Wednesday 1
Family
Wonderful Wednesdays
This special early childhood programming offers tailored activities and a calm environment for children aged 0-6 years.
Wednesday mornings until April, Port Discovery, 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., free with price of admission, portdiscovery.org
Diggery Digger’s Rock ‘N Roar Dino Show
Rock along with paleontologist Diggery Digger as he shares his favorite dino facts…and gets into a little trouble along the way!
Feb. 1-2, Maryland Hall, 10:15 a.m. and noon, tickets required, artsonstage.org
First Wednesday Bird Walk
Start your month with a sightseeing tour, guided by Wetlands Ornithologist Mary Chatelat.
Fort McHenry Wetlands, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m., free, nps.gov/fomc
Toddlers
Tu B’Shvat
As part of the “Hands on Holidays” program, children ages 3-5 will learn about the Jewish holiday Tu B’Shvat with fun activities.
Southeast Anchor Library, 11 a.m., free, prattlibrary.org
Parents
Great Expectations
In this production of Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations, six actors take on 35 roles, including the manipulative Miss Haversham, the lovely but chilly Estella, the kindly Joe and the surprising Magwitch.
Everyman Theatre, Feb. 1 to Mar. 5, tickets required, everymantheatre.org
Thursday 2
Family
Shoots and Letters
At this fun weekly event, playing with dirt is strongly encouraged! Join other families for stories, crafts and adventures.
Thursdays weekly, Oregon Ridge Nature Center, 10-11 a.m., fee required, oregonridgenaturecenter.org
Friday 3
Family
Bookworm Storytime
Hear nature stories, accompanied by a fun-themed activity, such as crafts and animal encounters.
Oregon Ridge Nature Center, 11-11:30 a.m., free, oregonridgenaturecenter.org
First Fridays
Enjoy discounted admission to the Maryland Science Center.
Maryland Science Center, 5-8 p.m., admission required, mdsci.org
Friday Night Stargazing
Get a closer look at the moon, planets and stars at the Maryland Science Center’s outdoor Observatory.
Maryland Science Center Observatory, Fridays, 7 p.m.-10:30 p.m., free, (410) 685-5225, mdsci.org
Saturday 4
Family
A Tale of Two Trolls
The Maryland Fun Company returns with a charming tale of two less-than-charming creatures. Will Hilltop and Underbridge fit in at Prince Handsomepants’ royal ball?
Feb. 4-March 5, Maryland Ensemble Theatre, Saturdays and Sundays at 1:30 p.m., tickets required, marylandensemble.org
Weekend Walk-In
Build your very own “Cosmic Egg” at this creative workshop at the AVAM.
American Visionary Art Museum, 1-4 p.m., children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult, fee required, avam.org
HONK! Jr.
This sweet take on Hans Christian Anderson’s “The Ugly Duckling” teaches lovely life lessons about difference.
Pumpkin Theatre, Saturdays and Sundays, 1 and 3 p.m., tickets required, pumpkintheatre.org
IceFest
The holidays may be over, but the winter fun has just begun! Enjoy ice sculptures, ice skating, an ice playground and more!
Downtown Sykesville, 1-6 p.m., free, sykesvillemainstreet.com
Parents
Adagio for Strings & More
BSO Music Director Marin Alsop conducts the Peabody Symphony Orchestra in a performance of works by a trio of modern masters: Samuel Barber’s “Adagio for Strings,” Richard Strauss’ “Don Juan, Op. 20” and Dimitri Shoshatovich’s “Symphony No. 5 in D minor, Op. 47.”
Peabody Institute, 8 p.m., free, peabody.jhu.edu
Booklover’s Breakfast
See celebrated children’s, young adult and contemporary fiction author Jaqueline Woodson discuss her new book “Another Brooklyn.”
Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel, 8 a.m.-12 p.m., tickets required, prattlibrary.org/booklovers
Sunday 5
Family
Wake Up Groundhog!
He may or may not have seen his shadow by now, but the groundhog deserves more than a day! Learn more about hibernation habits and more.
Oregon Ridge Nature Center, 1-5 p.m., free, oregonridgenaturecenter.org
The Amazing Max
Have a magical afternoon with this fun, funny show featuring the kid-friendly tricks of Max Darwin, “The Amazing Max.”
