Puppet power, night hikes, cherry blossom celebrations, archeology digs, Frog and Toad on stage, and MORE! Here’s our round-up of (cool) weekend fun for Baltimore families.

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Please be sure to check with the host organization for the most up-to-date details and health/safety plans before venturing out!

Weekend Fun for Baltimore Families: March 18-20

ALL WEEKEND

GRAND (RE)OPENING: MERA KITCHEN COLLECTIVE
March 18 and 19 | 11 AM – 9 PM
Mera Kitchen Collective

Mera Kitchen Collective is a Baltimore-based collective of chefs from around the world, sharing our cuisine through catering, pop-ups and community events, to foster empowerment and celebrate culture. This weekend, they’re celebrating the Grand (re)Opening of their new space in Mt. Vernon! They envision this restaurant as as vehicle to share our cultures; the aroma of cardamom in a rice dish, the tangy spices of salsa verde, fruity, tropical baked goods, and the refreshing gingery mint juices of Burkina Faso. This space is an opportunity for our cooks and chefs to fully express themselves, re-invent their food, collaborate with one another, and most importantly take the Baltimore community on a culinary adventure around the world. MORE

THEATREWORKS LIVE PRESENTS: A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD
March 18-19 | Times Vary
Cultural Center at The Havre de Grace Opera House

This whimsical show follows two great friends – the cheerful, popular Frog, and the rather grumpy Toad – through four fun-filled seasons. Waking from hibernation, Frog and Toad plant gardens, swim, rake leaves, go sledding, and learn life lessons along the way.Throughout the year, the two best friends celebrate and rejoice in the differences that make them unique and special. MORE

MOVIE WITH THE ORCHESTRA: THE WIZARD OF OZ
March 18 – 20 | Times Vary
Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall

Enjoy The Wizard of Oz on the big screen and follow the yellow brick road with Dorothy and her friends as the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra performs the Academy Award®-winning score. MORE

PUPPET-POWERED WEEKEND
March 19 – 20 | 10 AM – 5 PM
Port Discovery Children’s Museum

Join Port Discovery as they celebrate World Puppetry Day! This full weekend event will be showcasing the work & skills of local puppeteers from the Maryland area. A variety of workshops, performances, and puppet meet-and-greets for children and adults to make, interact, and learn about different puppetry styles. MORE

DROP-IN ART MAKING: GROWTH & CHANGE
March 19 and 20 | 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
The Walters Art Museum

Join the Walters’ free art-making activities and weekend family fun! Inspired by their collection, you can create your masterpiece at the museum or take a supply kit home. Free, no registration. MORE

HONK! JR.
March 19 – 20 | 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Children’s Playhouse of Maryland

The Children’s Playhouse of Maryland proudly presents Honk Jr, a delightful musical based on the tale of The Ugly Duckling. Shows are March 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20 at 1:00pm, and March 12 at 4:30pm. The March 13 show will be sign-language interpreted. Performances take place at CCBC Essex, 7201 Rossville Blvd, in the Administration Building Lecture Hall. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for 18 and under, and available through the Box Office at 443-840-2787 or online at www.cpmarts.org. Tickets sold at the door if available. Space is limited. Advance reservation is recommended. MORE

WORTH THE DRIVE: P.NOKIO: A HIP-HOP MUSICAL
March 19 – 20 | Times Vary
Imagination Stage

G.Petto is an ingenious computer games designer who one day discovers that his newest game character, P.Nokio, can live outside the computer! G.Petto is thrilled at the prospect of having a “son,” and with the help of the Graffiti Fairy, he teaches P.Nokio how to become a real boy. But, P.Nokio falls in with con artists and finds himself in a web of lies that endangers his father. To save G.Petto, P.Nokio must wise up, keep it real, and learn that words and truth are the mightiest weapons of all. A completely contemporary, high-energy musical update of Pinocchio by the creator of Imagination Stage’s hit Zomo the Rabbit: A Hip-Hop Creation Myth. MORE

FRIDAY

MUSICAL MUNCHKINS AT MANOR MILL (INFANTS AND TODDLERS)
March 18 | 10:15 am – 11:00 am
Manor Mill

Join Corinne Zmoos, MS, CCC-SLP for a music-filled class while practicing speech and language science. Sing, dance, and play through your favorite nursery rhymes, original songs, and joyful experiences that scaffold your child’s communication skills. After class, Corinne answers questions about developmental milestones and language acquisition. MORE

