Maryland has deep historical significance, a diverse culture, and the perfect balance between nature and city life. But it’s also home to the Maryland Science Center in Inner Harbor, Baltimore, which has been open to the public since 1976.
What makes this place different is its approach to teaching science. The folks behind it are committed to building a community that loves science. With innovative programs and out-of-the-world experiences, the Maryland Science Center encourages people to ask questions and discover the answers through its exhibits.
Let’s find out what is special about Maryland Science Center:
Elevate Your Viewing Experience With IMAX Shows
Experience breathtaking documentaries at the St. John Properties IMAX Theater thanks to its five-story screen, surround sound, stadium seating, and high-resolution visuals.
The science center plays a couple of documentaries so don’t forget to look at the current shows while planning your visit. Some of the documentaries they’re currently playing include A Beautiful Planet, Deep Sky, Flight of the Butterflies 3D, Great Bear Rain Forest, and Jane Goodall’s Reasons for Hope, among others.
You can book your ticket for just $5.00. Documentary tickets can be purchased on the day of the visit. Advanced booking isn’t required.
Journey Out of This World Through the Planetarium
The Davis Planetarium is a dome-shaped screen that showcases a world beyond the atmosphere. Witness the galaxy like never before and learn new things. Take a virtual guided tour of the night sky to learn about stars, the universe, why stars twinkle, and so much more through high-quality mini-shows.
The planetarium is perfect for adults and children. Each show is about 15 to 20 minutes long. Schedules are updated daily.
Witness Mind-Blowing Experiments With Science Encounters
Want to experience science experiments firsthand? The Maryland Science Center gives you a chance to do just that. Witness mindblowing science experiments on the Demo Stage. Curious minds are allowed to ask questions, encouraging learning. Currently, the Demo Stage is conducting experiments on liquid nitrogen, chemical reactions, physics, and electricity.
The Clark Telescope, which was built in 1927 by Alvan Clark and Sons, is open to the public. The 8-inch (200mm) aperture refractor with a focal length of 119 inches (3000mm) is computer-driven, allowing you to view even Jupiter with a simple click. The telescope can also project live images into the Davis Planetarium, making this experience even more fun.
Unlock Dinosaur Mysteries
Children will enjoy this exhibit. When you enter Dinosaur Mysteries, you and your child get to play paleontologist. Roam alongside more than a dozen full-size dinosaurs, landscapes filled with dig pits, a field lab, excavation sites, and other areas of discovery.
Children can also touch a triceratops skull, grab a brush, and work with fellow dinosaur hunters. What’s more? Stand in a massive dinosaur footprint and get a feel for their majestic sizes! It truly is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Teach Kids To Build, Play, and Discover With the Kids Room
A place where play leads to learning, the Kids Room is a space dedicated to cultivating inquiring young minds. Here, children can build Lego towers and test their strengths in an earthquake, observe gravity while building ramps, figure out how magnets work, and learn about pneumatic tubes.
Infants and children can walk around, make friends, and be curious together.
Experience Science and Technology Firsthand at Newton’s Alley
Among the most famous exhibits, Newton’s Alley is what the Maryland Science Center calls “physical science.” Here, children can touch a cloud, play a string-less harp, see sound, and so much more!
The exhibit explains the phenomena of energy, matter, motion, and force. Meanwhile, the tug-of-war can teach children how they can singlehandedly win against a whole team. Newton’s Alley is a place that children will remember for years to come.
Be a Mad Scientist at the SciLab
Let your children experience what a real science laboratory looks like. SciLab is a real laboratory environment where children can conduct experiments, extract DNA, and inspect creatures and everyday items through a microscope. Children can also learn about acids and bases, how cells work, and so much more by handling real test tubes, pipettes, and microscopes.
However, please note that SciLab is for 3rd graders and above. Each session lasts for about 10 minutes.
Learn by Doing at the Shed
The Shed is a workshop where your children can get hands-on experience on how things work! The Shed hosts arts, crafts, science, engineering, and technology activities. Visitors can participate in problem-solving challenges, prototype a new invention, or learn how different items work.
Maryland Science Center Parking: Convenient Paid Parking
The rules for parking and disability placards have been changed in Baltimore City. What is special about Maryland is that credentialed vehicles can now use designated metered spaces as long as they pay the meter assigned to the space.
The closest parking spaces to the science center are on Key Highway, across the street from the center. Signs and individual blue meters are placed all over to indicate designated parking spaces. It should be noted that free parking is no longer available.
Get a Discount With the Maryland Science Center Groupon
You can avail of Groupon deals for the Maryland Science Center. However, a membership would be better if you plan to visit regularly.
The science center also allows group admissions and offers them at a discounted price, so even if you don’t find a good deal on Groupon, you can avail of the group discounts.
Operating Hours, Tickets, and Parking
The science center is open from Wednesdays to Fridays from 10 AM to 4 PM and Saturdays to Sundays from 10 AM to 5 PM. You can also call them at +1 410-685-2370, or visit them at 601 Light St, Baltimore, MD.
Guests are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance. The facility doesn’t have its own parking facility but you can have your parking tickets validated if you park in any of these three nearby areas. They offer flat rates from $12 to $15 per day.
Wrapping Up: Maryland Science Center Is a Place for Fun and Education
The Maryland Science Center in Baltimore City is the place to be for hands-on fun and learning. Visit the planetarium, watch breathtakingly stunning movies at the IMAX theater, and explore exhibits that make learning fun. Children and adults can enjoy the science center while spending quality time together and learning.
So, grab your little one and family members to enjoy the many wonders of science inside!