The Gordon Center, 2 p.m., kids aged 3-11, tickets required, jcc.org
Free Family Sunday
Enjoy an exhibition-inspired craft for kids at the Baltimore Museum of Art. This week’s craft: Weave a Coptic-inspired textile.
Baltimore Museum of Art, 2-5 p.m., free, artbma.org
Monday 6
Family
Pajama Storytime
This fun all-ages event combines three of the best things in the world: stories, snuggly jammies and snacks! Refreshments will be served.
Carroll County Public Library Eldersburg Branch, 6:30 p.m., free, library.carr.org
Parents
Salon Series: The Ruby Sunrise
As part of Everyman Theatre’s series highlighting women’s voices, the Female Resident Company members present “The Ruby Sunrise” by Rinne Groff.
Everyman Theatre, 6-8:30 p.m., tickets required, everymantheatre.org
Tuesday 7
Family
The Shed: Inflatables
In this edition of the Maryland Science Center’s crafting series, learn to make an inflatable sculpture using recycled materials and high-speed fans.
Feb. 7-12. Maryland Science Center, open during center hours, free with price of admission, mdsci.org
Toddlers
Little Hands Signing
This multiple-week workshop, taught by a nationally certified American Sign Language Interpreter, introduces little ones to the language through fun lessons, games and activities.
Historic Oakland Manor, Tuesdays through March 14, registration and fee required, babysigning.eventbrite.com
Wednesday 8
Family
Rube Goldberg Build Day
Build a “comically complicated” machine intended to place a stack of coins into a container. The more convoluted, the better!
Carroll County Public Library Eldersburg Branch, 6 p.m., ages
11-17, free, library.carr.org
Disney on Ice
Every kid’s favorite chilly show returns with a special “Dream Big” theme, encouraging Disney lovers to aim high and reach for the stars.
Royal Farms Arena, Feb. 8-12, tickets required, disneyonice.com
Parents and Teens
Virtual Reality
Learn about new 360-degree technology with help from local tech entrepreneur Aaron Altscher.
Baltimore Museum of Industry, 6-7:30 p.m., free, thebmi.org
Writers LIVE: Timothy Tyson
Hear author Timothy Tyson discuss his new book, “The Blood of Emmett Till.”
Pratt Library Central Branch,
6:30-8 p.m., free, prattlibrary.org
Thursday 9
Family
Midweek Concert: Heroes & Villains
Dive into the exciting world of your favorite figures with this classic concert, highlighting the music of Beethoven and Stravinksy and connecting to a middle school language arts curriculum.
Feb. 9-10 at the Meyerhoff, 10 and 11:30 a.m., tickets required, bsomusic.org
Parents and Teens
Baltimore Dance Project
See the Baltimore Dance Project present its 33rd annual performance.
UMBC Proscenium Theatre, Feb. 9-11, tickets required, umbc.edu
Parents
Baltimore Brew
James Boicourt tells the tale of the founding and establishment of local brewery Charm City Meadworks.
Light Street Branch of Pratt Library, 7 p.m., free, prattlibrary.org
Friday 10
Family
Swan Lake
Experience the classic ballet as performed by the incredibly talented State Ballet of Russia. Perfect for budding ballerinas!
Feb. 10-11 at The Hippodrome Theatre, 7:30 p.m., tickets required, france-merrickpac.com
Children’s Dinner Theatre
Enjoy a fun evening with Pam the Kindersinger’s Icicle Ball! A casual dinner is served while parents and children watch singing, dancing, puppetry and more!
St. James Academy, 5:30-7:30, tickets required, saintjamesacademy.org
Saturday 11
Family
Owl Do I Love Thee?
Where do owls nest in the winter? Learn about this extraordinary animal and have a hoot making owl-inspired Valentine’s crafts.
Feb. 11-12, Oregon Ridge Nature Center, ages 5+, 1-3 p.m., fee required, oregonridgenaturecenter.org
Kerplunk!
Stop by the Creative Alliance for free weekly craft workshops led by artists Terry Barnes and Alexandra Gonzalez. Stay as briefly or as long as you’d like.
Creative Alliance, Saturdays, 12-3 p.m., free,
410-276-1651
Civil War Tea
Throw it way back for this special 1800s-themed tea, featuring sips and bites common to the Civil War era. During the tea, learn about home, social life and more during the war.
