Family
Weekend Highlights, 8/28-8/30
August 27, 2009
Summer may be winding down, but that doesn't mean that there isn't still a heap of fun to be had around town. Following are some of this weekend's highlights. Now get out there, before September sneaks up and takes you by surprise.
Maryland State Fair - Timonium Fairgrounds, Timonium, 410-252-0200
Friday, August 28-Monday, September 7, Hours vary
For some reason, I always think of Templeton the Rat whenever the state fair comes to town. Perhaps it's the decadence of the greasy, delicious food; perhaps it's just that I've read Charlotte's Web a few hundred too many times. Chances are that there won't be any Charlotte, or any talking pig, either, for that matter, but you can count on plenty of cute, "regular" animals, as well as lots of rides, cotton candy and carnival games.
Mid-Atlantic Nostalgia Convention - The Clarion Hotel, Aberdeen, 443-286-6821
Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (with a drive-in movie at sunset on Friday)
Join Lee Meriwether, Patty McCormack (from The Bad Seed!) and a host of other stars from the 1950s at this celebration of the entertainment of yesteryear. Sure, your kids won't know any of the stars, but they'll still enjoy the drive-in movie on Friday, and they'll still oooohhh and aaaahhh over the cool vintage cars. And anyway, the event benefits the St. Jude Children's Hospital, so what's there not to love?
Fourth Friday Family Campfires: Owls - Anita C. Leight Estuary Center, 700 Otter Point Road, Abingdon, 410-612-1688
Friday, 8-10 p.m.
They're wise, they're slick, and they're the stars of tonight's proceedings: They're owls, and if you're lucky, they'll be hoot-hooting like crazy as you toast your marshmallows over the communal campfire.
The Belly Button Fairy: Book Launch Party - Barnes & Noble, 620 Marketplace Drive, Bel Air, 410-638-7023
Saturday, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
The Belly Button Fairy has arrived! Celebrate her literary birth with author Bobbie Hinman, and stick around for storytime, prizes, face-painting and cake.
Ballerina Tea Party and Open House - Mid-Atlantic Center for the Performing Arts (MCPA), 5543 Harford Road, Hamilton, 443-438-4525, mcpaelaine@comcast.net
Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Reservations required by August 28
The name of the event kind of says it all, doesn't it? If you've got a kid who's into dancing and tea parties, then we're talking, like, four hours in Dreamland here. There's going to be dress-up, face-painting . . . the whole nine yards. And probably an extraordinary amount of pink.
Free Guided Tour at the Botanic Gardens - Howard P. Rawlings Conservatory and Botanic Gardens, Druid Hill Park, Baltimore, 410-396-0008
Sunday, 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
Visit the Mediterranean, the desert and the tropics . . . all without leaving Baltimore! Join the gardens' volunteer tour guides for a stroll around the premises, and take home some ideas for your own backyard!
Happy weekending!
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Weekend Highlights, 8/21-8/23
August 20, 2009
Ready for another three-day dose of summertime fun? Here's some of what's going on this weekend.
Camp Abrakadoodle: Art Rocks 2 - Abrakadoodle, Brown Memorial Church, 6200 North Charles Street, Baltimore, 410-338-2789
Friday, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.; Ages: 4-10; Reservations required
Rock with paint! Rock with pencils! Rock like Reubens (who, in all likelihood, didn't probably rock) at this creative, rockin' camp.
School's Back Jump - Pump It Up of Owings Mills, 11515 Cronridge Drive #J-K, Owings Mills, 410-356-9050
Friday, 1:30-3:00 p.m.
I'm not a big fan of the name--a sentimentalist, I prefer to think that summer will last forever--but jumping with the kids sounds pretty fun. Parents play for free. Don't forget your socks!
Freaky Friday Science Labs with UMBI: Crab Investigation - Port Discovery Children's Museum, 35 Market Place, Baltimore, 410-727-8120
Friday, 10:30-2:30 p.m.
