Field Trips! Activities Full of History & Old-Fashioned Fun

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This summer, rekindle your elementary spirit and visit regional museums, attractions, and activities chock full of history, adventure, and old-fashioned fun

Summer is the season of boundless opportunity, when sun-drenched days stretch into warm, starlit nights, offering a tapestry for adventures and delights. The season is synonymous with joy, freedom, and unforgettable moments that weave themselves into the fabric of cherished memories. Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping thrills or tranquil respite, there’s an abundance of activities to explore, making our region the ultimate playground for fun and excitement. We’ve compiled a list of things to do and places to go, to help kickstart your summer adventures!

If you’re looking to get out of the house but stay inside on a hot summer day, the National Aquarium (aqua.org) in downtown Baltimore is a great option. The aquarium hosts several award-winning exhibits, from a tropical rainforest to Australian habitat to an Indo-Pacific reef. The living seashore exhibit is a unique opportunity to interact with some mid-Atlantic coastal species. Looking for something extra? The Animal Care and Rescue Center offers a 90-minute experience, giving insight and behind the scenes access to how animals are treated and cared for upon arrival and during their stay.  Hours of operation are generally 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. most days. Adult tickets are $49.95, with children and seniors being $39.95, and those under the age of four are free.

Founded in 1914, the Baltimore Museum of Art (artbma.org) features local and international artwork. The museum houses to the largest amount of Henri Matisse’s work in a public institution—the French artist who is regarded as the greatest colorist of the 20th century. Additional collections include ancient Egyptian works, European portraiture, and contemporary, avant-garde works. The BMA does not charge for admission, however certain exhibits may be subject to an additional cost. You can schedule an interactive guided tour that highlights artists from across the world, with an emphasis on those who are Black, Indigenous, women, people of color, and other underrepresented groups. The guided tour costs $16 for adults and $14 for seniors (65 years-plus) and is limited to 60 people per tour.

Port Discovery Children’s Museum (portdiscovery.org) is another mainstay in Baltimore for families. Located in the Inner Harbor, this museum aims to educate children and spark imagination through hands-on, interactive experiences. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. most days, this three-story museum also has sensory-friendly areas to provide those with sensory needs an inclusive experience. General admission tickets are $23.95 for adults and children, with free admission for babies under 1 year old.

Swimming is a classic summer activity, but visiting the same pool over and over again can be monotonous—that’s where the Beaver Dam Swimming Club (facebook.com/beaverdamsc) in Cockeysville comes into play. This 30-acre swimming club is more than just a pool; it is a unique, freshwater quarry. With an additional two pools for those that may not want to take the deep plunge, this swim club is a perfect break from the usual swim. In addition to the swimming offerings, BDSC also offers a large rope swing into the quarry, a couple sand volleyball courts, and shaded areas with grills for cookouts and picnics. A one-day pass on the weekdays will cost $20 per person for those 12 and over, with those aged 2–11 being $16; on the weekend, prices jump to $30 and $20 respectively. A season pass is $365 for those 18 and up, $185 for those 12–17-years-old and $145 for those 2–11-years-old. Children must be four years old to swim in the quarry, and no alcoholic beverages are allowed on the grounds.

Located just outside of Baltimore’s city center is the historic Fort McHenry National Monument (nps.gov/fomc). Most famously, the fort was central in the Battle of Baltimore, which took place in 1814, and gave Francis Scott Key inspiration to write The Star-Spangled Banner. Today, the visitor center offers exhibits with several key historical artifacts, interactive programs, and a ten-minute orientation film. Whether you’re a history buff or first-time explorer, the fort has options for both self-guided tours as well as ranger led tours and talks throughout the day. The entrance fee for the national park is $15 for anyone 16 years and older. The fort is open daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Kilgore Falls at Rocks State Park (dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/central/Rocks/Falling-Branch.aspx) located in Pylesville, Maryland, is a fantastic summer adventure. Featured in the Disney-produced, award-winning film, Tuck Everlasting, the second-highest vertical waterfall in Maryland can be found five miles north of Rocks State Park. The 17-foot-tall waterfall is located at the end of a half-mile hike, in the Falling Branch area of the park. Due to its popularity, reservations must be made to visit Kilgore Falls on weekends and holidays Memorial through Labor Day. Passes are free, with the parking lot opening at 8 a.m. and closing at sunset. Swimming and wading are allowed, but not encouraged and must be done at your own risk. Pets are allowed on the trail but must remain leashed at all times.