B & O Railroad Museum, registration not required, borail.org
Parents
Filmtalk
Watch and discuss Frank Capra’s classic romantic comedy “It Happened One Night.”
Meyerhoff Children’s Garden of the Pratt Central Library, 12-2 p.m., free, prattlibrary.org
Love Is In The Air Wine Tasting
Get a little pre-Valentine’s Day romance in at this special wine tasting/education session with sommelier Julie Dalton. Chef Zack Mills will be serving up the snacks, too!
Wit & Wisdom, 4-6 p.m., tickets required, witandwisdombaltimore.com
Sunday 12
Family
Paper Circuits and Pop Up Cards
Learn how to create your own light-up greeting cards in this special Valentine’s Day science workshop.
Maryland Science Center, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 10+ (kids under 16 must be accompanied by an adult), tickets required, mdsci.org
Free Family Sunday
Enjoy an exhibition-inspired craft for kids at the Baltimore Museum of Art. This week’s craft: Make a quilted Valentine’s heart.
Baltimore Museum of Art, 2-5 p.m., free, artbma.org
Monday 13
Family
Who Will Be My Valentine?
At this Valentine’s-themed story time, kids will enjoy stories and songs and have a chance to make their very own cards.
Carroll County Public Library Finksburg Branch,1:30 p.m., ages 3-6, registration required, library.carr.org
Parents and Teens
African American Arts Festival
Pratt Library and UB Live join forces to present this special cultural festival, featuring a reading and talk from “Insurrections” author Rion Amilcar Scott, as well as other exhibitions and activities.
University of Baltimore, Wright Theater, Feb. 13-16, free, prattlibrary.org
Tuesday 14
Family
The Shed: Shadow Puppets
In this edition of the Maryland Science Center’s crafting series, learn to make puppets with moving parts.
Feb. 14-20. Maryland Science Center, open during center hours, free with price of admission, mdsci.org
Preschool
Preschool Nature Series
In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, learn how animals take care of each other through stories, crafts, park exploration and more.
Eden Mill Nature Center, 10-11:15 a.m., ages 2-5, registration and fee required, edenmill.org
Wednesday 15
Teen
Duct Tape Roses
Head to this make-and-take workshop for a little post-Valentine’s fun.
Carroll County Public Library Westminster Branch, 3 p.m., ages 16+, registration required, library.carr.org
Thursday 16
Family
From Ancient Gods and Goddesses to Spandex Superheroes
In this series of homeschool workshops for different ages, students will explore ancient mythology’s effect on modern pop culture.
The Walters Art Museum, 1:30-3:30 p.m., registration and fee required, thewalters.org
Parents
Women in the Dark
The Peabody Chamber Opera presents Women in the Dark, a series of opera shorts featuring women who are distinctly unaware of the situations that surround them.
The Theatre Project, Feb. 16-20, tickets required, theatreproject.org
Friday 17
Family
Riverdance
Time to feis up, Baltimore! Get a head start on your St. Patty’s Day celebrations with Riverdance: The 20th Anniversary World Tour.
The Lyric Opera House, Feb. 17-19, tickets required, lyricbaltimore.com
Parents
What Does It Mean to Be Black?
Delve into Black History Month with this thoughtful panel featuring SHAN D. Watkins, Blaqstarr and Linnea Poole.
Creative Alliance, 6-8 p.m., free, creativealliance.org
Toddler
Tinker Tots
Help your little aspiring engineers develop their motor skills in their very own Tinkertown.
Carroll County Public Library Eldersburg Branch, 10 a.m., ages 2-5, registration required, library.carr.org
Saturday 18
Family
Maple Sugaring Weekends
Take a trip to the Sugar Shack to learn about the process of making maple syrup, take a hike to tap a tree for sap and taste different syrups and sugar.
Oregon Ridge Nature Center, Weekends, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (tours on the hour), free, oregonridgenaturecenter.org
Parents
Mortified Doomed Valentine’s Show
Here’s hoping your V-Day was better than those of these poor souls! In typical Mortified fashion, brave storytellers share writings from their youth with the audience in a cringe-worthy but LOL-inducing stage show.
The Ideal Arts Space, 9 p.m., tickets required, getmortifiedcom
Sunday 19
Family
The Peking Acrobats
See the stunning acrobatics of these talented artists, featuring trick cycling, gymnastics and more.