You know that crabs are spicy and delicious; now find out about how crabs grow and thrive . . . before they're caught, steamed and liberally sprinkled with Old Bay.
Y of Central Maryland Family Fun Night - Catonsville Family Center Y 850 S. Rolling Road Catonsville, 410-747-9622
Saturday, 7-9 p.m.
It's time for another YMCA family night. This one, complete with free fitness classes, swimming, snacks, giveaways and games, will be held at theCatonsville Family Center. Don't miss out!
Festival of Tees Mini-Golf Event- ParTee Golf, 4123 E. Joppa Road, Baltimore, 410-254-PUTT
Saturday, 9 a.m.; Reservations required by 8/21/09
Join miniature golfers of all ages as they tee off to benefit Kennedy Krieger Institute.
Family Night on the Bay - Tydings Park Marina, Commerce Street, Havre de Grace, 410-939-4078
Sunday, 5-6:30 p.m.
Nothing says relaxing quite like an evening on the Chesapeake. Right? So take advantage of the fact that you live, like, mere miles from one of the largest and most impressive estuaries in the world, and take a ride on theSkipjack Martha Lewis. There will be pizza, sodas and Italian ice, plus--you know--beautiful views of the bay. Don't you and your family deserve it?
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Weekend Highlights, 8/7-8/9
August 06, 2009
You know what I’m not going to do this week? I’m not going to get all sentimental about the imminent end of summer. Because you know what? Today is only August 6, after all, and we’ve all still got plenty of summertime fun to go. Right? So here, without any weeping at all, is my list of this weekend’s highlights. Enjoy!
Outdoor Movies: Kung-Fu Panda - Hereford Volunteer Fire Company, 510 Monkton Road, Hereford, 443-912-8383
Friday, 6 p.m.
Okay, so you’ve seen Kung-Fu Panda before. But I’ll bet your last viewing wasn’t alfresco, and I’ll bet even more that it didn’t include a donation to a volunteer fire company. And anyway, you know that the kids are crazy for the Kung-Fu Panda. So grab your chairs and get ready for the fun.
Science Alive for Kids under Five! - Masonville Environmental Education Center, 320 E. Patapsco Avenue, Baltimore, 410-355-1100
Saturday, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.Tadpoles and frogs are the stars of the show. Jump to it!
Silly Summer Saturdays – Port Discovery, 35 Market Place, Baltimore, 410-727-8120
Saturday, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
If you've got a kid who goes bonkers for bugs, Port Discovery is where she'll want to be on Saturday. Children will be invited to make their own antennae and to become one with their inner insects. Should be a creep-crawly good time!
Woody Lissauer at West Shore Park - West Shore Park, Inner Harbor Promenade, Baltimore, 410-528-1523
Saturday, 4-5:30 p.m.
Hit the harbor for some kid-friendly folk with Woody Lissauer.
FestAfricia 2009 - Patterson Park at Linwood and Eastern Avenues, Baltimore, 410-608-0420
Saturday and Sunday, 12- 8 p.m.
Celebrate traditional African culture at this festival of music, dance, food, crafts and art.
Solar Observation/Star-Gazing: Perseid Meteor Shower - Patapsco Valley State Park, Soldiers Delight, Carroll County, 410-549-3026
Saturday, 2-5 p.m. (solar viewing) and Saturday, 8-11 p.m. (meteor viewing); Reservations required
If you've always wanted to look directly at the sun, but have always been justifiably afraid to do so, this might be your chance to do it right. Join volunteers from the Westminster Astronomy Club for a good, old-fashioned staring at the sun (with safety equipment, naturally), and then come back later, if conditions are favorable, for some meteor action (or at least some meteor discussion; thePerseids don't actually peak until next week).
Family Night on the Bay - Tydings Park Marina, Havre De Grace, 410-939-4078
Sunday, 5-6:30 p.m.; Reservations required
I'll tell you what sounds mighty nice right now: a relaxing sail on the Chesapeake Bay. And do you know what would make that sail even better? A cold beverage, some savory snacks and--wait for it--an Italian ice. Think I'm looney to be dreaming so big? Then come on out to Tydings Park Marina this Sunday, and see how dreams really can come true.
