Are you looking for other family-friendly Halloween activities besides trick-or-treating?
Check out Economoms Baltimore, a relatively new blog focused on deals and budget-friendly activities for Baltimore area families.
Amie, who launched the blog in July, has put together a fabulous list of affordable events and free outings for families. Check out her list here.
And let's welcome Amie to the blogosphere.
Baltimore's T. Rowe Price Group, which is the title sponsor of the Kids Fun Run during Saturday's marathon, is also providing runners, attendees and children an opportunity to play The Great Piggy Bank Adventure online game.
The game is a companion to an interactive exhibit at Walt Disney World Park in Florida, a collaboration between Price and Walt Disney. It provides lessons on setting money goals and saving and spending wisely, among others.
The game will be available at the Health and Fitness Expo at M&T Bank Stadium today and tomorrow and inside the T. Rowe Price Family Center tent in the Celebration Village on Saturday.
(Courtesy of Port Discovery. Family Toon Day Kids' Month Event featuring SpongeBob SquarePants.)
Come visit downtown Baltimore in October for special events and promotions for families.
Kids' Month, organized by Downtown Partnership of Baltimore, will offer activities at the National Aquarium, Port Discovery Children's Museum and the Walters Art Museum, among others. Check out a full listing here.
Visit www.kidslovedowntownbaltimore.com/ for more information.
I'm just catching onto the Silly Bandz craze, having read a New York Times article on how the colorful bracelets have become popular among adults. Tween Tuesday's Liz Atwood also wrote about the trend recently.
It reminds me of those crazy snap-on bracelets that were all the rage when I was in middle school in the 1980s. Anyone remember those?
Arts and crafts store A.C. Moore is holding a free event for children to trade their bracelets at its stores on Thursday (July 15), 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The event is taking place at all its Baltimore area locations, including Towson, White Marsh and Glen Burnie.
If you take your child there, report back to us.
It's amazing July 4th is almost upon us.
I will be spending July 4 in Paris without E. and baby J. Yes, I'm already taking my first trip without the baby. It's a little nerve-wrecking, not being without the little one for a week. But it's a last-minute, if-I-don't-do-it-now-I-may-never-get-another-chance trip with a very close friend that I could not pass up.
For moms and dads looking for activities on the 4th, Sun features reporters Kayla Cross and Hannah Morgan have put together a great guide.
Go check it out and let me know what your plans are: Do you have a 4th tradition?
Several years ago, my husband and I thought it would be fun to take the kids to the St. Nicholas Greek Festival. Little did we know how much fun.
One minute, my daughter, then 4, was watching the dancing. The next, she was in the middle of it, holding the hands of two other little girls who could barely speak English. A little worried about losing her in the crowd, I jumped in and started dancing, too.
It was one of the many reminders I've had of how wonderfully unafraid young kids can be to try new things. And that if you follow their lead sometimes, they will take you to great places.
It's time again for the Greek festival, as well as Honfest and some other great local events. Check them all out at Findlocal. Here's my short list:
Thursday, June 10:
Nature story time takes place at 11 a.m. at Eden Mill Nature Center, with story and craft. Pre-registration required.
St. Nicholas Greek Festival starts today and runs through Sunday at St. Nicholas Church.
Friday, June 11:
Mommy and Me makeovers will be offered from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Westfield Annapolis Mall. Makeovers for moms, free haircuts for kids.
Honfest kicks off in Hampden with a concert tonight, and family activities through the weekend.
The Kenilworth Summer Film Series kicks off tonight at The Shops At Kenilworth with a showing of "The Blind Side."
This first weekend in June promises lots of fun, including the debut of the Universoul Circus, the Polish Festival, the Charles Village Festival, and a family fun fair in Druid Hill Park. Here's my short list: find more family events in our FindLocal database.
Thursday, June 3:
Universoul Circus begins at Security Square Mall. It continues through Sunday.
Friday, June 4:
The Polish Festival starts today and runs through Sunday in Patterson Park, with polka bands, cultural exhibits and food.
Baltimore Clayworks Annual Seconds Sale starts today. At this Friday night preview event, kids can get their faces painted while the adults shop for bargains on ceramics at the Mount Washington art center.
Happy Memorial Day weekend! Check out the short list here of ways to take advantage of family time. As long as the weather holds out, it should be a good weekend for nature activities.
Thursday, May 27:
Nature hike: Check out the flora and fauna with a hike at 11 a.m. at Eden Mill Nature Center.
Friday, May 28:
Mondawmin Mall holds a Song and Story Hour on the fourth Friday of each month. Free. Call for times.
It's the weekend before Memorial Day, and the weather should be nice. Here's the Thursday-Sunday family short list of events:
Thursday, May 20:
Preschool story time takes place at 9:30 a.m. at the Parkville branch and at 10:30 a.m. at the Reisterstown branch and the Hereford branch of the Baltimore County Public Library. For kids 2-5.
Friday, May 21:
Preschool story time at libraries in Rosedale, Pikesville and Woodlawn, 10:30 a.m.'
All right, Frances Bowman....even though when pressed you went with the wrong one of your two guesses in our guess-the-location carousel photo contest, you are the winner of the Loaded Questions game.
You're the only commenter who mentioned Trimpers in Ocean City, which is where the photo was taken. Thanks to all who took part!
It's the perfect day for this reveal, because our beach guide is out today in print and online, with all sorts of things you need to know to plan a family beach excursion:
--100 things to do in Ocean City
--25 things to do on the Delaware shore
--25 things to do in the Outer Banks
and more!
Photo at Trimpers by Baltimore Sun photographer Jed Kirschbaum
Of course the 2010 Preakness Stakes is happening this Saturday. (If you're going or even just watching at home with the kids, RSVP to our Facebook event. If you're at the race, we'd love it if you'd upload your pictures for use on our site.)
What else is there to do with the kids? Here is the weekly short list. Find more at FindLocal:
Thursday, May 13:
Eden Mill Nature Center Storytime takes place at the Eden Mill Nature Center at 11 a.m. Registration required.
Urban Pirates visit the Catonsville branch of the Baltimore County Public Library at 10:30 a.m. For kids 2-5.
Friday, May 14:
Preakness Parade of Lights starts at Pratt Street and Market Place at 8:30 p.m.
Several Preakness events where the wee ones can have fun are upon us:
--Pee Wee Preakness takes place tomorrow (May 11) at 11:30 a.m. at Federal Hill Park. What could be more fun than watching a race that takes place on hippity hop balls? And it's free.
--Preakness Frog Hop takes place at noon May 12 in Patterson Park. Cheer for your favorite frog this time. Free.
--Preakness Balloon Festival kicks off at 3 p.m. May 13 at Turf Valley in Ellicott City.
Grace Davis, 6, hops along at last year's Pee Wee Preakness. Photo by Amy Davis/Baltimore Sun.
Here's the family fun list for this busy Mother's Day weekend. There should be something for everyone. For more Mother's Day and other events, check out our FindLocal database.
Thursday, May 6:
BSA Spring Dance Performance runs through Sunday at the Baltimore School for the Arts.
Friday, May 7:
FlowerMart has a lemon stick and more for everyone at Mount Vernon Square through Saturday.
Star Parties: Watch the sky from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Dundalk campus of the Community College of Baltimore County.
Here's the short guide to family fun this weekend. You can find a fuller list at our events database. Highlights include the Kinetic Sculpture Race on Saturday. And...there's a special discount code for Charm City Moms readers for "Curious George Live" to read about below.
Thursday, April 29:
Preschool Story Time takes place at 9:30 a.m. at the Parkville Library and at 10:30 a.m. at library branches in Catonsville and Hereford.
Fun Food Fest:Young people 11-17 can make and share food at the Landsdowne Library at 2:30 p.m. Registration required.
Friday, April 30:
Curious George Live! plays at the Lyric Opera House Friday night, Saturday and Sunday. For $3 off your ticket ((excluding Gold Circle and Monkey Seats), use the code FRIEND here.
Fire Prevention Safety at the Woodlawn Library includes a demonstration talk and fire-truck tour at 10:30 a.m.
Day Out With Thomas: The Celebration Tour takes place through Sunday at the B&O Railroad Museum.
Happy Earth Day! There's lots to do around town to make the world greener. Here's the short list of distinctive weekend fun. And here are more Baltimore-area Earth Day events.
Thursday, April 22:
Fun Food Fest: Kids and teens 11-17 can play with their food in this event at 2:30 p.m. at the Landsdowne branch of the Baltimore County Public Library.
Ravens Go Green for Earth Day: The Ravens and Mayor Stephanie Rawlings Blake clean up along the Gwynns Falls Trail. Volunteers can join in.
Hey, Mr. DJ: D.J. Jahmal Johnson will be giving teens hands-on time with a dual CD player, mixer and equalizer to control sound, and your own device at the Randallstown branch of the Baltimore County Public Library. Registration is preferred; call (410) 887-0770. Walk-ins are welcome.
Friday, April 23:
Day Out with Thomas offers train rides and activities themed for the famous tank engine at the B&O Rail Museum through May 2.
Johns Hopkins University Spring Fair: This fair at the university's Homewood campus runs through Sunday, with lots of children's activities.
Continue reading "Earth Day activities and other weekend fun" »
Here's the short list of family fun for this weekend. Don't forget to check our events database for more.
Thursday, April 15:
Free ice cream on Tax Day: Hit Maggie Moo's for a free treat from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Recycled Cuffs: Kids 11 to 17 can make cuffs from recycled materials at the Rosedale branch of the Baltimore County Public Library. 4 p.m.
Friday, April 16:
Sugarloaf Crafts Festival kicks off today at the Timonium Fairgrounds and runs through Sunday, with plenty of activities for kids.
The circus is in town! And there's more to do this weekend. Find a complete list at our FindLocal database for families. Here's a sampling:
Thursday, April 8:
Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Presents ZING ZANG ZOOM: The circus will be at First Mariner Arena through April 14.
Curious George: Let's Get Curious: The exhibit continues through June 6 at Port Discovery Children's Museum.
Vinylmore 3: Munnyland: Check out this funky art toy show at Atomic Books in Hampden daily through May 2.
Ulysses Marshall: Storytales: The Maryland-based artist brings his grandmother's stories to life in his artwork at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of African-American Culture. Through June 20.
Defeat Autism Now spring conference: Speakers will address a wide range of topics about this disorder through April 11 at the Marriott Waterfront.
Friday, April 9:
Fairy book author Bobbie Hinman: Kids can dress in fairy costumes to meet the author of books such as "The Sock Fairy" at 2 p.m. at the Elkridge branch of the Howard County Public Library.
