Weekend Family Fun, April 2-5

On Monday, Governor Larry Hogan issued a stay-at-home order for all Marylanders, and here we are, at home. So, how do we make this weekend special, or at least feel different than the five days before it? Here are a few ideas for some family fun for April 2-5.

Thursday

weekend family fun april 2-5These Kids Need to Move!

Here’s one way to get ’em up and dancing. Tiler Peck, a principal dancer with the New York Ballet, is doing live classes on her Instagram live at 1 p.m. Monday through Friday. Find her @tilerpeck. Another option? P.E. with Joe! Have you seen these YouTube videos yet? British fitness coach Joe Wicks produces a new 30-minute workout every weekday to get kids moving and energized.

Jacqueline Woodson Chats

Children’s author Jacqueline Woodson is known for her truth-telling stories and lyrical style, books such as “Feathers” and “Brown Girl Dreaming.” She writes for children of all ages, and her newest picture book is “The Day You Begin.”  Today she hosts a virtual story time via Facebook Live at 3 p.m. For more information, check her Facebook page or find her on Instagram @jacqueline_woodson.

weekend family fun april 2-5Friday

Kids Create

Pour yourself another cup of coffee and set the kids up with an art lesson. Each Friday, the Library of Congress, with the help of Scholastic Books, will post a short video of Dav Pilkey. Pilkey, of course, is the popular creator of the Captain Underpants series and will help our kids kick off the weekend with a drawing lesson, reading and the general wisdom of one who can make our wee ones laugh. His mantra, “Always Be Creative,” is one we need right now, too. Truthfully, it could be the Official Parenting Manta of the Pandemic.

Jason Reynolds Inspires

Another author is stepping up, and boy, does he know his audience. Jason Reynolds, who most recently penned “Look Both Ways,” a National Book Award finalist, has invited everyone to an “imagination stretch game” at 1:30 p.m., but only kids can participate. Which you know will make them all the more excited about it, right? Every kid who is called on wins a gift certificate to a local independent bookseller, so there’s another good reason to tune in. How do you find him? He’s on Instagram Live @jasonreynolds83.

Date Night Awaits

And now pour you and your spouse a glass of wine, put out the mixed nuts and get ready for date night. The Highlandtown Arts District in Baltimore is still hosting its First Friday Art Walk, just online. From 5 to 9 p.m., you can partake in art, readings and more. At 7:30, for example, Yellow Arrow House presents “Baltimore Stories,” a series of short readings, and at 8 p.m., there will be live acoustic music from Rob Myers. Drink and food specials are available for carryout and delivery from local restaurants and bars as well. Head to Facebook and the Highlandtown Arts District’s page to join in the fun.

weekend family fun april 2-5

Saturday

A Museum to Visit

Take the kids to the Baltimore Museum of Industry and check out the ways that workers have shaped and built this city. This pandemic has drawn attention to so many people who often work behind the scenes. Use this as a teachable moment to show children the variety of ways that people in this area have earned a living. And this virtual visit will get them out of your house and your own space for an hour or so.

A Lip Scrub to Make

“Me Time” is on the calendar today. Did you not get that memo? Because we can send it again. From our sister publication, Baltimore Style, here are four homemade lip scrubs to make in these crafty quarantine times. The magazine’s intrepid Beauty Explorer Adranisha Stephens scoured the internet for these fun recipes, which include links to other DIY beauty projects.

Sunday

A Round of Applause, Please

Sunday at 7 p.m., take a moment to step out of your home and give a shout of support for our health care workers. Invite your friends and your neighbors. Challenge them to be louder than you. Spread the word and the goodwill for folks who are working so hard during this difficult time. What a way to end the weekend and to start the week. Here’s the Facebook announcement to share on your social.

Be well, and be safe, dear readers. We are thinking of you.

About BC Staff

Baltimore's Child is written by parents like you. Want to contribute? Email us at [email protected].

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