Our trips to Baltimore are always a family affair. Not only is it my parents’ hometown, it’s where my Nana still lives. This time she promised me a special date, just us two and I couldn’t wait!

Only one block from the world famous Downtown Baltimore Inner Harbor, we strolled into the Power Plant Live! plaza. And there it was, the Port Discovery Children’s Museum (35 Market Place, Baltimore MD 21202; http://www.portdiscovery.org). It may be ranked among the top 12 children’s museum in the U.S. (Forbes), but it’s #1 in my book!

For the safety of all children, Nana and I were given wristbands with our own special number that must match when we exit. With that out of the way, we were off to explore 3 floors of interactive, educational exhibits for children ages birth through 10!

My first stop was their super awesome Gift Shop where I ran into my friend Curious George and a selection of unique toys and books. Port Discovery’s program is all about learning through purposeful play. So I ventured off to “The Farm” where you can observe life on a farm, and even pretend to milk a cow. But I decided to safely play with my pretend horse (on a stick).

I was able to show Nana my skills as a shopper at their “Royal Farms Convenience Store and Fill ‘er Up Station. Once we got to the checkout counter, wouldn’t you know it was just as much fun to be the cashier too!

“Tot Trails” was created to allow young toddlers to test their problem solving skills. I maneuvered my way through “Mountain Trail” and “Paw Paw Tunnel” and stopped to catch some pretend butterflies with my butterfly net…I got one!

Nana needed a rest stop, so we decided to visit “Tiny’s Diner”. She liked the diner because it had the same name as her mother. I liked the diner because it featured all the appliances I needed to “cook” her favorite spaghetti dish. She was seated in a booth and I served her myself…on the house of course!

With so many areas to climb and explore, return visits are in store as I grow and develop (I’m almost 3!). There is always something new with their ever-changing programs, all designed to promote “Let’s Move!”, the national initiative launched by First Lady Michelle Obama. It helps children learn about healthy food choices and physical activity.

As we were making our way out, all I could do was look back at their magnificent 3-story urban treehouse known as “KidWorks”…I imagine I’ll be back!