Star party: Check out the night sky at the observatory at the Dundalk campus of the Community College of Baltimore County from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. (Call 45 minutes before to make sure skies are clear enough.)
The final day of our D.C. cherry blossom tour was spent at the National Zoo. Here are some quick do's and don'ts for a first-time visit:
Do:
--Bring a camera with a good zoom lens. Those giant pandas are adorable, but they can perch far away. We had given our kids disposable cameras, but fortunately I had my zoom to capture the image on the right.
--Take the Metro to the Cleveland Park station on your way to the zoo. Though the Woodley Park station has "zoo" in its name, several guidebooks and the zoo's own Web site caution that it's an uphill climb north on Connecticut Avenue from that station. It's an easy, level walk from Cleveland Park of about three or four blocks.
--Get a pulled pork sandwich at the barbecue stand near the "Mane Restaurant." It beats the standard offerings.
--Go early and leave enough time for a good long visit. We arrived around the zoo's opening time and left at about 2:30 -- and we really could have stayed longer.
Now for a few don'ts...
Easter weekend has come, and with it there's supposed to be great weather. There are lots of ways to enjoy it around town, Easter-themed and not. Here's the short list:
Thursday, April 1:
Morning Melodies: Musical story time in the castle at the Towson branch of the Baltimore County Public Library. 10:30 a.m.
Fear -- Friend or Foe? The Maryland ZOOmobile brings animals at 10:30 a.m. at the Hereford branch of the Baltimore County Public Library; 2 p.m. at the Reisterstown branch.
Friday, April 2:
Easter Art & Craft Fair: This is a bit out of the way, but there's a big Easter craft fair at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center in Ocean City Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with egg hunts, magic shows and more.
Bunny BonanZoo The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore celebrates Easter and spring with egg hunts, photos with the Easter Bunny, games and other fun Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Hard to believe it is almost Easter, but a week out, the egg hunts and Easter Bunny appearances are already starting. There's fun at local libraries and museums, too. Here's a sampling from our findlocal database, where you can find more to do:
Thursday, March 25:
Hands on Holidays: The Canton branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library hosts a celebration of Jewish culture in song at 10:30 a.m., put on by the Jewish Community Center.
Friday, March 26:
Fun with Otto the Auto: Kids 2-5 (with adult) can meet a talking car and learn about traffic safety at 10:30 a.m. at the Woodlawn branch of the Baltimore County Public Library.
There's lots of fun on tap this weekend, including early Easter celebrations and a birthday party for Samson, the Maryland Zoo's baby elephant. Find more events at our FindLocal events database:
Thursday, March 18:
Fun Food Fest: Teens ages 11-17 make and share food at 2:30 p.m. at the Landsdowne Library. Registration required.
Urban Pirates: Songs, games, stories and treasure for buccaneers ages 2-5 at 10:30 a.m. at the Hereford Library.
Maryland Technology Honor Society Elementary Spring Fair: Children ages 5 - 11 can increase their technological awareness through fun, interactive projects organized by the MTHS members at River Hill High School from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Previous projects have included learning how a guitar works and making homemade ice cream. Refreshments will be provided.
Friday, March 19:
Fridays After Five: Fridays through March 26, museum admission to the Maryland Science Center is $8, which includes exhibit halls, planetarium, and IMAX Theater. Touring exhibits are excluded.
There's plenty of leprechaun fun to be had over the next couple of days around Central Maryland. Here are a few finds from our events database:
--Luck O' The Irish at the Southeast branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library, 3:30 p.m. March 16.
--Shamrocks, Leprechauns and Pots O' Gold at the Cherry Hill branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library, 3 p.m. March 16.
--Shamrocks, Shamrocks Everywhere at the Patterson Park branch of the Pratt, 4 p.m. March 17.
--St. Patrick's Day Stories at the Perry Hall branch of the Baltimore County Public Library, 10:30 a.m. March 17.
(AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Graham Hughes)
Pi Day is back this weekend at the Maryland Science Center, along with a pre-St. Patrick's Day event and egg decorating workshops. Thanks to Shruti Rastogi for the list. Find more family-friendly events on our Find Local database:
Thursday, March 11:
Weird science: The North Carroll branch of the Carroll County Public Library is holding a Homeschoolers Weird Science activity at 2 p.m. Kids can learn about the wind by observing a hair dryer make a ping pong ball float, making paper pinwheels, and making straws fly. It’s for kids ages 7-11.
Circus symphony: The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and Cirque de la Symphonie will come together this Thursday through Sunday to put the French style of circus with performances by a contortionist, a head balancing artist, and more against the works of classical music. Thursday and Friday’s performances at 8 p.m. and Sunday’s performance at 3 p.m. will be at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, and Saturday’s performance at 8 p.m. will be at The Music Center at Strathmore. Ticket prices start at $34.
Friday, March 12:
Tuneful Tales: The Aberdeen branch of the Harford County Public Library will offer Tuneful Tales, an interactive musical story time from 10:15 a.m. to 11 a.m. Kids from 18 months to kindergarten and their guardians are welcome to join in on the story time told totally in music and age-appropriate instruments.
Spelling bee: Sixty-four students from grades 4 through 8 will compete in the 6th Annual Howard County Library Spelling Bee at 7 p.m. in Howard High School. The event is free and the winner will advance to the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C in May.
May I just say....sooo glad to be writing March in the headline.
Here's the short list of family fun stuff, compiled by intern Shruti Rastogi. (As always, more family events can be found on our events database):
Thursday, March 4:
Arithmetickles: Arts on Stage is presenting “Arithmetickles,” an interactive hour-long show that teaches viewers about math, at 10:15 a.m. and noon in the Chesapeake Arts Center of Brooklyn Park. It’s for kids in kindergarten through third grade. They’ll get to go on stage and play games and activities that use adding, subtracting, counting, shapes and patterns. Tickets cost $7 a person and can be bought at the door with cash (exact preferred) or check. To ensure a seat, make a reservation at (410) 252-8717.
Jump rope show: David Fisher, otherwise known as “The Rope Warrior,” will be at the Woodlawn branch of the Baltimore County Public Library for a jump rope show at 7 p.m. His Web site says he is the current Guinness World Record holder for the most “Rump Jumps,” which is “jumping rope while reclining on his bottom.” Fisher will power jump, do a light show with glow-in-the-dark ropes, and “Rump Jump.” Kids 6 and under need to be accompanied by an adult.
Friday, March 5:
“How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying": Atholton High School presents the musical. On March 5 and 6 it will start at 7:30 p.m. and on March 7 it will start at 3 p.m. The play is intended for ages 9 and up. Tickets cost $10 for adults and $8 for students and can be bought at the door with cash or check, or online with a credit card up to three hours before each show.
"Seussical the Musical:" The John Carroll School presents the Broadway musical that weaves together Dr. Seuss' most popular books and characters. On March 5 it will start at 7 p.m.; on March 6 it will start at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and on Sunday it will start at 2 p.m. The play is appropriate for all ages and costs $12 a ticket. They can be purchased at the door or at (410) 879-5053 with a credit card by 3 p.m. on Friday.
Financial Friday at Port Discovery: The Money Game at Port Discovery will take place at 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. The game is a part of Financial Fridays and lasts about an hour. It teaches kids about financial literacy by letting them play to earn dollar bill balls and then lets them decide to “Spend it!, Bank it!, Invest it! or Share it!” It for kids ages 2 to 10 and is free with regular admission, which is $12.95 for everyone 2 and up.
There's a new exhibit by local artist and author Patrick O'Brien at the central branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library. Intern Shruti Rastogi has the details:
The Enoch Pratt Free Library’s new art exhibit not only features dinosaurs in space, but also shows viewers the process one local artist uses to turns his ideas into illustrations and those illustrations into books.
“Space, Swords and Dinosaurs: The Creation of Art for Children’s Books” opened this week in the second floor gallery of the library’s Central branch. It displays the models, sketches, mock-ups, and paintings of Baltimore’s Patrick O’Brien, a children’s book author and maritime painter.
O’Brien is known for such books as The Great Ships, The Mutiny on the Bounty, Captain Raptor and the Moon Police, Captain Raptor and the Space Pirates, Sabertooth, and You Are the First Kid on Mars. He has been illustrating all his adult life.
O’Brien started as a freelance illustrator more than 20 years ago. He decided to write and illustrate his own books when he realized that if he wrote the books himself, he would have control over what he illustrated and would therefore get to “paint and draw what I like.” He has 12 books still in print.
Captain Raptor is his favorite character, and the group of third graders from Grace and Saint Peter’s School, who were there for the exhibit’s first day, seemed to agree, said Ellen Riordan, the coordinator of children’s services at the library.
“It was gratifying to see that the kids really got it,” O’Brien said. He said he overheard one boy recounting the plot of Captain Raptor and thought the exhibit was well summarized by a little girl who said that the exhibit taught kids how to make a book and that they, too, could make one if they really wanted.
The exhibit will continue until May 29. It features a wall with a collage of some of O’Brien’s illustrations designed by Jack Young, a graphic designer for the library. O’Brien will also be a featured speaker at the library’s CityLit Festival on April 17 and is displaying some of his maritime art at the U.S. Naval Academy Museum in Annapolis from March 5 to April 30.
2006 photo of Patrick O'Brien by Baltimore Sun photographer Amy Davis
There's lots to do this weekend, including an opportunity to chat with former Olympic figure skater Kimmie Meissner at the Sports Legends Museum on Saturday.
Here's more from intern Shruti Rastogi. If you don't see what you want here, check our events database for more family fun:
Thursday, Feb. 25:
The 34th Annual American Craft Council Retail Show: The craft show begins at 10 a.m. inside the Baltimore Convention Center. The show has a new 4-day format: Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. More than 700 artists will display their one-of-a-kind handmade jewelry, clothing, furniture, and home décor items in categories like CRAFT4KIDS and the newly-created LAWN & GARDEN. There will also be live demonstrations. Online tickets cost less -- $13 for 1-day entry, $20 for 2-day entry, or $25 for 3-day entry -- and allow patrons to skip the entrance line. Tickets bought at the door cost $15 for 1-day entry, $ 25 for 2-day entry, and $30 for 3-day entry. A special $6 ticket can be bought at the door on Friday starting at 6 p.m. Children 12 or younger are free.
