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

Cylburn's Nature Story Hour - Howard P. Rawlings Conservatory, Druid Hill Park, Baltimore, 410-261-5056

Friday, 10 a.m.; Ages 3-6

We haven't done this storytime in a while, but the last time we were there, the friendly ladies in charge provided each child with a magnifying glass.  Which, needless to say, made the stories--as fantastic and as fantastically read as they were--pretty much incidental.

Imagination and Creative Exploration -  Maryland Science Center, 601 Light Street, Baltimore, 410-685-5225

Friday, 3 p.m.; Ages: 5- 8 

Magnets.  Lots and lots of magnets.   Plus, all of the Science Center's usual fun and educational fare.

Preakness Parade of Lights -  Pratt Street, from Howard Street to Market Place, Baltimore, 877-Baltimore

Friday, 8:30 p.m.

Celebrate the pomp and pageantry of the Preakness at this celebration of horses and lights.  There'll be live music, illuminated floats and Clydesdales.  Asking for any more would be asking too much.

Alice in Wonderland - Gordon Center for Performing Arts, 3506 Gwynnbrook Avenue, Owings Mills, 410-795-3255

Saturday and Sunday, 5-8 p.m.; Ages 4-Adult

Intrigue (or terrify) your child with this musical rendition of the classic story. 

Family Fun Night - Carroll County Family Center Y, 1719 Sykesville Road, Westminster, 410-848-3660

Saturday, 6-9 p.m.

Free!  Fun!  For the whole family!  Enjoy swimming, fitness classes and healthy treats, and every bit of it is free!  And fun!  For the whole family!

Medieval Encampment - Steppingstone Museum, 461 Quaker Bottom Road, Havre De Grace, 410-939-2299

Sunday, 12-5 p.m.

If you've ever said to yourself, "You know, I don't know nearly enough about fencing," then here is your chance to learn a little something about the sport.  (And it is, in fact, a sport, right?  See how little I know about fencing?  I don't even know if it's defined as a sport!)  Find, in addition to fencing demos, arts and crafts, period music and--yum, yum--medieval food.

Oh!  And don't forget that the Goodyear Blimp, in all of its silvery, blimpy glory, will be hovering over much of Baltimore on Saturday, in honor of the Preakness.  Even if your kid doesn't give a scrap about the Preakness--and why would he, unless he's into horses--he might be interested to know that his hometown will be in the spotlight, as well as all over the TV, for several hours.  And even if Baltimore's big day of fame doesn't interest him, DUDE, THERE'S A BLIMP UP THERE. 

Have a terrific weekend, everybody!