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Weekend Highlights, 7/31-8/2
July 30, 2009
Oh, August, you're almost here, with you summertime swansong of thunder and crickets. Forgive my poetic waxing, y'all, but I can't help but get a little sentimental as we creep, with chlorine in our hair and s'mores on our lips, toward the imminent first day of school. Just a few more weekends, friends, so get out there and have some late bedtime fun.
Free Pirate Story Time - Ann Street Pier, Fells Point, Baltimore, 410-327-8378
Friday, 10:30-11 a.m.
Start practicing your "arghs" and "blimeys" now, so you'll be ready for this pirate-oriented storytime. Expect all of the fun of a pirate adventure--including hanging out aboard a pirate ship--without any of that miserable walking of planks. And, as I mentioned already, it's free!
In the Good Old Summertime- Maryland Historical Society, 201 W. Monument Street, Baltimore, 410-685-3750, ext. 363
Saturday, 2-4:30 p.m.
Head on back to yesteryear for some Tootsie Rolls, a few classic cartoons and a rousing game of stick ball. It's summertime, as it was in the 1940s, only with--I'm guessing --more air conditioning.
WeeBoogie Music and Dance Events- Sylvan Learning Center, 8600 LaSalle Road, Towson, 410-337-2545
Dance, dance, dance the early evening away at this benefit for First Candle (a charity that strives to lower infant mortality rates). Buy tickets online at WeeBoogie or pick them for a dollar more at the door.
Painting Inside and Out - The Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, 410-547-9000
Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Experiment with oils! Go wacky with watercolors! And learn a wide variety of painting techniques at this month's drop-in activity at the Walters!
International Festival- Poly/Western High School, near Falls Road and W. Coldspring Lane, Baltimore, 410-396-3141
Saturday and Sunday, 12-9 p.m.
Celebrate the many cultures that make Baltimore Baltimore at this two day-long festival of music, dancing, food and fun. Ashford and Simpson are the closers on Saturday, so if you were ever a fan of "Solid Like a Rock," you know where you want to be this weekend (because the thrill, much like this weekend's forecast, is still hot, hot, hot, hot, hot, hot, hot, hot).
Birds and Birdfeeders for families - Masonville Cove Environmental Education Center, 320 E. Patapsco Avenue, Baltimore, 410-355-1100
Sunday, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Images of birds are everywhere, as anyone with a Twitter account can tell you, and there's never been a better time to learn about our trend-setting, feathered friends. So jump on the birdwagon and hit Masonville Cove this weekend; the neighborhood jays and cardinals and robins will be so glad you did.
Summer Vacation at the BMA: American Road Trip - Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Drive, Baltimore, 443-573-1700
Sunday, 2-4 p.m.
Road trips are always good for laughs, thrills and memories, and this road trip, which you can take without even leaving town, promises to be no exception. Unleash your inner artist, American road trip style, and be glad that you don't have to stop every 10 minutes for a bathroom.
Stay safe, and have a fantastic weekend!
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Take Me for a Ride: Tilt-a-Whirls, Bumper Cars and Other Fun Attractions
July 28, 2009
There was a time, long before I birthed babies, when I used to enjoy the carnival rides. I liked the Round-Up, the Yo-Yo, the Matterhorn and the Lariat; I liked the fast, the loud, the bright and the spinning. Oh, how I loved those rides that got me spinning! But now just the sight of spinning rides makes me queasy, and when my children ask me to get on the Mad Teacups with them, I sort of-even before I do it-feel as if I'm going to die. But enough about me and my adult aversions; if you're looking for rides for your adventure-seeking, not-yet-motion-sick children, here are five places where you can find ‘em. Here's hoping, if you're anything like I am, that your kids are big enough to ride the rides without you. And if they're not, consider-even if it means paying for an extra admission-taking along a ride buddy who's bigger and braver than you are. Anyway, have fun!
