Fun for the family in Maryland this weekend
It's Preakness weekend, which means there's a parade (on Friday) that the kids might enjoy, if they can stay up late enough.
For something completely different, check out the Y's free Family Fun Night in Westminster Saturday.
Here's more family fun for the weekend, with help from intern Ethan Goldberg:
Thursday, May 14:
Nature Storytime: Listen to stories and create crafts at Eden Mill Nature Center, 1617 Eden Mill Road, Pylesville, 21132, 11 a.m.- noon. Families are welcome to bring food or blankets for a picnic lunch after the program. All ages. Free. Call 410-836-3050, or visit edenmill.org.
Friday, May 15:
Rainbow Theatre: Watch Bob Brown’s puppets in the "Magic Toy Shop." "Fun with Pam" and "Rascal" by Pam Kindersinger will follow, for a combined mix of puppetry, songs, storytelling, and humor at Slayton House, 10400 Cross Fox Lane, Columbia, 21044. 10 a.m. Ages 2-5. Admission is $5 in advance, $6 at the door. Call 410-730-3987, or visit columbiavillages.org/wildelake.
Preakness Parade of Lights: See floats, bands, giant balloons, equestrian units, and special guests in this diverse parade. Guests include Daniel Wilcox, Grand Marshal Stacy Keibler, Girl Scouts of Central Maryland, and more Baltimore celebrities and musical groups. Downtown at Pratt Street, from Howard Street to Market Place, 8:30 p.m. Call 877-225-8466, or visit promotionandarts.com.
On Saturday...
Saturday, May 16:
Birding Hike at Patapsco Valley State Park: Journey through Soldier’s Delight, a natural environment, in search of birds. While the hike may be relatively easy, sturdy shoes and a willingness to get a little muddy are necessary. Bring binoculars if possible to Soldiers Delight, Owings Mills, 8-11 a.m. Ages 12-up. Admission is $2. Call 410-461-5005.
Who Dunnit? Day: Train to become a junior detective by investigating the disappearance of a reel of IMAX film. Learn valuable lessons in fingerprint identification, cryptology, clue interpretation, and the function of dogs in crime with the Mid-Atlantic D.O.G.S. search and rescue team. The event will be held at the Maryland Science Center, 601 Light St., from noon-4 p.m. Free with paid admission to the museum. Call 410-685-5225 or visit marylandsciencecenter.org.
Family Fun Night: Join the Y for a night with your family and the local community. Open facilities include the gym, pool, a fitness class, and many games. Healthy food and giveaways will be provided at the Carroll County Family Center Y, 1719 Sykesville Road, Westminster, 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Admission is free. Call 410-848-3660 or visit ymaryland.org.
Sunday, May 17:
Vintage Baseball Day, Kids Club Sundae Sunday and Bark In The Park: Travel to the 1860s era of baseball with old-fashioned rules and equipment as the Chesapeake and Potomac Baseball Club hosts a three-inning pre-game production. Afterwards, pig out with a sundae bar buffet at Bowie Baysox, 4101 N.E. Crain Highway. Bowie. Exhibition starts at 12:30 p.m; 2:05 p.m. for the game and sundaes. Admission is $15 for the sundaes and a reserved ticket to the game. Call 301-464-4871 before Friday at 5 p.m. for tickets, or visit baysox.com.
Cinderella: See Carol Bartlett’s dance rendition of Cinderella at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. at the Peabody Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Miriam A. Friedberg Concert Hall, 1 East Mount Vernon Place. Admission is $7. Call 410-659-8100 ext. 1125 for tickets, or go to peabody.jhu.edu.
Photo of the 2006 Preakness parade by Baltimore Sun photographer Chiaki Kawajiri
