baltimore aquarium trip

National Aquarium

Top ways to experience National Aquarium and nearby attractions

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National Aquarium - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• Baltimore Scavenger Hunt: Inner Harbor & Outer Sights (From $12.31)
• Baltimore Inner Harbor Sail on the Unforgettable (From $65.00)
• Historical Baltimore Self-Driving Sightseeing Audio Tour (From $16.99)
• Baltimore Harbor Evening Sail on the Unforgettable (From $75.00)
• Baltimore Harbor Moonlight Sail on the Unforgettable (From $75.00)
• (0.16 mi) Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel
• (0.15 mi) Pier 5 Hotel Baltimore, Curio Collection by Hilton
• (0.25 mi) Staybridge Suites Baltimore - Inner Harbor, an IHG Hotel
• (0.32 mi) 1840s Carrollton Inn
• (0.32 mi) Hampton Inn & Suites Baltimore Inner Harbor
• (0.08 mi) Phillips Seafood
• (0.12 mi) The Capital Grille
• (0.12 mi) Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse
• (0.06 mi) Hard Rock Cafe
• (0.06 mi) Chipotle Mexican Grill
• (0.03 mi) National Historic Seaport of Baltimore
• (0.03 mi) USS Torsk
• (0.07 mi) Top of the World Observation Level
• (0.05 mi) Hard Rock Cafe Baltimore
• (0.08 mi) Power Plant

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Baltimore Is Home to the Country's National Aquarium — and 'Walk With T+L' Is Giving You a Look Inside

Explore the Baltimore landmark with a behind-the-scenes tour.

No matter your age or area of interest, the National Aquarium is the place to visit on a trip to Baltimore. From sea dwellers like sharks and turtles to land critters like sloths and puffins, this aquatic destination is home to a wealth of wildlife that helps visitors learn a little more about the planet they live on.

In this episode of Walk With T+L , the aquarium's experts take viewers on a behind-the-scenes tour to showcase the animals and explain how each of their unique habitats thrive. To find out more about the exhibits and future plans, we caught up with Lindsey Rowell, the aquarium's public relations specialist. Here's what she had to say.

Travel + Leisure: What would you say is the most popular exhibit at the aquarium? Which one tends to be the fan-favorite?

Lindsey: A consistent fan favorite is Shark Alley. As guests descend the winding pathway, they come nose-to-nose with several species of sharks and learn that there is much more to admire about these misunderstood predators than there is to fear.

In addition, Jellies Invasion , which features nine species of translucent and brainless invertebrates, brings guests from near and far. From the graceful Pacific sea nettle to the short and stout blue blubber, this exhibit highlights the stunning diversity of jelly populations.

Finally, the Upland Tropical Rain Forest rounds out the Aquarium's top three most popular exhibits, transporting guests to the heart of a South American rain forest. Beautiful tropical birds, hanging sloths, and scampering golden lion tamarin monkeys live among hundreds of rain forest plants to recreate one of the most biologically diverse — and rapidly disappearing — habitats on Earth.

Beyond looking at the amazing animals in the aquarium, what do you hope guests (or viewers of your episode) get out of visiting?

Lindsey: The National Aquarium works to change the way humanity cares for our ocean planet. The Aquarium hopes that with each visit, guests will learn something that motivates them to protect wildlife species and habitats in their own communities.

In addition, outside of the Aquarium, through science-based education programs and hands-on field initiatives, the National Aquarium is creating a new community of hopeful conservationists, driven by its mission to inspire conservation of the world's aquatic treasures.

We know the aquarium is planning on constructing a new dolphin reserve. Can you tell us a little bit about that?

Lindsey: The National Aquarium plans to build a seaside sanctuary for its Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, the first of its kind in North America. The site will give aquarium staff the ability to provide lifetime customized care for each dolphin in a larger outdoor location with natural sea water, tropical or subtropical climate, and natural stimulus such as fish and aquatic plants.

What's next for the aquarium? Are there any future plans you can talk about?

Lindsey: The aquarium plans to install a network of floating wetlands between Piers 3 and 4 [in Baltimore's Inner Harbor], creating a habitat for native species, gradually improving the harbor's water quality, and reconnecting residents and visitors with the natural world right at the water's edge. Currently, a floating wetland prototype is in place.

National Aquarium in Baltimore Visitors Guide

The National Aquarium in Baltimore is the crown jewel of the city's Inner Harbor and one of the finest facilities of its kind in the world. More than 1.4 million people visit Baltimore's top attraction every year to see 16,500 specimens in an array of environments and exhibits, all of which are dedicated to environmental education and stewardship.

The aquarium was first conceived of in the mid-1970s by legendary Baltimore Mayor William Donald Schaefer and Commissioner of Housing and Community Development Robert C. Embry. They envisioned an aquarium as a vital component of Baltimore's overall Inner Harbor redevelopment.

In 1976, Baltimore City residents voted for the aquarium on a bond referendum, and groundbreaking took place on August 8, 1978. In November of 1979, the United States Congress voted it a "National" Aquarium.

The grand opening was on August 8, 1981. Mayor Schaefer famously donned a bathing suit and jumped into the seal tank to celebrate.

The first of the Baltimore Aquarium's two buildings opened in 1981 on Pier Three, just as the Inner Harbor's renaissance began. Connected by an enclosed bridge, the Marine Mammal Pavilion on Pier Four, site of the Baltimore Aquarium's dolphin show, debuted in 1990. Then in 2005, the Crystal Pavilion addition to the main building made a grand entrance ... literally. Visitors now enter through doors in a three-story, soaring wall of glass. The 65,400-square-foot addition also houses the Animal Planet Australia: Wild Extremes exhibit.

Planning Your Day

First, you should know that on weekends and particularly when school is not in session, the aquarium can get extremely crowded. If you know and expect this going in, you'll be mentally prepared for the crowds. If at all possible, try and visit the aquarium on a weekday or during the school year.

The Baltimore Aquarium layout promotes a one-way traffic pattern, which works fine if you expect to see everything from start to finish with no breaks. However, if you have lunch plans or tickets to a dolphin show, a little advance planning can ensure you don't miss anything. Allow at least 2 1/2 hours to see the whole place. More Tips

The dolphin show and the 4D Immersion Theater (added in late 2007) are optional experiences. The aquarium offers a tiered ticket structure that allows aquarium admission with or without the dolphin show or the 4D Immersion Theater. Purchase or pick up tickets from the kiosk on Pier Three in front of the main building (the westernmost structure), then enter the main building's doors farthest from the ticket kiosk. Members enter the doors closest to ticketing.