Maryland Fire Carnivals
Quaint and community-oriented, Maryland's fire carnivals are summertime institutions, all of which benefit fire companies throughout the state. One of our favorites is the Mt. Airy Carnival, which is held the last weekend in July. There, you'll find rides, carnie food, live music and fun for every member of the family.
Held each year in early to mid-August, the Howard County Fair has become one of our favorite celebrations of summer. Rides, yes, as well as farm animals and parades and everything you'd expect from a county fair. And cheap, at least by fair standards. Look out for ride and admission specials, which occur several times throughout the run of the fair. There aren't a lot of kiddie rides, but you'll find enough-plus tons of older kid rides-to keep your little one amused.
There's something about the Ocean City boardwalk that both delights and terrifies me. Because while it's overstimulating to the millionth degree (hence the terror), it's also, perhaps due to its associations with my childhood, oddly comforting and relaxing. In any case, expect no shortage of rides, kiddie or otherwise, at this noisy, indulgent summertime resort. The youngest riders will find glee at Trimper's indoor amusement house, a veritable paradise of junior-sized jeeps, bumper cars and Ferris wheels, while the older ones will be drawn to the wilder, crazier outdoor attractions. Skee-ball, of course, will be a hit with everyone.
What separates Dutch Wonderland from many other theme parks, including the famous one in nearby Hershey, is its devotion to more innocent, less commercial themes. At Dutch Wonderland, you'll find rides for kids of all ages, though the younger set is likely to be most happy here. Lot of rides, lots of food, and lots of entertainment. Your kids will have a blast here.
If your kids like rides, they'll want to be here at the end of the summer, as rides and all kinds of other fair fare will be on offer for ten or so days in Timonium. More expensive, yes, than the county fairs, but also more expansive . . . here, you'll find kiddie attractions aplenty, in addition to carnival food (like crabcakes!) that far surpasses what you usually find at these kinds of events.
Whether you love or despise the rides, get out there and take advantage of the summertime fun!
Read more...Weekend Highlights, 7/24-7/26
July 23, 2009
Is it just me, or is this summer really flying? I don't know if it's the unseasonably cool weather, or just the fact that I'm getting old and time seems to be accelerating, but man, what do you know, here come the weekend highlights for the last weekend in July. Now get out there and enjoy your weekend and, to quote the brilliant Neko Case, "don't let this fading summer pass you by."
Fourth Friday Family Campfires: Bats - Anita C. Leight Estuary Center, 700 Otter Point Road, Abingdon, 410-612-1688
Friday, 8-10 p.m.
Nothing says summer quite like a campfire, s'mores and lovable winged rodents. Bring your chairs, your graham crackers and your sense of wonder; Anita Leight will supply the marshmallows and tons of facts about bats.
The Music of John Williams - Oregon Ridge Park, 13401 Beaver Dam Road, Cockeysville
Saturday, 8 p.m.
Let the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra get your adrenalin pumping with dramatic themes from Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Superman, ET, Jurassic Park and other cinematic favorites. And, as if your heart weren't already pounding like crazy, round the night off with some dazzling fireworks.
Kinderman! - West Shore Park (between the Visitor Center and the Maryland Science Center), Inner Harbor Promenade, Baltimore, 410-528-1523
Saturday, 4-5:30 p.m.
Don't miss Kinderman, one of Baltimore's best-loved children's entertainers, as he performs by the shore of the Inner Harbor.
Yoga and Wellness Benefit for Serena Lambert - Evolvewell Healing Arts Studio, 4800 Roland Ave. Suite 30, Baltimore
Saturday, 2-5 p.m.