C.S.I. Harford: A detective from Harford County’s Crime Scene Unit will be separating reality from Hollywood glitz at the Jarrettsville Branch of the Harford County Public Library at 6:30 p.m. He will be discussing and answering questions about what a real day in crime scene investigation is like. The program runs about 90 minutes and is intended for middle school aged students and older. Registration is required; call 410-692-7887.
Friday, Feb. 26:
Puppet shows: The Wilde Lake Community Association is hosting a performance of the “Little Red Hen” and “The 3 Pigs” by Kaydee Puppets at their Slayton House Theatre at 10 a.m. The show should run for about 30 minutes and is a part of Rainbow Theatre, a monthly performance geared towards kids in kindergarten or younger. Tickets are required and can be bought in advance at the theatre for $5 or the day of for $6. Group rates are available.
Mondawmin Song and Story Hour: In an effort to promote song and story hours in the Greater Baltimore area, Coppin State University worked with Mondawmin Mall to create the free Mondawmin Song and Story Hour, which is held on the fourth Friday of every month from 4 to 5 p.m. This Friday, the Coppin Male Initiative has chosen six stories to read in honor of Black History Month. Books will be given away, as well as balloons and prizes for games.
Winter Owl Prowl: The Carrie Murray Nature Center is holding a Winter Owl Prowl from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. First patrons will get to go outside and wait to see what happens when the center uses their “owl calling machine.” Afterwards, patrons will get drink hot chocolate, see injured live birds of prey that live at the center permanently, and maybe get to dissect owl pellets. It costs $7 a person and registration is required by Feb. 25 by calling 410-396-0808.
Moon of the Roaming Fox: The Marshy Point Nature Center is leading a free winter night hike from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Parents and children can explore the park in the dark together during the red fox’s mating season. Hikers will hopefully get to see one of their bushy-tailed forest friends! This activity requires walking and is recommended for children 6 and older. Hikers are advised to dress for the cold and wear boots. Registration is required; call 410-887-2817.
As promised in the weekend activity list, I bring you news of a promotion at the National Aquarium. Through the end of February, you can get $20.10 off the purchase of four or more "Total Experience" tickets purchased online.
To get the discount code, you must register at aqua.org/meltdown or text MELTDOWN to 30644 (you'll still pay message and data charges, if they apply).
Presidential trivia, a Percy Jackson pajama party and a free arts workshop are some of the highlights of this weekend's short list of activities. Thanks to intern Shruti Rastogi for the lineup. Find more family events at our new events database.
Also, stay tuned for details a little later this morning on a discount code for the National Aquarium in Baltimore.
Thursday, Feb. 17
Manga Mania! Teens can indulge in their love for comics with Manga Mania! from 3 p.m.-5 p.m. at the Riviera Beach branch of the Anne Arundel County Public Library.
Quartermania: The Elkridge Volunteer Fire Department is hosting Quartermania, a cross between a raffle and bingo, from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. Tickets cost $3, for more information call (410) 761-6633 ext. 8. Bring quarters to bid on candles, jewelry, Tupperware, etc.
Friday, Feb. 18
Presidential Trivia: Learn about the first president of the United States and play George Washington Trivia from 3 p.m.-3:30 p.m. at the Cherry Hill branch of the ">Enoch Pratt Free Library. This is for kids 6-12.
Percy Jackson Pajama Party: The Elkridge branch of the Howard County Public Library is celebrating the opening of “The Lightning Thief” from 6:30 p.m.-11 p.m. with a Percy Jackson Pajama Party. Teens can come dressed in their pajamas or as their favorite characters to play games, participate in a scavenger hunt, and watch a movie. Pizza and Percy’s favorite type of food, blue-colored, will be served. Permission slips are required (available at the branch) as is registering online or at 410-313-5088.
Our weekly family activities list feels pretty theoretical this week, doesn't it? Intrepid intern Shruti Rastogi tried her best to find events that were going on despite the alien-planet state we all seem to be living in. Too bad, since it's Valentine's Day weekend.
And even those she did find may not be going on once people wake up today, the next day and the next and find that the landscape hasn't changed much. So please, call to make sure these things are still happening before you go anywhere. Particularly Thursday and Friday, events are likely to be cancelled.
Thursday, Feb. 11:
Valentine Fairy Ball: The Catonsville branch of the Baltimore County Public Library is hosting a Valentine Fairy Ball at 10:30 a.m. for kids 2-5. Kids and adults can come in costume to enjoy stories, music, and a craft about fairies and Valentine’s Day.
Friday, Feb. 12:
Be Mine Valentine: The Severna Park branch of the Anne Arundel Public Library will have a Be Mine Valentine event at 10 a.m. for kids 2-5.
Saturday, Feb. 13:
Valentine's Day Bounce: Have a jumping good time at Pump It Up of Glen Burnie’s Happy Valentine's Day Bounce from 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. It costs $10 per child and $5 per adult. Price includes two slices of pizza and a beverage per person.
Sunday, Feb. 14:
Boogie @ the BMA: Design Leaping Little Dancers – Families can use armature wire and self-hardening clay to make Parisian ballerinas at 2 p.m. at the Baltimore Museum of Art for free. It’s for kids 6-14.
So snow may ruin everything. So we're not in the Super Bowl. This is still going to be a fun weekend. Isn't it?
Your best luck with this list of events may be on Thursday and Friday, before the flakes are supposed to start falling in earnest. After that, please check with the venues below before you head out.
If all else fails, make hot chocolate.
Thanks to intern Shruti Rastogi for compiling the list:
Thursday, Feb. 4:
Nature storytime: Come to the Eden Mill Nature Center from 11 a.m. – noon to read "Mine, All Mine!" and make a popsicle stick snowflake. Families can bring picnic lunches to eat after the program and should bring a $1-$2 donation to cover the price of the craft. Reservation required; please call (410) 836-3050.
A Place at the Front of the Bus The Central branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library is hosting this Jeopardy-style game tribute to Rosa Parks. It will start at 10 a.m. and is meant for kids 6-12. Groups of five or more must call (410) 396-5402 to register.
Fun with T-shirts: The Catonsville branch of the Baltimore County Public Library is holding a T-shirt transforming event for teens at 7 p.m. They can bring one or more tees and a pair of scissors to revamp them into new accessories without sewing skills.
Friday, Feb. 5:
Preschool Story Time takes place at 10:30 a.m. at the Woodlawn branch of the Baltimore County Public Library. It starts at 10:30 a.m. and supports pre-school concepts of letters, numbers, and colors using music and stories.
"Rapunzel":The Puppet Co. Playhouse Presents will be doing a 45-minute puppet reenactment of "Rapunzel" on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays until Feb. 21. Friday shows are at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. and Saturday and Sunday shows are at 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. There will be a special American Sign Language performance this Sunday at 1 p.m. Tickets can be bought online or at (301) 634-5380 and cost $10 for ages 2 and up and are free for kids under 2.
If you read the initial version of my weekly Things to Do post this week, you may have noticed there was no listing for Sunday events. That's because I apparently cut it out, along with a listing for a body-image workshop, in a late-night frenzy to fix some errant code. Please read the corrected version here.
UPDATE: Due to a cutting and pasting error by me, the date listing for Sunday and the body image workshop at Sheppard Pratt were left off the original version of this post. The body-image workshop, Chizuk Amuno concert, and model train display are all happening on Sunday, as you'll see in the corrected version below. My apologies for the error.
A birthday party for Sesame Street characters, a positive body-image program, a visit with a wildlife rehabilitator who inspired a book, and lots of cute pets are on tap this weekend. Of course, the snow may disrupt things, so it's good to check on your event before you go.
Thanks to Shruti Rastogi for pulling together the list:
Thursday, Jan. 28:
Happy Birthday, Ernie & Elmo! Rubber duckies, saxophone sheet music and anything red are gift ideas for the birthday celebration of Sesame Street’s Ernie and Elmo (although, Elmo’s birthday isn’t until Feb. 3) at the Glenwood branch of the Howard County Library. The 30-minute celebrations, which include stories, songs, crafts and refreshments, are for kids ages 2- 6 and will start at 10:15 a.m., 11:15 a.m., or 2 p.m. Registration required; register online or call (410) 313-5579.
Goldilocks and the Three Bears Winter Puppet Show: Goldilocks and the Three Bears at the North Carroll branch of the Carroll County Public Library at 10 a.m.
Pump it Up in Owings Mills is holding their “School is Out Jump” event where kids can jump from 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. for $6.
Oregon Ridge Nature Center will teach participants about how animals find food in winter and lead participants on a hike around the park. The night ends “sweetly” as participants make s’mores around a campfire. It starts at 6:30 p.m. and costs $3 a person.
Friday, Jan. 29:
World of Pets Expo: The Annual World of Pets Expo is being held at Maryland State Fairgrounds from Jan. 29 – 31. On Friday it will be open from 2 p.m. -8 p.m., on Saturday 10 a.m.- 8 p.m. and on Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Kids under 5 free, kids 5-12 $5, and those over 12 $9. Tickets must be bought at the door using cash.
Native American Fun: Kids will learn about how Native American kids live at the Irvine Nature Center. They will play and make the same games and a craft that Native American kids play and make. If the weather is good, the fun will continue outside at the wigwam located on the grounds. The activity is intended for kids ages 7-10 and goes from 1 p.m. -2:30 p.m. Tickets cost $6 for members and $10 for non-members. Pre-registration is required and ends today; call (443) 738-9220.
Continue reading "Maryland kids activities, last January weekend " »
It's National Pie Day this weekend! Celebrate at the Westminster branch of the Carroll County Public Library on Friday. And there's more on tap for families this weekend:
Thursday, Jan. 21:
Nature Storytime: Listen to a story and make a craft about nature at 11 a.m. at Eden Mill Nature Center. Free, but a donation toward the craft is requested. Reservation required; call 410-836-3050.
Starry, Starry Night Kids 7-11 can learn about what Galileo saw in the sky and what we can see today through stories and activities at the Glenwood branch of the Howard County Library. At 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 22:
Celebrate National Pie Day by hearing pie stories, making a craft, and -- oh yes -- eating "a tasty treat" (what would that be?) at 1 p.m. at the Westminster branch of the Carroll County Public Library. For all ages; under 5 must be accompanied by an adult.
Books Are a Blast: Beowulf T. Wonderbunny and Tom Lilly do magic, juggling and balloon tricks at 10:30 a.m. at the Rosedale branch of the Baltimore County Public Library. Plus, meet bookworms Pinky and Floyd, and see Beowulf’s bookmobile.
