By: Connie Limon

The Maryland Science Center is located at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor with a physical address of 601 Light Street, Baltimore, Maryland, 21230. The Science Center is a private non-profit organization, and governed by a Board of Trustees of approximately 30 individuals from corporate, educational, medical and scientific communities. The Maryland Science Center is an active member of the Association of Science-Technology Centers.

The Maryland Science Center in Baltimore, Maryland is accessible from I-95 and I-295 from the south, I-95 and I-83 from the north, and I-70 to the west. Light rail and MARC Trains stop at Camden yards, which is four blocks away from the Science Center.

Parking

There are parking lots and pay spaces on Light Street and Key Highway all within walking distance of the Science Center. Metered spaces along Light Street and Key Highway are also available.

Tickets can be purchased day of your visit, by telephone or online. Groups of 15 or more qualify for group rates with a minimum of two week advance purchase.

Ticket options begin with base admission cost to the Science Center. IMAX films and traveling exhibitions are add-on options specially priced and packaged along with base admission.

The Maryland Science Center is open April 2nd through May 24th, Monday through Friday 10:00 am. To 5:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Summer hours begin May 25th, Sunday through Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Friday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. These hours are current as of the summer of 2007. For fall hours and more information about the Maryland Science Center open times please visit the link in the resource box at the end of this article.

Strollers are allowed in much of the Science Center. Strollers are not allowed in any of the theaters. There is stroller parking near these areas or you can leave a stroller in the coat room.

The Science Center offers nutritious meals and snacks in Beakers Café and a brown bag zone for those who wish to bring their own food. There is no reserved seating. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Meals include:

• Daily specials
• Made-to-order sandwiches
• Healthy salads and snacks
• Pizza
• Mac and cheese
• Grab-and-go- items
• Variety of hot and cold beverages

Beakers Café is located on level one just past Newton’s Alley. They are open until one hour before the Maryland Science Center exhibit halls close for the day.

The Science Center in Baltimore, Maryland is completely transformed and doubled in size since the reopening in May of 2004. They have three levels of all new exhibits in bright, open, sunlit galleries, new eating options, easy ticketing in a massive new atrium and seating throughout the building.

The Science Store on Level One offers a selection of books, DVDs, logo wear, science kits, games, and instruments. The Science Store is open during the same hours as the Science Center. You do not need to purchase admission to the Maryland Science Center to visit the Science Store. They even accept telephone orders and can ship any of their products directly to you. Please follow the link in the resource box at the end of this article for contact information regarding the Science Store; click on Family Attractions link.

Attractions that are within a short walk from the Maryland Science Center include:

• Top of the World-Observation Level
• The USS Constellation Museum
• Baltimore Maritime Museum
• Baltimore Museum of Industry
• National Aquarium In Baltimore
• American Visionary Art
• Baltimore Public Works Museum
• Port Discover, the Kid-Powered Museum
• National Historic Seaport of Baltimore
• Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture

• Fort McHenry National Monument & Historic Shrine
• Fell’s Point Maritime Museum
• Fell’s Point Visitor Center and Robert Long House and Garden
• Star-Spangled Banner Flag House
• Baltimore Civil War Museum/President Street Station
• B&O Railroad Museum
• Baltimore Streetcar Museum
• The Great Blacks in Wax Museum
• Jewish Museum of Maryland
• Maryland Historical Society
• The Washington Monument & Museum at Mt. Vernon Place
• The Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA)
• The Walters Art Museum
• Maryland Zoo in Baltimore
• National Museum of Dentistry
• Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum
• Sports Legends at Camden Yards

For more contact information about the Maryland Science Center, follow the link in the resource box at the end of this article.

This article is FREE to publish with the resource box.

© 2007 Connie Limon All Rights Reserved