When you’re planning a field trip or other student group excursion, you want a destination that offers the right combination of fun activities and educational spots for an enjoyable, learning-filled day. Baltimore, Maryland, is that destination. Nicknamed “Charm City,” Baltimore offers the ideal mix of diverse attractions, rich history and vibrant culture — perfect for a student field trip or day trip. The city is also centrally and conveniently located in the Mid-Atlantic region just 1 hour from Washington, D.C., 2 hours from Philadelphia and 3 hours from New York City.
Explore everything Baltimore has to offer in this guide, and contact Executive Coach for all your school trip transportation needs.
In Baltimore, you’re never far away from world-famous attractions that are student-friendly, educational and awe-inspiring. From history to science to art and culture, there’s always something exciting to see and something new to learn in this city.
During your school or recreational field trip, don’t miss these top things to do in Baltimore.
Start your science field trip to Baltimore at the National Aquarium, one of the most famous aquariums in the world. Your group can enjoy a wide variety of exhibits, including Dolphin Discovery, Atlantic Coral Reef and the hands-on Living Seashore exhibit, where students can get up close and personal with stingrays and horseshoe crabs. No trip to the aquarium is complete until you go nose to nose with seven different species of sharks at Shark Alley and Blacktip Reef.
The aquarium also has an immersive 4-D theater where your group can learn even more about marine life and the wonders of the undersea world.
If your biology or earth science classes have focused more on land animals than marine life, consider visiting the Maryland Zoo. While you won’t find any sharks here, the Maryland Zoo is a must-see attraction all its own. Located in the beautiful Druid Hill Park, the zoo is home to 130 different species, including the largest colony of African penguins in North America.
Want to stay closer to the Inner Harbor area? Head over to the Maryland Science Center for interactive exhibits like a planetarium, IMAX theater and observatory as well as science experiment demos on topics like chemical reactions, physics and liquid nitrogen.
No trip to Baltimore is complete without a stroll around the Inner Harbor — the same place where the National Aquarium and Maryland Science Center are located. This icon of Baltimore offers beautiful waterfront views plus a variety of dining and shopping options when your group is ready for a break.
Take in the sights by walking along the 7-mile brick promenade, or your group can rent bikes or scooters. You can even book a boat tour to cruise the harbor and see the city skyline from the water.
Fort McHenry is the definitive historical landmark to visit in Baltimore, and is the birthplace of The Star-Spangled Banner. During the War of 1812, Francis Scott Key saw the American flag being raised over Fort McHenry during a key battle, inspiring him to write “O say, can you see…”. The fort successfully repelled the British forces, and Key’s words live on in our National Anthem.
Your group can tour the fort and museum, and even help change the flag — a memorable part of any visit to Fort McHenry. You can also picnic on the fort’s sprawling, waterfront lawns to get in touch with history and see the skyline.
For more nautical and fun activities in Baltimore, visit the USS Constellation warship located in the Inner Harbor. Built in 1854, this ship was the last sail-only warship that the U.S. Navy designed and built. Hop aboard this National Historical Landmark to take a tour, participate in a rifle drill and talk to crewmembers. The Constellation offers guided tours and other educational programs.
Located along the waterfront just past the Inner Harbor is the historic neighborhood called Fells Point. Here, you can experience the district’s quaint cobblestone streets and old town charm, plus get a taste of the pirate life with a trip on an actual pirate ship. Climb aboard for an interactive, swashbuckling adventure that takes you from Fells Point out into the harbor.
Have your students been learning about Edgar Allan Poe and his famous poem “The Raven”? Follow in the footsteps of this Gothic poet and author at the Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum. Your group can see where Poe once lived in the city, with guided tours available. Just a few blocks from the museum is the Westminster Church Cemetery, where you can visit Poe’s gravesite.
Art and culture are everywhere you turn in the city, including at the Walters Art Museum. The museum is home to exhibits and artifacts from Ancient Egypt and beyond with an impressive collection spanning over 5,000 years. Take in art’s beauty and history as you explore exhibit halls focused on Asian art, Medieval art, European paintings and sculptures, and more. This spot is an excellent destination for a field trip to Baltimore — your group can book a tour or other school program for free.
At the Baltimore Museum of Art, modern and contemporary art takes center stage. See a cast of Rodin’s famous sculpture “The Thinker” as well as collections of works from renowned artists like Picasso, Matisse and van Gogh — all with free admission. The museum offers a range of on-site tours for schools, plus teacher’s guides for exploring different areas of art history that your students will experience during their visit.
Plan your school or group’s one-day trip to Baltimore with Executive Coach. Many schools throughout the area choose Executive Coach for our commitment to safety, cleanliness and friendly, courteous service. No need to travel in traditional yellow school buses for field trips — with Executive Coach, you can experience the ultimate in comfort and safe operations for your students, teachers and chaperones.
Let Executive Coach handle all of your transportation needs for a smooth trip. Request a quote today to learn more about how we can make your field or school trip to Baltimore even better.