There's one more Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day event to tell you about -- courtesy of the Forge Flyer, I've learned that the American Visionary Art Museum is offering free admission today, with special performances and events for the holiday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
This weekend has an extra day for family fun with the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday Monday. (And, of course, there's the Ravens game Saturday.)
Several museums have King-themed events on the weekend and on Monday. Our events database has more MLK events here.
Thursday, Jan. 14:
Jammie Movie Night: Families can watch a movie in their pajamas at 7 p.m. at the Linthicum branch of the Anne Arundel County Public Library. Popcorn will be served. 410-222-6265.
Winter Wonderland Storytime and Craft: Kids 3-12 can make a winter-themed craft and hear a story at 4 p.m. at the Govans branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library. 410-396-6098.
Friday, Jan. 15:
Dig Those Dinosaurs: Beale Street Puppets will perform "Dig those Dinosaurs" at 11 a.m. at Slayton House for Rainbow Theatre. $5 in advance, $6 at the door.
Target $2 Family Fun Night: Admission to Port Discovery is $2 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Continue reading "Family fun on Martin Luther King weekend " »
Now that the holidays are over, we can go back to normal family fun, like taking part in great free activities at local libraries. This week you can watch a puppet show in Elkridge, make a wallet out of duct tape in Arbutus, and read with the Karma Dogs in Randallstown.
Thursday, Jan. 7:
Goldilocks & the Three Bears Winter Puppet Show: The show will be presented at 7 p.m. Thursday and 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Friday at the Eldersburg branch of the Carroll County Public Library. Reservations required; call 410-386-4488 or sign up online.
Make a Duct Tape Wallet or Clutch: Tweens and teens 11-17 can make an accessory out of duct tape at 7 p.m. at the Arbutus branch of the Baltimore County Public Library. Call 410-887-1451.
Friday, Jan. 8:
Make a Unity Dove Wreath: Kids 6-12 can take part in a peace-oriented story time, then create a Unity Dove wreath at 3 p.m. at the Cherry Hill branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library. Registration required; call 410-396-1168.
Fridays After Five Admission to the Maryland Science Center is reduced to $8 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Fridays through March 26, including access to exhibit halls, planetarium, and IMAX Theater. Touring exhibits are excluded.
Happy New Year's Eve! Fortunately, you don't have to keep the kids up until midnight to mark the dawning of 2010, because local museums like Port Discovery and the Maryland Science Center will have their own parties around noon. New Year's Annapolis is also known for family-friendliness, with activities for kids starting at 3 p.m.
Here's the short list of fun stuff for the new year celebration and throughout the weekend:
Thursday, Dec. 31:
Midnight Noon: Celebrate at the Maryland Science Center with face painting, kids' band Milkshake, crafts, and a puppet show, with special activities starting at 10 a.m. Free with science center admission.
Noontime New Year: Ring in the new year at noon with MPT's Bob Heck at Port Discovery (see photo). Cultural activities are planned.
New Year's Annapolis offers activities for kids beginning at 3 p.m., with fireworks as early as 7:30 p.m. (and at midnight, too). Here's the children's activities schedule.
Friday, Jan. 1:
Big Gunpowder Falls Hike: If your family is full of able hikers, you might celebrate the New Year with the Mountain Club of Maryland, which will hike for six miles beside Big Gunpowder Falls. Some elevation and water crossings. Call 410-663-9797 for information.
Happy Christmas Eve, everyone! Here's your short list of weekend family fun:
Thursday, Dec. 24:
Santa at Harborplace: There's still time for a photo with the jolly old elf from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Harborplace.
Friday, Dec. 25:
Relax, Create, ReJEWvenate: TThe Rosenbloom Jewish Community Center in Owings Mills offers activities for all ages from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., including music, Moon Bounce, games, arts and crafts. Free for JCC members; $18 per family for nonmembers. Call 410-356-5200 Ext. 387 or email dzvili@jcc.org
Can't believe the holiday is almost here. Here are some ways to enjoy the anticipation with the family for one more weekend:
Thursday, Dec. 17:
The Clauses visit Elkridge: This sounds like fun. Santa and Mrs. Claus will come through Elkridge neighborhoods from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday. When neighbors hear "Jingle Bells" sounded on the air horn of the fire truck these two will be riding, they should meet at the nearest street corner. They'll be collecting canned goods and wrapped gifts for the needy.
Santa at the Savage Library:Santa will be at the Savage branch of the Howard County Library at 7 p.m. There will also be stories and crafts. Limited space; register online or by calling 410-880-5978.
Friday, Dec. 18:
"Alice in Wonderland": DanceRINK's “Alice in Wonderland” is adapted from a 1950 radio play. In this production, director and choreographer Scott Rink retells the classic story with dance, movement and images. At Theatre Project, 45 W. Preston St., at noon and 7 p.m. Performances are also at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $20 general, $15 for seniors and artists and $10 for students. Go to theatreproject.org.
Target $2 Family Fun Nights at Port Discovery: Between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., get in to the Port Discovery Children's Museum for just $2.
Winter Wonderland Party for Preschoolers: Kids can celebrate winter with themed games, crafts, and treats from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Bear Branch Nature Center, 300 John Owings Road, Westminster. 410-848-2517. $7.
There's more holiday fun afoot this weekend for you and your family:
Thursday, Dec. 10:
Shop, Sip and Savor at Harbor East:The group Mambo Combo will perform free from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the intersection of Aliceanna and President streets in Harbor East. There will be other holiday entertainment as well as retail and restaurant specials for shoppers.
Family Holiday Fun: Get into the holiday spirit with stories and songs and make a craft at 7 p.m. at the Linthicum branch of the Anne Arundel County Public Library.
Friday, Dec. 11:
See "The Polar Express": The film airs at 6:30 p.m., with free popcorn and drinks, at the Miller branch of the Howard County Library. Call 410-313-1955.
Owl Prowl: Kids 10 and up and adults can take a night hike to look for owls from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Anita C. Leight Estuary Center. Meet at the Bosely conservancy. $3.
Monument lighting, Christmas parade, Downtown Dollar Days...there's a lot going on for families this weekend. Best of all, much of it is free or nearly so.
Thursday, Dec. 3:
The lighting of the Washington Monument: The festivities at the monument, at the corner of Charles and Monument streets, include fireworks, musical performances and the BSO's Dancing Santas. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Meanwhile, down the street at the Walters Art Museum, a free, family-friendly “Monument Lighting Festival” from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. will include music, art activities for the kids and light refreshments.
Peppermint Twist and Shout:Kids 2-5 can make a candy cane craft and get moving during a winter-themed class at 11:15 a.m. at the Elkridge branch of the Howard County Library. Registration required; sign up here.
A Charlie Brown Christmas: The classic Peanuts special is brought to life with a performance of Vince Guaraldi's jazz score by the Eric Byrd Trio at Carroll County Arts Council, 15 E. Main St., in Westminster. The event takes place Thursday and Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tickets are $8 and $10. Go to carrollcountyartscouncil.org.
Friday, Dec. 4:
Hands on Holidays Chanukah party Crafts, songs and refreshments for Chanukah will be offered at 10:45 a.m. at the Jewish Museum of Maryland.
The Nutcracker at the Baltimore School for the Arts:Several performances of the ballet take place Saturday and Sunday at the school. Here's the schedule.
Continue reading "Dollar Days and more weekend family fun" »
This weekend, hopefully you're cocooning with kids and relatives. But once the turkey stupor wears off and you're at each other's throats ready for a change of scenery, here are some fun things to do:
Thursday, Nov. 26:
Are you kidding? Eat. Play board games. Nap. Watch "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving" at 8 p.m. on ABC.
Or, there are the YMCA's Turkey Trots in Belair and Towson. But hurry -- they start at 8 a.m. and 9 a.m., respectively.
Friday, Nov. 27:
Festival of Trees: The 20th annual Festival of Trees takes place at the state fairgrounds in Timonium, 2200 York Road, in the Cow Palace. Hours are Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for seniors and children 5-12; children under 5 are free. Call 443-923-7300 or go to festivaloftrees.kennedykrieger.org.
Around the World in 80 Days: Center Stage, 700 N. Calvert St., hopes to appeal to the kiddies in this co-production with Chicago's award-winning Lookingglass Theatre. Follow Phileas Fogg and see if he can make it around the world in 80 days. This show, which runs through Dec. 20, is recommended for ages 8 and older. This weekend, Friday and Saturday shows are at 8 p.m. Sunday shows are at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20-$55. Go to centerstage.org.
Santa's coming to Harborplace this Saturday at 4:30 p.m., with musical performances to welcome him. Here are some other family events slated for the weekend.
Thursday, Nov. 19:
Thanksgiving Craft: Make a turkey day craft at 4 p.m. at the Govans branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library. For ages 3-12.
Family Game Night: Play your favorite board and card games with the Games Club of Maryland at 6 p.m. at the Pikesville branch of the Baltimore County Public Library. For all ages; kids under 6 must be accompanied by an adult. Registration required; call 410-887-1234.
Anime Club: Teens can talk, draw and write about manga and anime from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Mountain Road branch of the Anne Arundel County Public Library.
Friday, Nov. 20:
Uncle Pete with Kids:Rainbow Theatre hosts a 10 a.m. performance of interactive children's music. Tickets are $5 in advance; $6 at the door. Call 410-730-3987.
Tot Shabbat The Jewish Museum of Maryland hosts a Tot Shabbat from 10:45- 11:15 a.m. for ages 6 months to 5 years; kids must be accompanied by an adult. 410-542-4900 ext. 347, www.jcc.org.
Today, Nov. 18, is apparently Mickey Mouse's 81st birthday. He looks pretty good for his age.
Here are ideas on how to give a Mickey birthday party. Here are some Mickey and friends coloring pages. And here are directions on how to make Mickey Mouse pancakes, which should be pretty easy.
(Photo courtesy of Disney Enterprises, Inc.)
"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.
We're all in something of a Halloween hangover, but there's still fun stuff to do this first weekend in November. To wit: Pumpkin chucking.
Thursday, Nov. 5:
Harry Potter Potions Class: Scientists from the Edgewood Chemical & Biological Center at Aberdeen Proving Ground demonstrated how to make potions "straight out of the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry" from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Edgewood branch of the Harford County Public Library. For grades 3-8. Register by calling 410-612-1600.
Nature Storytime:Listen to a story about nature and make a craft at 11 a.m. at the Eden Mill Nature Center. Donation requested to cover the cost of the craft. Families are welcome to bring a picnic lunch to eat following the event. Registration required; call 410-836-3050.