DR. SEUSS CUPCAKE DECORATING CLASS (ALL AGES)
March 18 | 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
The Playroom Harford

Learn about piping bags and frosting tips, master basic frosting design, learn how to work with fondant, and taste yummy sweetness! All supplies are included for two cupcakes and a take-home container. Preregistration required. MORE

HIP HOP CLASSES FOR KIDS
March 18 | 6:15 pm – 7:15 pm
Dance & Artistic Expressions Studio

Join Dance & Artistic Expressions Studio for brand new Hip Hop: Urban Street Dance classes every Friday with DAE Studio instructor, Brandon “Sketchbook” Hooper! Kids Hip Hop class is at 6:!5 and adults Hip Hop Class is at 7:30 PM. Single class rate is $18/class but you can register for a four-week session. Virtual and in-person instruction available. MORE

FULL WORM MOON NIGHT HIKE & CAMPFIRE (AGES 8+)
March 18 | 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Cromwell Valley Park

Native Americans took note of when worms appeared each year as the ground thawed. Come and discover the signs of Spring, then enjoy a campfire with S’mores. $3 members /$5 non-members. MORE

OWL PROWL AT EDEN MILL
March 18 | 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Eden Mill Nature Center

Join naturalists after dark to search the woods of Eden Mill for some of Maryland’s native owls and wildlife! Learn about these incredible creatures while we call them, and track them through the woods. MORE

EQUINOX FULL MOON HIKE AND CAMPFIRE (AGES 5+)
March 18 | 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Irvine Nature Center

On this special day we can see the sun set due west and then the full moon rise. Learn why the seasons change then go on a family friendly hike in the twilight as we wait for the moon to rise (bring a flashlight in case of clouds). Listen for animals who are used to people disappearing from Irvine before dark emerging to feed, we may even hear some owls. Then enjoy a campfire with s’mores while listening to stories about the moon and stars. Age 5+ Great family event. Dress for the weather and be ready for an outdoor adventure. Limited space – registration required. MORE

SATURDAY

BREAKFAST WITH THE ANIMALS: BREAKFAST WITH THE PENGUINS
March 19 | 9:00 am – 10:00 am
The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore

It’s the Zoo’s most popular series of events throughout the year: Constellation presents Breakfast with the Animals at the Maryland Zoo. This VIP experience lets guests get up close and personal with their favorite animals and the keepers who care for them. The series includes a one-of-a-kind al fresco dining experience next to Zoo animals, special keeper chats, unlimited photo opportunities, and great takeaway gifts to remember the early morning experience. MORE

INTRO TO HERBALISM (AGES 16+)
March 19 | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Irvine Nature Center

What is herbalism? Herbalism is as ancient as life itself. It predates recorded history, oral history, and even human beings. It is the foundation of all other forms of medicine. It is the respectful use of whole plant materials such as leaves, flowers, fruit, seed, stem, bark, root, moss, lichen, seaweed or fungi to support and maintain health but also to prevent, alleviate, or resolve root causes of some of the most chronic disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 75-80% of the world’s population still relies on medicinal plant preparations for their primary healthcare needs. In this introductory class, we will delve into the benefits of herbs for holistic health. We will unpack the foundation of herbal medicine and snippets of its history. We will discuss basic herbal preparations, and you will learn the benefits of five different herbs you can work with at home. Together, we will taste a few herbs while discussing their actions on the body and identify what makes them work. Age 16+ Each participant will go home with a tea or tincture sample. MORE

FREE COMPOSTING STATION LAUNCH POPUP
March 19 | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
i Wonder Garden

Head to the i Wonder garden on Saturday, March 19 from 10am-noon as they launch the new FREE Community Composting Station in Canton! MORE

FREE CHICKS! WORKSHOP
March 19 | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Harford Artists Association

Create Adorable Chicks from egg gourds with HAA Artist Beth Gunter. All Skill Levels Encouraged! All materials included. Funded by Bel Arts & Entertainment District and MD State Arts Council. MORE

ARCHEOLOGY DAY (AGES 12+)
March 19 | 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Marshy Point Nature Center

Join Marshy Point Nature Center to discover history by digging test pits, sifting the soil, and analyzing findings. All relics found will be cataloged and displayed at Marshy Point Nature Center. Recommended for ages 12 and up. Outdoor attire and gardening gloves suggested. Lunch provided. $3/person. Register in advance. MORE

