6 FUN THINGS TO DO IN BALTIMORE FOR FREE

Baltimore is an expansive city with a seemingly endless range of attractions to explore. While it’s not difficult to find something fun to do in Baltimore, it can be tricky if you’re on a budget. We’ve rounded up a selection of completely free destinations that offer ample entertainment throughout the city. Whether you’re interested in soaking up the sun at outdoor venues or heading indoors for warm winter activities, there are plenty of options here to keep you busy year-round.

VISIT THE BALTIMORE MUSEUM OF ART

Image via Flickr by hannibal1107

The Baltimore Museum of Art (10 Art Museum Drive) always offers free general admission. Reservations are required, however, to secure your spot. The museum currently issues up to 45 passes every 30 minutes. The museum was founded on the belief that “access to art and ideas is integral to a vibrant and healthy civic life.” 

Inside the Baltimore Museum of Art, you’ll find outstanding collections of 18th-, 19th-, and 20th-century art, including the largest public Matisse collection in the world. The complete collection of art at this museum includes 95,000 pieces that range from ancient Egypt to modern masterpieces. Exhibitions change regularly, so you’re likely to find something new to explore even if you’ve been to the museum in the past. 

PICNIC IN FEDERAL HILL PARK

Federal Hill Park (300 Warren Avenue) is a free public park that offers several highlights for visitors of all types. Children will enjoy the gated playground that’s been creatively designed to feature historic icons like the Signal Hill Tower, Fort Federal Hill, a Baltimore and Ohio Railroad roundhouse and engine, and the ship known as “The Federalist.” The park also features a basketball court recently renovated by Under Armour. 

History buffs may enjoy highlights like Flag Staff Plaza, monuments to U.S. Senator and Maj. General Samuel Smith and Lt. Colonel George Armistead, and cannons from the Civil War. If you enjoy architecture, you’ll find the views from Federal Hill Park sublime. The promenade overlooks the downtown skyline. Park bench seating lines the promenade, offering a convenient spot to sit and enjoy a snack. You can also spread a blanket on the grassy lawn for a full picnic in this picturesque spot.

CLIMB THE WASHINGTON MONUMENT

The Washington Monument (699 N Charles Street) is a stunning historic site that’s worth at least one visit for anyone in Baltimore. Upon entering the monument’s gallery, you’ll find a bust of George Washington that’s stood guard here since 1843. Interactive touchscreen displays invite guests to explore the monument further. You can watch videos on the monument’s history and restoration, explore important points in history that impacted the squares around this location, and even see live video feeds from the top of the monument.

If you’re up for a more thorough exploration of the Washington Monument, you can climb the 227-step spiral staircase to the top. After completing nine rotations of the monument, you’ll arrive at the lookout where you can enjoy a firsthand view of the surrounding area.

TOUR THE BALTIMORE BASILICA

Constructed between 1806 and 1821, the Baltimore Basilica (409 Cathedral Street) is America’s first cathedral. Officially known as the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, this is a popular destination for anyone interested in the historic architecture of the city. The basilica’s architecture was designed by Benjamin Henry Latrobe, who served as Surveyor of Public Buildings for President Jefferson. Latrobe supplied two possible plans for the cathedral, and Bishop John Carroll selected Latrobe’s neoclassical plan as opposed to the Gothic option.

The basilica has seen many historic moments, including the ordination of the first African-American priest on U.S. soil in 1891. Nine of the 14 deceased archbishops of Baltimore are laid to rest in the crypt, which is accessible to the public. 

Visitors can tour the basilica on their own during the week or on select weekend times when there is no Mass, wedding, or other event taking place. Guided tours are available as well. Groups of 10 or more must schedule their tours at least two weeks in advance. Though there is no required fee for these tours, a $5 donation is suggested.

CHECK OUT THE ENOCH PRATT FREE LIBRARY

The Enoch Pratt Free Library (400 Cathedral Street) offers resources and activities for visitors of all ages. Small children can participate in family story time or pick up a take-and-make kit to do seasonal crafts. For school-age children, the library hosts crafts and games. Children can also check out STEAM to GO kits that include books, games, and toys centered around themes that range from economics to emotions to electronics.

Teens can access the library’s makerspace and create more advanced projects, such as 3D printed miniatures or physics experiments. The facility also offers a library of things where you can check out a gaming system, musical instrument, record player, GoPro camera, digital microscope, knitting loom set, sewing machine, coding robot, and more. Adults have plenty of activities to enjoy at the library as well, including fitness classes, book clubs, educational programs, and workplace readiness sessions.

EXPLORE PIERCE’S PARK

Pierce’s Park (701 E. Pratt Street) provides two fascinating areas to explore. In the section designed for children, you’ll find a musical fence that makes sounds when tapped, a stainless steel horn sculpture that doubles as a slide, and a willow tunnel that little ones can crawl through. A picturesque “Ribbon Walk” connects this to the other section of the park where you’ll find an open green and several stunning sculptures. Lush rain gardens collect and filter stormwater on-site as well, making this park both fun and functional.

All of these engaging activities are available free of charge, so there’s no excuse for missing them. Load up the car and start exploring these Baltimore highlights!

THE PERFECT VEHICLE FOR YOUR BALTIMORE ADVENTURES

Are you looking to upgrade your vehicle for your future adventures? You can trade in your current model and check out the latest options for new vehicles at Koons White Marsh Chevrolet. We carry a wide selection of new and gently pre-owned vehicles for you to consider.

Tags: Baltimore, Free Events
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