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Rising Gas Prices: Travel Local to Save Money

baltimore acquarium

This spring break, you may opt-out of a road trip to save some money on gas and reduce your carbon footprint, but don’t let it get you down – there are many local spots and activities you and your family can check out right here near Baltimore. We put our creative caps on and did some research, and here are our top recommendations for 2022.

Top Baltimore Spots and Activities for 2022

Take a trip to the National Aquarium

We are fortunate in Baltimore to have award-winning exhibits and 20,000 animals at the National Aquarium located in the Inner Harbor. Whether it’s learning about dolphins, octopuses, or sharks, the 4D theater invites children and adults to witness animal life in a virtually advanced experience. There are thousands of animals and hundreds of species throughout the Aquarium; your kids will love it! And Fridays after 5, prices dive! Get your tickets half off for the entire family.

Visit the Maryland Zoo

Lion at the Maryland Zoo

Remember jumping on those lily pads as a child at the Maryland Zoo? Those were the good ole days! Pack the stroller, some snacks, and the kids in your car and spend the day at the zoo! Take a stroll on foot and experience the exhibits or sign up to watch rhino, otter, or penguin training. Maybe your kids want to feed the giraffes or groom the goats, too; they can do all of that and more. And if you think you won’t have as much fun as an adult, think again. On May 28th and 29th, attend the annual fundraiser, Brew at the Zoo! Enjoy unlimited beer sampling, live music, local vendors, and all-day admission with the purchase of your ticket. All proceeds go to the Maryland Zoo.

Set sail on the Urban Pirate Ship

Enjoy an interactive adventure sailing out on the Urban Pirate Ship that boards at the Ann Street Pier in Historic Fells Point. You and your family will learn to talk, dance, joke, and play games like a pirate. Your kids can even shoot water out of a cannon to ward off enemy boats. They will have a blast and forget they’re still in Baltimore.

Visit the American Visionary Art Museum in Federal Hill

The Visionary Art Museum is the nation’s museum for self-taught, intuitive artistry. CNN called it “one of the most fantastic museums anywhere in America.” There are wonders created by farmers, homemakers, mechanics, the disabled, and the homeless, to name a few. It’s truly a playground for the artistic mind. After exploring the museum, head to Fed Hill Park as you take in beautiful water views from the harbor.

See a film at Bengies Drive-In Movie Theater

Did you know Baltimore has the largest outdoor movie screen in the country? Instead of streaming a movie at home, get out of the house and head to Bengies to see a double-feature. You can get comfy in the front seats of your car and watch through the dashboard window or turn the trunk of your vehicle into a cozy oasis with pillows and blankets. Treat yourself to some popcorn or pizza in the concessions lobby, too! Trust us; movies are just better on the big screen!

Plan a day trip to Annapolis

Annapolis

If you want to get out of Baltimore for the day, head to Annapolis for some yummy seafood and scenic water views. You can also get a healthy dose of history by visiting the William Paca House or the Banneker-Douglas Museum. William Paca was one of the four signers of the Declaration of Independence, and Benjamin Banneker was a notable black writer and scientist. Frederick Douglass escaped slavery and became one of the prominent leaders of the anti-slavery movement.

You can also browse the local shops on Main Street or book a tasting at the Great Frogs Winery. There is something for everyone in Annapolis, whether you’re looking for a day or weekend trip with your partner or heading there with the whole fam!

Head to Sandy Point State Park

If it’s a sunny day outside and you don’t want to be stuck indoors, Sandy Point State Park is a close beach option for those in Baltimore. Put your toes in the sand, get kissed by the sun, and run into the water to feel rejuvenated after a long winter. You don’t have to go to Ocean City or Bethany Beach to get in a beach day! Sandy Point is only about an hour away, so pack some beach snacks, a cooler, and some cornhole and treat yourself to a day at the beach.

You don’t have to go far to enjoy the springtime in or around Baltimore. Many options are waiting for you to explore. Get creative and think outside the box! In this day and age, the world’s stresses never seem to quit popping up, but local traveling is an excellent option if you want to save money and utilize your time wisely. The most important thing to remember is that taking time to travel is good for the soul, no matter how far away. Make sure it’s a priority for your wellbeing.