No strollers are allowed in the building, but the aquarium lends carriers free of charge at the Stroller Check near the Members Entrance. Lockers, restrooms, and an information booth are just past the ticket taker. An up escalator leads to the Baltimore Aquarium's largest gift shop, the entrance to the main building's exhibits and another escalator up to the Animal Planet Australia: Wild Extremes. Depending on time constraints, it's probably best to check out the Land Down Under first, since you may not be back this way again. This exhibit will take most visitors no more than 30 minutes.

Animal Planet Australia: Wild Extremes The aquarium's newest permanent exhibit depicts a river gorge in the northern region of outback Australia. The earth in this harsh land is deep and rich red, including the soil, the sand, and the rock.

From saltwater crocodiles to birds that can't fly, the animals of the Northern Territory are as diverse as they are plentiful. The landscape shifts from desert plains to waterfalls that reach for the sky. Welcoming, friendly and laid back, the Northern Territory of Australia is a haven for those that want to connect with nature.

The exhibit features more than 50 plants, all indigenous to Australia, a 35-foot waterfall over which 1,000 gallons a minute tumble, 1,800 Australian animals, and 60,000 gallons of fresh water that circulates in the seven Australian-themed exhibits. Set aside about 30 minutes for this exhibit.

Main Aquarium

The main aquarium is designed so visitors move in one direction along a path illuminated with spot lighting. It's not easy to move ahead or backtrack, so it's best to plan to go through this area without breaks. Allow a minimum of 45 minutes. But depending on the crowds and your pace, it could take much longer.

Main Level: Wings in the Water, a large pool of rays, is the first stop. Frequently divers, doing maintenance or facilitating animal encounters, join the rays in the pool.

Level Two: An escalator leads up to Maryland: Mountains to the Sea, which shows a series of local habitats with creatures ranging from the Maryland's famous blue crab to the more obscure striped burrfish.

Level Three: A moving ramp that crosses over the ray pool and up to level three, where a display of frolicking puffins greet guests. Visitors follow the exhibits along the wall to a revolving door at the base of an escalator.

Level Four: Head up to the sun-filled rainforest exhibit in the glass pyramid that tops the Baltimore Aquarium. Golden lion tamarins and pygmy marmosets play among the treetops, while piranhas swim in an open tank, and a tarantula lives in a glass-enclosed log. Exiting the rainforest, visitors head back down an escalator and are dropped at the top of a spiral ramp.

Open Ocean Exhibit: Surrounded by an open pool of coral reef fish, the ramp coils down through the depths of shark territory. Tiger sharks and hammerheads are among the species circling visitors as they descend to the Aquarium's lowest level. There they get another peek at the ray pool from under the water before exiting up to the lobby.

Marine Mammal Pavilion

An enclosed bridge joins the main building with the Baltimore Aquarium's dolphin show amphitheater. Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled show time. To stay dry, avoid the "splash zone" seats in the first several rows.

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Tips When Visiting the National Aquarium in Baltimore

My daughter loves animals so when we travel we always look for opportunities to learn and get close to nature, even if we are visiting a city.  On our recent trip to Washington D.C . we made a half day trip to Baltimore to visit the National Aquarium.

Located in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor the National Aquarium was the first aquarium I  ever visited and it holds a special place in my heart.  Built in 1981 it’s still considered one of the 10 best aquariums in the country and it’s home to over 650 animal species from jellyfish, sharks and a giant octopus to amphibians, birds and small mammals.

As soon as we entered the Animal Planet Australia: Wild Extremes exhibit both of my kids where in complete awe.  Set in a 120-foot-tall glass cube this exhibit immerses you in a typical northern Australia river gorge with over 1,800 native animals and plants.  As we walked the kids discovered crocodiles, turtles, fish and barramundi, while kookaburras, parrots, and lorikeets flew overhead.

One of my favorite exhibits, Jellies Invasion, features nine species of these magical translucent creatures that seem to fly in the water.

At the Upland Rainforest we felt like we walked right into a tropical jungle where golden tamarin monkeys watched us from up in the trees and beautiful colored parrots and scarlet ibises peeked from behind the vegetation.

As you walk inside the doughnut-shaped coral reef and shark tanks you really feel like you are submerging into their habitats and getting a special, close up peek, into their underwater lives.

If you are looking for something more the National Aquarium in Baltimore has group programs that include shark sleepovers for kids ages 4 and up and their parents; daily fish feedings; a behind-the-scenes dolphin tour; and a family eco-bike trek.

Tips When Visiting The National Aquarium in Baltimore

• Best times to visit: The National Aquarium welcomes more than a million visitors per year and during summer and holidays it can get really crowded.  If you are going try to go on a weekday. If you are going on a weekend arrive early as sometimes the wait to get in can be  up to two hours.
• But your tickets online : Skip the line and get a guaranteed entry time by buying your tickets online .

• Don’t miss the dolphin show.  At the dolphin show guests learn hand signals for speaking to dolphins and use them to pick tricks .  Make sure you are there at least 15min before it begins so you can catch a good seat, but don’t sit too close unless you want to get wet.
• Dining options:  the cafes and snacks ant the aquarium are a bit pricey.  It’s a much better option to have lunch or dine at any of the nearby restaurants on the Inner Harbor. Just make sure that when you leave the aquarium you get a stamp so you can return.
• Take advantage of Friday after 5pm discounts: during the cooler months, usually from October to March, the aquarium discounts admission on Fridays after 5 p.m. Check the National Aquarium website for exact dates and discount here .

The Baltimore National Aquarium and the surrounding shops, restaurants and museums on Baltimore’s Inner Harbor make it a great place to take the kids and spend the day with the family.

Visit the  Baltimore National Aquarium website to get more information about the animals and exhibits or like them on Facebook to stay up to date with their latest events and activities.

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2 thoughts on “Tips When Visiting the National Aquarium in Baltimore”

Hi, Paula! We just wanted to drop a quick note thanking you for visiting and sharing the experience on your blog!

We’re so glad to hear that you both enjoyed our exhibits. We hope to see you again soon!

– The National Aquarium social team

I also spent a really good time there during my last summer holidays and came back with a lot of pleasant memories. In my point of view it is a perfect destination to have great fun in Baltimore.

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Baltimore Aquarium Tips that Will Save Your Sanity

Don’t skip the National Aquarium when visiting Baltimore. It’s one of the best in the United States. But it’s also expensive…and crowded. You’ll need a plan. Here, a regular visitor, shares her top tips to get your money’s worth out of a 2-hour visit with kids

As a long-time member of the  Baltimore Aquarium , I’m shocked at how most visitors get the place exactly wrong. With that in mind, I put together this two-hour tour that I started using with my own kids when they were toddlers. It still works now that they are teens .

Know Before You Go

Buy your tickets in advance.

