the dining options are endless; the Inner Harbor alone boasts the Hard Rock Cafe and ESPN Zone, for those who like alot of noise and interactivity with their food, PF Changs for a delicious Pan Asian meal in a family friendly environment, or the ever popular Five Guys for truly delicious burgers and fries. There are hundreds of other restaurants, just outside the Harbor is Little Italy, for those who desire a slightly more formal and upscale meal. Don't forget to stop at Vaccaros for dessert or a hot chocolate after skating. For a quick bite stop at Cross Street Market, a very short drive from the Inner Harbor, or a brisk walk weather providing, for everything from wings to crabs, and a beer for Mom and Dad.

These are just a few of the attractions and dining experiences Baltimore has to offer. There is always something to do that will amuse not just the kids in the family, but keep parents happy too.

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