Baltimore Matropolis™ Through a Child’s Eyes: Exploring Landmarks
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Baltimore Matropolis™ Through a Child’s Eyes: Exploring Landmarks
There’s no better way to spark a child’s imagination than by helping them explore the world right beneath their feet, literally! The Baltimore Matropolis™ EVA foam puzzle play mat brings Charm City to life, turning floor time into a fun, safe, and educational adventure. Made from non-toxic, child-safe EVA foam, this soft and colorful mat encourages kids to play, build, and learn as they navigate the streets and landmarks that make Baltimore so special.
Let’s take a little tour together! Through a child’s eyes, across some of Baltimore’s most beloved landmarks featured on the Matropolis™ play mat.
Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA)
Located next to Johns Hopkins University, the Baltimore Museum of Art is home to more than 95,000 works of art, from ancient sculptures to modern masterpieces. Families can explore colorful paintings, creative sculptures, and even outdoor gardens filled with art you can walk through. The museum is always free to visit, making it a favorite spot for Baltimore families to spend an afternoon.
Fun Fact: The BMA has the largest collection of Henri Matisse’s artwork in the world, right here in Baltimore!
Camden Yards
Home of the Baltimore Orioles, Oriole Park at Camden Yards is one of baseball’s most iconic stadiums. Built in 1992, it brought back the charm of classic ballparks with its red brick warehouse and downtown skyline views.
Fun Fact: The famous B&O Warehouse behind right field is one of the longest brick buildings in the United States!
M&T Bank Stadium
Just a few blocks away stands M&T Bank Stadium, where the Baltimore Ravens soar every fall Sunday. This modern football stadium lights up purple on game days and echoes with the city’s favorite chant “Seven Nation Army.”
Fun Fact: The stadium runs on renewable energy and is one of the NFL’s first to be LEED-certified for sustainability.
Inner Harbor
The Inner Harbor is Baltimore’s heart, a sparkling waterfront filled with ships, shops, and family fun. Once a busy shipping port, it’s now a hub for locals and visitors to stroll and enjoy the view.
Fun Fact: Kids can still climb aboard real historic ships like the USS Constellation and Pride of Baltimore docked right in the harbor!
Downtown Baltimore
Downtown is where Baltimore’s skyline shines. The World Trade Center building, shaped like a five-sided prism, overlooks the water alongside museums, restaurants, and the bustle of city life.
Fun Fact: The Baltimore World Trade Center is the world’s tallest regular pentagonal building.
National Aquarium
No Baltimore adventure is complete without the National Aquarium! This glass-pyramid landmark is home to over 20,000 animals, from sharks to sea turtles.
Fun Fact: The aquarium’s rainforest exhibit actually has tropical birds flying above your head! Learn more about the National Aquarium’s amazing sea life exhibits.
Washington Monument
Standing tall in Mount Vernon, the Washington Monument was the first monument built to honor George Washington (even before the one in D.C.)
Fun Fact: You can climb all 227 steps to the top for a breathtaking view of Baltimore’s historic neighborhoods.
Fort McHenry
At the mouth of the harbor lies Fort McHenry, the birthplace of the Star-Spangled Banner. During the War of 1812, it defended the city from British attack.
Fun Fact: The American flag that inspired the national anthem flew proudly right here.
Station North Bridge
This creative hub connects art, culture, and the community. The Station North Bridge represents the neighborhood’s blend of history and modern creativity, right near Penn Station.
Fun Fact: The area is filled with colorful murals by local artists that celebrate Baltimore’s unique spirit.
Patterson Park
Known as Baltimore’s “backyard,” Patterson Park is a favorite spot for families, with its rolling hills, duck pond, and the beautiful Pagoda.
Fun Fact: The park was once a site of battle during the War of 1812 — and now it’s one of the city’s most peaceful places.
Lake Montebello
A serene blue lake surrounded by a walking path, Lake Montebello is perfect for bike rides and family strolls.
Fun Fact: The lake was originally built in the 1800s as part of Baltimore’s water supply system and still helps the city stay hydrated today!
Pimlico Race Track
Pimlico Race Course has been galloping since 1870 and hosts the Preakness Stakes, one of horse racing’s Triple Crown events. We wanted to honor the racetrack that celebrated it last season in 2025.
Fun Fact: Opened in 1870, Pimlico Race Course has been part of Baltimore’s story for over 150 years, making it one of America’s most historic sports venues.
Penn Station & Statue
Baltimore’s Penn Station is more than just a train stop...it’s a work of art! Out front stands the striking Male/Female sculpture by Jonathan Borofsky, a modern icon of the city.
Fun Fact: There’s an unused underground platform beneath the current tracks, part of an old plan for an expanded rail tunnel system that was never completed.
Maryland Zoo
Located in Druid Hill Park, the Maryland Zoo is one of the oldest in the country, home to elephants, lions, and playful penguins.
Fun Fact: The zoo’s penguin exhibit is one of the largest African penguin colonies in North America.
Johns Hopkins Hospital
A world leader in medicine, Johns Hopkins Hospital represents care, innovation, and hope. Its domed building is one of Baltimore’s most recognizable sights.
Fun Fact: It’s consistently ranked among the top hospitals in the world and even inspired the TV show House.
Hampden SkatePark
In the artsy neighborhood of Hampden, this local skatepark gives kids and teens a place to roll, ride, and create.
Fun Fact: The area is also home to Baltimore’s quirkiest festival -HONFest, where locals celebrate the city’s unique style and humor.
BWI Airport
Every big adventure begins (or ends) here! BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport connects Baltimore to the world with flights near and far.
Fun Fact: It’s named after Thurgood Marshall, the first African American Supreme Court Justice...and a Baltimore native.
Bromo Seltzer Tower
Standing proudly downtown, the Bromo Seltzer Tower was inspired by the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence, Italy. Once home to a famous headache remedy company, it now hosts artist studios.
Fun Fact: The original clock face is actually larger than Big Ben’s in London!
Baltimore Shot Tower
Built in 1828, the Phoenix Shot Tower once made ammunition by dropping molten lead from its 234-foot height.
Fun Fact: It was the tallest building in the U.S. when completed — and is still an impressive piece of early engineering.
B&O Railroad Museum
The B&O Railroad Museum celebrates America’s first railroad, founded right here in Baltimore. Kids can climb aboard historic trains and learn how railways shaped the nation.
Fun Fact: The first passenger train station in the U.S. was built on this very site.
Port of Baltimore
From towering cranes to colorful shipping containers, the Port of Baltimore keeps the city moving. It’s one of the busiest ports on the East Coast and a symbol of Baltimore’s working spirit.
Fun Fact: Cars from around the world arrive here before being driven all across America!
A City to Explore — From the Floor Up
The Baltimore Matropolis™ Play Mat turns playtime into a mini geography lesson, encouraging curiosity, storytelling, and learning through touch and imagination. With every puzzle piece, kids connect not just streets but history, community, and pride in their city.