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

Must-See Event: The Kinetic Sculpture Race

April 27, 2009

The Kinetic Sculpture Race, one of my favorite annual events (now in its 11th year!), is coming up this Saturday, May 2.  And though I will try to describe the race with the rich, evocative detail it deserves, I will fail, because words cannot possibly do justice to what unfolds, come rain or shine, every first Saturday of May in Baltimore.

If you've ever wondered about the mobility of a massive, pink, fluffy poodle, or about the buoyancy of a "boat" constructed of otters, then this, my friend, is the event for you.  Sponsored by the American Visionary Art Museum, the Kinetic Sculpture Race is a showcase of some of the best-looking--and most durable--human-powered sculptures on the East Coast . . . or anywhere.  It's also an open-air people-watching extravaganza, complete with costumed spectators and copious cheering.  If your kid digs costumes, now's the time to break out the capes, boas, masks and cowboy hats, as costume-wearing is highly encouraged and very much part of the overall scene.  Rubber chickens also figure prominently, as do paper smiles-on-sticks.  Silliness and oversized animals abound.
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The Weather Outside Is Frightful, and My Toddler's Being Spiteful (Volume Two): Five (More) Things to Do in Baltimore on a Less-Than-Perfect Day

by Laura Stallard Petza

January 20, 2009

Winter. At its best, it's a season of light snow, of candy hearts, and at its worst, well, it's a season of boredom. There hasn't been much in the way of snow this winter, and it's too early, of course, for candy hearts, so what's left for you to do with the kids? Sure, there's ice skating--I wrote about skating venues a few weeks back--but perhaps you're still looking for a few activities that  Read more...

A Few More Toys for Your Good Girls and Boys

by Laura Stallard Petza

December 22, 2008

I just read somewhere that people, concerned about the state of the economy this year, are waiting longer than ever to finish their holiday shopping. And perhaps you're one of these people, holding out until the last possible moment to gather up your final gifts. Still searching for that perfect toy? Here are five eleventh hour suggestions, complete with stores where each can usually be found  Read more...

Family Date Night: Amer's Cafe

by Laura Stallard Petza

December 01, 2008

Had it up to your gizzard with turkey, stuffing and mashed potatoes? Then why not head over to Amer's Cafe in Fullerton, where you can get some hummus, a kabob, a salad or a pizza, without blowing through your whole wad of holiday cash? And best of all? Amer's is ridiculously family-friendly, to the point that, after dinner, you might have to drag the kids out. Think I'm kidding? Let me  Read more...

Princess for a Day (And, If You're Lucky, Not for an Eternity)

by Laura Stallard Petza

October 19, 2008

So your daughter has decided that she is a princess. And you have decided--hold on to your pink and pointy hats--that you're going to indulge this royalty business today. So, then, what to do? Following, if I may say so, are five royal suggestions for how to make any girl feel like a princess for a day. Buy her the pinkest, shimmeriest princess costume You'll be surprised by  Read more...