We woke up to a cloudy, drizzly day. We gobbled down a delicious breakfast at the hotel before packing our things, and heading out. Our hopes were still high that the weather would cooperate to take the kids on their second boat ride… but sadly, it was not meant to be. By the time we made it to the Inner Harbor, it was definitely wet.
Wet with a chill in the air.
Determined not to let a little rain put a damper on our day, we decided to check out the Science Museum, located right on the Inner Harbor. The only problem was that we were a little early, and had approximately an hour to kill.
We were walking along the Inner Harbor, ducking from awning to awning, when we decided to jump on the next water taxi we saw. Before long, the water taxi appeared at the stop near us, and we ran to board. We stayed on the water taxi, and watched the rain come down on the water for almost a full loop. The duo were definitely intrigued, and since we were the only customers aboard, they were able to move around and check out each and every seat… twice.
It was finally time to disembark, and head back to the Maryland Science Center at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. We had a short walk back to the Science Center, which was nice, since the rain had picked up. The Science Center was quite busy, which was to be expected on a rainy Sunday, but we were a little surprised to see so many people there when the doors opened.
We finally wrangled the kids back to the car, and drove the very short distance to park at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
We drove that very very short distance, because while the kids had become pretty good walkers, we knew it could only end in one of two ways. They would either insist on walking, or they would insist on being held. Or both. Neither were an exciting prospect for longer than a few blocks. At this (very short) stage in their lives, we find it quite worthwhile to find the closest lot we can afford for events such as these.
Sure enough, they wanted to walk the few blocks to the stadium, but once we hit the crowds, it was time to scoop them up. They are most definitely growing at a healthy rate.. and we have the muscles to show for it.
Our first stop was to Guest Services, for the duo’s certificate! This was not only their first game at Camden Yards, but their first MLB game.
I know what you’re thinking. Yes, we took two 18 month olds to a MLB game. You’re questioning my sanity. I get it. I would be, too.
Although, to be honest… if this is the first time you’ve questioned my sanity, I have certainly hid it well.
Back to the story. We were impressed with their certificates, and excited for their first game!
Remember how I said we took the time to find the closest parking lot we can afford? We employ the same strategy for seating options.
In this case, we were thrilled to find tickets available in the ‘Picnic Perch’, for two reasons. First, for $45/ticket (kids 2 and under are admitted free), we were seated in the left field outfield, on the club level, which includes access to the club level restrooms. Not a big deal for just TT Dad and I, but having the two in diapers, it’s nice to have some clean(er), well-lit restrooms to take them to. Secondly, our tickets included a picnic lunch, hence the designation Picnic Perch. We were treated to all-you-can-eat hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, soft drinks, and ice cream. Coming from our home stadium (Fenway), we easily could spend $45 in food alone. To us, this was a bargain.
Of course, it should come as no surprise that our kids didn’t make it too long through a game that was scheduled to begin at the same time they normally take a nap. We started in the seats, then watched a bit more in the picnic area, then back to the seats. If I remember correctly, we were still headed out of there by beginning of the 5th inning.
This wasn’t a terrible thing, since we were headed all the way home, and as I’m sure you know, people forget how to drive in the rain. It was a slow ride, but the duo were sufficiently zonked most of the way, and when they were awake, they were happy to be chatting away in the back seat.
Have we mentioned we love our Diono Radian car seats?
When all was said and done (and we were safely back home with kids sleeping in their own beds), our only misstep was the late arrival. Next time we will definitely plan a longer stay, and try to get a full day out of the arrival day! We would also really like to take a boat tour of the Inner Harbor, as well as expand our sightseeing to other parts of the city!
Have you been? Do you have any suggestions for us? Let us know!