Best Indoor Activities Near Harbor East
June 26, 2019
Photo credit: lewismuseum.org
Museums
Museums are always a great way to pass the time when you’d rather be inside than out, and we are lucky to have several right in our neighborhood. Explore the history and culture of our city through historic artifacts, stunning art, and interactive exhibits. Who says learning can’t be fun?
Only 5 minutes from our front door is The Reginald F. Lewis Museum, the largest African American museum in Maryland. The museum explores local African-American heritage through themes of family, community, slavery, and art by featuring artifacts, objects, and artwork dating from 1784 up to the present day. The Lewis Museum is open Wednesday to Saturday from 10:00am to 5:00pm and 12:00pm to 5:00pm on Sundays. Tickets are $8 for adults; $6 for seniors, youths, students, and veterans; and free for members, children under 6, and Maryland Public School teachers.
The Baltimore Civil War Museum at President Street Station is just blocks away from Liberty Harbor East. The historic station first opened its doors in 1850 and is the country’s oldest surviving railroad station in an urban setting. The museum now welcomes visitors to learn about our city’s role in the Civil War, Underground Railroad, and more. The Civil War Museum is open to the public Friday through Monday from 10:00am to 4:00pm. Tickets are $3 for adults, $2 for students, and free for children under 12.
The Star-Spangled Banner Flag House gives you the chance to step into living history. The museum is housed in the historic home of Mary Pickersgill, who sewed the flag that flew over Fort McHenry during the War of 1812 and inspired Francis Scott Key to write our national anthem. Located just a half mile from Liberty Harbor East, visitors to the Flag House will learn about the flag, Baltimore history, and the life of Mary Pickersgill through historical artifacts and interactive exhibits. The Flag House is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00am to 4:00pm. Admission is $9 for adults, $8 for seniors and military, $7 for students, and free for children under 6.
Photo credit: pattersonbowlingcenter.com
Good for Groups
Grab some friends and head indoors! In Harbor East, there are just as many fun places for your group to hang out inside as there are outside. Whether you and your friends prefer a relaxing night at the movies, the excitement of an escape room, or something in between, our neighborhood has you covered.
If you love a good puzzle and are looking for a unique way to bond with your friends, then an escape room might be the perfect activity for you. Located one mile away from Liberty, Charm City Clue Room has Baltimore-themed escape rooms that are professionally designed to give your group an interactive and challenging experience as you work together to decode clues. Will you be able to escape in time? Charm City Clue Room is open seven days a week from 10:00am to 10:00pm. Admission is $29 per person.
Established in 1927, Patterson Bowling Center is the oldest duckpin bowling center in the country, and it’s less than 10 minutes away from Liberty Harbor East. It’s a go-to spot for groups of all ages who are looking for some nostalgic fun. And, if you and your friends can’t get enough of the sport, form a team and join one of their duckpin bowling leagues. Patterson Bowling Center is open Monday through Thursday from 2:00pm to 9:00pm, Friday and Saturday from 12:00pm to 12:00am, and Sunday from 11:00am to 9:00pm. Prices are $30 per hour per lane on Monday through Thursday, $40 per hour per lane on Friday and Saturday, and $39 per 90 minutes per lane on Sunday.
When you and your friends are dying to see the latest blockbuster movie, look no further than Landmark Theatres Harbor East. It’s just a five-minute walk from our door, and with seven screens, stadium seating, a full bar, and digital projection, the Landmark guarantees an excellent movie-watching experience. Enjoy a bucket of classic movie theater popcorn or try a more upscale snack, like their Smoked Gouda Mac & Cheese Bites. For tickets and showtimes, visit https://www.landmarktheatres.com/baltimore/harbor-east.
Photo credit: portdiscovery.org
Kid-Friendly
Keeping kids entertained and engaged is a breeze when you live in Harbor East. Whether you take them on a behind-the-scenes tour of the National Aquarium or to a free arts and crafts program at the library, they will have plenty of opportunities to explore and learn in and around our neighborhood.
The National Aquarium is a Baltimore landmark and a great place to take the kids in the Inner Harbor. You’ll see over 20,000 animals, explore coral reefs, brave Shark Alley, and experience the aquarium’s world-renowned rainforest exhibit. You can even sign up for behind-the-scenes tours that will let you and the kids interact with dolphins, prepare food for sharks, and visit exclusive staff-only areas of the aquarium (children must be at least 8 years old for most tours). Admission is $39.95 for adults, $29.95 for children, and $34.95 for seniors. Or, get your tickets for half-price during the aquarium’s Half-Price Friday Nights. The National Aquarium is open Monday through Thursday from 9:00am to 5:00pm, Friday from 9:00am to 8:00pm, Saturday from 9:00am to 6:00pm, and Sunday from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
Less than ten minutes from Liberty Harbor East is Port Discovery Children’s Museum, the premier children’s museum in the Mid-Atlantic. The museum’s play-to-learn philosophy keeps kids engaged and entertained while encouraging them to discover and explore the world around them. Three floors of interactive exhibits will have you and your kids climbing to the top of the SkyClimber, operating a crane on a life-sized cargo ship, making giant bubbles in a Bubble Hoop, and so much more. Port Discovery is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00am to 5:00pm and Sunday from 12:00pm to 5:00pm. Tickets are $17.95 each.
When looking for the perfect indoor activity for your kids, don’t forget about your local library. The Orleans Street Branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library is just one mile away and has free programs for kids, families, and adults alike. Whether your child prefers story time, crafts, or games, the library has something for everyone. The Orleans Street Branch is open on Monday and Thursday from 10:00am to 8:00pm, Tuesday and Wednesday from 10:00am to 5:30pm, and Friday and Saturday from 10:00am to 5:00pm. View their event calendar here: https://calendar.prattlibrary.org/orleans_street_branch_473/calendar.
Photo credit: beachfitbaltimore.com
Stay Active
No matter the season, there are always going to be days when the Baltimore weather doesn’t cooperate for your usual run or walk by the Harbor. But never fear, there are plenty of ways to get a great workout indoors without ever leaving Harbor East.
Down the street from Liberty Harbor East is Orangetheory Fitness, where the workouts are backed by science and inspired by coaches. The studio’s heart rate monitors will help you keep track of your personal progress while you enjoy the communal environment of a group fitness class. At Orangetheory, you’ll go at your own pace: whether that means running, walking, or biking. Orangetheory is open on Monday through Thursday from 5:00am to 8:00pm, Friday from 5:00am to 9:00pm, Saturday from 8:00am to 12:00pm, and Sunday from 8:00am to 7:00pm. Contact the studio for pricing.
CorePower Yoga’s Harbor Point studio is a five-minute walk from Liberty Harbor East, and will give you a yoga fitness experience unlike any other. By upping the intensity of a traditional yoga practice, CorePower Yoga’s passionate instructors deliver a powerful workout that will challenge you physically and mentally. And, if it’s your first time, CorePower Yoga offers a free 7-day trial. CorePower Yoga is open daily from 6:00am to 10:00pm. The price for a single class is $25.
On the days when you can’t make it to the beach, head over to BeachFit Baltimore instead. Just steps away from our front door, this totally unique fitness studio’s classes are inspired by the sand and sun. Try out one of their signature surf classes to experience a mix of high-intensity cardio, strength training, and, of course, beach vibes...all while staying inside! Visit http://www.beachfitbaltimore.com/schedule/ for the class schedule. The price for a single class is $19.
When you’re a resident of Liberty Harbor East, bad weather will never stop you from having a great time and living your life to the fullest. What’s your favorite indoor activity in Harbor East? Let us know in the comments!