Know you’re coming more than once in a year? The family membership is a total no-brainer as it’s cheaper than 2 visits for a family of 3 or more. It costs $195 for the entire year and provides two adult and four kid tickets (ages 3-21) per visit. Even better, you get to enter from the special member’s entrance that has no lines. You can buy the membership right before you go at  the aquarium website  and just check-in at the membership desk to show your email receipt and ID.

Read More: 20 Best Baltimore Hotels

Bring a Water Bottle

The aquarium has filtered water stations all over the place and drinks are expensive.

Pack a Lunch (or at Least a Snack)

If you visit on the weekends, there’s a small cafe on the 4th floor that also has great views (and no lines).  Even better, it’s a great place to enjoy a snack or sack lunch you bring during the week as they usually keep the room unlocked.

Leave Your Stroller at Home!

You can’t use it at the Aquarium.

Want the VIP Aquarium Experience?

The National Aquarium offers two experiences for families looking to splurge and totally beat the crowds. On Fridays and Saturdays, you can take the Family Sunrise Tour. Priced at $55 per person (Members pay $44), the tour begins at 8:15 am from the Staff Entrance at Pier 3. During the hour, you’ll feed various animals breakfast and get to touch at the touch pools without the crowds.

The Early Access Tour is offered every day, but kids have to be 8 or older for this 2-hour tour that begins in the same location at 8:30. Current price for this tour is $60 (Members pay $45). In addition to the activities on the Family Sunrise Tour, you’ll watch an archerfish feeding in the Australia exhibit and visit behind the scenes locations in the aquarium.

Read More: Family Vacation Ideas Along the East Coast of the USA

6-Point Baltimore Aquarium Touring Plan

1. get there 5 minutes before opening.

THIS IS IMPORTANT. If you do this, it won’t matter whether you visit on a weekday or a weekend. In some ways, weekends are better because you won’t be competing with gaggles of school trips, but you MUST come at open. Trust me: You don’t want to be in the aquarium at peak times- especially if you have (now stroller-less) toddlers! It’s dark and crowded: prime getting lost conditions.

2. Start on the 4th Floor

The  Atlantic Coral Reef  exhibit amazes kids. It’s four stories of ramps surrounded by tanks in every direction. If you followed tip #1 and arrived when the aquarium opened, you’re guaranteed at least 20 minutes to yourself while the throngs elbow one another to get a good look at the blacktip reef on Level One.

Bonus: If you’re really lucky, you’ll meet up with one of the biologists feeding the fish and she’ll let your kids follow her around asking questions (Why is the green sea turtle brown?) and pointing out her favorites.

3. Head to Shark Alley

Located at the bottom of the Atlantic Coral Reef is Shark Alley . Spend a few minutes in there. You’re probably about 30-40 minutes past open now.

4. Next Up: Australia

When you get done with the sharks, head up the escalator to Australia: Wild Extremes . Spend another 15 minutes or so here.

5. Jellyfish Time!

By now it should be about 55 past open. Walk across the bridge to  Jellies: Invasion as soon as it opens. In an hour it will be so packed that you won’t be able to see a thing. And your kids won’t want to miss these beautiful creatures.

6. Learn about Dolphins

Spend a few minutes in the play area or viewing the bottlenose dolphins in the marine mammal pavilion from below. Then head over to see the first dolphin presentation, at an hour and a half past open. While there is no longer a formal “show,” the interactive sessions are still worth seeing. Sit in the front row so you get good and wet…it will make your kids’ day!

Had Enough Yet?

You should finish up with the dolphins about two hours past open. There are some days (since we’re members) that I cut the day here because it’s starting to fill up. We dodge the crowds and head out to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor where we take the footbridge over to Pier 4 and take in the view of the aquarium.

You can wander around The Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Waterfront Park , It’s a 90,000-square-foot urban park that doubles as a Certified Wildlife Habitat. Educational programs explore Maryland’s diverse ecosystems—from the ocean, coastal plains, and Chesapeake Bay, through the Piedmont region, and west to the Allegheny mountains.

But there are a few more “to dos” if you’re a one time visitor. Order here is not as important since the crowds are equal:

4 More First Time Must-Dos

Visit the  living seashore on level 3 (pier 3 pavilion)..

This is the touch tank area. Sure, other aquariums have stingrays and horseshoe crabs, but have you ever pet a jellyfish (on purpose)? The Baltimore Aquarium has a huge tank of moon jellyfish you can safely touch!

Visit the Puffins and “Nemo”

They’re hanging out in the North Atlantic to the Pacific exhibit on the 4th floor.

The Rainforest is worth a visit

You’ll find it on the 5th floor. It should be less crowded. Be sure to look up for the golden tamarinds (tree-dwelling monkeys) and the tarantulas. NOTE: The Upland Tropical Rain Forest exhibit is closed for renovations through Fall 2022.

Watch (and Feel) a 4D Movie

If your kids are a little older, they might think it’s fun to watch a “4D” film. The aquarium’s 4D Immersion Theater shows short films in 3D (complete with 3D glasses) and adds the 4th dimension — special effects, such as mist, wind, snow, bubbles, leg ticklers, scents, enhanced lighting and seat vibrations. It can be kind of scary for little ones.

On Your Way Out

The main gift shop has a “sale” section hidden in the back left corner.  I usually find cheap T-shirts for the kids, and you get a 10% discount on food and merch with membership.

If you’re getting hungry for a real lunch, be sure to get your hand stamped so you can come back and re-visit your faves. Then, turn AWAY from the Inner Harbor and there’s a McCormicks & Schmicks  hidden behind the Pier 5 hotel. We find it to be both uncrowded and surprisingly kid-friendly…and you’re probably craving a nice seafood meal!

About the Baltimore Aquarium

The mission of the National Aquarium is to inspire conservation of the world’s aquatic treasures. It sits on a gorgeous spot on Pier 3 in the city’s Inner Harbor. The address is 501 East Pratt Street, Baltimore, Maryland. It’s well worth a day trip from Washington DC.

Planning a Baltimore weekend?  Check out these 20 free things to do in Baltimore.

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Do you have scooters at the aquarium for those who can’t walk or have trouble walking

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Baltimore Aquarium

With 20,000 animals at the National Aquarium, you will discover something new every time you visit.

On your trip to the National Aquarium, you will discover some of the most iconic animal species and see how different living things have adapted to life in oceans, rain forests, the Chesapeake Bay Watershed and even Northern Australia. Touch a live horseshoe crab, visit Dolphin Discovery, Shark Alley, the Amazon River Forest, the Australian Wild Extremes, as well as the Tropical Rain Forest. Consider adding the 4-D Immersion Theatre during your visit. Then, enjoy lunch and free time at the Baltimore Inner Harbor before heading for home.

