Weekday travel into Baltimore

[notthatone]

I'm planning to take my kids to Baltimore tomorrow morning to the Inner Harbor. My thinking was that I would get a better experince by taking them to the aquarium on a weekday than on Sunday as we used to do. My question is:I know in D.C. parking rules,one way streets,all that varies depending on the day of the week - do these same changes apply in Baltimore,or can expect the drive and parking experience to be about the same?Any suggestions for cheap parking in the Inner Harbor?I heard there is a lot on S.Gay street,I tihnk it is called Landmark Parking...

 

[Elle]

To my knowledge the one way streets in Baltimore are always the same one way. As for parking there are several options. One thing to look out for is if there is a special even there is usually a flat rate $20 parking at all garages.

I know you didn't ask but if your kids are preschool age and you have extra time - Port Discovery was a lot of fun for my little ones.

 

[notthatone]

My kids are 12 and 8,I have done Port Discovery before at least 6 years ago,and I thought about going again but was thinking maybe my window of opportunity was gone and they would now be too old. I looked at the website to try to find out what exhibits they have-my oldest loved the Egypt one before,but the site was not too informative.

 

[jwwb2000]

If you park over by Port Discovery, the prices aren't too terrible and everything is within a reasonable walking distance.

 

[notthatone]

From what I've seen online there is a parking garage attatched to Port Discovery - I seriously hate driving in Baltimore,give me D.C. over it any day,but as long as it is only a couple times a year,I'm willing to do it.

 

[RaspberryBeret]

During the weekday you may be lucky enough to park along the street with no problems. I've parked along Gay St. before without having to pay and it's a very short walk to the aquarium.

If you hate the driving and parking then jump off at New Carrolton and ride the metro in. It will drop you off in front of Camden Yards and will just take you 15 or so minutes to walk down to the Harbor.

 

[nachomama]

Try the Maryland Science Center instead of Port Discovery. It's on the other side of the harbor, and if it's a nice day, it makes for a nice walk.

I always park at the parking garage behind ESPNZone whenever I go to the Inner Harbor, or the parking garage right across from the Convention Center.

 

[Elle]

My kids are 12 and 8,I have done Port Discovery before at least 6 years ago,and I thought about going again but was thinking maybe my window of opportunity was gone and they would now be too old. I looked at the website to try to find out what exhibits they have-my oldest loved the Egypt one before,but the site was not too informative.

At that age I'd probably skip it - my 10 year old enjoyed it but he was just there b/c we were taking the 3 y/o. The science museum would probably be cool for your age kids.

The Egypt exhibit wasn't all that - I would not pay admission just to see that. It was neat to experience as part of the museum but not national geographic or anything.

 

[notthatone]

During the weekday you may be lucky enough to park along the street with no problems. I've parked along Gay St. before without having to pay and it's a very short walk to the aquarium.

If you hate the driving and parking then jump off at New Carrolton and ride the metro in. It will drop you off in front of Camden Yards and will just take you 15 or so minutes to walk down to the Harbor.

Treat the way you respond to this question as if I were failing at Green Holly and last place in the special Olympics. I know ZERO when it comes to any public transportation. 1.I thought metro was for D.C. only
2.Is this rail or bus?
3.Where can I find a schedule?
4.Give me step by step instructions here as to how
to do it this way.

 

[Ken King]

Treat the way you respond to this question as if I were failing at Green Holly and last place in the special Olympics. I know ZERO when it comes to any public transportation. 1.I thought metro was for D.C. only
2.Is this rail or bus?
3.Where can I find a schedule?
4.Give me step by step instructions here as to how
to do it this way.

1. There is a Baltimore METRO not associated with the DC METRO.
2. Rail
3. Online
4. Recommendation for using rail. Take DC METRO to Union Station. Take MARC - Camden line to Baltimore.

For schedules and fares search DC METRO and MARC.

 

[GWguy]

1. There is a Baltimore METRO not associated with the DC METRO.
2. Rail
3. Online
4. Recommendation for using rail. Take DC METRO to Union Station. Take MARC - Camden line to Baltimore.

For schedules and fares search DC METRO and MARC.

I usually drive to one of the Light Rail stations near BWI (North Linthicum has good parking, FREE) and take the Light Rail to the Convention Center stop. Short walk in good weather to the Inner Harbor.

 

[nachomama]

Maryland Transit Administration - lightrail services

Northbound light rail schedule

 

[nicole_M]

We usually park @ Cromwell Station in Glen Burnie and take the light rail into Baltimore - It can take you to Camden Yards and it's not too far of a walk. We do it with our 4 year old twins and 5 year old alot.

We used to live close to the city, I don't mind driving in Baltimore at all... I get lost in DC. I usually park @ the Gay St. parking garage, I think the daily max is $16.00. It's a block or two away from the aquarium.

My kids LOVE Port Doscovery, but again, they are 4 [twins] and 5.

 

[CRHS89]

Is Port Discovery or the Science Center better for a 4 year old? Can you do the Aquarium and either PD or SC comfortably in one day?

 

[Elle]

Is Port Discovery or the Science Center better for a 4 year old? Can you do the Aquarium and either PD or SC comfortably in one day?

Both are hands on type places but Port Discovery is more geared to little ones. I'll pm you a link to my pictures from our recent visit there. The science center is very cool but I think more for older kids - a younger one would still enjoy it but if I had to pick one or the other for a 4 y/o it would be PD