CARD PRINTING WORKSHOP (AGES 10+)
March 19 | 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Baltimore Museum of Industry

Learn the art of rubber stamp making from local artist (and BMI educator) Jesse Lentz. Carve your own rubber stamp and walk away with 10 “perfect prints” on cardstock. Suitable for ages 10+. Registration includes all materials and museum admission (open 9 AM-3 PM). Register in advance. MORE

FAMILY FUN AT THE BEL AIR ARMORY: Mayhem Magical Circus
March 19 | 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
The Bel Air Armory

Join the Town of Bel Air for a FREE Family event at the Bel Air Armory! Each date features a different performance. Doors open at 10:30am; show 11am-Noon. This series is made possible through the Bel Air Arts and Entertainment District with a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council. Advance reservations required. A ticket is required for all guests for each date/show you wish to attend. If you reserve a ticket and can no longer attend, please cancel your reservation so someone else may take advantage of this free event! MORE

WORTH THE DRIVE: CHERRY BLOSSOM FAMILY CELEBRATION
March 19 | 11:30 am – 3:00 pm
Smithsonian American Art Museum

Join the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Cherry Blossom Festival on the museum’s F Street plaza and celebrate the start of cherry blossom season! Bring the whole family and enjoy live musical performances, including traditional Japanese taiko drumming with Nen Daiko, a koto performance by Masayo Ishigure and the Miyabi Koto Shamisen Ensemble, and an all-vinyl music set of Japanese soul, funk, boogie, pop, and disco by Les The DJ. Pick up a step-by-step cherry blossom craft kit to take home, and discover spring-themed artworks in SAAM’s galleries with a self-guided scavenger hunt designed for all ages. Please note that this in-person program is weather-permitting. MORE

KERPLUNK! SATURDAY FAMILY DROP-IN ART CLASS: Spring Greetings Postcards
March 19 | 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Creative Alliance

Kerplunk! Family Art Drop-in class is great for younger kids and families! Join the Creative Alliance in their Marquee Lounge to create some art projects based on current exhibitions and fun crafts. MORE

THE FINE ART OF THE PAPER BAG (AGES 5+)
March 19 | 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Cromwell Valley Park

What better way to recycle those old newspapers than to make a paper bag with them! Join a Naturalist to learn the many uses of newspaper and how to use it in your everyday life. Afterwards we will head out in the park with our paper bags and go “shopping” for garlic mustard. $2 members /$4 non-members. MORE

AWESOME AMPHIBIANS (AGES 3+)
March 19 | 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Oregon Ridge Nature Center

Frogs, newts and salamanders, oh my! Come out and explore Oregon Ridge as we search for amphibians. You will also do a fun craft, learn some frog calls and meet some slimy friends up close. Adults and children 3+. $5 per person ($3 for ORNCC Members). Register in advance. MORE

PIGTOWN’S 2ND ANNUAL NATIONAL PIG DAY EVENT
March 19 | 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Pigtown Main Street

Celebrate National Pig Day in Pigtown!!! It’s going to be SOW much FUN. Play with real pigs at the corner of Washington Boulevard and Poppleton Street. Saturday, March 19, 2022* from 1-3pm. This family-friendly event features pot-bellied pigs from Whispering Rise Farm & Animal Sanctuary. The pigs will be available for everyone to visit and pet! There will be craft activities with Scrap B-More at Suspended Brewing Company, storytelling with Charm City Books at Milk & Honey Market, and a visit from the Pigtown Mascot. Kid-friendly snacks will be provided by the Greener Kitchen. MORE

THE BUZZ ABOUT BUGS: INSECT CHEMISTRY (AGES 7+)
March 19 | 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Enoch Pratt – Central Library

Join a chemist from the Army Research Laboratory and the American Chemical Society and participate in hands-on experiments exploring the chemistry of insects. This program is for ages 7 & up, and 7-8 year olds must be accompanied by an adult. This indoor program has limited spaces and pre-registration is recommended. To register, please call the Central Library Children’s Department at (410) 396-5402. Walk-ins are also accepted until the program reaches maximum capacity. MORE

KIDS LATIN DANCE CLASSES!
March 19 | 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Dance & Artistic Expressions Studio