Friday, Nov. 6
Whooo done it? Solve a mystery while looking for clues around the nature center and trails from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Irvine Nature Center. For ages 5 and up. $6 members, $10 nonmembers.
Fun with Pumpkins and Gourds: Learn about pumpkins with a master gardener, then make a craft at 2 p.m. at the Savage branch of the Howard County Library. Ages 5 and up. Reservation required; call 410-880-5978.
"A Christmas Carol" opens at IMAX:The IMAX theater at the Maryland Science Center starts showing the Disney version of the Christmas classic starring Jim Carrey. Tickets required.
New LEGO store opens: Kids can help build a giant Christmas tree with master builders to celebrate the opening of a new LEGO store at the Arundel Mills Mall. Building will continue until the tree is finished. Kids get a certificate for helping. Free.
Greek Heritage Festival: Go Greek for three days at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation, 24 W. Preston St. Festivities include live music and Greek dancing, folk dance performances, a European marketplace, children's activities and cathedral tours. There will also be plenty of Greek fare and a martini bar. The event is free and takes place from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon to 7 p.m. Sunday. Call 410-727-1831.
Halloween is here, and it's on a Saturday, which means there's a whole weekend to celebrate. Plus a ramp-up on Thursday and Friday.
Thursday, Oct. 29:
Owls, Bats and Spiders: Kids 6 to 12 can hear about "scary" animals through poems, stories, and a craft at 3:30 p.m. at the Orleans Street Branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library.
Spooky Craft: Make something for Halloween at 4 p.m. at the Govans branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library. for ages 3-12. Free.
Friday, Oct. 30:
Free admission to the Science Center: Get in free to the Maryland Science Center from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. as part of Free Fall Baltimore.
Halloween Creature Feature:See spooky animals and hear scary stories around a fire from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Avalon Area Shelter 106 of Patapsco Valley State Park. Hot cider included. $6. Register by calling 410-461-5005.
The Halloween fun has begun, with trick-or-treating food drives and events at the Zoo, Whole Foods, and the Walters (where you can dress up as a hero, like these kids).
Thursday, Oct. 22:
Halloween fun at Whole Foods:The market in Mount Washington, 1330 Smith Ave., will host a Jack O'Lantern lighting with carved, decorated pumpkins from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in front of the store, with apple cider. Free. On Friday, the market offers treats and welcomes kids in Halloween costumes from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., then will show the movie "Coraline" outside at 6:30. Bring blankets and chairs for that. Free.
"Harriet's Happiest Halloween": In this Halloween confection, Harriet is off on another crime-solving adventure at Harford Community College's Chesapeake Theatre, 401 Thomas Run Road. The show runs through Sunday. Performances are Thursday-Friday at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 3:30 p.m. Tickets are $9 for adults and $7 for attendees 17 and younger. Call 443-412-2211.
Friday, Oct. 23
Family Fun Night:The Carroll County Y hosts a free night of activities for families from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. with fitness, games and refreshments.
ZooBOOO!:Trick or treat at the Maryland Zoo from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday through Sunday. There will also be carnival games and a costume contest each day at 12:30 p.m. Free with admission.
In my weekend post, I left out an event you may want to know about, especially since it's on rain or shine.
Irvine Nature Center hosts its 32nd annual Pumpkin Fest, a family harvest festival, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. For $10 a child (adults and kids under 3 get in free), there will be scarecrow stuffing, music, puppet shows, pony rides, animal "encounters" and story times.
(Photo courtesy of Irvine Nature Center)
If the rain holds off this weekend -- or at least takes a break by Sunday -- your family can get a taste of the fall farm experience without leaving the city at the Harbor Harvest in West Shore Park. There will be a hay maze and pumpkin patch. On Saturday, there will be music and pumpkin-carving demonstrations in the Harbor East neighborhood.
Thursday, Oct. 15:
Teen Book Club: Teenage readers will be discussing "Tattoo" by Jennifer Lynn Barnes at 3:30 p.m. the North Point branch of the Baltimore County Public Library. Free.
Friday, Oct. 16:
Russian Festival: Baltimore's Russian community celebrates its heritage with music, dance and food. The event takes place at the Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church, 1723 East Fairmount Ave., from noon-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon-6 p.m. Sunday. Free Friday; $2 Saturday and Sunday. Call 410-276-6171 or go to russfest.org.
Fenceathon: The Chesapeake Fencing Club presents its 10th annual FENCEATHON, an all-night-long celebration of fencing to benefit its educational programs and the Sisters Academy of Baltimore, an independent Catholic middle school for girls (grades 5–8) from low income neighborhoods. The FENCEATHON will be held in the gymnasium of the Liberty Christian School at 11303 Liberty Road in Owings Mills. Registration 7-8 p.m. with fencing beginning at 9 p.m. Friday through 9 a.m. Saturday. Highlights include electrical fencing in all three weapons (foil, saber, epee), swordplay demonstrations, door prizes, food/refreshments, music, videos, etc. Registration for participating fencers is $30 and includes 10th anniversary commemorative t-shirt. Call 410-532-7445.
Tot Shabbat:The Jewish Museum of Maryland presents a Tot Shabbat at 10:45 a.m., a program of the Jewish Community Center of Greater Baltimore. Kids up to 5 years old accompanied by an adult sing songs and light candles.
Continue reading "Things to do with the family this weekend" »
It's Baltimore Marathon weekend, of course, with the race taking place Saturday. There's information about a Kids' Run, or your family can just watch the race. Here's the map.
Here are some more activities to enjoy with the brood in Central Maryland this Columbus Day weekend:
Thursday, Oct. 8:
Let's Get Ready: Emergency Preparedness Preschoolers can learn what to do in an emergency, with the help of Sesame Street characters, at 10:30 a.m. at the Catonsville branch of the Baltimore County Public Library. Ages 2-5 with an adult.
Children's Fire Safety Kids from age 5 to fourth grade can learn about fire safety at 4:30 p.m. at the Harford County Public Library branch in Fallston. Reservation required. Call 410-638-3003.
Friday, Oct. 9:
Guitar Hero Tournament for teens takes place at the Whiteford branch of the Harford County Public Library from 6 p.m.- 7:30 p.m. Reservations required; call 410-638-3608.
Continue reading "Columbus Day weekend fun with the family" »
October is prime time for fun with the family. I've compiled my list of ten favorite fall pastimes on our parenting page. On the list is Free Fall Baltimore, which starts today and offers a slew of free activities and destinations.
And there's more on tap for this weekend:
Thursday, Oct. 1:
Hispanic Family Festival: Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a festival from 7 p.m.- 8:30 p.m.at the Catonsville branch of the Baltimore County Public Library. Free.
Nature Storytime - Kids can listen to a story and do a craft at 11 a.m. at the Eden Mill Nature Center. Donation for craft requested. Reservation required; call 410-836-3050.
Friday, Oct. 2:
Hands-On-Holiday Sukkot Party
Sugarloaf Crafts Festival: This festival at the Maryland State Fairgrounds showcases the work of 250 artists and crafts designers, and runs 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. There will be a dress-up theater and other activities for kids. Adult tickets are $7 when purchased online, $8 for at the door; free for children under 12. Admission is good for all three days.
Disney's "Christmas Carol" train stops through Sunday at the B&O Railroad Museum, with exhibit cars about the making of tthe upcoming movie version of "A Christmas Carol." Free. 9 a.m.- 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. -4 p.m. Sunday.
The 2009 Baltimore Book Festival starts Friday. For young kids, there are craft projects and story times, and a live stageshow with characters from PBS' "Electric Company" will be presented at 2 p.m. Saturday.
Here's more:
Thursday, Sept. 24:
Apples, Apples, Apples:Learn about the varieties of autumn's favorite fruit at the Orleans Street branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library. 3:30 p.m. For ages 6-12.
Friday, Sept. 25:
Edgar Allan Poe's Berenice is performed at 7 p.m. at the National Museum of Dentistry. $10.
Continue reading "Things to do with the family this weekend" »
In honor of fall's official arrival, I''m working on putting together a list of 10 ways to enjoy autumn with your children in Central Maryland.
It's my favorite season; I can't wait to go apple picking. What else should be on the list?
Here's how to make that apple cake on the left, which I sampled for a story last year. It's easy to do with kids. Be aware that it doesn't rise much -- it's more like a crunchy breakfast cake.
Flip-Over Apple Cake
Serves 8 to 10
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, plus more for the pan
4 medium apples
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 cup, plus 1 tablespoon sugar (divided use)
1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 1/2 cups coarsely chopped walnuts
mint sprigs
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Generously grease the bottom and sides of a 9-inch round cake pan with butter and set aside.
Melt 1/2 cup butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Set aside to cool to room temperature.
Peel, core and cut the apples into 1/4-inch slices. Place the apples in a bowl and toss to coat with cinnamon and 1 tablespoon of the sugar. Place apple slices in overlapping concentric circles on the bottom of the prepared pan. Make a second layer if necessary.
Sift the remaining 1 cup of sugar and the flour in a large mixing bowl. Whisk in the egg and melted butter just until combined (do not overmix). Fold in the walnuts and continue to mix until smooth. Pour batter evenly over fruit, and smooth top with a rubber spatula.
Place on the center rack of the oven and bake until the cake is golden brown and a cake tester or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 40 to 45 minutes. Remove cake from oven and place on a wire rack to cool, about 15 minutes. When the pan is cool enough to handle, run a knife around the edge and invert the cake onto a serving plate. Serve warm or at room temperature, plain or with a favorite topping, such as whipped cream, ice cream or yogurt. Garnish with mint sprigs.
Per slice (based on 10 slices): 284 calories, 7 grams protein, 21 grams fat, 7 grams saturated fat, 21 grams carbohydrate, 3 grams fiber, 45 milligrams cholesterol, 9 milligrams sodium
From "Dishing Up Vermont," by Tracey Medeiros
(Photo by me)
Here's what's on for families this weekend:
Thursday, Sept. 17:
Nature Storytime - Eden Mill Nature Center presents a children's story and craft starting at 11 a.m. Donations requested for the craft. Reservation required on the day of the event; call 410-836-3050.
Anne Arundel County Fair - The fair at the Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds in Crownsville runs through Sunday.
Friday, Sept. 18:
Wee-cycle Mart Children's Consignment Sale - This large children's consignment sale comes to Perryville Outlet Center Friday through Sunday.
