This year, back to school season in Baltimore (and all over the country) looks a little different than it did in the past – 2020 has brought more than its fair share of surprises.
Though the first day of school won’t look like it did last year, more flexible schedules mean more opportunities for family time field trips – and downtown Baltimore provides tons of great spots for (safe) family fun and learning.
Here are a few ideas for educational and exciting trips downtown:
Reginald F. Lewis Museum
The Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture has been closed to the public since March but plans are in place for the museum to open on Sept. 10.
Much of the museum’s impressive collection of African American art and artifacts have been available virtually over the last few months, but nothing can replace a trip to the museum itself.
See the City from the Top
The Top of the World Observation Level at the World Trade Center is open Thursdays through Sundays; special COVID hours and safety regulations are in place.
The observation level, which is located on the 27th floor of the building, offers unparalleled 360-degree views of the city and surrounding areas. The building itself is the world’s tallest pentagonal building.
Find the Flag
Visit the Star-Spangled Banner House, located at 844 East Pratt St., to see the spot where Mary Pickersgill, her family, and African American indentured servant Grace Wisher worked together to sew the American flag that hung over Fort McHenry during the Battle of Baltimore in 1814 – the flag that inspired Francis Scott Key’s poem that became the National Anthem.
The house, which was built in the late 18th century, was occupied by the Pickersgill family from the early 1800s until 1864 and became a publicly-owned historic landmark in 1929.
Go Under the Sea
The National Aquarium in Baltimore is open and welcoming visitors (though with some precautions, of course). The Aquarium is home to some 20,000 animals, including hundreds of species that live in a variety of different habitats, making it an excellent spot to learn about the natural diversity of the globe.
Where to Park when Heading Downtown
When organizing an educational family field trip to downtown Baltimore, don’t forget to create a parking plan.
Located at 55 Market Place, only steps from destinations like the National Aquarium and Little Italy, Harbor Park Garage is a terrific spot to start and end your trip downtown.
Harbor Park is easily accessible from I-83 and other major routes in and out of the city. The garage is well-lit, clean and safe, and open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, staffed by a friendly, knowledgeable crew of employees who are always happy to answer questions about the area and what to do or where to go – or about the garage’s policies and approach to safety and sanitation.
For more information about Harbor Park Garage, visit https://backup.harborparkgarage.com/