Maryland family fun, last weekend in March
Baseball season is about to start, and you can celebrate minor-league style with a free family festival with the Bowie Baysox Saturday. The night before that, you can check out a free family night at the Towson Y.
Here's the rest of our short list of fun events, with help from intern Lindsey Citron:
Thursday, March 26:
Monsters and Aliens Twist and Shout: Music and activities to mark the animated movie, which is opening this week, at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. at the Elkridge branch of the Howard County Library. For ages 2-5. Call 410-313-5077.
Circus! Circus!: Play circus-themed games and see Calder’s mini-circus in action at the Light Street branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library at 4 p.m. Ages 6-12. Free. Call 410-396-1096.
Friday, March 27:
Free family fun night at the Y: The Towson branch of the Y of Central Maryland offers a free "family fun night" Friday. From 6 p.m.-9 p.m., families can take free fitness classes, use the gym or pool, and play games at the Y at 600 W. Chesapeake Ave. Call 410-823-8870.
Merry Mother Goose: The musical duo Candy and Cupcake perform with a nursery rhyme theme at 10:30 a.m. at the Towson branch of the Baltimore County Public Library. Ages 2-5 with adult. Free. 410-887-6166.
Somefin' Fishy: Take part in nature stories and a "fishy" session of arts and crafts at Ladew Topiary Gardens, 3535 Jarrettsville Pike, Monkton, 12:30-1:15 p.m. Ages 2-4 with adult. Members: $5 per pair; non-members: $10. Advance registration required: call 410-557-9570 or visit ladewgardens.com.
Gaming program at the library: Explore and learn to play new board and card games at the Reisterstown branch of the Baltimore County Public Library at 3 p.m. Teens, Free, Call 410-887-1165.
There's more on Saturday and Sunday...
Saturday, March 28:
2009 Spring Showcase, Peabody: Enjoy a dance recital including contemporary and ballet pieces with a Johann Sebastian Bach theme at the Peabody Institute, Miriam A. Friedberg Hall, 17 E. Mount Vernon Place, Baltimore. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday. $14 per adult, $7 per child, senior or student with I.D., Tickets may be purchased in advance. Call 410-659-8100 ext. 1125.
Baysox 10th Annual Free Family FunFest: Celebrate the beginning of baseball season with games, face-painting, food, inflatable rides and more at Bowie Baysox’ Prince George's Stadium, 4101 N.E. Crain Highway, Bowie, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. For kids of all ages. Free.
Folktales: Anansi, Brer Rabbit and the Leprechaun: Enjoy folk tales filled with music and jokes at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture, 830 E. Pratt St., Baltimore, from 3 p.m. - 4 p.m. Ages 6+. Free with museum admission. Call 443-263-1801 or visit AfricanAmericanCulture.org.
Sing-along with Mr. Norman: Sing fun songs with Mr. Norman at Port Discovery Children’s Museum, 35 Market Place, Baltimore, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Free with admission.
Earth Hour star party: Take part in a worldwide "powerless hour" to fight global warming by attending a stargazing event in the dark from 8:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. at Thunder Hill Elementary School, 9357 Mellenbrook Road, Columbia. All ages. Free. Advance reservations required; email the number in your party to thespta@gmail.com. Call Julie at 410-458-8012 or visit thespta.synthasite.com.
Carroll County Chocolatefest: Taste and vote for your favorite chocolate desserts from local bakeries, caterers and restaurants at Century High School, 355 Ronsdale Road in Sykesville, from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Call 410-795-9101.
Sunday, March 29:
Creatures Great and Small: Take part in an interactive puppet show and maybe even get to play your favorite creature at the Pikesville branch of the Baltimore County Public Library. 2 p.m. All ages; under 6 with adult. Free. 410-887-1234.
Natural egg dyeing: Use earth-friendly materials for an egg-dyeing extravaganza at the Anita C. Leight Estuary Center, 700 Otter Point Rd., Abingdon, 1- 2 p.m. All ages; under 12 with adult. $3.50 per person. Reservation required, Call 410-612-1688 or visit otterpointcreek.org.
(Photo of last year's family fest courtesy of the Bowie Baysox)