Check out the Ukrainian Festival Saturday and Sunday in Patterson Park. Admission is free. And there's more to do with the family:
Thursday, Sept. 10:
Hands-on-Holidays Rosh Hashanah CelebrationThe Rosenbloom JCC in Owings Mills hosts a holiday event for 1- to 3-year-olds at 11:30 a.m., featuring circle time, crafts and snack.
Kids' Game Night: Kids 3-12 are invited to play board games at the Govans branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library starting at 4 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 11:
Carol Stream Amusements Carnival: Arundel Mills Mall hosts this carnival evenings from Friday through Sunday in the parking lot near Jared. Call 410-974-1990 for information.
Babies Love Books: Tots 6 months to 24 months can hear stories at 10:30 a.m. at the Edgewood branch of the Harford County Public Library. Registration required; call 410-612-1600.
Busy Beavers: Visit Bear Branch Nature Center, 300 John Owings Road, Westminster, for a program on beavers from 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. $5. Reservation required. Call 410-848-2517.
The Maryland State Fair continues through Monday, and the Maryland Renaissance Festival takes place through the weekend (and the weekends for the rest of the month).
Thursday, Sept. 3:
First Thursdays: WTMD's monthly concerts in the park series returns with reggae artist Trevor Hall and Baltimore's Eureka Birds at West Mount Vernon Park at the Washington Monument at 5:30 p.m. The event is free. Go to wtmd.org.
Friday, Sept. 4:
Cole Bros. Circus of the Starts: This circus is a throwback to circuses of a bygone era, with camels, elephants, a wheel of destiny, a globe of death and a human cannonball. Taking place at Arundel Mills mall, 7000 Arundel Mills Circle, this is the oldest American circus still performing under a big top. The event starts at 4:30 p.m. Tickets are $12-$15. It runs through Sept. 7. Go to colebroscircus.com.
"Happy Feet": The movie about penguins is a "free family flick" at 2 p.m. at the Enoch Pratt Free Library's Central branch.
The Maryland State Fair starts Friday and runs through Sept. 7. And there's more:
Thursday, Aug. 27:
Hot Dog, There's Mustard: Kids 6 to 12 can hear stories about summer foods such as hot dogs, pretzels and mustard from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Enoch Pratt Free Library's Herring Run branch.
Explore a stream:A naturalist will show you what lives in a stream from 2 to 4 p.m. at Patapsco Valley State Park. Meet at the Lost Lake picnic tables. $2. Register by calling 410-461-5005.
Friday, Aug. 28:
Fourth Friday Family Campfire: Learn about owls from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Anita C. Leight Estuary Center in Abingdon. Bring a chair and roast marshmallows. $2 a person or $8 a family. Call 410-612-1688.
A free outdoor movie is a great way to entertain yourself as summer winds down. And there's more below. Thanks to intern Kate McNaboe for the compilation:
Friday, Aug. 21:
Bolt: Bring comfy chairs and yummy snacks and enjoy a free outdoor showing of new children's favorite, Bolt. The movie starts at 6 p.m. at 510 Monkton Road in Hereford, and is sponsored by the Hereford Volunteer Fire Co. Learn more by calling 443-912-8383 or visiting www.herefordfire.org.
Float Boat Races: Native American children often entertained themselves by creating boats out of cattail leaves, and now your kids can too. This event is for children age 9 and older, costs $5 per person and will take place 1-3 p.m. at the Bear Branch Nature Center in Westminster. Reservations are strongly recommended; for more information call 410-848-2517 or visit www.nps.gov/mono.
The dog days of August have arrived. Fortunately, the libraries still have a lot going on, along with some other venues. And then there's Kidstock:
Here's the list from intern Kayla Cross:
Thursday, August 13:
Sing, Say, Stomp and Play: Play around at the Loch Raven branch of the Baltimore County Public Library. Children ages 2 to 5 are invited to act out their imaginations through song and dance with Tracey Eldridge. This program starts at 10:30 a.m. and is free.
Frida Kahlo: Enjoy a performance by Colleen Webster, professor of English Humanistic Studies at Harford Community College, as she presents 20th century Mexican painter Frida Kahlo at the Havre de Grace branch of the Harford County Public Library. Adults and children (middle/high students and up) are invited to watch Webster’s performance, held in conjunction with the 46th annual Havre de Grace Arts show. This event is from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and is free.
Are You Ready for School?: Prepare for the school year at the Orleans Street branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library. Children 6 to 12 can play games, as well as participate in read-a-longs. This event is free and starts at 3 p.m.
Thursdays at the Lewis: Enjoy a night out, with an educational spin, at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture. Families can enjoy a light meal, poetry by Bettina Judd, shop around the museum store and explore the museum’s galleries and exhibits. This event is from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and tickets are required for admission at $6 to $8 per person.
Friday, August 14:
Tie Dyeing for Teens: Experiment with colors in this tie dyeing program at the Westminster branch of the Carroll County Public Library. Teenagers, ages 11 to 17, can bring their own T-shirt to tie dye, or use one of the scarves supplied by the library. This event is free and starts at 1 p.m.
Murder at the Library – You solve it: Solve a murder mystery at the Whiteford branch of the Harford County Public Library. Middle and high school students are invited to this after-hours teen party to help solve a murder. This even is free and lasts from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Registration is required; call 410-452-8831.
Friday Floating Feasts: Relax and enjoy dinner on the water at the Anita C. Leight Estuary Center. Meet up with friends at the Estuary center, and float away on the Water Strider Pontoon Boat. Registration is required for this event; call 410-612-1688. Admission is $10 per person, or $35 per family (families are limited to 5 people). The event lasts from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and is for adults and children over 30 pounds.
Continue reading "Family things to do this weekend in Central Md." »
The Leakin Park train rides are back this weekend (and every second Sunday of each month through November).
Thursday, Aug. 6:
Learn to Fish: Use bamboo, string and a bobber to make your own fishing pole at Patapsco Valley State Park. Children ages 6 and up can learn more about fish and water, as well as try to catch their own with homemade fishing poles. Bring your own sunblock and water, and meet up at the picnic tables at Lost Lake. This event costs $2 per person, and lasts from 10 a.m. to noon. Call ahead to sign up at 410-461-5005.
Seuss Stories: Enjoy a day with Dr. Seuss and his characters, including The Cat in the Hat, Horton and The Grinch at Carroll Arts Center. Children are invited to participate in sing-a-longs, dance-a-longs and laugh-a-longs at 10:30 a.m. or 1 p.m. This event costs $5 to $7 per person and registration is required. Call 410-848-7272.
The Chromatics: Celebrate a penumbral lunar eclipse with the astrophysicists at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and their band, The Chromatics, at Chesapeake Arts Center. Families can enjoy the six-member a capella do-wop band at 7:30 p.m., for $8 to $10 per person.
Friday, Aug. 7:
Outdoor Movies: Watch a free presentation of "Kung-Fu Panda" at the Hereford Volunteer Fire Co. Bring your own chair, and enjoy an evening of games and door prizes. The movie starts at 6 p.m.
Owl Prowl: Listen for the sounds of owls during a nighttime hike, and learn more about the animals after the hike in a Scales and Tales presentation. Bring your own water, and wear sturdy shoes, to this event at Soldier’s Delight Natural Environment Area. This event is $5 per person, and for ages 7 and up. Call in advance to sign up at 410-461-5005. The event lasts from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Friday Hike: Learn more about forest and stream ecology during this guided hike at Patapsco Valley State Park. Those 6 and up can participate for $2 per person. Wear sturdy shoes and bring your own water. The event lasts from 10 a.m. to noon, and participants need to call in advance to sign up at 410-461-5005.
Freaky Friday Science Labs with UMBI: See the various stages of a crab’s life at Port Discovery’s Freaky Friday- Crab Investigation. This event is from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., and requires admission to the museum at $12.95 per person.
More Saturday and Sunday...
Can August really be here? You'll want to pack those pool visits, backyard barbecues and day trips into your weekends before school starts, but if you're into something more formal, there are free concerts, library activities, and the city International Festival.
As usual, credit for the list goes to intern Kayla Cross:
Thursday, July 30:
Old Tales with a New Twist!: Children ages 6 to 12 can come to the Herring Run branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library to listen to old stories, and afterward, create a new ending for them. This event is free and lasts from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Friday, July 31:
PIZZA!: Learn more about this popular treat at the Westminster branch of the Carroll County Public Library, including how it came to be and other interesting facts. Teenagers ages 11 to 17 can also make their own pizza to munch on while they play pizza-related games. This event is free and starts at 1 p.m. Registration is required: call 410-386-4488 or go to www.library.carr.org.
Sing, Say, Stomp & Play!: This week the Woodlawn branch of the Baltimore County Public Library is hosting Tracey and her song and dance program. Children ages 2-5 can come with an adult and enjoy an afternoon of fun and creativity. This event is free and starts at 10:30 a.m.
The end of this week and the weekend bring lots of fun at local libraries, free outdoor concerts, and something called SalsaPolkaLooza at the Creative Alliance at the Patterson.
Also, you can have a pillow fight at the Bowie Baysox game. That sounds tempting.
Here's the list, with lots of help from intern Kayla Cross:
Thursday, July 23:
Sing, Say, Stomp and Play: Head out to the Parkville branch of the Baltimore County Public Library for a morning of fun with song and dance. This event is free and starts at 9:30 a.m. Children ages 2-5 are welcome with an adult.
Get Creative with Playdough: Get your hands dirty in this free program at the Mount Airy branch of the Carroll County Public Library. Play with the colorful playdough on hand or learn how to make your own. This event is for all ages and starts at 11 a.m.
Patchwork Quilt: Spend the afternoon at the Walbrook branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library learning about the Underground Railroad and having fun. Children, ages 6-12, can make their own 9-inch quilt square and learn about the importance of quilting during the Underground Railroad. This event is free and starts at 1 p.m. Registration is required; call 410-396-0935.
Friday, July 24:
Bowie’s Largest Pillow Fight: Bring the pillows and enjoy an old fashioned pillow fight, baseball style. After the Bowie Baysox take on the Reading Phillies at 7:05 p.m., the field will be open for pillow fighting and split into three areas: one for families with small children, one for families with teenagers and one for adults. Admission to an individual Bowie Baysox game is $6-$14.
Express Yourself! Simple Bookbinding Techniques: Learn the art of bookbinding at the Lansdowne branch of the Baltimore County Public Library at 2 p.m. Teenagers, ages 11-17, can make their own journals or "lookbooks" during this workshop. This event is free and registration is required. Call 410-887-5602.
