Baltimore Gift Guide | Give the Gift of Experience
Tired of adding to the mountain of toys that get forgotten in a week? The most memorable gifts aren’t always things you can wrap. This holiday season, give your loved ones the gift of connection, learning, and adventure. Experience-based gifts create lasting memories and support a child’s development without adding clutter. From animal encounters to creative classes, we’ve created this Baltimore Gift Guide that keeps on giving long after the holidays.
The Gift of Discovery & Learning (Memberships)
Discovery and learning memberships provide unlimited adventures for a full year! This gives the recipient a constant, easy option for a fun day out.
Maryland Zoo in Baltimore: The ultimate gift for any animal lover. Bonus: you don’t have to purchase tickets only to leave because baby decides it’s nap time! Enjoy both short visits to see a favorite animal or a full day of exploration.
Port Discovery Children’s Museum: Designed for kids 0-10, with dedicated areas like the Tot Trail for crawlers and toddlers. A membership offers a full year of play and learning at this Baltimore family favorite.
National Aquarium: An obvious choice with a world-class experience that excites children (and adults) of all ages. The underwater experience is excellent screen-free stimulation for a baby’s developing brain!
Maryland Science Center: Amazing for curious toddlers! This one features hands-on exhibits, and IMAX theater and a dedicated kids’ room on the third floor for the littlest scientists. NOTE: the kids’ room does close earlier than the rest of the center!
The Gift of Movement & Play (Classes)
Movement and Play are very serious business when it comes to children. As Fred Rogers once said, “Play is a child’s most important means of communication.” Classes that facilitate movement and exploration through play help develop motor skills, social intelligence, and confidence in a structured, fun environment.
Gymnastics Classes: Find a gym like Rebounders Gymnastics that offers parent/child classes for babies and gymnastics/activities for toddlers. Gymnastics builds strength and coordination and parent/child classes help build connections (and memories!).
Infant & Toddler Swim Lessons: Swimming is not just a super fun experience for children, it’s a lifesaving skill. Find a swim school like Nemo , British Swim School or Fossil Swim School. These operate at different pools across the area.
Music Classes: Classes that focus on parental engagement like Music with Anne offer a fun way for caregivers to connect with children while introducing rhythm, sounds, and group participation.
The Gift of Making Memories (Experiences & Services)
Creative gifts help to create a love of creating in children and can also capture a sweet moment in time. The crafts and art that comes from these experiences are often treasured items kept for generations to come.
A Family Photo Session: Gift a session with a local family photographer. We love our community partners Heartlove Photography, Angela Singleton Photography, and Casi Denton Photography. Baltimore has almost too many beautiful locations to choose from but we love Federal Hill Park, Druid Hill Park, or the Rawlings Conservatory.
Tickets to a Live Show: Get tickets for a family-friendly performance with the Charm City Players or one of the Music Box Series interactive shows at the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.
Shifting away from mindless consumerism is a trend that we can get behind but during the holiday season it can be confusing for extended family to know what to get that isn’t a toy. These gifts are about more than an afternoon out, they’re about supporting a child’s growth, family connection, and giving the gift of quality time. A membership or class is a gift the whole family can enjoy together.
Did we forget your favorite experiences in this Baltimore Gift Guide? Share your favorites for little ones in the comments!
