The Maryland Science Center in Baltimore offers a dynamic environment where both children and adults can dive into the world of science and discovery. As one of the top family-friendly destinations in Maryland, it ensures a fun and educational experience for all ages. Even though science isn't typically my main interest, I'd heard so many great stories about the museum's immersive exhibits, so I decided to take my kids there. My eldest son, 13, is passionate about technology and is always on the lookout for new ways to explore and learn. A few weeks ago, we planned a weekend getaway to the Maryland Science Center, and it was definitely the highlight of our trip. The kids were thrilled to try out all the hands-on activities, and it was easily one of the best things to do in Baltimore.

Maryland Science Center Ticket Prices and Hours

The Maryland Science Center is open year-round, providing an engaging and educational experience for visitors. Here's a breakdown of the ticket prices:

  • Adults: $29.95 ($34.95 with IMAX admission)
  • Children (ages 3-12): $21.95 ($26.95 with IMAX admission)
  • Free for members, with an additional $5 charge for IMAX admission
  • Seniors (62+): $28.95 ($33.95 with IMAX admission)

For complete ticket information, including how to book, visit the museum's official website.

The museum is closed on Mondays but operates with the following hours:

  • Tuesday to Friday: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
  • Weekends: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Main Attractions and Exhibits at the Maryland Science Center

  1. Science Adventures

Upon arrival, we knew we wanted to dive right into the science exhibits, and the Demo Stage, Science on a Sphere, and Observatory were perfect places to start.

  • Demo Stage: This is where science truly comes to life, with live demonstrations happening daily. These engaging shows cover a variety of exciting topics such as chemical reactions, physics, and electricity. The best part? The demonstrations change regularly, so every visit is unique and offers something new for the whole family to enjoy.
  • The Observatory: Open Saturdays from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, the Observatory is an excellent place to explore space. With high-tech telescopes, you can observe celestial objects. For an even more personal experience, visitors can book private star parties or guided tours.
  • Science on a Sphere: This is a thrilling experience where visitors travel virtually through the universe, exploring the sun, planets, and stars via an advanced visual system. Some highlights include:
    • Planet exploration
    • Graphical displays of ecosystems, ocean currents, and climate change
    • Educational presentations on the global systems that shape our world

  • Dinosaur Mystery

Our next stop was the Dinosaur Mystery exhibit, located on the ground floor. This immersive space features life-size dinosaur replicas that capture the imagination of both kids and adults alike. Some highlights include:

  • A field lab to examine dinosaur bones
  • Fossil dig pits
  • Tracks of dinosaur footprints
  • Various hands-on activities in the discovery area

  • Davis Planetarium

As someone who loves stargazing, visiting the Davis Planetarium was a personal highlight of the trip. We were mesmerized by the stunning projections of stars and planets on the dome above. The kids were also in awe of the beautiful visuals. The planetarium offers a range of exciting shows, including:

  • Cruise the Cosmos
  • We Are Aliens
  • One World, One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure
  • Springtime Sky Live
  • Colors of the Solar System
  • To Space and Back

  • SciLab

The SciLab is a fantastic space for science enthusiasts to conduct real experiments. Kids aged 3rd grade and above can wear lab coats and explore chemical reactions, biological experiments like DNA testing, and more. Notable features of the SciLab include:

  • Acid and base reactions
  • Microscopic examination of materials
  • Several experimental stations for hands-on learning

  • Newton's Alley

A favorite for our kids, Newton's Alley provides interactive displays that bring Newton's principles to life. It's a fun and engaging way for kids to learn about matter, force, and energy while interacting with science in action.

  • IMAX Theater

The IMAX Theater at the Maryland Science Center is a real standout, offering an immersive five-story screen and high-definition visuals. The theater showcases thrilling 3D nature documentaries and films about space, wildlife, and more. Some of the popular features include:

  • Brilliant, high-resolution images
  • Comfortable seating for the ultimate theater experience
  • Topics covering space, wildlife, ocean exploration, and more

For the latest IMAX showings, check the museum's website to see what's currently available.

  • Additional Exhibits and Activities

Beyond the main exhibits, there are even more fun and educational activities to explore, including:

  • Life Beyond Earth: Learn about the possibility of life on other planets
  • The Shed: Test problem-solving skills through technology, arts, and crafts
  • Space Link: A cutting-edge exhibit featuring space discoveries, NASA launches, and more
  • Math in Nature: Explore the fascinating connections between math and the natural world
  • Power Up: Learn about electricity, physics, and the science behind energy
  • Science & Main: Discover how science influences daily life
  • Kids Room: A fun, interactive space designed specifically for younger children
  • Educational Programs and Events: A variety of workshops and events designed to inspire and educate visitors