Who couldn't use an afternoon of yoga, massage, acupuncture and refreshments, particularly when such an afternoon is for an excellent cause? Come on down to Evolvewell for some wellness and relaxation, and help Serena Lambert, a child who is fighting an aggressive form of cancer, to get better and to live a healthy life. On offer will be donation-based services for adults and children, and all proceeds will go directly to the Serena Lambert Pediatric Oncology Fund. For more information, please contact Marley Keller at Marley.Keller84@gmail.com.
Enjoy your weekend!
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Weekend Highlights, 7/10-7/12
July 09, 2009
The weekend is almost here! Hurray! Following, as always, is my list of the weekend's family-friendly highlights. Get out there and have some fun!
Teddy Bear Picnic on the Skipjack Martha Lewis - Tydings Park Marina, Havre De Grace, 410-939-4078
Bring a bear or a doll and your sea-worthy children for a picnic aboard the Skipjack Martha Lewis! Should be a treat for any stuffed friend, but particularly for those with nautical leanings. And don't worry about packing up the blanket and basket; food, as well as a reasonably comfy place to sit, will be provided by the crew of your trusty vessel. Anchors aweigh!
Caribbean Carnival Festival - Druid Hill Park, Baltimore, 410-230-2969
Friday, 5-9 p.m.; Saturday, 12-9 p.m; Sunday, 12-9 p.m.
Everybody loves a carnival, especially when a colorful parade and jerk chicken are involved. There won't be any rides, but you can count on plenty of Caribbean entertainment, including performances from top-notch calypso and reggae acts. Oh, and remember when, a couple of days ago, we were talking about our culinary world tour? Well, here's your chance to introduce the kids to curry goat and coconut juice. Give them a little taste of the islands!
Outdoor Movies: The Tale of Despereaux - Hereford Volunteer Fire Company, 510 Monkton Road, Hereford, 443-912-8383
Friday, 6 p.m.
Even if you've seen The Tale of Despereaux already, you won't want to miss this opportunity to watch it outside, and to take part in the games and other fun stuff being offered by the Hereford Volunteer Fire Company. Yes, the event is free, but donations to the company, I'm pretty certain, would be more than welcome. Don't forget to bring your own chairs.
Silly Summer Saturdays: Teddy Bear Picnic - Port Discovery, 35 Market Place, Baltimore, 410-727-8120
Saturday, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Look! It's another teddy bear picnic! Bring a bear or a doll and your land-lubbing children (all of whom may be a wee bit water-logged from yesterday) for a fun celebration of kids and their loveys. There'll be face-painting (for the kids, I presume, and not for the bears), moonbouncing and--provided your child's bear's not prone to jealousy--chances for your kid to make his own bear.
Gilmor's Raid Civil War Re-Enactment - Jerusalem Mill Village, 2813 Jerusalem Road, Kingsville, 410-877-3560
Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Introduce your kids to one of our nation's great struggles at this re-enactment of Gilmor's Raid. Costumed interpreters will be available to answer the kids' (and your) questions, and who knows . . . if you're lucky, maybe you'll even get to taste some hardtack. Yum!
Second Sundays in Leakin Park - Leakin Park, 4921 Windsor Mill, Baltimore, 410-396-0440
Sunday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Trains. Miniature trains. Nothing else, as far as my four-year-old son is concerned, compares to a ride on a miniature train. Ride as often as you like for a small donation, and then swing by the neighboring Carrie Murray Nature Center for (and this is what my daughter likes best) a visit with the many animals.
Have a fantastic weekend, everybody!
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Weekend Highlights, 6/19-6/21
June 18, 2009
Summer is here, at long last, and there's so much to do around Baltimore these days that boredom is practically an impossibility. Check out the plethora o' fun stuff happening this weekend, and be sure to do something nice for Dad!
Father/Son Look Alike Contest - The Avenue at White Marsh (Main Plaza), White Marsh, 410-931-0411
Friday, 5:30-8 p.m.; Reservations required by 6/19/09 at 3 p.m.
Come on out, like-looking fathers and sons, for a chance to win a shopping spree!