Check out Dance & Artistic Expressions Studio’s fun and new Kids Latin Dance Class with Baltimore Salsa Dance Company! Kids will learn Salsa, Bachata, Merengue & Cha Cha! Saturdays from 3 PM – 4 PM. Classes are $18/class for drop-in or you can register for a month or 12-week session. In-Person or Virtual Class options available! MORE

CHERRY BLOSSOM DANCE PARTY (AGES 5-12)
March 19 | 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Misako Ballet Company

Join Misako Ballet Company’s Cherry Blossom Dance Party! Enjoy dance, music, storytelling, crafts, and more just in time to celebrate Spring. The event is for children ages 5-12. Parents are welcome to accompany their children. Pre-register. MORE

MARCH CAMPFIRE (ALL AGES)
March 19 | 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Holt Park and Center for the Arts

Bring a snack to roast over the fire and gather around for songs and games. The campfire ring is located near the pond. MORE

SUNDAY

BIG COUNTRY BREAKFAST WITH THE BUNNY
March 20 | 7:00 am – 11:00 am
Reese and Community Volunteer Fire Company

Join the Reese & Community Volunteer Fire Company for their Reese Big Country Big Breakfast with the Easter Bunny. Admission is $9 for adults, $5 for kids ages 6-12, and FREE for ages 5 and younger. MORE

DISCOVERY STAGE SERIES- SILLY GOOSE AND VAL
March 20 | 11:00 am – 11:40 am
Port Discovery Children’s Museum

Val Smalkin presents a fast-paced, humorous 40-minute musical treat with puppets, ventriloquism, dancing, singing, and 100% audience participation. Her Parents’ Choice award-winning songs and her Maryland State Arts Council award-winning solo performance are guaranteed to delight tots, tweens, and teens…and the timeworn, as well! MORE

HIKE THE RIDGE (ALL AGES)
March 20 | 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Oregon Ridge Nature Center

Celebrate the start of the spring season with an outdoor exploration through Oregon Ridge on a hike looking of signs of spring! All ages. $3 per person ($1 for ORNCC Members). Register in advance. MORE

TAP WITH MOVING HISTORY (AGES 8+)
March 20 | 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Eubie Blake National Jazz Institute and Cultural Center

Join Moving History at the Eubie Blake Center for tap classes. Enjoy the full 10-week series or register for individual classes. MORE

MUD SEASON COLONIAL SKILLS
March 20 | 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Marshy Point Nature Center

Marshy Point will get a fire going, make an herbal tea, and learn about when people lived in touch with the seasons. $2/person. Advance registration required. MORE

SNAKES ALIVE! (AGES 5 AND UP)
March 20 | 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Holt Park and Center for the Arts

Meet sssseveral live serpents and learn about their importance to the ecosystem. Then, paint your own wooden snake toy to take home. Pre-register. MORE

THE EMERGING SCALES OF SPRING (AGES 5+)
March 20 | 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Lake Roland

Temperatures are warming and th ground is squirming. Snakes are ready to emerge from their winter torpor and explore the world again. Learn about these misunderstood creatures and gain a new appreciation for these legless wonders. FREE! *Pre-Registration and masks required for program participation* To register, please email lakerol-rp@baltimorecountymd.gov. MORE

SPRING AWAKENING (AGES 5+)
March 20 | 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Cromwell Valley Park

Discover how animals awaken in spring after hibernating all winter. We will go on a hike to search for signs of wildlife. $2 members /$4 non-members. MORE

POP-UP ART CLASS FOR TWEENS + TEENS AT SOCIAL STUDIO
March 20 | 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Social Studio

Immerse yourself in a paint, pastel, or printmaking project! Complete a different project each week. Learn about new artists and techniques, explore your personal expression, and exchange ideas with others. MORE

MARCH FAMILY MANIA
March 20 | 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Snap Fitness Fallston

Fun for the whole family at Snap Fitness! Your team is your family – each will compete in a tug-of-war, tire flipping, a sled push and speed and agility tests. They will be using a bracket system to narrow down the top families in each category, with one family winner of each event in the end. Yes, there will be prizes! MORE

SHARKS IN THE BAY
March 20 | 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Anita C. Leight Estuary Center

Have you ever wondered if sharks live in the Chesapeake Bay? Discover the unique characteristics of sharks and the adaptations that allow some to live in brackish water. Finish with a tasty shark treat! This program is for ages 7 to adult, under 13 w/adult. Fee is $10/family. MORE