Spring has officially sprung in the DMV area, and we’ve been getting temps in the 60s and up in Maryland more often than not. The days are getting longer and there is suddenly more time to fill until it’s time to tuck the kids into bed.
Businesses may be closed, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still visit and spend time with your family experiencing the culture, nature, and animals that call Maryland home.
Virtual tours have become a way for people to escape reality for a little while. You can view sites unseen or forgotten – all from the comfort of your living room or backyard.
There’s no need to get dressed, fight traffic, and pay for parking. You don’t have to worry about finding the coveted seat on the grass in the park to eat your picnic lunch to save money.
Now, you can sit in your pj’s with a bunch of snacks (with wine or your favorite drink for the parents) and gather around the computer for a virtual “walkthrough” of some of the greatest attractions Maryland offers.
The University of Maryland
You don’t need to plan a full day or weekend trip to check out the over 1,300 acres that make up the University of Maryland grounds.
All you need is an internet connection and you can travel virtually to see the state-of-the-art buildings and beautiful manicured outdoor spaces.
The University of Maryland isn’t the only school available to tour. Check out Campus Tours for a full list of Maryland school campuses.
National Aquarium in Baltimore
Some may take it for granted, but living within driving distance of the National Aquarium is a great privilege. It’s considered one of the top aquariums in the country, and for good reason.
Housing over 20,000 animals and regularly receiving sustainability awards for their tireless efforts to maintain a green profile, the Aquarium is truly a place to behold.
My dad used to get passes when I was a kid, so we went to the Aquarium and Science Center frequently. I still find myself staring, mouth open, at all the amazing animals living there, just like I did when I was younger. And yes, I still make sure to get my picture taken with the megalodon jaw replica each time I visit.
Until the time comes to plan a trip in-person, consider a virtual tour of the National Aquarium instead. If you don’t follow their Facebook page, you may want to consider it. They set up live streams of different exhibits so you can close your eyes and pretend you’re there.
Maryland Science Center
The Science Center is offering Science At Home Activities you can do (with or without the kids) in the comfort of your own home.
You can also check out their Facebook page, where they are posting almost daily with:
- Animal encounters: learning about unique animals found at the Science Center
- Historical science facts
- Online events you can take part in
If you love learning about science, get ready to have some fun from wherever you are right now.
Anne Arundel County Public Library
The library has taken to Facebook and Zoom to offer events for all ages, including:
- Preschool storytime
- STEM activities
- Babies in Bloom
- The Great Movies discussion club
- Poetry Open Mic nights
- Trivia night
- Murder true crime discussions
To learn more about the available offerings, you can check out their events page which lists all the happenings at the library. Ebooks and audiobooks are also available for download on their website if you have a library card.
Baltimore Museum of History
The Baltimore Museum of History tells the story of the manufacturing industry from the early 20th century. When you’re able to be sure to check out this museum in-person to fully appreciate all the advancements that have come about since those times.
For now though, you can do a virtual tour along with age-appropriate activities found here.
American Visionary Art Museum
Another place you can stop on your virtual tour is the American Visionary Art Museum. They are holding weekly interactive workshops on their Facebook page the kids (and adults) can take part in.
You can also view the workshops on their website, along with other activities like making sock puppets and a downloadable coloring book.
Walters Art Museum
While it may not be the same as seeing these works of art in-person, you can view some collections online right now. For those who can spend hours walking the halls, gazing at the masterpieces adorning the walls, these images can help you pretend you’re there.
To view the collections currently held at the Walters Art Museum, use this link. There are over 1,300 items listed to view, so get comfy and be ready to travel back in time.
Calvert Marine Museum
Located in Southern Maryland, the Calvert Marine Museum holds the history of Solomons Island. Normally, you can visit the marshlands and lighthouses while marveling at the different species that call this area of the Chesapeake Bay home.
For now, you can take a virtual tour of different areas of the museum:
- The Drum Point Lighthouse
- HERstory (celebrating Southern MD women in history)
- Otter cam – indoors
- Otter cam – outdoors
They are also posting historical digs and other videos on their Facebook page.
Annapolis
Wishing you could take a walk around the City Dock or go window shopping in Annapolis? Maybe you’re missing your favorite lunch spot? Wondering when you’ll be able to get an in-person glimpse of the Naval Academy again?
Well, you can take a virtual tour of Annapolis right now thanks to YouTuber Dan’s on the Street. Here you’ll find an almost 30-minute video walking through the streets of Annapolis.
Trail Hikes
Some, like me, love to spend their time on the various hiking trails throughout our great state. If I have some downtime on a nice day, chances are you’ll find me exploring all that mother nature has to offer.
If you’re aching to get out on the trails but can’t, here are some virtual hikes you can take thanks to various YouTubers:
- Maryland Heights – Harpers Ferry
- Appalachian Trail
- North Point State Park ruins
- Annapolis Rocks
- Cascade Falls, Patapsco Valley State Park
- Daniels Area ruins, Patapsco State Park
Though it’s not the same as getting out into nature, these videos can remind you of what’s waiting when you’re ready to lace up your shoes and hit the trails.
River Tours
The Chesapeake Conservancy has compiled videos of different rivers throughout Maryland for your viewing pleasure.
If being on the water is more your jam, then these virtual tours are perfect for you. No need to get your water shoes on and it doesn’t matter if you forget the sunscreen this time.
Cozy up with your favorite drink and some snacks and get ready to cruise down the river in style (or in your pj’s, we don’t judge).
Authored by Mandy Sleight
