rizzo0904

Headed to the Inner Harbor in April. It will be myself, hubby, 3 and 4 year old boys, and my hubby's 65-ish aged parents.

Staying at the Residence Inn Inner Harbor for $145/night. Driving so we'll have our car.

Day 1: Arrive around 1030. Check in. Eat some sandwiches/snacks in the room. Head out to the harbor and walk around, watch the boats. Urban Pirates at 230. Dinner at Roys at 5pm. My 4 year old's favorite food is sushi.

Day 2: Aquarium at opening. Bring lunch in. Stay for about 4 hours??? Then visit the MD Science Center...we get in free so may pop in at other times too. Not worried about seeing all of it since there is no out of pocket cost. Dinner in Little Italy...maybe Amicci's? Followed by dessert at Vaccaros.

Day 3: Head to Harper's Ferry for the day. Do the MD Heights hike. See if we can find some letterboxes or geocaches. Stop for ice cream at Scoops on the way out. Easy dinner since they boys will be tired....either Whole Foods prepared items or take out from Isabellas, unless you can recommend a better pizza.

Day 4: Breakfast at Miss Shirley's. Drive home via Nottingham PA for the Herr's Factory Tour...pretty much on our route. Visit Neuchatel Chocolates in Oxford PA. Home.

Had thought about B&O until I saw it would be $53 for the four of us to get in. Not certain they'll love it enough to be worth it.

Thought about DC instead of Harper's Ferry, but they are too young to appreciate it and the cherry blossom festival will already be over.

tchoiniere

1 site that you may want to fit in is Fort McHenry. While your boys are too young to really understand it, there is plenty of room for them to run around and still have fun. its also a great view of the Harbor from there. You can either drive or take a Water Taxi from the Inner Harbor there.

rizzo0904

Hubby and I have been to Fort McHenry. I wanted to go for the flag raising, but for some reason, hubby is not very excited about it.

Sassafrass

Don't know what I would recommend, but IMHO, Miss Shirley's is barely average and way not worth the money.

The parents might enjoy one of the wonderful museums: the BMA or the Walters - both have outstanding painting collections.

One place for great food in a casual atmosphere is Zee Mean Bean in Fells Point.

You either love or hate Vaccaros, but nothing to write home about, IMHO.

rizzo0904

sassafrass - where would you go for breakfast then?

rizzo0904

sassafrass - where would you go for breakfast

Sassafrass

For something special, I honestly don't know. I used to have a favorite, but last time I went, it had changed owners and chefs and was terrible. I hope someone else can offer a good suggestion. If I come up with anything, I'll let you know.

rizzo0904

How about blue moon cafe? I just figure 2 mornings of hotel breakfasts is enough!

fourfortravel

You may want to purchase your Aquarium tickets in advance; the small service fee will be worth not having to stand (outside) in line, and you'll be ahead of many of little visitors who want to press their faces against the tanks.

The American Visionary Art Museum could be fun for the entire family.

rizzo0904

fourfortravel - thanks. i will do that. going to try and find any discounts out there too.

tchoiniere

I agree with the timed tickets. Saved a lot of time when I did that a few years ago. Line was huge at opening and we just walked right in past them. Had most of the rooms upfront to ourselves. Great aquarium.

Also, I would take the time to walk around / on the ships at the Maritime Museum (including the USS Constellation)

tomfuller

Link to the USS Constellation: http://www.historicships.org/constellation.html
Good luck on finding legal parking for more than an hour near the Inner Harbor.

rizzo0904

tomfuller - we'll park at our hotel. i'll just have a drink or five to lessen the pain of spending $32/day to park.

Amy

One of my favorite museums of all time is the Baltimore Museum of Industry; interesting for all ages! http://www.thebmi.org/