Super Sleuths: Express your spy side at the Elkridge branch of the Howard County Library. Children ages 5 and up are welcome to come and listen to spy stories and participate in activities. This event is free and starts at 2 p.m. Registration is required; call 410-313-5085 or go to www.hclibrary.org.
Family Fun Night:
Head out to the Y of Central Maryland http://www.ymaryland.org/ in Abingdon for a night of free family fun. Families can enjoy fitness classes, the gym and games. There will be healthy snacks and giveaways as well. This event lasts from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
More on Saturday and Sunday...
With Friday being a holiday for lots of working folks, this weekend is all about Independence Day, all the time. We have a few activities not related to the holiday, but much of what you'll find here has an element of flag-waving fun.
Our roundup includes the more kid-friendly Fourth of July displays, parades, etc. For a more complete list of holiday events, please visit our entertainment page.
Thanks to intern Kayla Cross for her contributions:
Thursday, July 2:Creating Magic and Stuff: Kids under age 6 can learn magic tricks and comedy at the North Point Branch of the Baltimore County Public Library at 2 p.m. Free.
Anime Drawing: Teens 11-17 can learn how to draw anime characters at 7 p.m. at the Towson Branch of the Baltimore County Public Library. Bring your own paper and pencil. Free.
Friday, July 3:
African-American Heritage Festival: The annual festival of African-American history and culture at Camden Yards Sports Complex features a children's corner with youth-oriented performances. 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Friday, noon-10 p.m. Saturday, noon-9 p.m. Sunday. $5; children 12 and under free.
Continue reading "Fourth of July weekend family activities" »
If you haven't hit the beach yet this summer, you might check out City Sand this weekend, which brings the sand to the Inner Harbor. You can also take in concerts around the harbor, and check out LatinoFest at Patterson Park.
It's also Great American Backyard Campout weekend.
Here's our list of fun, with help from intern Kayla Cross:
Thursday, June 25:
Mutts Gone Nuts Family Night: Kids 6 and under with an adult can enjoy comedy and activities with special dogs at 7 p.m. at the Catonsville branch of the Baltimore County Public Library.
Friday, June 26:
Fourth Friday Family Campfires: Toast marshmallows and learn about the moon at the Anita C. Leight Estuary Center in Abingdon, 8 p.m.-10 p.m. $2 person or $8 per family; call 410-612-6188 to register. Registration is required.
Continue reading "Family fun for the last weekend in June" »
Retailer DTLR is holding a free, one-day football camp with former Ravens player Daniel Wilcox for Baltimore high school athletes tomorrow at Cardinal Gibbons High School at 3225 Wilkens Ave. Registration starts at 8 a.m., and the camp runs from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. More here.
It's a great festival weekend -- which is good, since kids fresh out of school, as they will be in several local districts, will be eager for fun. In the city you've got your Honfest and St. Nicholas Greek Folk Festival; in Howard County, the Columbia Festival of the Arts has lots to offer for children.
Here's some of what's on for families, courtesy of intern Kayla Cross:
Thursday, June 11:
St. Nicholas Greek Folk Festival: Explore the Greek world through food, theater and dance in this four-day festival for all ages in the 500 block of Ponca Street. Shops will be set up during the festival, offering historic icons, religious texts, crafts, Greek music CDs and more. You can buy Greek food and pastries, or learn how to incorporate Greek tastes into your everyday cooking with Stella Koukides, who will be holding cooking demonstrations at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The festival starts at noon Thursday, 11 a.m. on Friday and Saturday and noon on Sunday. It ends each night at 11 p.m., except on Sunday, when it will end at 10 p.m. Free.
Hike: Take a 2-mile trail hike with the volunteer park rangers of Patapsco Valley State Park in Ellicott City from 6 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. Hikers are encouraged to wear sturdy shoes and bring water. For ages 7 and up. Free.
Friday, June 12:
Child Safety Seat Check: Drive up to the Mount Washington Pediatric Hospital to have a free inspection of your child’s safety seat. The event is being held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.; cars and safety seats will be checked for proper installation.
Columbia Festival of the Arts LakeFest Weekend: Head to the Columbia Festival of the Arts lakefront to experience a weekend of free fun for all ages. See local artwork from the Summer Reflections Community Art Project, watch Cirque-tacular, a performance by illusionists and acrobats, or listen to a book reading by some of the region’s authors. Other kid-friendly events include hands-on art activities lead by KidzArt, a Howard County organization. Children ages 5 and up, with parents, can make CD suncatchers, watercolor paintings, clay turtles, festival masks and even a "masterpiece in a box" for Father’s Day. The art activities are from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Friday, 12:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 12:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sunday.
Free "Hairspray" screening at Hopkins Summer Outdoor Films: Break out the lawn chairs and blankets for a screening of "Hairspray" on the Wyman Quadrangle at the Homewood campus of Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N. Charles St. The movie starts around 8:30 p.m., but live music from the Swingin’ Swamis begins at 7:30 p.m. Free for all ages.
And more...
Continue reading "Honfest, Greek Festival, and more family fun this weekend" »
This is the weekend that summer reading kicks off in earnest at city libraries. Branches of the Enoch Pratt Free Library will have kickoff events Saturday. The themes are artsy: "Be Creative" for children and "Express Yourself" for teens.
Howard County's program started last week. Baltimore County libraries will start their program next week, on June 15. You can sign up starting Monday in Anne Arundel County; summer reading activities start there June 15, as they do in Carroll County.
Here's more on tap (with thanks to interns Danielle Makia and Lauren Hitt):
Thursday, June 4:
Teen/Parent Yoga: Teens and parents can learn yoga postures at 6:30 p.m. at the Woodlawn branch of the Baltimore County Public Library. Yoga mats provided. Free, but teens will need registration and written permission to attend. Call 410-887-1336.
Friday, June 5:Cylburn's Nature Story Hour: Soak up the sun's rays while reading outside at the Cylburn's Nature Story Hour at the Howard P. Rawlings Conservatory at Druid Hill Park. 10-11:30am. Ages 3-6. Free. Call 410-396-6694 or visit cylburnassociation.org.
Sing, Say, Stomp and Play!: Sing and dance with Tracey Eldridge, a popular children's interactive performer in the Maryland/D.C. area at the Rosedale branch of the Baltimore County Public Library, 6105 Kenwood Ave. Baltimore. 10:30am. All ages -children under 6 w/ an adult. Free. No registration required. Call 410-887-0512 or visit bcpl.info for more information.
First Fridays 2009: Listen to the band, Spiral, as you enjoy food, drinks, and shopping at this block party outdoor celebration in downtown Bel Air. First Fridays 2009 will be held on Office Street, right by the courthouse in downtown Bel Air. 5-8pm. All ages. Free. For more information, visit downtownbelair.com or call 410-638-1023.
Continue reading "Family fun and summer reading on the first weekend of June" »
Fun on tap this weekend includes story times, an early summer reading kickoff in Columbia, and children's theater (see the set for "Goodnight Moon," on the left) and ballet. Thanks to Ethan Goldberg for his compilations:
Thursday, May 28:
Nature Storytime: Listen to children’s literature before creating nature crafts at Eden Mill Nature Center, 1617 Eden Mill Rd., Pylesville, 11 a.m.-noon. All ages. Free. Call 410-836-3050 to make a reservation, or visit edenmill.org.
Behind the Bees Knees: Through interactive games, learn how honey-bees create their honey with the help of flowers and other insects at the Abingdon branch of the Harford County Public Library, 2510 Tollgate Road, Abingdon. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Grades 2-6. Free. Call 410-638-3990 to make a reservation, or visit hcplonline.info.
The Life Beyond: What's Next After High School What happens after, "school's out for summer?" Is it really, "out forever?" Find out from guest speakers of the Aberdeen Youth Program in different workshops about college, work, and finances at the Aberdeen branch of the Harford County Public Library, 21 Franklin Street, Aberdeen, 21001, 2:30-6 p.m. Ages 13-18. Free. Call 410-808-2021 to make a reservation, or visit hcplonline.info.
Friday, May 29:
Bird Banding: Understand the movement, survival, and behavior of birds while occasionally walking to check the nets at the Joe Vangrin Memorial Pavilion of the Eden Mill Nature Center, 1617 Eden Mill Rd., Pylesville, 7 a.m.-12 p.m. All ages. Free. Call 410-836-3050, or visit edenmill.org.
Many pools in the area are opening today for the season, and the weather has obliged -- so far, at least. Have you hit the water yet?
Photo of preparations for opening at Meadowbrook Aquatic Center by Baltimore Sun photographer Jed Kirschbaum.
If yesterday's list of events for this Memorial Day weekend wasn't enough for you, here's one more to tell you about:
Make lollipop flowers, cereal necklaces, hybrid trail mix, and more meals with family and friends at Simon Kidgits Club Super Duper Mini Chefs event at Arundel Mills Mall. Later, decorate aprons and eat ice cream filled with the trail mix you created. Donations to the Maryland Food Bank are welcome at the event, which is at the food court of Arundel Mills, 7000 Arundel Mills Circle, Hanover, from noon to 2 p.m. Ages 2-8. Free. Call 410-540-5100, or visit the Simon Kidgits Web site.
Jellies at the Aquarium and Chinasaurs at the Maryland Science Center are opening just in time for your long Memorial Day weekend, so you can feel good about stay-cationing. Also, Belvedere Square's Summer Sounds at the Square Friday night concerts have started.
Here's the rest of our list of fun things, which includes an event on Memorial Day. (For some outdoor activities to try over the holiday, check out our list of recommendations.) Thanks to Ethan Goldberg for helping compile it:
Thursday, May 21:
Anansi Spins His Web: Listen to a story from Anansi the Spider before creating webbed crafts of your own at the Cherry Hill Branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library, 606 Cherry Hill Road, 4 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Ages 6-12. Free. Call 410-396-1168 to make a reservation, or visit prattlibrary.org.
Crafternoon: Create crafts based on your favorite stories at the Brooklyn Park Branch of the Anne Arundel County Public Library, 1 E. 11th Ave., at 3:45 p.m. For elementary school children. Free. Call 410-222-6260 to make a reservation, or visit aacpl.net.
Are You the Next Guitar Hero?: Play guitar with fellow enthusiasts at the Fallston branch of the Harford County Public Library, 1461 Fallston Road, Fallston, from 6:30 p.m.-7:45 p.m. Grades 3-5. Free. Call 410-638-3003 to make a reservation, or go to hcplonline.info.
