Port Discovery offers three floors of interactive, educational exhibits and ever-changing programs for children ages birth through 10. Kids can crawl through Tot Trails. Get healthy and fit in Kick It Up!. Splish splash in Wonders of Water. Shop and pump gas at the Royal Farms Convenience Store and Fill’er Up Station. Cook and serve food in Tiny’s Diner or climb and slide through KidWorks, a 3-story urban tree-house (play gym/obstacle course).
Permanent Exhibits
Kick It Up! Brought to you by UnitedHealthcare
Get fit and healthy in the brand new soccer and games stadium complete with electronic score board and goals. Designed as an indoor soccer stadium, Kick It Up! is a unique exhibit that offers hands-on programs to get children’s arms and legs moving and hearts pumping.
When children are not engaging in a friendly game of soccer, the field transforms into an interactive, electronic games arena where they can ride bikes; compete in an “i-Dance off”; test their balancing skills; and play challenging games against the electronic T-Wall.
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| Kidworks |
KidWorks (recommended for kids ages 5 and up)
Climb, crawl, jump, and slide through our three-story urban treehouse, KidWorks. My kids loved this exhibit. Dare to cross a narrow rope bridge and who knows what you’ll find on the other side! For safety reasons children and adults who plan to play and climb KidWorks must wear sneakers. This is by far the most popular exhibit. I also liked that it was big enough that parents could go into the treehouse at certain access point to find their children. They also had Port Discovery staff members in the treehouse to assist children if they were lost or needed help.
Miss Perception’s Mystery House
Solve a baffling case of the the missing Baffeld family! Pick up clues left behind by Constance, Eubie, Abbie, and Ivy Baffeld using your detective-sharp research, literacy and problem solving skills. This is truly an odd experience but your kids will love its quirkiness.
Royal Farms Convenience Store and Fill'er Up Station
Learn how to make healthy choices in a convenient world in this mini interactive convenience store! Pretend you are the customer or employee and stock and scan various foods. Check the items in your cart against the food pyramid to see how many healthy food items you selected. Be sure to fill the Royal Farms VW Beetle with gas and check its tire pressure before you leave! My children loved this hands-on, grown-up shopping experience.Special Exhibits
The Wizard of Oz Children's Educational Exhibition (Now through September 15th, 2013).
Dorothy, Tin Man, and Scarecrow await at Port Discovery Children's Museum's new traveling exhibit, The Wizard of Oz Children's Educational Exhibition.
This interactive fantasy-adventure takes children and families over the rainbow to continue the celebration of the film's 70th anniversary milestone. Travel from the Gale Farm in Kansas to the colorful Land of Oz where you can explore Munchinkland , The Crossroads, the Witch's Castle , and Emerald City with Dorothy and her friends.
- Visit Professor Marvel's Wagon and create your own tornado in Dorothy's bedroom.
- Explore Munchkin houses and meet Dorothy's friends the Scarecrow, the Cowardly Lion and the Tin Man.
- Enter The Emerald City and create a "Horse of a Different Color," play at the kaleidoscope and prism stations
- Climb the mountain to the Wicked Witch's Castle to capture the Wicked Witch's broom from Winged Monkeys.
Safety and Security
They take safety seriously here. When you arrive you and your children are given bracelets that match. In order to get out of the facility you must show your bracelet to a staff member stationed at the exit. Only if all bracelets match, can you exit the building. I felt a lot safer with this level of security.
What should you wear? Everyone should dress ready for play! Sneakers or flat soled, closed toe shoes are recommended and are required if you plan to climb KidWorks. For your comfort and safety, do not wear high-heeled shoes or boots, open-toed sandals or flip flops, and be sure to remove any loose or hanging jewelry before you play. An extra set of clothes is recommended if playing in the Wonders of Water exhibit.
Are there any restaurants within walking distance? Yes. There are several family-friendly restaurants and fast-food facilities within a 2 block radius of the Museum including Joe Squared Pizza, Subway, Mex Baltimore, Yolly Molly (Yogurt), Luckie's Tavern, Panera Bread, P.F. Changs, and Miss Shirley's. Power Plant is located two blocks away and offers restaurants including Phillips, Potbelly, Hard Rock Cafe, Chipotle and more. Additional restaurants are located at Harborplace, just 3 blocks away from the Museum. You can also bring a bag lunch.
Port Discovery really shouldn't be missed if you plan a trip to the Baltimore Harbor. It will occupy about a 1/2 day, so you may want to plan to visit the National Aquarium or the Science Museum for a full day of adventure for your family.
Check out a video of our visit
For more information: www.portdiscovery.org
Location: 35 Market Place Baltimore, MD 21202