The Gordon Center, 1:30 and 5:30 p.m., tickets required, jcc.org
Free Family Sunday
Enjoy an exhibition-inspired craft for kids at the Baltimore Museum of Art. This week’s craft: “Create a wild and woven design.”
Baltimore Museum of Art, 2-5 p.m., free, artbma.org
Monday 20
Family
School’s Out Camp
Give your child a hands-on farm experience at this daylong event, which teaches themes of farming through lessons, games and crafts.
Baltimore County Ag Center, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., tickets required, marylandagriculture.org
Wednesday 22
Family
Mother Nature & Me
At this special pre-K session, your child will have the opportunity to connect with the natural world through stories, snacks and a take-home art project.
Holt Park & Center for the Arts, 12-4 p.m., ages 2-6, registration and fee required, overleafrc.com/holtpark
Parents
Wine and Canvas
Unwind with a glass of vino and get those creative juices flowing at this fun step-by-step painting event.
Baltimore Museum of Industry, 6:30-9:30 p.m., tickets required, thebmi.org
Poetry and Conversation
Poets Ishion Hutchinson and Dora Malech will read from and discuss their work during this special literary evening.
Meyerhoff Children’s Garden of the Pratt Free Library, 6:30 p.m., free, prattlibrary.org
Thursday 23
Teens
Masquerade Maker
Conceal your identity in a handcrafted mask, made especially for Mardi Gras! All masks will be designed and drawn with 3-D pens.
Carroll County Public Library Finksburg Branch, 6 p.m., ages 12-17, registration required, library.carr.org
Friday 24
Family
Motown Storytime
As the library calendar says, they “ain’t too proud to beg you to join” them for Motown storytime! Enjoy stories, songs, fingerplays and more.
Carroll County Library Finksburg Branch, 10 a.m., ages 2-8, free, library.carr.org
The White Snake
In the ancient Chinese fable of The White Snake, serpentine spirits White Snake and Green Snake transform into humans. See the family-friendly show at the newly renovated Head Theater.
Center Stage’s Head Theater, Feb. 24-March 26, tickets required, centerstage.org
2017 American Craft Show
Hold onto your glitter glue, Charm City—the biggest indoor craft show in America is coming to town. Featuring more than 650 vendors, the Craft Show celebrates the 75th anniversary of the American Craft Council with hordes of homemade goods and maker-based programming.
Baltimore Convention Center, Feb. 24-26, tickets required, craftcouncil.org/baltimore
Saturday 25
Family
Philadanco
See the Philadelphia Dance Company, more commonly known as PHILADANCO, inspire audiences with a unique blend of African-American traditional dance, athletic ballet, jazz and modern styles.
The Gordon Center, 8 p.m., tickets required, jcc.org
Small Foods Party
Try your hand at crafting diminutively delicious snacks at this fun celebration, featuring a kids’ contest for the first time ever!
American Visionary Arts Museum, 6:30 p.m., entry fee required, avam.org
Dr. Seuss’ Birthday Bash!
Celebrate the birthday of the beloved children’s author with a fun themed party featuring rhyme games, Seuss story readings, make-your-own bookmarks and more!
Lakeshore Learning Store, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., free, lakeshorelearning.com
Sea Chanters
See the United States Navy’s official chorus as they perform everything from old-timey sea chanteys to classical to contemporary music.
Hammonds Lane Theatre, 6:30 p.m., free, chesapeakearts.org
Black History Month Open House
In honor of Black History Month, enjoy a Verizon-sponsored open house at the Reginald F. Lewis museum with free gallery entry, arts and crafts and more.
Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture, 10 a.m., free, lewismuseum.org
Sunday 26
Family
Blue
What if everything in the world was blue? In this fun play, it is! Join characters Inky and Pale as they embark on a journey inspired by the discovery of the color red.
Imagination Stage, 10 a.m., ages 1-5, tickets required, imaginationstage.org
Free Family Sunday
Enjoy an exhibition-inspired craft for kids at the Baltimore Museum of Art. This week’s craft: Macrame hangings!
Baltimore Museum of Art, 2-5 p.m., free, artbma.org
Tuesday 28
Toddler
Preschool Nature Series
Follow the trail and learn about animal tracks through stories, crafts, adventures and more.
Eden Mill Nature Center, 10-11:15 a.m., ages 2-5, registration and fee required, edenmill.org