Friday, May 22:
Little Shoots: Animal Moms & Babies: Animals often know more than we think. Learn their secrets to parenting through hands-on activities, crafts, and a quick hike at the Nature Center of Patapsco Valley State Park, 1100 Hilton Avenue, Catonsville, 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Ages 2-4. Admission is $3. Call 410-461-5005, or visit dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/central/patapscovalley.html.
Sons of Pirates: Listen to a fusion of reggae and soft rock beach music while feasting on hot dogs, sandwiches, and more. The band will be playing at Belvedere Square, 518 E. Belvedere Ave., 6 p.m.-9 p.m. All ages. Free. Call 410-464-9773, or visit belvederesquare.com.
Here's what's going on the rest of the weekend:
Continue reading "New exhibits and more this Memorial Day 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...
Continue reading "Fun for the family in Maryland this weekend" »
Here's our weekly guide to the weekend, with Mother's Day an obvious theme this time around. There's something for moms who prefer the sedate (Ladew Topiary Gardens, the Walters) and the possibly raucous (Urban Pirates).
Thanks to Lindsey Citron for her contributions:
Thursday, May 7:
"Mother Said: A Momplicated Relationship" Siobhan Kolker and Elizabeth Hart perform songs about mothers and daughters at 7:30 p.m. in the cabaret at Germano’s restaurant, 300 S. High St. $10 plus food and drink minimum. Call 410-752-4515 or visit germanostrattoria.com.
Mother’s Day Crafts Kids can make a card, piece of jewelry or another craft to show moms they care at the Govans branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library, 5714 Bellona Ave., at 4 p.m. Ages 6-12. Free. Visit prattlibrary.org or call 410-396-6098.
Friday, May 8:
Music for Moms Celebrate Mother’s Day with fun songs made for moms, 11:30 a.m. Friday at the Enoch Pratt Free Library Central Branch, 400 Cathedral St. For kids ages 3-5 and their parents. Free. Visit prattlibrary.org or call 410-396-5430.
Mother and Child Tea Have a tea party, read books, play games and enjoy snacks with Mom in honor of Mother’s Day at noon at the Howard County Library, Savage Branch, 9525 Durness Lane, Laurel. Ages 5 and up with adult. Free. Registration required. Call 410-880-5978 or visit hclibrary.org.
And more...
This is a weekend of Baltimore spring rituals, from the Flower Mart to the American Visionary Arts Museum's Kinetic Sculpture Race to the Towsontown Spring Festival. If those aren't enough to keep you occupied, here's more from intern Lindsey Citron:
Thursday, April 30:
Peter and the Wolf (presented by Arts On Stage): A church-sponsored bake sale will precede and follow the show at Grace Fellowship Church, 9505 Deerco Road, Timonium. 7-8 p.m. All ages. Tickets: 12 and under- $8 in advance, $10 at the door; adults- $10 in advance, $12 at the door. Call 410-252-8717 for tickets. Visit artsonstage.org for more information.
Nature storytime: Listen to a nature story and then make a nature-themed craft, Eden Mill Nature Center, 1617 Eden Mill Rd., Pylesville, 11 a.m.- noon. Children of all ages. Free. Reservations required. Call 410-836-3050, or visit edenmill.org.
Friday, May 1:
18th Annual May Day Fairie Festival: Celebrate the coming of spring with spring-themed activities such as music, arts and crafts, dancing, storytelling, tea parties, food and more at Spoutwood Farm, 4255 Pierceville Road, Glen Rock, Pa., noon-7 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. All ages. Visit spoutwood.org.
More on Saturday...
Continue reading "Kinetic sculpture race, Flower Mart, and more" »
The event is from 1 p.m.-5 p.m. May 3 at the downtown museum. Activities include square dancing, cowboy hat and bandana decorating, face painting, western jewelry making and more.
For a chance to win the tickets, all you have to do is ask a question appropriate for a future Monday Consult. On Monday, I'll choose one of the comments at random as a winner.
Good luck!
This is Baltimore for Less weekend downtown, which is good news for families. There will be free entertainment from Carnival Cruise Lines around the Harbor Saturday from 10:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m., and from the Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday at the West Shore Park, where there will be (among other activities) yoga and a petting zoo. There will also be a scavenger hunt Sunday, and there are deals on lots of Inner Harbor and downtown attractions (including the Top of the World observation level at the World Trade Center, left) throughout the weekend.
Full details here.
Thanks to interns Lindsey Citron and Sophia Terbush for their help with the rest of our list:
Thursday, April 23:
Madeline & Pepito: Celebrate author Ludwig Bemelman’s 111th birthday at Howard County Library’s Glenwood Branch. There will be French-themed stories, crafts and activities for ages 4-8. The event begins at 11 a.m. and lasts 45 minutes. Free. Registration required. Call 410-313-5579 or visit hclibrary.org.
Take a Wild Ride: It’s a jungle at the Enoch Pratt Free Library’s Orleans St. branch – children ages 6-12 will participate in crafts, dramatics and wild animal stories from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Free. No registration required. Call 410-396-0970 or visit prattlibrary.org.
Friday, April 24:
A Day Out With Thomas: Thomas the Tank Engine chugs into the B&O Railroad Museum this for 25 minute train rides, opportunities to meet Sir Topham Hatt, live entertainment, story telling, building with LEGO bricks, and more. The event runs from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday-Sunday (as well as the following weekend) and is open to ages 2 and up. For tickets visit ticketweb.com/dowt or call 1-866-468-7630. Tickets will be sold at the door at $14 per person, but these will not include the train ride. For more information: 410-752-2490 or borail.org.
Fun with Pam and Rascal: The Rainbow Theatre’s monthly puppet show is a story about Pam the "kindersinger" and her pal Rascal. The event starts at 10 a.m. at Slayton House, Wilde Lake Village Center, Columbia. Tickets required, $5 in advance and $6 on show day. For ages 2-5. Call 410-730-3897 or visit columbiavillages.org/wildelake.
Boys & Girls Fashion Show: The boys and girls of Medfield Heights Elementary School (grades PreK-5) will be walking in this 2nd annual fashion show, featuring designers from Sew Fabulous Sewing School. Sponsored by the Medfield Heights PTA, the event is to benefit school activities and MSA testing books, and will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Western/Poly High School Auditorium (West Cold Spring Lane and Falls Road). Tickets $7, required in advance, call 443-324-9161 or visit medfieldheights.com.
Sugarloaf Crafts Festival: The works of more than 300 renowned artisans in metal, ceramics and wood at this weekend’s Sugarloaf Crafts Festival. Items for display and sale include pottery, sculpture, glass, jewelry, fashion, furniture and home accessories, garden items and photography. Gourmet food, craft demonstrations, live music and activities for children are part of the festival, which runs 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday at the Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Road, Timonium. Admission for all three days is $7 online and $8 at the door (free for children younger than under 12). Call 800-210-9900 or go to sugarloafcrafts.com.
And...
Getting ready for Earth Day tomorrow? Here are some ideas for things to do/talk about with the family:
Irvine Nature Center has a free event called "Earth Day Every Day" from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Wednesday. Play environmental games and come up with ideas to save the Earth. Here are more local activities.
If you're going out, you might want to visit one of Elizabeth Large's Top Ten Earth-friendly restaurants.
Here are some ideas from Kidsstuffworld. There's also the Disney movie "Earth" opening Wednesday. Here's a review and a trailer:
Here's an important addition to today's events lineup:
The Y of Central Maryland is holding a free Healthy Kids Day Saturday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at its area locations. Check out the schedule of activities, which vary by location -- depending on which Y you go to, kids can take part in crafts, jump in a moon bounce, and/or learn to grow their own veggies. You can also learn about Y summer camp.
I know lots of you couldn't get tickets under the new online system for admission to the White House Easter egg roll taking place today. But if it's any consolation, you can see how it's unfolding online here.
The live stream of activities makes it look like things are proceedingin a pretty orderly fashion, but of course you can't see everything from this cam. From the schedule, it appears there will be musical acts and cooking demos for kids going on until nearly 5 p.m.
If you attended the event, we'd love to know how it went for you, and whether it was worth that frenzied online hunt for tickets. Twitter follower TaupeCat is there and tweeting the event live.
The Obama family kicks off the White House Easter Egg Roll today. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
You may have noticed that posting has been rather light this week, and that's because I've been on vacation. So today's events-for-the-weekend post will not be as robust as it is normally.
Fortunately, our web mavens have pulled together an excellent list of Easter activities that should tell you anything you want to know about fun with bunnies and eggs. If you're looking for something else, go to our Entertainment page and use the searchable events database along the right rail.
On Sunday and every second Sunday of the month through November, you can ride miniature trains 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Leakin Park, courtesy of the Chesapeake and Allegheny Steam Society, weather permitting.
Among the many events this weekend, here's another one: a new dolphin show opens at the National Aquarium. This one is called "Our Ocean Planet," and stars Maya, daughter of Shiloh. Here's a preview:
If you go, give us your review.
Lots going on this weekend. For one thing, it's opening weekend at Clark's Elioak Farm in Howard County, which has become a place of resurrection for treasured play structures from the old Enchanted Forest. Here's a preview from Baltimore Sun photographer/videographer Ken Lam:
And there's more, including some Easter and Passover activities:
Thursday, April 2:
Chocolate Seder: Join the Owings Mills JCC in a very sweet version of the traditional meal, April 2, Rosenbloom Owings Mills JCC, 3506 Gwynnbrook Ave., Owings Mills, 6-7 p.m., $18 per member family, $25 per non-member family, Children grades K-5 plus family, Reservations required, Call 410-356-5200 ext. 339, or lwellerstein@jcc.org.
Friday, April 3:
If You Give A Pig a Pancake & Other Stories: Enjoy a musical performance based on the favorite book series at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at Harford Community College, Amoss Center, Thomas Run Road, Bel Air. For ages 5-10. Premier seating: $11, Orchestra seating: adults $11, kids and teens $7, HCC students $7.
April Fool's Concert: Silly songs will be performed at 7 p.m. at First English Lutheran Church, 3807 N. Charles St., Baltimore. All ages, Free. Call 410-235-2356.
Saturday's lineup includes these events...
Continue reading "Maryland family activities this weekend" »
The folks at Irvine Nature Center wanted you to know about another event -- an art exhibit that kicks off with a reception and awards ceremony in the Fern Room at the Owings Mills center tonight from 6 p.m.- 8 p.m. The exhibit features works by Baltimore city and county students ages 6-12, and will run through April 7.
Prizes are being given at the reception for work on each grade level.
(Art from the exhibit by Lisaann Tang, a student at Ridgely Middle School, courtesy of the Irvine Nature Center.)
