We are taking our 4 boys (3,5,7,9) to Williamsburg, VA this summer in late June. (We are camping with a pop-up.)

We will be heading to DC and then on up to northern PA to visit relatives and then on to Niagara Falls.

We're wondering if there is anything that would be interesting to the boys in the DC/Baltimore area besides the Smithsonian and the Luray Caverns? (I'm sure after Williamsburg and a couple days in DC they'll
have had their fill of "historical places" and museums!)

Do we want to go to the Baltimore aquarium? Is it a full day thing? Will they have to stand still and listen or go at our own pace?

What is there to do/see at Camden Yards? Would they enjoy this? (They love sports.)

We're trying to break up some of the museums/tours, etc. with some things that THEY will be more interested in.

Thanks for your input!

The Baltimore Aquarium is amazing. Do you think they'll enjoy walking down a spiral ramp with floor to ceiling windows on the shark tank? My son and his friends REALLY loved that place. There are also some (tame) hands-on exhibits, and you can walk through a tropical rainforest. Camden Yards is one of my favorites. They do tours on days there is no game (I believe) and if you want, you can try to get tickets for the outfield stands the night of the game. It isn't cheap, but the atmosphere is just terrific, and the park is beautiful.

Sounds kinda like the trip we took when I was a kid, only there were 7 of us kids in a pop-up camper, though we didn't go to Baltimore then. We did take our own kids a few years ago though. The whole inner harbor area in Baltimore is pretty cool. There is a science museum there too near the aquarium. There was a carousel there when we were there in 96 but don't know if it is still there.

Baltimore also offers "water taxies" as a fun (and I think fairly cheap) way to get around. Even if you just take it round trip from the inner harbor area they may enjoy the opportunity to get out on the water.

The aquarium is cool too. You go at your own pace and there is a dolphin show at the end. You will need a few hours but not a full day.

The DC Metro is VERY clean and safe for families. You can park at one of the "park and rides" off the beltway (last time I was there parking was $5 all day)and avoid the hassels of trying to drive and park downtown. And the stops are numerous, so you should be able to get fairly close to anywhere you want to go.

Yes, I think your boys would love a day at the Baltimore Inner Harbour, as mentioned there is the Aquarium, the Maryland Science Center (now showing Fantasia) and just lots of neat stuff to see and do. Go up ot the top of the World Trade Center (not THE World Trade Center) it gives a nice view of the Baltimore Harbor. There is a submarine and and sailing ship to board. It's a nice 'carnival atmosphere' just what young fellows need to let off some steam. Just be careful they don't get to close to the edge and fall into the water.

You say that they'll be tired of historic places? When you get to Baltimore, take them from the aquarium by water taxi ($3.50 or so per person, and you travel all day), to Fort McHenry, home of the Star- Spangled Banner. It's a fort from the American Revolution that has enormous grounds and
even has dungeons that you can enter! It's fasinating to see how they lived in the fort. After that, take the water taxi to Fell's Point which is America's
oldest intact neighborhood, with lots of fun shops, restaurants and bars. For lunch I recommend Kali's Court, which has a beautiful patio, weather permitting, and excellent fresh fish.
If the parents need a rest, there is Port Discovery, back at the Inner Harbor, where you can rest, while they lose their minds!!! It is a kid's interactive museum that is even a ball for parents. Enjoy your trip, but don't focus all your time on D.C., Baltimore is much more fun!

I want to hit Fantasia at the Science Center myself (only the Sorceror's Apprentice is reprised in this new version), HOWEVER, a friend advised me that the admission is $12. I don't know if it is less for kids, but that's a pretty stiff price, and if the little guys get fidgety...may not be a great idea!

Kristen,
Close to Williamsburg there is a HUGE waterpark that might be a nice break for the boys. BALTIMORE: The aquarium is nice but the younger boys may get bored. Regardless, it's not a whole day thing. The water taxis are fun as well as the Clipper City which is a large tall ship sail boat you can take a ride on. The coolest thing for kids (and adults) into sports is the ESPNZone they have a great and reasonable lunch/dinner menu. The upstairs is a giant arcade with race cars, mountain climbing, football & baseball interactive games, motorcycles, horseracing ... Just everything!! Check it out, it doesn't cost to go in and walk around.

Almost forgot....on your way up thru Pennsylvania a great place to stop is the Little League Museum in Williamsport. It's along route 15 North so it will be on your way. About a 3 hour drive from Baltimore.

Thanks for all the super suggestions! Fort McHenry sounds fabulous for the boys! I think we'll incorporate a bunch of your suggestions -- Fort McHenry, the aquarium, the water taxi and the restaurant thingee. (I printed it all out so I remember!)

One question:
We will be staying in Greenbelt on a Saturday night and Sunday night. Then on to the coast of DE, MD, VA looping around to Williamsburg and back up to Fairfax, VA by the following Saturday night. We will be in Fairfax for 5 nights and want to go into DC for the fireworks on the 4th of July, BUT are trying to decide which days are best for Baltimore, DC, Manassas (water park), etc...?Are there days that are less busy in DC? Baltimore?

Weekends are equally busy in DC and Baltimore. Weekdays would be the best bet for DC.

Kristen, I don't know when you plan to be in Baltimore in late June, but the"Tall Ships" will be sailing into the Harbor on June 23. I am not sure how long they will be there, but your boys might enjoy that.