Please click the Download Brochure button below to view current pricing on all educational tours

David Tours, a Family of Companies, provides a Philadelphia charter bus fleet of 7 bus types and over 30 vehicles. We also offer our customers charter bus rentals in South Jersey which include minibus rentals, party bus rentals, coach bus rentals, and tour bus rentals as well as a full-service tour and travel agency. We are proud to serve the needs of any group, large or small while providing personal service and individual attention. Besides our Philadelphia and South Jersey bus rental services, we specialize in group travel and customized tours for any age group or for any special interest in Philadelphia and throughout the Eastern Seaboard. Let us give you a free quote for your next group trip.

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National Aquarium

Top ways to experience National Aquarium and nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

National Aquarium - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• Baltimore Scavenger Hunt: Inner Harbor & Outer Sights (From C$16.95)
• Baltimore Inner Harbor Sail on the Unforgettable (From C$89.52)
• Historical Baltimore Self-Driving Sightseeing Audio Tour (From C$23.40)
• Baltimore Harbor Evening Sail on the Unforgettable (From C$103.29)
• Baltimore Harbor Moonlight Sail on the Unforgettable (From C$103.29)
• (0.25 km) Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel
• (0.23 km) Pier 5 Hotel Baltimore, Curio Collection by Hilton
• (0.41 km) Staybridge Suites Baltimore - Inner Harbor, an IHG Hotel
• (0.51 km) 1840s Carrollton Inn
• (0.52 km) Hampton Inn & Suites Baltimore Inner Harbor
• (0.13 km) Phillips Seafood
• (0.19 km) The Capital Grille
• (0.19 km) Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse
• (0.10 km) Hard Rock Cafe
• (0.10 km) Chipotle Mexican Grill
• (0.05 km) National Historic Seaport of Baltimore
• (0.06 km) USS Torsk
• (0.11 km) Top of the World Observation Level
• (0.08 km) Hard Rock Cafe Baltimore
• (0.12 km) Power Plant

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National Aquarium

IN-PERSON FIELD TRIPS

National Aquarium education programs provide students from the Baltimore area and beyond with opportunities to encounter, understand and connect with the natural world, building the STEAM-powered skills they need to become future superstars! From pre-K through high school, at every grade level, our education programs inspire respect for the natural world and prepare students to act as informed, empowered stewards of our mission to inspire conservation of the world's aquatic treasures.

supports classroom learning in: Environmental Studies, Marine Studies

topics covered: Biodiversity, Biology, Climate Change, Conservation, Ecosystems Education, Environmental Studies, Fish, Habitats, Marine Life, Reefs, Research, Sustainability, Water, Water Quality

contact info Phone: 410-576-3833 Email: [email protected]

• For more info on educational programs

The National Aquarium in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor has been bringing a world of aquatic wonder to life for students and guests of all ages for more than 40 years, while focusing on conservation of the world’s Aquatic treasures and empowering the next generation of hopeful, engaged ocean conservationists and STEAM-savvy lifetime learners.

contact info

Helpful lesson plan(s), prepared by fieldtripdirectory.com.

Aquarium Lesson Plan

• Did you know a sea cucumber can shoot its intestines at predators, and then regrow them, in order to avoid being eaten?

• An electric eel can produce 500 watts of electricity (that’s enough to light up 10 light bulbs) to frighten away predators.

• Dolphins sleep with one half of the brain and one eye open to watch for danger.

• No matter how many pieces you cut a sea sponge into each piece will continue living and growing.

• Ocean life can do amazing things to survive. As you visit an aquarium with your students, note the different ways animals defend themselves. Just like a squid, people wouldn’t bother you either if you squirted black ink in their face!

FIELD TRIPS

Scout troops of 15 or more guests are eligible for special group admission rates and perks, including free group leader admission, convenient group dining packages and group experiences. Group admission rates are available with advance registration only and are subject to ticket availability. A $75 deposit is due three weeks in advance.

supports scout badges in: Marine Biology, Environmental Studies

• Info on groups

National Aquarium field trips are your campers' passport to a world of aquatic wonder! Spending a day with us provides an up-close look at the animals, habitats and careers that make science exciting, while bringing conservation education and STEAM concepts to life.

• Info for groups

The National Aquarium welcomes homeschool families and groups to visit, explore and get hands-on with our world of aquatic treasures, or make use of our new online programming! Specially themed experiences and thoughtful programs for students of all ages make the Aquarium's homeschool programs the perfect complement to any science curriculum.

To initiate a National Aquarium education program reservation request, please contact our reservation specialists at [email protected] or 410-576-3833.

supports classroom learning in: Marine Biology, Environmental Studies

• Info on homeschool programs

FAMILY SUNRISE TOUR

Get a peek at life in the Aquarium before it opens on this family-friendly tour! Younger guests and their families will feed breakfast to Aquarium animals, experience our interactive touchpools without the crowds and more. Please book your tour online and be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of your tour.

Questions? Please call Central Reservations at 410-659-4269 (available from 9 am to 4:30 pm, seven days a week).

contact info Phone: 410-659-4269 Email: [email protected]

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Baltimore with Kids: 50 Best Things to Do in Baltimore, MD

B altimore, Maryland is an incredibly kid-friendly and walkable city full of history, culture, and fun. The famous  Inner Harbor offers the impressive National Aquarium, the fantastic Port Discovery Children's Museum, family-friendly restaurants, museums and science centers, and more. And the city is heaven for transportation lovers, with train museums and boats galore.

Baltimore's proximity to our nation's capital doesn't hurt, either. With only about 40 miles separating Washington, DC from Baltimore, it’s easy to visit both cities in one weekend.

Here is our list of 50 fun things to do in Baltimore with kids, including family-friendly Baltimore hotels and restaurants. Check out our  Family Travel Guide for even more fun cities to visit across the US and beyond.

Top Things To Do in Baltimore's Inner Harbor with Kids

1. national aquarium.

The National Aquarium is home to more than 20,000 marine animals across dozens of aquatic habitats. Visitors can observe dolphins, touch horseshoe crabs and other animals in two touch pools, get up-close with sharks and jellies, and so much more. Kids 4 and under are free.

2. Port Discovery Children's Museum

Kids can explore three levels of hands-on activities and exhibits at this fantastic children's museum. They can serve parents a pretend meal in Tiny's Diner, "shop" in a make-believe grocery store, explore Ancient Egypt, and so much more. Kids ages 5-12 can get lost in the four-story SkyClimber play structure, while babies and toddlers can enjoy Chessie's Grotto and Tot Trails.

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Root for the Baltimore Orioles play at the famous Camden Yards. Photo courtesy of Visit Baltimore

3. Oriole Park at Camden Yards

Take the family out to the ballgame to cheer on the Orioles at the iconic Camden Yards. With the Kids Cheer Free offer, children 9 and younger get in free with the purchase of a regularly-priced ticket. And on Sundays, kids ages 4-14 can run the bases after the game.

