Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in baltimore, MD

I don't know about you, but I'm feeling the red, white and blue right about now, what with all of the fun July 4 activities coming up this weekend.  Following are some of my Independence Day weekend favorites.  And if you're interested in more fireworks listings (and heck, who isn't?), please have a visit over here.  Enjoy! 

Star-Spangled Spectacular - Oregon Ridge Park, 13401 Beaver Dam Road, Cockeysville
Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m.
When I was a kid, this was my family's Fourth of July event, made irresistible by a picnic basket full of my mother's fried chicken and potato salad.  "Stars and Stripes Forever," as performed by the BSO, always put me in the patriotic spirit, and the fireworks, which were synchronized to the music, never failed to knock my Minnetonkas right off.  Fortunately, all these years later, nothing much about this event has changed; if you're looking for a fun and musical (though not cheap) way to spend your Independence Day, this might be your ticket.

African American Heritage Festival - Oriole Park at Camden Yards, 410-235-2227, ext. 211
Friday, 5- 10 p.m.; Saturday, 12-10 p.m.; Sunday, 12-8 p.m.
Drawing about half a million visitors each year, the African American Heritage Festival features fun for every member of the family.  Stop by the Children's Corner for activities and entertainment, and don't miss En Vogue, Teena Marie and Anita Baker, all of whom are headlining the event.  Oh, and did I mention the carnival rides?  Or the mouthwateringly delicious food? 

Towson Fourth of July Parade - Starting at Burke and Bosley Avenues, Towson, 410-832-2190
Saturday, 10:30 a.m.
The parade gets rolling with a Blue Angels fly-over, followed just after by a procession of lots of people on bicycles.  Expect fire trucks, floats and numerous politicians, many of whom--let's be honest here--will be of little or no (let's just say no) interest to your preschooler.  The firefighters, police officers and occasional storms of free candy, however, should keep your little one entertained. 

USS Constellation Museum's 9th Annual Independence Day Deck Party - USS Constellation, Pier 301, Pratt Street, Inner Harbor, Baltimore, 410-539-1797
Saturday, 7-10 p.m.
Live music, barbecue grub, canon firings and fireworks.  And when I say fireworks, I don't mean just any fireworks--we're talking the big Inner Harbor fireworks extravaganza, people!  And all of this, need I remind you, will be served up on a boat!  An old, historic boat, mind you!  Can you envision a much better Independence Day celebration? 

Fourth of July Family Jump - Pump It Up, 11515 Cronridge Drive #J-K, Owings Mills, 410-356-9050
Saturday, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Celebrate your independence by working up a sweat in an inflatable moon bounce.  People of all ages (and yes, that includes you) are encouraged to jump together, and as an added incentive, Pump It Up is going to let the grown-ups play for free.  This event is first come, first served, limited to 50 children, and contingent on your showing up with socks.  Don't be late!

Drop-In Art Activities: Stars of Japan - The Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, 410-547-9000
Saturdays (though not open on July 4) and Sundays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Another month means another new drop-in art activity at the Walters.  This month's focus is Tanabata, which, I just learned from Google, is a Japanese star festival. 

Spaces and Places: Art under Foot: Ancient Mosaics - Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Drive, Baltimore, 2- 4 p.m., 443-573-1700
Sunday, 2-4 p.m
A new month means a new art activity at the BMA, too, and July's theme is mosaics. 

Science Alive for Kids!- Masonville Cove Environmental Education Center, 1000 Frankfurst Avenue, Baltimore, 410-355-1100
Sunday, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Live animals, stories, puppets and crafts will bring science--as the name of the program suggests--to life for your little ones.  Intended mostly for preschoolers, this event, which is one in a series, is designed to get young children thinking about and playing with science. 

Excited as I am about the holiday weekend?  I hope so!  Now get out there and have some fun!