Friday Floating Feasts - Anita C. Leight Estuary Center, 700 Otter Point Road, Abingdon, 410-612-1688
Friday, 6-8 p.m.; Passengers must be 30 lbs-up; Reservations required
What, I ask you, could be more relaxing than dinner with family and friends on a boat? Eat, drink and float around the estuary on the Water Strider Pontoon Boat.
St. Mary Annual Mediterranean Festival - St. Mary Orthodox Church, 909 Shawan Road, Hunt Valley, 410-365-1762
Indulge in delicious Mediterranean food (oh, please say there will be dolmas) and play the heck out of some carnival games.
Father’s Day Weekend - Dutch Wonderland, 2249 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, PA, 1-866-FUNatDW
Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m.
Rides, junk food and squealing, happy kids . . . can you think of better ingredients for a super-fun Father's Day?
Father's Day Maze Hunt - Clark's Elioak Farm, 10500 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City, 410-730-4049
Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Still looking for fun Father's Day activities? How about a trip through Clark's Elioak's Enchanted Forest Pine Tree Maze? If he can correctly answer all of the questions in the official Maze Guide, he can win himself a free hayride!
Father's Day with Urban Pirates- Ann St. Pier, Fells Point, Baltimore, 410-327-8378
Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Two words: Water Cannons. Plus, today only, Dads ride for free.
Welcome summer! Happy Father's Day!
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Weekend Highlights, 6/12-6/14
June 11, 2009
I don't know about you, friends, but I'm really feeling this summer thing now. The weather is hot, the pools are all open, and my kids are finally out of school. Officially speaking, we've got another week of springtime, but tell that to the lightning bugs, to the ice cream truck, to the manic children jumping in and out of my sprinkler.
Following are the weekend highlights for the last weekend before the official start of summer. Don't forget the sunscreen.
Day Out With Thomas - Strasburg Railroad, Route 741, Strasburg, PA, 717-687-7522
Saturday, June 13 - Sunday, June 21, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
You may remember that this same event took place at the B&O Railroad Museum back in April. And if you remember that, you probably also remember that it's a 25-minute ride with Thomas the Tank Engine, complete with a visit from Sir Topham Hatt. Oh, and lots of children. Lots and lots of screeching children.
Parent's Survival Night - The Little Gym of Hunt Valley, 11121 York Road #G, Cockeysville, 410-771-3000
Friday, 6-9:30 p.m.; Ages: 3 and up (Reservations required by 6/12)
You know how badly you need a night out, right? Why not indulge in a nugget-free dinner, while the kids enjoy pizza, activities and another adult's attention.
St. Nicholas Greek Folk Festival - St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 520 S. Ponca Street, Baltimore, 410-633-5020,
Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday, 12-10 p.m.
One word: Spanakopita. If that amazing combination of flaky phyllo, feta and spinach doesn't get you racing to Pinca Street, then I don't know what will.
Sleeping Beauty - Amoss Center, Thomas Run Road, Bel Air, 443-412-2211
Saturday, 3:30 and 8 p.m.
How better to culture up them youngin's than with an enchanting performance by dancers from Harford Dance Theatre? Enjoy an interpretation of the classic fairy tale, as well as three original works by veteran choreographers.
Super Saturday – Super Summer Time! - Port Discovery, 35 Market Place, Baltimore, 410-727-8120
Saturday, 1 and 3:30 p.m. in the Oasis
Join The Kindersinger, Bubbles the Clown and a bunch of other children for this super celebration of summer. What else makes it super, besides singing and clowns? How about face-painting and funny-shaped balloons?
Fifteen Stars, Fifteen Stripes, Fifteen and Under Free!/Annual Celebration of Flag Day - The Star Spangled Banner Flag House, 844 East Pratt Street, Baltimore, 410-837-1793
Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Every second Saturday of every month, children ages 15 and under can visit the Flag House for free. And when better to visit than during the museum's annual celebration of Flag Day? There'll be a flag-raising ceremony at noon, plus plenty of other flag-oriented activities.