4.  B&O Railroad Museum

Ride the first mile of rail laid in America, explore the birthplace of the American railroad, see trains from various decades, and ride a train-themed carousel at this train lover's paradise. Inside an actual roundhouse, kids can climb on trains, wander through activity stations, and pretend to pilot an engine. Junior Junction is a special hands-on area for toddlers with train tables, blocks, and books.

5. Historic Ships in Baltimore

Climb aboard and tour the historic ships of Baltimore Harbor, including the\ USS  Constellation , the  USS Torsk (a submarine),  Lightship Chesapeake , USCG Cutter37 , plus a lighthouse. Tickets are free for kids ages 5 and under. 

RELATED: Top Children's Science Museums Across the US for Families

Get your STEM on at the Maryland Science Center, from experiments to playtime. Photo courtesy of the center

6. Maryland Science Center

Your kids will go nuts for science at the Maryland Science Center, one of the oldest science museums in the nation. It has exhibits dedicated to dinosaurs, Newton's Laws, electricity, space, and beyond. Younger children will enjoy the Kids Room, while those in 3rd grade and up can perform real experiments in the SciLab. There's also a planetarium, an IMAX theater, and more.

7. American Visionary Art Museum

From the moment you lay eyes on the glass mosaic exterior of this unique art museum, it's clear you're in for a treat. The museum showcases a diverse array of works from a wide variety of talents. Kids love the kooky gift shop, aptly named Sideshow, which offers plenty of unique trinkets and boasts a working Zoltar machine. Children 6 and under get in free.

RELATED: Fun Spring Day Trips From DC for Families

Hit the water of the Inner Harbor in a “Chessie” paddle boat or an electric pirate ship.

8. Chessie Dragon Paddle Boats and Electric Pirate Ships

Tour the Inner Harbor on a sea monster-shaped pedal boat or on a battery-powered pirate ship. The pedal boats hold four people, while the pirate ships hold six. The boats are available daily from April through Labor Day, and then weekends through October.

9. Baltimore Water Taxi

Take a water taxi or harbor trolley to your next stop in Baltimore, enjoying breathtaking views along the way. The taxis and trolleys are in service from April through October.

10. Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum

Brush up on your knowledge of the Great Bambino, former Yankee great Babe Ruth, at this museum that's great for baseball lovers. Visit the Babe's childhood home, learn about his early years, and view plenty of artifacts from his history-making career.

11. Top of the World Observation Level

Visit the World Trade Center Baltimore and head up to its observation level on the 27th floor, which offers a 360-degree, open-air view of the city and the harbor below.

More Top Baltimore Attractions for Families

12. fort mchenry.

Visit the birthplace of the American National Anthem and learn about the War of 1812. Fort McHenry's history holds many other stories as well, from the Civil War to World War II. The site is run by the National Park Service, so kids can earn a Junior Ranger badge. Visitors 15 and under get in free.

13. Maryland Zoo

Roughly 130 species of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians live at the Maryland Zoo. One of them is the critically endangered white rhinoceros, Earth’s third-biggest land mammal. Kids can also groom goats, toss fish to penguins, feed giraffes, ride a train and carousel, and lots more.

14. Star Spangled Banner Flag House

Learn the story of the flag (and the woman who sewed it, Mary Young Pickersgill) that inspired our national anthem at this National Historic Landmark. Kids under 6 are free.

RELATED:   Visiting Kensington, Maryland with Kids

Check out the free family activities at the Baltimore Museum of Art. Photo by Erika Nizborsk

More Great Baltimore Museums for Kids

15. baltimore museum of art.

Enjoy family craft events every Sunday at this FREE art museum, which also has two sculpture gardens to explore. 15. Baltimore Streetcar Museum

Tour a collection of street cars and artifacts and take a ride on an authentic streetcar at this unique museum. Kids 4 and under get in free. The museum is closed every January and February for maintenance.

16. Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park and Museum

This national heritage site celebrates the contributions of African Americans to the development of Baltimore’s maritime industry at Fell’s Point. Tickets cost $5 or less; kids under 6 are free.

17. Baltimore Museum of Industry

Step back in time and relive how the Industrial Revolution changed Baltimore and the world through hands-on exhibits. Tour a circa-1929 garment loft, step into a 1910 pharmacy, see the evolution of communication from the telegraph to the smartphone, and much more. Kids 5 and under are free.

18. The National Great Blacks in Wax Museum

Steep yourself in African American history at this museum featuring over 150 life-size wax figures of prominent Black people, including Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Barack Obama.

19. Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture

Explore African American history and the impact of Black Americans in Maryland through artifacts, documents, art, and photography. The museum is located just two blocks from Baltimore's Inner Harbor. Tickets are free for ages 6 and under.

20. Maryland Center for History and Culture

Thanks to hands-on exhibits, the whole family can learn about the people and places that have shaped Maryland. Kids will especially love seeing over 2,000 toys, dolls, and games.

RELATED: The Best Children's Museums in the US

Join the family programs at Sankofa Children’s Museum of African Cultures. Photo courtesy of the museum

21. Sankofa Children’s Museum of African Cultures

Sankofa is the first children's museum in the nation that's focused on teaching kids about African culture and history. In its hands-on exhibits, kids can put together a huge map puzzle, play African musical instruments, do crafts, view African art, and more. Families must schedule a tour online at least 48 hours in advance.

22. Creative Alliance

This space for local artists offer loads of family activities, like FREE Saturday drop-in art activities, music and movement classes, performances, and more.

23. Walters Art Museum

This FREE art museum in the heart of the Mt. Vernon neighborhood offers drop-in art-making for families every Saturday and Sunday, as well as various kid-friendly special events.

RELATED:  National Harbor with Kids: 21 Best Things To Do in National Harbor, Maryland

Soak up the family-friendly fun at Baltimore's Artscape. Photo by Edwin Remsberg, courtesy of the Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts

Free Baltimore Festivals for Kids

24. artscape.

This three-day August street festival is America's largest free outdoor arts festival. Families can enjoy art exhibits, musical performances, food, kids' activities, and more.

25. Great Halloween Lantern Parade and Festival

At this huge, popular annual festival, attendees can make lanterns, enjoy delicious food, dance, and visit the Artist Market. There's also a costume contest for kids. The parade includes illuminated floats, stilt walkers, marching bands, and more.

26. Fell's Point Fun Festival

Join the mobs at this October festival that has it all, from live music to great food to a pet parade. Be sure to visit the Family Fun Park, which offers crafts, games, performances, and more for kids.

