The Complete List of Science Museums in Maryland

Maryland’s mix of coastal shores, small towns and city museums means there’s a science stop for nearly every interest — from maritime history to hands-on STEM play. Whether you’re planning a family outing or a solo afternoon, the state’s museums offer a compact way to explore science across different settings.

There are 15 Science Museums in Maryland, ranging from Annapolis Maritime Museum to Port Discovery Children’s Museum. For each entry you’ll find below the essential details organized as City,Focus,Admission (USD), so you can compare locations, specialties and typical ticket costs at a glance — check the list you’ll find below for specifics.

Which museums are best for young kids or family visits?

Look for places that emphasize hands-on exhibits and dedicated children’s galleries, like Port Discovery Children’s Museum; many sites list age recommendations and interactive zones in their Focus field, which makes it easy to pick a family-friendly stop from the table below.

How much should I budget and are discounts common?

Admission varies by museum and exhibit — some are free or pay-what-you-wish, others charge standard fees; the Admission (USD) column notes typical costs and many museums offer reduced rates for children, seniors, students, or memberships that make multiple visits more economical.

Science Museums in Maryland

Images and Descriptions

Maryland Science Center

The Maryland Science Center in Baltimore offers interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and an observatory with hands-on demos about physics, biology and astronomy. Great for families, school groups and anyone curious; plan 2–3 hours for a full visit

National Aquarium

The National Aquarium showcases thousands of fish and marine animals, immersive reef and rainforest habitats, and conservation programs. Ideal for families and marine-life fans; allow 2–3 hours and consider buying timed online tickets to avoid lines

Port Discovery Children’s Museum

Port Discovery is an interactive children’s museum focused on early STEM learning with hands-on exhibits for ages 0–10, rotating science programs and family events. Best for young kids; plan 2–3 hours and wear play-friendly clothing

Calvert Marine Museum

Calvert Marine Museum features Chesapeake Bay exhibits, fossil collections, aquaria and boat displays that explain local marine ecology and paleontology. Good for families and nature lovers; outdoor trails and a lighthouse add to a half-day visit

Discovery Station at Hagerstown

Discovery Station offers interactive STEM exhibits for kids, live demonstrations and educational programs focused on engineering, biology and local science. Family-friendly with short exhibit zones; typical visits last 1–2 hours and school groups welcome

National Cryptologic Museum

The National Cryptologic Museum explores codebreaking, signals intelligence and cryptologic history with artifacts, interactive displays and exhibits linking math, technology and national security. Free admission makes it accessible for older kids and adults interested in computing history

NASA Goddard Visitor Center

The NASA Goddard Visitor Center offers exhibits about Earth and space science, satellite technology and current missions, plus occasional public events and talks. Free and educational—good for space enthusiasts and students; check event schedules before visiting

National Electronics Museum

The National Electronics Museum chronicles electronics, radar and communications technology with vintage gear and interactive explanations of how modern electronics developed. Good for tech buffs and students; hours may be limited—check before you go

College Park Aviation Museum

Located at the world’s oldest airport, College Park Aviation Museum explores early flight, aircraft exhibits and hands-on aviation activities. Great for families and aviation enthusiasts; allow 1–2 hours and try to time visits with demonstration days

Glenn L. Martin Maryland Aviation Museum

Housed near the historic Martin aircraft plant, this museum highlights Maryland’s aviation heritage with restored aircraft, exhibits on aerospace engineering and educational programs. Ideal for history and plane enthusiasts; plan 1–2 hours for exhibits and outdoor displays

National Museum of Dentistry

The National Museum of Dentistry presents the science and history of dentistry with hands-on exhibits about oral health, dental technology and careers in health sciences. Family-friendly and free, it’s a good short stop for students and curious visitors

Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum

Located on the Miles River, CBMM combines maritime history with hands-on exhibits about Chesapeake Bay ecology, boatbuilding and conservation. Great for learning about local marine science; outdoor docks and seasonal programs make for a full half-day visit

Annapolis Maritime Museum

Annapolis Maritime Museum features exhibits on Bay ecology, boatbuilding and local maritime culture with outdoor access to waterfront habitats and ecology programs. Best for families and nature learners; plan for a couple hours and check tide-based activities

Howard County Conservancy

Howard County Conservancy offers nature trails, live-animal exhibits and seasonal environmental programs focused on local ecology, conservation and sustainability. Good for outdoor science learning, school groups and families; program fees vary, so check the calendar before visiting

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center

The Blackwater Refuge Visitor Center introduces eastern marsh ecosystems, bird migration and conservation with exhibits, viewing platforms and boat tours. Ideal for birdwatchers and nature students; expect short exhibits plus outdoor exploring—bring binoculars and insect repellent

Science Museums in Other U.S. States