Need help with 48hrs in Baltimore with a 6-year-old
 

I am asking for help with planning a 48-hr trip to Baltimore with my son this weekend. We arrive 10am Saturday at BWI and fly out 3pm Monday. We are staying at the North side of Inner Harbor between Lombard and Baltimore streets. Logistically, I'm guess we won't get to our hotel until 12noon, and then we need to get lunch, so we won't start sightseeing until around 2pm Saturday afternoon.

Originally I was planning to go to National Aquarium, but we had just been to the Lisbon Aquarium last week (2nd largest in Europe) so i don't feel we need to visit another Aquarium again (esp given the steep prices of National Aquarium.) I also saw that the Childrens' museum is undergoing renovations and the main part of the museum is currently closed except for pop-up spaces.

My tentative plan is:
Saturday 2pm onward - Maryland Science Center (opens until 6pm)
Sunday morning Museum of Industry; Sunday afternoon B&O Railroad Museum
Monday morning - free to wander around. Any suggestions to walk around in Inner Harbor? It will be rather chilly so I'd prefer mostly indoors.

What are your thoughts about this plan? Any other places I should add? Any place I should subtract?

Another question is about public transit. We plan to take the LIght Rail to/from BWI (it runs every 10-20 minutes, is that right)? And also the bus to Museum of Industry and perhaps other places. For the bus, do I just pay for the fare on the bus? Cash/exact change needed? Here in Boston we have Charlie card/Charlie ticket which deducts amount from the card. so wondering what's the system with the Baltimore MTA.

I'm sorry that I can't respond to the core of your questions, but I would make the case that the National Harbor has some exhibits that are, I believe, unique -- like its shark and skate exhibit. I haven't been to the aquarium in Lisbon, but I've been to quite a few other major aquaria, and consider the one in Baltimore well worth its pricey tag. Just something for your consideration!

I'm sure that you and your son will have a wonderful time no matter what you choose. Enjoy!

I don't know anything about mass transit in Baltimore, but I'd be inclined to take a private car from BWI, given you have a 6-year-old in tow. I'd pay for the convenience of Uber/Lyft/cab, in that case.

There is an indoor mall at Inner Harbor where you can find snacks & a bathroom, in case it's cold or wet outside. https://www.thegalleryatharborplace.com/en.html

If it's walking weather and your 6-year old can do it, walk over to Fells Point for a fun, historic area you can wander around.
https://baltimore.org/neighborhoods/fells-point

In the "little Italy" area, we liked Dalesio's restaurant, for good, mid-priced Italian food, in a fun atmosphere. There isn't a children's menu per se, but I imagine they'd let you share with your son and prices are reasonable. Dalesios of Little Italy - Casual Fine Dining

When you visit the Museum of Industry, Rusty Scupper is a basic family-oriented place nearby, with fun views. You might be able to take a water taxi from that area, but I'm not sure.
Rusty Scupper

Weather looks crummy this weekend, unfortunately, or I was going to wonder "aloud" here if there are still paddle boats in the Inner Harbor?

I have fond childhood memories of the Inner Harbor. The indoor "mall" mentioned above used to be both a mall and an active fish market and interesting market in general. I was bummed last time I went to find it's just a plain old mall now (which still might hold appeal for a kid on a rainy weekend).

The National Aquarium is really wonderful. I absolutely love it even though I agree the price tag is steep (the times I have gone more recently I do the Fridays after 5 half price). I can't imagine your son would actually be bored of going to one again because 6 YO love that stuff but I can understand skipping the expense. But in addition to the huge aquaria, they have great touch tanks and a rainforest exhibit that I always love walking through.

While I am not a personal fan of the Ripley's Believe it or Not museums, kids love them. My HS-age nephew considered the one in Jackson Hole, WY one of the highlights of a trip we took him on to Yellowstone NP. There is a Ripley's in the Inner Harbor if you want to consider it.

I think the Light Rail will work well to get from BWI and I am sorry I don't know about the bus system. Have fun, yk!

Check this link, yk: https://www.mta.maryland.gov/regular-fares Your hotel clerks will help but it looks like you can pay on bus with exact change. Is the light rail stop near your hotel?

I agree about the aquarium being pretty good. Have you looked into the Visionary Museum?