27. Lighted Boat Parade

Take part in one of Baltimore’s favorite Christmas traditions, a spectacular parade of over 50 boats decorated with sparkling lights, as they pass the shores of Inner Harbor and Fell's Point.

RELATED: Best Children's Theaters in the US

See a sweet puppet show at this local Baltimore theater. Photo courtesy of Black Cherry Puppet Theater

Top Baltimore Places to See a Show with Kids

28. black cherry puppet theater.

Catch a sweet show at this nonprofit theater dedicated to bringing puppetry to kids. Teens can also take part in puppet-making and performance workshops

29. Bengies Drive-In

Go retro with an outdoor flick on the largest movie screen in the country! Bengies is open early spring through October.

30. Baltimore Symphony Orchestra

Baltimore's premier orchestra frequently hosts family concerts throughout the year at Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, including the darling Music Box Concerts for ages 6 months to 3 years.

More Things To Do in Baltimore with Kids

31. chesapeake & allegheny live steamers.

This nonprofit live steam club gives FREE steam train rides every second Sunday from April through November.

32. Rawlings Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Explore a collection of plants from around the world at this FREE conservatory and botanical garden, which features both indoor rooms and outdoor gardens.

33. Carrie Murray Nature Center

Hike the trails of the 1,200-acre Gwynns Falls Leakin Park, then visit the FREE nature center to see live animals and artifacts. There are also free or low-cost family programs such as storytimes, animal feedings, and crafts.

34. Sherwood Gardens

Visit this FREE Sherwood Gardens in the spring to frolic among more than 80,000 tulips in all sorts of colors.

35. Irvine Nature Center

Explore 211 acres of trails, wetlands, gardens, and wildlife at this Owings Mills nature center, which also has an owl aviary, a butterfly way station, and a Native American site with dwellings, structures, and tools. Inside the nature center, families can meet snakes, turtles, frogs, guinea pigs, and an opossum. Nature programs and storytimes round out the fun. Admission is $5, but Fridays are free!

36. Fell's Point

Fell’s Point, one of Baltimore's oldest neighborhoods, was once a bustling shipbuilding port. It was also the home of jazz singer Billie Holiday and abolitionist Frederick Douglass. Walk along the cobblestone streets and visit unique shops and delicious restaurants.

37. Our Playground at Stadium Place

This fantastic playground was built 100% by community volunteers—twice (it burned down in 2008 and was rebuilt). The colorful playground is a miniature town made of recycled plastic "lumber" and features a boat, a shopping village, a theater, jungle gyms, swings, and more.

38. Hampden

This quirky, artsy neighborhood in north Baltimore is lots of fun for families to explore. Its main street, 36th Street (also known as The Avenue), has great restaurants, fun boutiques, vintage stores, and more. If you're there during the holidays, be sure to check out the famous Miracle on 34th Street , one of our favorite neighborhood Christmas light displays.   

Top Baltimore Restaurants for Families

39. markets and food halls.

If your family has varying culinary tastes, the iconic indoor Lexington Market has nearly 100 food vendors of all types. Cross Street Market is a Federal Hill landmark with roughly 20 food vendors. And R. House is a noisy food hall with both indoor and outdoor seating.

40. Matthew's Pizza

Grab a pie or two at Baltimore's first pizzeria, which has been featured on the Food Network.

41. Miss Shirley's

Enjoy southern-style brunch at this favorite with several locations across the Baltimore area.

42. Phillips Seafood

Dine alfresco, right on the water, at this Inner Harbor seafood spot known for its crab cakes, which also has a kids' menu with child-friendly favorites. Enjoy live music on Friday and Saturday evenings.

43. Amicci's

Feel like a regular at this casual Italian restaurant in the heart of Baltimore's Little Italy. In fact, you can't really go wrong with any of the restaurants here.

44. Alexander's Tavern

Let the kids play games and Leapster while you munch the famous tater tots and pub fare at this Fell's Point favorite.

45. Diablo Doughnuts

This donut shop on Federal Hill is a must-visit if you want a sweet treat—and a good chuckle. It serves up irreverently named selections like Unicorn Farts (a yeast donut doused in vanilla glaze and topped with Fruity Pebbles) and Sin Crunch (a donut topped with "the most cinnamon you've ever seen.")

46. Vaccaro's Italian Pastry Shop

Melt for the cannolis and other sweet treats at this stellar Baltimore bakery, which was opened in 1956 by an immigrant from Palermo, Italy.

Family-Friendly Baltimore Hotels

47. hyatt regency baltimore inner harbor.

Not only is this Inner Harbor hotel super convenient to a lot of local attractions, it also has an outdoor pool on the sixth floor with great views of the harbor. Both rooms and suites are available.

48. Holiday Inn Baltimore Inner Harbor

The Holiday Inn is another great Inner Harbor hotel that offers excellent value despite being so close to all the big attractions. It's got an indoor pool, a well-equipped gym, an on-site restaurant, a cafe, and both rooms and suites to choose from.

49. Staybridge Suites Baltimore Inner Harbor

Housed in a restored, historic 1907 building that has been home to a bank and the Chamber of Commerce, the Staybridge Suites features studio and one-bedroom suites with fully equipped kitchens. Enjoy a daily complimentary breakfast buffet and evening socials on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays with free light bites and happy hour drinks.

50. Sagamore Pendry Baltimore

If luxury is what you're after, the Sagamore Pendry is the place to stay. Set on the waterfront in Fell's Point, it features an outdoor pool with harbor views, a 24-hour fitness center, two on-site restaurants, and well-appointed rooms and suites.

A version of this article was first published in 2012 and was updated in 2024 by Hillary Moses Mohaupt.

Disclosure: We may earn a small commission if you click through our links and make a purchase. This revenue helps us maintain this site, so thank you for supporting us.

National Aquarium releases 2023 Impact Report and Reimagined Mission

by Alexa Dikos

Baltimore (WBFF) — In recognition of Earth Day, the National Aquarium is proud to unveil its 2023 Impact Report, highlighting a year of remarkable achievements in environmental stewardship, animal welfare, conservation education and community engagement.

The accomplishments highlighted in our 2023 Impact Report tell the story of an organization committed to making a difference for our planet, our community and the remarkable animals with whom we share both, said Aquarium President and CEO John Racanelli in a news release. In the coming year, we will embrace our updated mission to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet through conservation action, education and a deepened connection to our community.

Highlights of the 2023 National Aquarium Impact Report Include:

Restoring Vital Habitats for Wildlife and People

This year, the National Aquarium spearheaded an array of local and regional conservation efforts, from limiting single-use plastics to planting thousands of trees to combating climate change. To help clear Maryland’s waterways and wetlands of plastic debris, the Aquarium hosted several shoreline and community cleanups. In addition to Masonville Cove and the Fort McHenry wetland, the Aquarium hosted a cleanup in Ocean City, Maryland, with Animal Rescue partners for the first time. In total, volunteers removed 68,866 pieces of plastic debris from waterways. Over 96% of all debris collected was plastic. Bottle caps, drink bottles and food wrappers accounted for 25% of the trash collected.

