A Geological and Cultural History Museum that Is Great for Kids!

We stopped at the Calvert Marine Museum after a morning of digging for fossils at Calvert Cliffs and we were so happy we did. The museum’s exhibits do an excellent job of explaining, in a kid-friendly way, the geological significance of the area. The children’s portion of the museum also offers a small “fossil” area where kids can dig through the sand to find shark teeth and shells if they weren’t able to find any treasures of their own at the cliffs. 

In addition to highlighting the significance of Calvert Cliffs, the museum offers lots of up-close encounters with the area’s aquatic inhabitants. Families can learn all about the difference between skates and rays, touch a starfish or horseshoe crab, and even see some very playful otters. The museum also has exhibits on boating history as well as the cultural history of the area, including early Native American inhabitants, that older children will enjoy.

When you first arrive, you’ll notice a lighthouse to the left of the museum. I highly recommend signing up to take a tour. We’re always a little wary of taking guided tours with little ones in tow, but this one was great. The tour guide offered a very brief overview of the history of the lighthouse and then let visitors explore the rooms individually. The kids loved imagining what life would be like as the child of a lighthouse keeper. 

The museum does not offer food on-site but there are tables available outside for families that have brought food from home. If it’s a rainy day, you’ll find a covered pavilion adjacent to the otter exhibit to dine under.