If, after a grueling semester at Hopkins, you’re starting to forget why you love science — or, for humanities majors, if you just need a mental break — you might want to consider checking out some of Baltimore’s most popular, but still worthwhile science-minded attractions.
The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore is open seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with tickets costing $16 on weekends and $14 during the week. If you buy online, the price is $14 any day. You could do some observation for your Animal Behavior course, or just have fun looking for your favorite childhood animal.
From barnyard creatures, to African savana animals, there are plenty of animals to learn about. Some zoo stars include the elephants, the critically endangered white rhino, and big cats like cheetahs, lions and African leopards. And there’s always the giraffe feeding station, which is open from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Acacia leaves, for hand-feeding the giraffes, costs only $2.
If it’s too cold for a trip to the Zoo — although the chill will drive out crowds — try the Baltimore Aquarium. It is significantly more pricey, at $25 for the basic package. Or you may want to attend after 5 p.m. on Fridays, when tickets are just $5.
The sheer amount of exhibits at the aquarium will leave you feeling that your money was well-spent. Some favorite atractions are the dolphin show, the giant sting ray tank and the “Jellies Invasion” jellyfish exhibit.
The Maryland Scicence Center, which, like the Aquarium, is located in the Inner Harbor, is also offering an $8 deal on Fridays after 5 p.m.
Many of the exhibits may seem overly aimed toward younger visitors. But the planetarium shows are a fun, if dorky, date option, and you can count on a good show at the Imax theater. Current films include the Grand Canyon Adventure, Hubble 3D, The Human Body and coming soon, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
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