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Caring for Animals

This year, the Aquarium's rescue and rehabilitation efforts demonstrated its dedication to animal welfare. In 2023, the Aquarium admitted and cared for 79 rescued animals and returned 35 to the ocean.

Additionally, the National Aquarium was pivotal in advocating for legislation supporting endangered sea turtles and establishing guidelines for marine mammal sanctuaries. The Aquarium also expanded to Maryland’s Eastern Shore, opening the National Aquarium Stranding Response Center in Ocean City in November. Named in honor of longtime volunteers Chuck and Ellen Erbe, the center ensures faster response times for animal rescues and provides critical triage and treatment space.

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Honoring The Community

The National Aquarium ensures a visit is accessible to all community members. Nearly 100,000 of the Aquarium’s 1.2 million annual guests visited for free or at a reduced price through community access programs—a 25% increase over 2022. These programs include Half-Price Friday Night, presented by M&T Bank; Community Connections supported by corporate partners; Downtown Discovery Days in cooperation with the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore, Maryland Mornings; School Shell-ebration, presented by Pepsi; and more.

To educate Baltimore residents about the importance of biodiversity, the National Aquarium again served as the Baltimore metropolitan area’s regional coordinator for the City Nature Challenge. The Aquarium hosted a public BioBlitz event where nearby community members, Patterson Park Audubon Center staff and Aquarium youth exhibit guides documented over 500 observations. During the four-day challenge, 550 community scientists recorded 7,785 observations of 1,305 wildlife species.

Creating A New Healthy Ecosystem and Floating Wetland

November marked the official start of construction on the Aquarium’s newest exhibit. More than a decade in the making, the National Aquarium Harbor Wetland, presented by CFG Bank, will be a free outdoor experience between Piers 3 and 4 in the Inner Harbor. When it opens in Summer 2024, guests can immerse themselves in a re-created salt marsh habitat like those in Baltimore City hundreds of years ago.

The creation of Harbor Wetland is a testament to the National Aquarium's long-standing conservation work. The Aquarium has championed various efforts to protect, enhance and restore natural resources through education, engagement, animal rescue, habitat restoration and more. Harbor Wetlandisn't just a display—it's a living example of conservation in action. This exhibit will provide a habitat for local plants and wildlife while educating visitors and students about the importance of wetland ecosystems.

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2024 and Beyond

In 2023, the National Aquarium embarked on a strategic planning process focused on the next five years. The process was designed to refine the desired mission of the organization and develop a clear and focused path forward to reach its ambitious goals and objectives. The unveiling of the Aquarium’s 2023 Impact Report coincides with the introduction of its reimagined mission for 2024 and beyond: to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet. The mission is delivered by creating memorable experiences that spark connection, curiosity and empathy for the natural world and each other, providing exceptional animal care and welfare, world-class experiences and sharing hopeful stories that educate and inspire. Recognizing the interconnectedness of all beings, the Aquarium pledges to continue leading conservation efforts to combat climate change, protect wildlife and habitats and stop plastic pollution.

Field Trips

National Aquarium school field trips are your students' passport to a world of aquatic wonder! Spending a day with us provides an up-close look at the animals, habitats and careers that make science exciting, while bringing conservation education and STEAM concepts from your curriculum to life.

Planning Your Visit

Tour the National Aquarium with your students and chaperones on weekdays from early September through the end of the Baltimore City school year in mid to late June.

Reservations with $75 deposit are required for all school groups.

If you require assistance while booking your next field trip, our central reservations specialists are available to help you at 410-576-3833 , Monday through Friday, 9 am to 4:30 pm, or at [email protected] .

Helpful Scheduling Tips:

• Work from your school's calendar to select visitation dates that allow enough time to meet deposit and final payment deadlines.
• Select several possible dates and be flexible with your entry time. Tickets sell out quickly for admission from 10 to 11:30 am, so consider visiting after lunch when crowds may be lighter.
• Avoid the crowds and schedule your class visit during our off-peak times: September, December (prior to Christmas), afternoons in October through March, and Mondays October through May.

Deposits & Cancellations:

• A deposit of $75 for field trips and all applicable fees for selected education programs are due 21 days prior to the date of your visit. Deposit requirements for Maryland groups with free admission may vary. Purchase orders and vouchers are not accepted in lieu of payment.
• You must cancel your reservation 21 or more days prior to your scheduled visit to receive a full refund of payments and deposits. If you cancel your reservation fewer than 21 days in advance or fail to arrive at your scheduled entry time, you forfeit your deposit and all program fees.
• In the event of a cancellation, Maryland school groups receiving free admission will be assessed a $75 cancellation fee.

Rates and Dates

Maryland students in grades pre-K through 12 can visit the National Aquarium at no cost from September 1 through February 28 with completed teacher orientation , thanks to support from the Maryland State Department of Education.

Out-of-state field trip groups and Maryland groups visiting in March or later are subject to the following rates.

Field Trip Group Rates

Field trip group rates are available for classes of 15 or more students ages 5 and over. Group size limits may vary according to availability; larger groups may be split and assigned multiple reservations and entry times.

Chaperones play an important role in in making sure that your day at the Aquarium is safe and successful. While you may bring as many chaperones as you'd like, you must bring the required number of chaperones and you must pay for each chaperone beyond the ratio outlined for your group. Please plan for an appropriate number of class chaperones for your trip using the following guidelines, and keep in mind that teachers count as chaperones .

Lunch at the Aquarium

For the safety of our animals and guests, no outside food or drink are permitted in the National Aquarium, but we are happy to offer an array of in-building dining options, including box lunches or food and beverage vouchers for groups of 10 or more guests, plus quick-serve dining in Pier 3 Cafe on Pier 3 near the Main Entrance and Pier 4 Canteen on Pier 4 near Jellies: Invasion .

Education Programs

Get the most from your class's field trip experience through scientific investigation, hands-on discovery, structured lab activities, presentations and live animal encounters by selecting from the Aquarium's diverse array of engaging education programs presented by Aquarium experts. Curriculum-relevant, age-appropriate programs are available for students in pre-K through grade 12. All Aquarium education programs support Next Generation Science Standards, and teacher resources featuring pre-trip classroom activities and post-trip reflection activities are available.

While most education programs are provided at an affordable per-student fee, program fees are waived for the first 2,000 Maryland students from Baltimore City Public Schools or Title 1 Schools to make a reservation . Fees associated with specific programs and program availability are subject to change.

