Thursday
Design Your Own Video Game
Discover the ins and outs of the free online program Scratch and learn how to create your own video game. Registration required. For teens and tweens. Anne Arundel County Library, Maryland City at Russett Branch, 2 p.m., free, aacpl.net
Learn About Robotics
Find out what robotics is all about and see if it piques your interest as the Glenelg High School Robotiators provide demonstrations and activities. Registration required. Ages 11-18. Howard County Public Library, Glenwood Branch, 4-5 p.m., free, hclibrary.org
Amazon STEM Series: Astronomy Day
Fingers crossed for a clear night. Come look at the evening sky and learn about the stars that light up the Baltimore night. Enoch Pratt Library, Forest Park Branch, 6-7 p.m., free, prattlibrary.org
Friday
Homeschool Interactive Forensic Science Lesson
Baltimore County 4-H invites homeschoolers and their parents for a morning of hands-on investigation including chemical testing, dissection and GPS tracking. Registration required. Programs for ages 5 to adult. Baltimore County 4-H Office, 9 a.m.-noon, free, extension.umd.edu/baltimore-county/4-h-youth
TotSwap
Out with the old, in with the new to you. Sell the items your little ones have outgrown and then shop rows and rows of gently used clothes, toys and gear at this huge semi-annual sale. Public Sale Nov. 9-12, Howard County Fairgrounds, hours vary, free, totswap.net
45th Annual Maryland Irish Festival
Enjoy a weekend overflowing with traditional food, drink, music, exhibits, activities and, of course, dancing. The best part is that children under 17 are admitted free. Nov. 9-12, Timonium Fairgrounds, hours vary daily, $10-$20/adult, irishfestival.com
‘Madagascar Jr.’
Based on the popular film series, Alex the Lion and his animal friends (including those crazy penguins) invite you on a musical journey to King Julien’s world in Madagascar. Nov. 9 (7 p.m.), 10 (3 and 7 p.m.), and 11 (3 p.m.), Carroll Arts Center, $8/adult, $6/child, carrollcountyartscouncil.org
Saturday
Intro to Improv Workshop
Funny kids needed. This intro class is designed to explore basic concepts of improv in a fun and safe environment and concludes with a special performance to show off your new skills. Registration required. Ages 7-12. The BIG Theater, 10-11:30 a.m., $20, bigimprov.org
Family Arts Day
Enjoy a day overflowing with expression and creativity as TU’s Community Art Center offers free interactive art programs, dance workshops and art gallery tours. Center for the Arts, Towson University, 12-4 p.m., free, towson.edu
Glow Bugs and Build
This is not your average science class. Discover the science of bioluminescence as you build and create with glowing bacteria. Registration required. Ages 10 and up. BUGSS (Baltimore Under Ground Science Space), 1-4 p.m., $65/nonmembers, discount for members, bugssonline.org
‘A Christmas Story – The Musical’
Follow the adventures of 9-year old Ralphie Parker and his journey to get his dream Christmas present in this musical adaptation of the classic ’80s film. Weekends, Nov. 10-25, the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Auditorium at Mercy High School, 2 p.m., $15, charmcityplayers.com
Sunday
Veterans Day at Fort McHenry
Pay tribute to those who have served our country by participating in programs and activities throughout the day. Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., free, nps.gov
Story Pirates
No need to walk the plank. These pirates aren’t going to steal your gold. They’re looking for a different kind of treasure … imaginative and interesting stories. Once they find them, they’ll bring them to life on the stage. Gordon Center for Performing Arts, 3 p.m., $15/advance, $18/door, jcc.org/gordon-center
Opera Scenes with the BSFA
Prepare to be dazzled as students from Baltimore School for the Arts perform scenes from famous operas. Grace United Methodist Church, 3 p.m., free, bsfa.org
Critical Analysis for Kids: ‘A Christmas Carol’
Sharpen your viewpoint on performance and learn to talk and think critically about a script through the study, writing and viewing of a live show. Registration required. Grades 5-12. Sundays, Nov. 11-Dec. 16, 2:30-4:30 p.m., $184/course, chesapeakeshakespeare.com
