Best Things To Do in Annapolis MD with Kids 2026
Annapolis is one of America's most beautiful and historic small cities and it's one of the very best day trip destinations for Maryland families. The Chesapeake Bay waterfront, the historic State House, the US Naval Academy, world-class seafood, and a lovely walkable downtown make Annapolis a place families can visit over and over and always find something new.
🏛️ Historic Annapolis
- Maryland State House The oldest state capitol building in continuous legislative use in the US and the only state house to have served as the national capitol. Free tours. Older kids love the history it's where George Washington resigned his commission.
- Historic District Walking Tour The area around Church Circle and State Circle is one of the best-preserved 18th-century streetscapes in America. Walk it for free any time.
- City Dock & Ego Alley The heart of Annapolis waterfront where boats parade in and out. Free to watch, beautiful on summer evenings.
- Kunta Kinte-Alex Haley Memorial Powerful free memorial at City Dock commemorating the arrival of enslaved Africans in Annapolis and honoring author Alex Haley.
⚓ US Naval Academy
One of the most impressive college campuses in America and completely open to visitors. The US Naval Academy in Annapolis offers free public tours and a fascinating look at one of the nation's elite military institutions.
- Free self-guided walking tours of the Yard
- The USNA Museum free, fascinating collection of naval history
- Noon formation watch the entire Brigade of Midshipmen march to lunch (weather permitting) free and impressive
- The Chapel with the crypt of John Paul Jones beneath it
🦀 Best Family Seafood in Annapolis
Eating steamed crabs in Annapolis is a non-negotiable Maryland rite of passage. Best family spots:
- Jimmy Cantler's Riverside Inn The legendary Annapolis crab house. Picnic tables, brown paper on the tables, steamed crabs by the dozen. The authentic experience.
- Buddy's Crabs & Ribs on Main Street Right in the historic district. Great for families with a view of Main Street.
- Annapolis Farmers Market Several market locations including the year-round Anne Arundel County Farmers Market for fresh local produce and prepared foods.
⛵ On the Water
- Sailing tours Multiple companies offer family sailing trips on the Chesapeake Bay from Annapolis City Dock. Unforgettable experience.
- Kayak rentals Paddle around Annapolis harbor and the Severn River with rental kayaks from several waterfront outfitters.
- Sandy Point State Park 15 minutes from downtown Annapolis; 786-acre beach park on the Chesapeake Bay with swimming, fishing, and Bay Bridge views.
Frequently Asked Questions
Annapolis is known as the sailing capital of the US and the home of the United States Naval Academy. It's also Maryland's state capital with the oldest continuously operating state house in America (1779). Annapolis is famous for Chesapeake Bay blue crabs, its beautiful 18th-century historic district, and its waterfront City Dock area on the Severn River.
Yes! The US Naval Academy in Annapolis is open to the public and free to visit. You can walk the Yard (campus), visit the USNA Museum (free), see the Chapel and the crypt of John Paul Jones, and watch the famous noon formation when midshipmen march to lunch. Visitor access is through the Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center at Gate 1 on King George Street.
Annapolis is approximately 75 miles from Frederick MD about 75-90 minutes by car depending on traffic via US-15 South to I-270 to US-50 East. It's a very doable day trip from Frederick, especially on weekends when DC traffic is lighter.
The best family restaurants in Annapolis include Jimmy Cantler's Riverside Inn for authentic steamed crabs (the classic Annapolis crab house experience), Buddy's Crabs & Ribs on Main Street in the historic district, and numerous waterfront restaurants along City Dock. For a quick family meal, the Annapolis area has excellent casual dining options within walking distance of the historic district.