Things to do with the kids this week
"Polar Express" opens for the holiday season this weekend at the National Aquarium.
Thursday, Nov. 12:
Who Am I? Where Did I Come From?Learn about family history from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Harford County Public Library in Aberdeen. For grades 1-4. Reservation required.
Skills, Snacks & Yack Yack Yack Teens 16 and up can learn a handicraft "from yesteryear" from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Oregon Ridge Nature Center. $3. Reservation required.
Friday, Nov. 13:
Teen Driving Program: Howard County police are offering a "collision avoidance program" to prepare teen drivers for various road hazards and driving conditions. There will be a four-hour classroom session and an eight-hour practical lesson for behind-the-wheel experience. TThere will be exercises in evasive maneuvers, emergency braking, cornering, backing, skid recovery, steering, acceleration and more. Participants must have a driver’s license and bring a car to drive. The class will be held from 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. Saturday at the James N. Robey Public Safety Training Center, 2200 Scott Wheeler Drive, Marriottsville. $195. For more information or to sign up, call 410-313-3750.
Maryland Irish Festival: Grab a pint of Guinness, order up some shepherd's pie and say “slainte” to this celebration of Irish culture and tradition. The festival includes music and dance, traditional fare and vendors. It takes place at the Timonium Fairgrounds, 2200 York Road, from 6 to 11 p.m. Friday, noon to 11 p.m. Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. Go to irishfestival.com.
Wizard of Oz: Travel down the Yellow Brick Road one more time. This version of Dorothy and Toto's journey is a full stage production with costumes, lighting and classic songs such as “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” at the Lyric Opera House, 140 W. Mount Royal Ave., at 8 p.m. The event also runs Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m. Go to lyricoperahouse.com.
Saturday, Nov. 14:
Tree of Thanks Learn how early Americans and Native Americans lived off the land from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Irvine Nature Center. There will be a reading of “The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein, and kids can make a “Tree of
Thanks” to take home. Fee: $6 members, $10 non-members. Ages 5 and up.
Dino DayThe Maryland Science Center offers dinosaur activities from noon to 4 p.m., including the "Reptile Alive!" show. Free with admission.
"Polar Express" at the National Aquarium:The 4-D Immersion theater at the aquarium will show the holiday movie daily at various times between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Tickets to the theater are an extra $4 to the Aquarium’s admission price.
Santa Claus visits White Marsh Mall:The jolly old elf will be accompanied by Mrs. Claus and musical guests at the mall from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 15:
A Month with Matisse: The theme of this week's Free Family Sunday at the Baltimore Museum of Art is "Pattern Power." 2- 4 p.m.
The Puppet Co. Playhouse Presents Toyland - Bad ol' Mr. Barnaby (aka "the crooked man") is up to no good, and it's up to Mother Goose, Little Bo Peep and Tom the Piper's son to sing their way to a happy ending. This adaptation of Victor Herbert's musical fantasy includes such familiar pieces as "Toyland" and "March of the Toys," with costum The Puppet Co. Playhouse, 11:30 a.m., Ages: PreK- 10, Reservation required. Tickets Reqd. 301-634-
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