American Visionary Art Museum 800 Key Highway Baltimore, MD 21230 (410) 244-1900

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For an unorthodox approach to art, check out the American Visionary Art Museum, where art in various media by the self-taught and those on society's fringe are shown. Don’t miss the 55-foot tall multi-colored wind-powered sculpture (created by a 76-year-old mechanic), in the museum’s colorful sculpture plaza. The Joy America museum cafe has a spectacular terrace view of the harbor and a kid-friendly menu. Also ask about special events: A variety of wacky family activities are held throughout the year, the crown jewel of which is the bizarre, and infinitely entertaining Kinetic Sculpture Race.

Info: Admission: adults $12, ages 55 and older $8, 7-18 $8, 6 and younger free

Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Age: Toddler, Child, Pre-teen, Teen

aMuse Toys of Fells Point 1623 Thames Street Baltimore, MD 21230 (410) 342-5000

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For those with a funny bone, check out a Muse Toys where you and your grandchildren will find aisles and aisles of games, knickknacks, stuffed animals, and more — basically everything for ages 0 to 100! Browse top brands like Melissa & Doug, Haba, and Manhattan Toy to find a certain something your grandchildren have undoubtedly had their eye on.

Hours: Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Age: Toddler, Child, Pre-teen, Teen

aMuse Toys — Quarry Lake
2576 Quarry Lake Drive
Baltimore, MD 21209
(410) 415-0000
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Info: Free

Hours: Monday to Friday 10am to 7pm, Saturday 10am to 8pm, Sunday 10am to 8pm; Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Age: Toddler, Child, Pre-teen, Teen

Artscape 140 West Mount Royal Avenue Baltimore, MD 21201 (410) 752-8632

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Depending when you visit, there’s always some kind of festival going on in the Harbor area. The city holds a huge Fourth of July celebration over the water (come early if you need to park) where you and your grandchildren can see the rocket’s red glare — literally.

Also in July: the city-sponsored Artscape, where hundreds of arts and crafts vendors, along with food vendors, showcase their wares. And yes: there’s always stuff that interests kids. One year, in fact, there was a huge Lego village that took up three floors. Pack a picnic, bring your favorite grass blanket, climb Federal Hill, and watch a movie outdoors on weekends in June and August. The American Visionary Arts Museum shows films on a screen suspended by a giant hand.

Info: Admission: free

Hours: July; Seasons: Summer

Age: Toddler, Child, Pre-teen, Teen

Babe Ruth Birthplace and Official Orioles Museum 216 Emory Street Baltimore, MD 21230 (410) 727-1539

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Baltimore is famous for baseball, thanks in no small part to legendary hometown boy Babe Ruth. At The Babe Ruth Birthplace and Official Orioles Museum, your grandchildren will get a glimpse of Ruth’s original catcher’s mitt from St. Mary’s Industrial schools, a bat he used during the 1927 season, along with a scorecard from his first professional game.

Info: Admission for both museums: adults $14, ages 60 and older $11, 3-12 $9

Hours: November-March 10 a.m.-5 p.m., April-October 10 a.m.-6 p.m., 7 p.m. on baseball game days, and Camden Yards closed Mondays; Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Age: Toddler, Child, Pre-teen, Teen

Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Museum 901 West Pratt Street Baltimore, MD 21223 (410) 752-2490

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Whether your grandchild is a seasoned model train builder or doesn’t know what a caboose is, the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Museum is an intrigueing must-see. Youngsters get to view a variety of train displays and can also climb aboard a wooden train play set.

Info: Admission: adults $14, ages 60 and older $12, 2 to 12 $8, 2 and younger free

Hours: Monday to Saturday 10am to 4pm, Sunday 11am to 4pm; Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Age: Toddler, Child, Pre-teen, Teen

Baltimore Clayworks 5707 Smith Avenue Baltimore, MD 21209 (410) 578-1919

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Baltimore is an artsy place. In the mood to learn about ceramics? Check out Baltimore Clayworks, a nonprofit that offers classes in clay, as well as offers items for sale. Your grandchildren can make anything from picture frames to masks or monsters — and so can you!

Info: Fees: prices vary by the class

Hours: Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Age: Child, Pre-teen, Teen

Baltimore Maritime Museum 802 South Caroline Street Baltimore, MD 21231 (410) 396-3453

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At the Baltimore Maritime Museum you can tour the lightship Chesapeake, check out the submarine USS Torsk (your grandchildren will love the jagged-tooth “smile” on the hull), step aboard the 327-foot long Coast Guard cutter Taney, and inspect the Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse.

Info: Admission: ages 60 and older $6, 15-59 $8, 6-14 $4, 5 and younger free

Hours: (March-December) daily 10 a.m-5 p.m.

(January and February) Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Age: Toddler, Child, Pre-teen, Teen

Baltimore Museum of Art 10 Art Museum Drive Baltimore, MD 21218 (443) 573-1700

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When you and your grandchildren are ready for some culture, check out the Baltimore Museum of Art, where you can introduce your youngsters to Picasso, Matisse, and Van Gogh. For a more contemporary lesson, head to the West Wing. Though what tends to be most popular among the grade school set: Strolling the outdoor sculpture garden (and guessing what everything is!). Call ahead as they often offer free programs for children, and with Free Family Sundays, it’s no wonder it was voted “Best Museum For Families” in 2005 by Maryland magazine. [Photo Credit: Richard Lippenholz]

Info: Admission: Free

Hours: Wednesday to Friday 11am to 5pm, Saturday and Sunday 11am to 6pm, Monday to Tuesday closed; Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Age: Toddler, Child, Pre-teen, Teen