Honfest- 36th Street, Hampden, Baltimore
Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday, 12 p.m.-6:15 p.m.
There's no other public festival quite like it, hon, so heighten that hair, break out the hairspray, and get ready for a rawkin' good time! The Little Miss Hon contest, for all you wee hons out there, begins at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday.
Celtic Festival - Steppingstone Museum, 461 Quaker Bottom Rd., Havre de Grace, 410-939-2299
Sunday, 12-5 p.m.
You can almost hear the bagpipes, can't you?
Have a fantastic weekend, everybody!
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Weekend Highlights, 6/5-6/7
June 04, 2009
Let your kids get their science on at this interactive, educational event. Using the center's new lab facilities, kids will have opportunities to participate in a variety of experiments. Though the activities are geared primarily toward elementary- and middle school-aged children, kids (and adults) of any age are welcome.
Annual Wade-In at the ACLEC - Anita C. Leight Estuary Center, 700 Otter Point Road, Abingdon, 410-612-1688
Saturday, 2-5 p.m.
The theme of this event is water, baby, so come prepared to get your shoes wet. There's no swimming, but, as the name suggests, there will be wading . . . supposedly to test the quality of the water. There'll also be canoeing, pontooning and animal visiting, in addition to what's being described as water-related demos.
Saturday, 6-9 p.m.
Take advantage of a night of fun and fitness at either of these Baltimore Y locations. Work up a sweat in an exercise class, take a dip in the pool, or just hang out with your friends and family. Healthy snacks and giveaways will be provided.
Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
It's mixed-up animal time at the Walters, where creativity and mythology abound. Let the kids dress up in masks, create mythological puppets and get an eye-popping look at the peculiar creatures that have inhabited the museum.
Pets in Historic Costume Contest - Maryland Historical Society, 201 W. Monument Street, Baltimore, 410-685-3750, ext. 363
Sunday, 1- 4 p.m
Sunday, 2-4 p.m.
Get elbow-deep in a "green" project at this family-friendly art event.
Sunday, 6 p.m.
Pack a picnic dinner, the family and something to sit on for a little roots music along the banks of the Little Gunpowder. Children under 12 get in for free.
Whatever you do this weekend, be safe and have fun! Read more...
Weekend Highlights, 5/29-5/31
May 28, 2009
It's that time again, my Savvy friends--the time for you to figure out how you'll be whiling away the weekend hours. As usual, there are plenty of great activities on offer. So get out there and have some fun!
Summer DVD Guide: Five Great Films to Share with Your Family
May 26, 2009
Let's All Go to Bengies Drive-In!
May 25, 2009
Given Baltimore's affection for Beehives and pink flamingos and cat's eye-shaped glasses, you'd think there'd be more than one drive-in theater in this town. But, alas, there is only one . . . so luckily for us, it's an awesome one.
Weekend Highlights: 5/22-5/24
May 21, 2009
Guess what? It's almost weekend time again. And this weekend is not just any weekend, for it's the unofficial start of the summer season. So bust out the sunscreen, shimmy into your swimsuit and fire up the barbeque grill. It's time to get this three-day party started!
Baltimore Free-Wheelin': Five Great Spots to Take a Bike Ride
May 19, 2009
I learned to ride a bike in the weedy, glassy, busted-up parking lot behind the closed-down Pantry Pride. It wasn't scenic, but grocery cart ramps and concrete barriers added interest, and I loved to ride in figure-eights around the bases of the mercury vapor lights. The point of this story? That kids are highly industrious creatures who, in a pinch and on their bicycles, can find bliss just about anywhere. But the point of this post? That some bike-riding spots are better than others, and the best of these lack abandoned plastic milk crates and giant hunks of broken glass.
Movies on the Cheap: The Glorious Beltway Six
May 18, 2009
As everybody's talking about movies all over Savvy Source this week, I thought I'd take this opportunity to sing the praises of one of my favorite area theatres, the cheap and wonderful Beltway Six.
