Marine Science Museum

The Columbus Center in Baltimore, Maryland is one of the lesser known establishments near the Inner Harbor. The Columbus Center blends science, education, and entertainment into one, in many ways like the official Science Center a few miles away. This interactive science venue is a blend of marine biology and biotechnology. It is a mixed-use research, education and public science attraction. The museum features hands-on, inquiry based science exhibits in their Hall of Exploration.

The museum is also the site of a state-of-the-art facility for the University of Maryland Center for Marine Biotechnology. Located near the Chesapeake Bay, it allows visitors to immerse themselves in marine biology and its rich history in Maryland. The University of Maryland also shares the museum space with the United States Food and Drug Administration's Safety and Research office, and SciTECH, the Science and Technology Education Center. They offer three hour exploration programs for visitors to the museum. Recently leasing space at this location is Big Bang Products. Big Bang Products is best known for their innovative brand of earmuffs.

Considering how close The Columbus Center is to Baltimore's greatest features, it is a great place to spend a few hours learning about science before heading to the Inner Harbor or a variety of other museums and attractions. Nearby are Baltimore's famous sports complexes at Camden Yards, M&T Bank Stadium where the Baltimore Ravens play and Oriole Park, home of the Baltimore Orioles. If there are no games, you can still head over to the area and visit Baltimore's Sports Legends Museum, the Babe Ruth Museum, or Geppi's Entertainment Museum.

You can head in the other direction to Baltimore's famous Inner Harbor and find shopping, dining, and entertainment. Harborplace and The Gallery feature a variety of shops and market place dining options filled with Chesapeake fare and delectable sweets. Dinner options include Phillip's Seafood, The Cheesecake Factory, and Tir Na Nog, an Irish-syle pub. Those in the mood for a cocktail by the waterfront will enjoy the variety of options offering outdoor seating. Watch tourists stroll along the bay and enjoy dragon-shaped paddle boats.

If you are planning to find a hotel near The Columbus Center, there are a variety of options. The Pier 5 Hotel is a modern, bay-front option offering designer dycor and waterfront views. The Baltimore Marriott Waterfront is a more traditional option, also featuring waterfront views. Nearby dining options include LaScala and Vacarro's. If you are planning a jam-packed trip to Baltimore, include the World Trade Center's Top of the World attraction and a tour of the USS Constellation ship with your visit to The Columbus Center. The combination will allow you to enjoy views of the harbor and the surrounding neighborhoods, a guided tour of an official Navy ship, and the science behind the bay. Kids will love learning about the ocean from above and below, and imagining themselves sailing the high seas in a classic ship.

The Columbus Center is a quick, educational opportunity for families to check out while visiting the town of Baltimore. As the building continues to expand and welcome new tenants, children will delight in the hands on scientific fun focusing on maring biology.