Maryland Science Center, this Inner Harbor museum features interactive exhibits that focus on physics, marine biology and astronomy. Among the most popular recent exhibits were three-dimensional nebula models and a giant meteor hanging from the ceiling of the main hall. Of more local interest is the Chesapeake Bay estuary exhibit, which features several tanks of live creatures. Packages that include tickets to the IMAX are available.

This unusual museum called Baltimore Streetcar Museum, pays tribute to the streetcars that once dominated the city's thoroughfares. Hundreds of people-tourists and locals alike, visit each year to ride a streetcar, explore the museum's many displays, or enjoy a carhouse tour. Founded in 1966, the museum also shows a free film that traces the streetcar's evolution. A gift shop sells related memorabilia.

Life on a 19th-century farm is depicted at this bucolic 140-acre property just outside Westminster. The buildings include a restored farmhouse, where tours are given by costumed guides, a barn, general store, a veterinary surgeon's office, quilting room and other outbuildings. Carroll County Farm Museum displays antique tractors, farm machinery and other equipment. Artisans demonstrate 19th-century skills. A pond and farm animals add to the "farm" experience.

Maryland's goodwill ambassador to the world was modeled after the Baltimore clippers, the topsail schooners that helped America win the War of 1812. Since its launch in 1988, the 173-foot vessel has represented Maryland in 44 countries. The Pride has sailed more than 180,000 miles and played host to some 500,000 visitors. If you're lucky enough to be in Baltimore when the Pride is in port, take a tour of the vessel or stay on board overnight and sail with the crew.

This museum showcases the history of work in Baltimore, from the mid-19th century to the present day. The museum's gallery space and research center offers information about Maryland's businesses and industries, from the lost art of handcrafted tin cans to today's technological innovations. Many of the collections change periodically, but 'Signs of the Times' is a permanent display. This unique collection offers visitors a glimpse of the evolution of signs, the oldest form of advertising. The exhibit also features a Neon Sign Shop and demonstration area.

The historic vessels and landmarks of this museum bring to life the history of American naval power. The US Coast Guard Cutter Taney (surviving warship in Pearl Harbor), USS Torsk (fired last two torpedoes in World War II), the lightship Chesapeake (served as floating lighthouse for 40 years) and the Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse (helped sailors navigate Chesapeake Bay for more than 100 years) all played a vital and heroic role in US military war and peacekeeping. Special student programs are also available at Historic Ships in Baltimore.

This museum, housed in a corner row home, declares itself 'Baltimore's Only Black American Museum.' It opened in 1968 and gives visitors a glimpse of African-American life, from the days of slavery and the Civil Rights Movement to the present day. In recent years, the museum has expanded its mission, offering a curious array of services, from custom framing to discount repairs. The museum may also be rented for a minimal donation. Admittance is by appointment with the curator only.

Port Discovery offers interactive fun for the whole family. The young and young at heart will enjoy the Dream Lab and the Exploration Center, where visitors make their dreams come true and learn how to make their own art and jewelry. Children are particularly amused by Port Discovery's three-story treehouse, where they are encouraged to climb, crawl, swing and slide. The museum is also a great place for your child's birthday party. See their website for further details.

A nonprofit sailing organization, this company offers affordable sailing opportunities, including youth and adult lessons, recreational sailing and racing. Sailing opportunities are available for all age and skill levels. Adult lessons are offered Monday evenings and select weekends May-October. More than 800 youngsters have attended the center's Junior Sailing Camp and hundreds of adults have learned to sail through its sailing programs. Wednesdays nights are open sailing. Skipper and crew members gather on the dock and are matched according to abilities.

The Art Gallery of Fells Point, founded in 1980, is a nonprofit artists' cooperative. The storefront venue offers a place for local artists to display their work. The exhibits change each month and usually feature paintings in various mediums, as well as drawings and the occasional jewelry or pottery piece. Many of the items are offered for sale. The gallery also has a permanent collection of matted paintings and prints, as well as handcrafted cards and paper.