One of the oldest scientific institutions in the nation, the Maryland Science Center has undergone quite a few changes since its inception in 1797. The most recent renovation in 2004 expanded the facility and added new exhibitions on all levels. In addition to the exhibits, the Science Center also houses a planetarium, observatory, and an IMAX theater.
Get some fresh air as you take an outdoor nature walk through the Ladew Topiary Gardens. This 22-acre garden, built around a manor house from 1747, presents one of the most outstanding topiary gardens in the country. Walk though the extensively groomed and molded shrubbery and explore the 15 garden rooms, each dedicated to a single plant, color, or theme.
Take to the trees at The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring Friends School for the largest aerial forest adventure in North America. Challenge yourself to a ropes course between the tree platforms, climb up to different levels and use zip lines as bridges. A visit to The Adventure Park makes for some extreme sports fun.
The Mount Vernon neighborhood in Baltimore, distinctly separate from the plantation in Virginia, is one of the city´s oldest neighborhoods and serves as the city´s cultural district. This National Landmark Historic District is named after the home of George Washington, and contains the original Washington Monument.