The National Aquarium in Baltimore (Photo by Andrew Horne)

If you’ve exhausted D.C.’s myriad options for stay-at-home fun this summer, then head 35 miles north to Baltimore. We’ve discovered five new ways to spend time in Charm City this summer.

1. For superhero fans who’ve seen “Man of Steel” a dozen times and are in need of a new fix, check out Geppi’s Entertainment Museum dedicated to all things pop culture. The unique museum features a comic book library, including, you guessed it, Superman memorabilia. The exhibits reveal the real world forces — such as World War II and the Great Depression — that inspired the creation of various comic book characters. The convenient downtown location at Camden Yards makes it easy to find and park.

Geppi’s Entertainment Museum
301 W. Camden St. Baltimore
geppismuseum.com
Adult tickets $10

2. One of Baltimore’s iconic restaurants, the Chesapeake Restaurant just north of Penn Station, operated for more than 50 years before closing in the ‘80s. Nearly a quarter century later, it’s back and more stylish than ever thanks to a complete renovation that includes a massive marble bar with friendly and knowledgeable bartenders, cozy window-front booths and a high-end coffee bar. The menu features oysters, burgers, salads, shrimp and grits and daily specials. There’s an extensive wine list, craft beers and a quirky and welcome selection of American ryes and vodkas. It’s the perfect spot for after-work drinks or a meal before heading to the Charles Theater next door.

Chesapeake Restaurant
1701 N. Charles St., Baltimore
thechesapeakebaltimore.com

3. If you haven’t been to the National Aquarium in Baltimore lately, the new Blacktip Reef exhibit is not to be missed. The 260,000-gallon exhibit is intended to replicate an Indo-Pacific reef and is gradually coming to life this summer as more species are introduced. Eventually, it will feature 1,200 animals from 75 species, including thousands of stunning corals. A new floor-to-ceiling viewing window brings you face-to-face with the animals.

National Aquarium
501 E. Pratt St., Baltimore
aqua.org

4. The Senator Theatre is a nearly 75-year-old historic Art Deco landmark in north Baltimore that was closed in 2012 and is set to reopen later this summer under new ownership as an expanded movie house offering the original theater, plus three new smaller screens and a restaurant. The Baltimore Sun reports the theater is expected to reopen next month.

Senator Theatre
5904 York Rd., Baltimore
thesenatortheatre.com

5. It’s not new, but the 32^nd annual Artscape, billed as America’s largest free arts festival, returns July 19-21 with some new features. With 200 exhibitors covering 13 city blocks, Artscape brings together more than 150 fine artists, designers and other craftspeople for three days of art, music and food. Entertainers on the main stage include R&B act Kem, the Dirty Dozen Brass Band from New Orleans and the Wailers, among many scheduled to perform. Artscape After Hours will transform the 1700 and 1800 blocks of North Charles Street into an outdoor dance club on Saturday, July 20 at 9 p.m.

Artscape
July 19-21
Take the train to Penn Station or park at 1201 W. Mount Royal
Free
Artscape.org