Family Date Night: Matthew's Pizza
March 16, 2009
Though I've lived in Baltimore for most of my life, somehow, until several weeks ago, I'd managed to miss out on Matthew's Pizza. How I achieved this I'm not entirely certain, as the place, in all seriousness, is a Baltimore institution, with so many "best pizza" awards to their credit that I feel as if I must have been under a rock. I mean, sure, I had heard of Matthew's, but I'd foolishly thought that pizza was pizza, and that a decent pie here or a decent pie there didn't really make that much of a difference. But oh, I'm here to tell you, it does make a difference; Matthew's, no matter where you live, is absolutely worth the trip. It's cheap, it's friendly, and it's super, super yummy, and if you still need confirmation that this place is worth visiting, consider the fact that they've been cheesin' up dough at this same Eastern Avenue location since 1943.
Read more...On Thick Ice: Three Places to Go Skating with the Family
January 08, 2009
Now that winter is here in earnest, where better to spend some fun family time than at the ice skating rink? Because while you can, technically, go ice skating at any time of year, there's just something more cozy and fitting about skating on a chilly, hot chocolate-worthy day. And while ponds and reservoirs might seem more romantic than loud, crowded skating rinks, they're incredibly Read more...
The Littlest Things
January 06, 2009
Ever obsess about the little things? And when I say little things, I don't mean the little things that matter, like, say, your children, but rather the insignificant stuff, the tiny parenting fixations that sometimes get us down. You know what I'm talking about--the junk that, when we look at the big picture, the one that encompasses our healthy, happy children, doesn't make any difference at Read more...
Family Date Night: Amer's Cafe
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...
Top Ten Things That I've Been Meaning to Do (But Never Seem to Get to Because We're Always at the Zoo)
October 08, 2008
Now this, to be honest, is a little hard. Because you and I may not share the same list, and anyway, my list today is not what it would have been five years ago and is probably not, for that matter, what it will be in five years. But this morning, as I was getting these BIG kids (What happened? Weren't they both babies, like, ten minutes ago?) ready for school, it seemed important to devise Read more...
More of Our Favorite Activities and Things to Do in baltimore
Creatures & Critters:
Our Urban Jungle
Do, Re, Mi! Places to Hear, Sing & Play a Tune
Artistic Endeavors:
Our Favorite Art Venues
Room to Run:
Run, Jump & Wiggle Outdoors
Rainy & Quiet Days:
Cozy & Crazy Indoor Fun
A Sense of History:
Our City's Stories
Tot's Science Fair:
Science & Nature Sites
The Most Fun in Life Is Free!
The Best of... Our Top Can't-Live-Without Spots
The Voice of Being Savvy baltimore:
Laura Stallard Petza
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Favorite baltimore Lists
- 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
- The Weather Outside Is Frightful, and My Toddler's Being Spiteful: Five Things to Do in Baltimore on a Less-Than-Perfect Day
- Room to Run: Where to Take the Kids to Run 'em Ragged
- Top Ten Things That I've Been Meaning to Do (But Never Seem to Get to Because We're Always at the Zoo)
- Five Great Day Trips from Charm City
- When the Sun Comes Out: A Top Five List
- Princess for a Day (And, If You're Lucky, Not for an Eternity)
- Booked Solid: Five (More) Fantastic Places to Grab Your Next Read
- Your Baltimore Reflection
- In Baltimore Time
- 99 Things to Do with Your Young Children (Big-n-Meaty Part Two)
- Just-Because Gifts
- Earthly Delights: Five Gardens to Visit with the Family
- Go Fly a Kite!
- Classes They'll Flip For: Five Great Places to Take Gymnastics
- Act Naturally
- Play's the Thing: Five More Playgrounds
- Mothering Mother Earth
- Eating Out: Five Great Baltimore Picnic Spots
- Here's the Scoop: Five of Our Favorite Local Ice Cream Joints
- Baltimore Free-Wheelin': Five Great Spots to Take a Bike Ride
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