The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum (borail.org), located in a historic railroad station, originally opened on July 4, 1953, and has been operating ever since. This museum aims to preserve the legacy of America’s railroading history. The Underground Railroad Exhibition highlights the role played by the physical railroad in aiding individuals who were seeking freedom along the B&O path. Additionally, the museum holds the most comprehensive collection of early American railroading memorabilia. Museum hours are daily 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission ranges from $20 for adults to $12 for children (ages 2–12) and $17 for seniors (ages 60-plus). There are opportunities for discounts based on group size, employer/job field, and day of the week.

Need a perfect day for the animal lover in your life? There are two major zoos within a close distance. The Maryland Zoo (marylandzoo.org), located in Druid Hill Park, a northwestern section of Baltimore spans 135 acres. Home to over 1,500 animals, the Maryland Zoo has three main animal sections: Maryland Wilderness (animals who call Maryland their home), Northern Passage (Bears, Penguins, North and South American animals, and cold-weather animals), and African Journey (animals originating from the African continent). Tickets are $27 for adults, $23 for children (2–11), and $24 for seniors (65-plus). The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (nationalzoo.si.edu) is one of the oldest zoos in the United States. The National Zoo holds over 2,200 animals, including several endangered species. The sections of the zoo are relatively self-explanatory: The Asia Trail, Elephant Trails, Lemur Island, Small Mammal House, American Trail, Great Ape House, Gibbon Ridge, Great Cats, Africa Trail, Amazonia, Reptile Discovery Center, Bird House, Claws and Paws Pathway, Kid’s Farm, and the American Bison Exhibit. Admission to the National Zoo is free, however you must reserve an entry pass online; parking onsite comes at a fee. The zoo is open every day of the year (except Christmas) from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., with final admittance allowed at 5 p.m.

If you want the best bang for your buck, visiting any of the National Smithsonian Museums (si.edu/visit/hours) cannot be beat. Entrance into the museums is free. There are 21 total museums, with some of the favorites being: National Air and Space, National Portrait Gallery, Natural History Museum, American History Museum, and the Smithsonian Gardens. Larger landmarks such as the Washington Monument, the White House, and several memorials are within walking distance. And the expansive National Mall is perfect for a midday picnic! With several options, these D.C sites can be anything from a short visit to a day’s worth of activities.

Annapolis is home to the highly regarded U.S Naval Academy (navalacademytourism.com), which offers guided tours that offer insight into the lives of the Midshipmen, as well as the rich naval history of the institution and military branch. Guided public tours last 90 minutes and tickets range from $12–14 dollars based on age, with a $10 offering for any military members. The Gem car tours last 75 minutes and are given via a five-passenger electric vehicle, highlighting the “gems” of the Naval Academy. These run 75 minutes and cost $35 per person. These tours are perfect for a cool, clear day!

The Annapolis area features several opportunities to channel your aquatic interests and a favorite is learning how to paddleboard. Paddleboarding is currently one of the fastest growing water sports. A great place to start is Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis, home to Capital SUP (capitalsup.com), one of the main paddleboarding instruction outfits. They offer paddleboard rentals (plus kayaks and canoes), intro classes, fitness classes (paddleboard yoga, anyone?), and even camps.

Assateague Island (nps.gov/asis), regarded as one of the best beaches on the East Coast, has 37 miles of natural beach along the Atlantic. Just a couple miles south of Ocean City, this National Park is most notably known for the wild horses that roam throughout the protected land; this is one of the few places in the United States where one can experience this! In addition to horse viewing, Assateague Island offers camping, fishing, hiking, and water activities. For only $40 per night, you can pitch your tent or park your camper at the National Park’s designated campground in Maryland. There are various sightseeing cruise and kayak tours also offered by third-party companies. 

Looking for something to wrap up the summer fun? The Ocean City Air Show (ocairshow.com) will take place on August 24–25. With a diverse profile of planes, from the F-22 Raptor plane, the fastest fighter jet in the world, to stunt planes flying upside down, this is a show you won’t want to miss. The 2024 show will play host to the Italian Air Force Frecee Tricolor, who will be returning to the U.S. for the first time in 30 years. This 10 aircraft fleet is the world’s largest acrobatic patrol team and will dazzle the audience with a 30-minute performance. Tickets range from $25 to $249, giving five different seating options across various levels.