summer bucket list: the baltimore aquarium
If you're looking for an easy summer adventure that feels like a mini vacation without the stress of travel, add Baltimore to your family bucket list.
For our family of five, the National Aquarium in Baltimore has officially become one of our favorite summer destinations—and this year, we finally decided a membership made sense.
Here's why.
the memberships
When we had one kid, we went all the time. But as kids 2 and 3 came along, the cost of admission was just too high for a family of 5. With three kids, we realized a membership actually gave us more flexibility and saved us money.
On our very first visit, we were already seeing the benefits. Between reduced parking rates and bringing two guests with us, we started saving right away. Since we know we'll be returning multiple times throughout the year, those savings will continue to add up.
But honestly? The biggest benefit isn't even the cost.
It's the freedom.
This year, we decided to get the Ocean Ambassador Membership, which includes:
Admission for 2 adults + up to 6 youths
3 guest passes per visit
Non-timed entry
Discount on parking and gift store purchases
Because we live in Frederick County and drive about an hour to Baltimore, timed entry can be challenging. Having the flexibility to visit when it works for our schedule makes a huge difference.
Instead of trying to squeeze the entire aquarium into one visit, we can slow down, follow the kids' interests, and leave whenever everyone has had enough.
No rushing.
No meltdowns because we "have to see one more exhibit."
Just a relaxed family day.
a hit for the toddler
One thing I've always loved about aquariums is how accessible they are for little kids.
While zoos are amazing, I especially love aquariums for toddlers and preschoolers because they can get incredibly close to the animals in a safe environment.
Kids can watch fish swim right in front of them, touch gentle sea creatures, and engage with hands-on exhibits.
Some of our favorite experiences include:
🐠 Interactive exhibits and learning areas
The kids love being able to explore, touch, and learn at their own pace.
🌙 Touching moon jellies and horseshoe crabs
These hands-on experiences turn learning into something memorable.
🐟 Finding Nemo and Dory
If you have a toddler, plan extra time at the tropical fish tanks. Finding their favorite movie characters is practically an activity itself.
🌿 The rainforest exhibit
This was one of the highlights of our visit. On a rushed day, we probably would have skipped it—but having a membership meant we could slow down and enjoy it.
One of the coolest parts for our family was connecting what we saw in the aquarium to animals and ecosystems we experienced during our trip to Costa Rica. Those connections make learning stick for kids.
🦈 Shark Alley
This is always a favorite. It's a little dark and mysterious, and kids love seeing the different species of sharks up close.
🪼 The jellyfish exhibit
Personally, I could spend hours here. There's something oddly peaceful about watching jellyfish float through the water.
WALKING TO LUNCH: LITTLE ITALY
After spending time exploring the aquarium, we decided to turn our visit into a full Baltimore day trip.
One of our favorite parts was actually the walk afterward.
From the National Aquarium, you can take an easy waterfront stroll over to Little Italy. It's a beautiful walk, and it’s completely manageable with kids.
It gave us a chance to slow down, enjoy the harbor views, and make the day feel like more than just a museum visit. We ended up having lunch at Benny's in Little Italy, and it was exactly the type of local restaurant we love finding when we travel—even when we're close to home.
The food was delicious, portions were generous, and it felt like the kind of neighborhood spot that makes a day trip feel special.
After lunch, you can't leave Little Italy without stopping at Vaccaro's Italian Pastry Shop for a cannoli.
Trust me—the kids will thank you.
THE BEST DAY TRIP
If you're looking for an easy summer adventure, this combination is hard to beat:
✅ National Aquarium
✅ Waterfront walk
✅ Little Italy lunch
✅ Cannoli stop
It's educational, fun, walkable, and works for multiple ages—which is exactly what we look for when planning family adventures.
For our family of five, the aquarium membership was worth it because it lets us return again and again without the pressure of doing everything in one day.
Sometimes the best family adventures aren't the ones far away.
They're the ones close enough to become traditions.
Planning Your Visit?
National Aquarium + Little Italy Day Trip
📍 Baltimore, Maryland
🚗 Easy day trip from DC, Maryland & Northern Virginia
👨👩👧👦 Great for families with toddlers through teens
🍝 Add lunch + dessert to make it a full-day adventure
Save this for your next summer family outing!
Looking for more family-friendly adventures near DC and Maryland? Follow Travel Fam for destination ideas, local gems, and family travel tips that make exploring easier.