Trip Idea

Free Activities

Multiple Parks

A picture of the Fort McHenry visitor center with cherry blossom trees in front of it.
Topic(s) Birds, River and Riparian, Scenic Views, Trails, Poetry and Literature, Forts, Coastal Defenses, Maritime - Military, Military, Artillery, Battlefields, Infantry and Militia, US Army, US Navy, Monuments and Memorials, Music, Wars and Conflicts, War of 1812, Commerce, Civil War more »
Activities Birdwatching, Park Film, Bookstore and Park Store, Picnicking, Biking, Hiking more »
Type Kid Friendly, Active, Relaxed, Urban, Educational, Inspirational, Indoors, Outdoors, Group Friendly more »
Parks Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

Indoors
  • Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

    Fort McHenry Movie

    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Park Film
    • Pets: No
    • Location: Visitor Center
    • Duration: 12–12 Minutes
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Day
    A ranger gives directions at the visitor center desk.

    Fort McHenry's introductory film is one of the most popular activities at the park.

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  • Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

    Fort McHenry Park Gift Shop

    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Bookstore and Park Store
    • Pets: No
    • Location: Park Visitor Center
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Day
    The front of the Fort McHenry visitor center on a cloudy day.

    An overview of the Fort McHenry park gift shop.

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Outdoors
  • Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

    Bird Watching at Fort McHenry

    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Birdwatching
    • Pets: Yes
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Day
    An osprey flying with a blue sky behind it.

    Fort McHenry's water front makes for an ideal birding location. Learn how birders can come enjoy their hobby within the park!

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  • Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

    Walk the Seawall Trail

    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Hiking
    • Pets: Yes
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Day
    A ranger walking with visitors on the seawall trail. Several have dogs on leashes.

    Find out how to walk the park's main trail!

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  • Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

    Picnicking at Fort McHenry

    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Picnicking
    • Pets: Yes
    • Location: Picnicking Area
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Day
    Living historians holding a pie.

    Learn about the best ways to picnic at Fort McHenry!

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  • Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

    Ride Your Bike at Fort McHenry

    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Biking
    • Pets: Yes
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Day
    Two rangers on bikes with helmets on.

    Learn how and where to safely enjoy riding bikes at Fort McHenry.

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  • Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

    Walk Your Dog at Fort McHenry

    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Hiking
    • Pets: Yes
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Day
    Two visitors with their dog on a leash and a ranger taking a picture of the dog.

    Learn about how pets can enjoy the park just as much as human visitors!

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Last updated: February 20, 2022