Add-Ons Education Programs

Make the most of your time at the National Aquarium with engaging, age-appropriate programs coordinated to Next Generation Science Standards.

Adaptations

Field Trip Experience; Outreach Program

AquaPartners

Aquarium careers: animal rescue, aquatic critters, behind the scenes, bountiful biomes, teacher orientation.

Prepare for your class's National Aquarium field trip by attending a free teacher orientation prior to your visit. Sixty-minute teacher orientations cover everything you'll need to know to make your visit a success, including insight into our animals, exhibits and amenities, as well as chaperone tips, a review of your individual trip reservation, free curriculum materials, and pre- and post-visit activities and ideas.

Maryland teachers, please begin your registration process by completing the appropriate teacher orientation workshop. Teacher orientation is available to all educators planning an Aquarium field trip, but is mandatory for:

• Teachers accompanying a school group from Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick, Harford, Howard, Montgomery or Prince George's Counties, or Baltimore City.
• Any instructors receiving free or reduced admission and visiting between September 1, 2023 and February 29, 2024.

Educators may complete an online teacher orientation any time or sign up for an in-person orientation session during the registration process.

Orientations are at 10:30 am and 12:30 pm on the following days:

• September 10, 23
• October 1, 21
• November 11, 19
• December 9, 17
• January 13, 21
• February 3, 11

Stay Updated

Please subscribe to our Education Newsletter for updates on scheduled teacher orientations as they become available.

Teacher Resources

Please make use of the following resources and materials in planning your trip, communicating about your trip with you students’ guardians and making the most of your time at the Aquarium.

Pre-trip Planning Packet

Parent Pre-Field Trip Letter (English)

Parent Pre-Field Trip Letter (Spanish)

Scavenger Hunt – Grades 1-5

Scavenger Hunt Answers – Grades 1-5

Enhance Your Experience

Whether it's your first visit or you fifty-first, there is always more to see, do and experience at the National Aquarium. Complete your class's day at the National Aquarium by taking advantage of these special experiences and amenities.

• 4D Immersion films
• Lunch & Dining Options

Subscribe To Our Newsletter Sign up to receive updates on animals, news and events.

The Washington Post Announces 2024 Teacher and Principal of the Year Awards

Fourth grade teacher laura senturia of colin powell elementary school and principal dr. zadia gadsden of takoma park elementary school are the washington post 2024 teacher and principal of the year..

The Washington Post announced the winners and finalists of the 2024 Teacher and Principal of the Year Awards. For more than 40 years, The Post has presented this annual honor to recognize excellence in school leadership and to highlight community leaders who are dedicated to improving educational outcomes of students in the Washington metropolitan area. The standout educators were nominated by their school systems and communities for their exceptional work and unwavering commitment to their students.

The Post’s 2023 Teacher of the Year is Laura Senturia.

Laura Senturia has made her mark on Colin Powell Elementary School since it opened in 2003. Her constant dedication to her fourth grade students, fellow teachers and passion for her community is evident in her work and in her leadership roles both inside the school and far beyond the classroom.

Senturia leaves no stone unturned, collaborating with other teachers, specialists, school administrators, and county staff to ensure that she is the best possible advocate for her students. Her commitment to providing an exemplary educational experience is evident in the high praise she receives from her students and community at large. Her reputation for championing hands-on learning, and her coordination of fundraising events to ensure all students can attend educational field trips to locations like Jamestown, Yorktown and the Baltimore Aquarium, exhibits how she goes the extra mile to ensure students receive an enriching experience both in and outside of the classroom.

Senturia believes that relationships are her foundation for instilling in students a desire to learn and achieve. By creating a bond with students and creating a true student-centered classroom, she consistently encourages her students to lift one another up and to see themselves as meaningful contributors to the community and greater world.

Read more about Laura Senturia’s work at Colin Powell Elementary.

The Post’s 2023 Principal of the Year is Dr. Zadia Gadsden

During Dr. Zadia Gadsden’s 20 years as principal of Takoma Park Elementary School, she has cemented herself as a leader and an innovator, collaborating with fellow teachers and administrators to create enriching programs for her students, like enhanced math and STEM curricula.

Dr. Gadsden’s motto is “every child, every day,” evidenced by the success she has brought to her school and community, creating a book club that has increased reading achievement for its participants.

Dr. Gadsden is the longest serving principal in the Montgomery Blair cluster of schools, located in Montgomery County, serving on various planning teams to ensure the wider student and faculty body is aligned on various indicators of success. Her involvement in the classroom and community is remarkable, and she is a true trailblazer when it comes to educational innovation and making school a safe, comforting environment for all the students.

Read about Dr. Gadsen’s work at Takoma Park Elementary.

Both honorees will receive a $7500 monetary award, profile in The Washington Post, feature spot in a half page Washington Post advertisement and a signature trophy.

The Post also recognized 32 teacher and principal finalists, listed below:

2023 Teacher of the Year finalists:

Tosin Adetoro, Oak Street Elementary School

NiLa Austin, Ida B. Wells Middle School

Andrew Bango, Arcola Elementary School

Dhanel Brown, Weems Elementary School

Danielle Day, Washington-Liberty High School

Christopher Forney, Winston Churchill High School

Darnell Greene, Manassas Park Middle School

Amanda Hazlehurst, Auburn Middle School

Tiffany Lee-Clarke, Naomi L. Brooks Elementary School

Wendie Newcamp, Theodore G. Davis Middle School

Samantha Novak, Center City Public Charter School–Brightwood

Shannon Park, Calvert County Public Schools

Peter Ricciuti, Rock Creek School

Kathy Sheehan, Leonardtown Middle School

Jeanette Swank, Ellicott Mills Middle School

Jenny Taylor, Grafton Village Elementary School

Kapria Wynn, Friendship Public Charter Schools: Ideal Academy

2023 Principal of the Year Finalists:

April Cage, Garfield Elementary School

Jasibi Crews, Cora Kelly School for Math, Science and Technology

Bryan Daniels, The Children’s Guild DC Public Charter School

Nikisha Diehl, Mercer Middle School

Jeffrey DiRenzo, Park Hall Elementary School

Kristie Edwards, Randle Highlands Elementary School

Zadia Gadsden, Takoma Park Elementary School

Catharina Genove, Montessori Public School of Arlington

Dr. Laura Goldzung, R.C. Haydon Elementary School

Lisamarie Kane, Osbourn Park High School

Pam Kasulke, Calvert County Public Schools

Dr. Joelle Miller, Centennial High School

Brian Raska, Hartwood Elementary School

Janine Smith, Thurmont Middle School

John Snowdy, Friendship Public Charter Schools: Ideal Academy

Erica Williams, Benjamin Stoddert Middle School