HoCo Happenings: April 12-26
Looking for something to do around Howard County, but don’t have the time to scour the Internet trying to find what peaks your interest? Here’s your weekly round up of events happening around Howard County in the next two weeks. Enjoy!
KIDS AND FAMILY
TODDLER TIME
Robinson Nature Center, 6692 Cedar Ln, Columbia, MD 21044
Friday April 12 | 9am & 10am | $7 for 1 child + 1 adult, $5 members | ages 1-2.5 with an adult
Toddler time offers some of our youngest visitors a chance to use unstructured play to gain the comfort level and gross/fine motor skills they need to happily explore the world around them. Each month, we curate materials on a different theme for you and your toddler to explore. Take part in simple, self-guided activities that encourage toddlers to move in age- appropriate ways and explore unfamiliar textures, smells, sounds and sights found in the natural world. Fee is for one child and one adult. Caregivers and children of the recommended age are welcome. A 1:3 caregiver to child ratio is required to take part in the program. Call to register. Theme for this month is NEW! April Showers.
ROCKBURN ELEMENTARY SPRING EGG HUNT
Rockburn Elementary: 6145 Montgomery Rd, Elkridge, MD 21075
Saturday April 13 | 10am | $4 per child or $11 for 3+ children from same household | ages 2-10
Collect eggs and enjoy prizes, games and fun for the whole family! Children are divided into age groups, and must be accompanied by an adult. Bring your basket, and don’t be late! The egg hunt begins at 10am sharp. No cash accepted.
RAILS AND TALES
Baltimore & Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum, 3711 Maryland Ave, Ellicott City, 21043
Saturday April 13 | 10:30am | $3 per child | ages 1.5-5
Hop aboard the story train! Bring your little one out to a discovery storytime at some of our historic sites in Ellicott City. We'll read stories about how life was long (or not so long!) ago, play old time games, and make a history craft you can take home. Themes will change each month, so be sure to visit us several times. Info: Emily Mosher, 410-313-0419 or emosher@howardcountymd.gov.
EARTH DAY PUPPET THEATER
Robinson Nature Center, 6692 Cedar Lane, Columbia, MD 21044
Saturday April 20 | 10am, 11am | $5 per person | ages 2 and up
In honor of Earth Day, join us at the Robinson Nature Center for an interactive puppet show about the Lorax, a Dr. Seuss character who speaks for the trees! After the program, you and your child work together to create "seed bombs" that can be scattered into open fields and ditches to help reestablish native plant populations.
Pre-registration suggested as programs fill up quickly. All participants, adults and children, must be registered.
Meadowbrook Park, 5001 Meadowbrook Lane, Ellicott City, MD 21043
Saturday April 20 | 11am – 2pm | prices vary | ages 2-12
Come experience what Howard County Recreation & Parks has to offer your children at the 6th annual Kid’s Fest at Meadowbrook Park! This exciting event features sports instruction, games, activities, arts and crafts, food, and much more. Bring the whole family and enjoy fun for all ages. In the event of inclement weather, Kid’s Fest will move inside the Meadowbrook Athletic Complex.
Centennial Lake, 6692 Cedar Ln, Columbia, MD 21044
Saturday April 26 | 6pm – 11pm | $5 per person | ages 5 and up, under 16 accompanied by an adult
Ever wanted to fish Centennial Lake at night? Now's your chance! Join Howard County Recreation & Parks for a unique opportunity to fish the lake after hours on select dates. Bring your own fishing pole, tackle, bait, bug repellent, flashlight or lantern, chair or boat*. Advance registration is encouraged but on-site registration available. Under 16 years must be accompanied by an adult.
Know before you go - Call the program status line at 410-313-4451 (option 1 then option 4) to see if the event is still running as scheduled.
* All boats must meet Maryland DNR requirements and must have the proper lights - see Rules tab for more information.
NITE BITE FISHING CLINIC
Centennial Lake, 6692 Cedar Ln, Columbia, MD 21044
Saturday April 26 | 6:30pm – 11pm | $10 per person | ages 5 and up, under 16 accompanied by an adult
Want to fish but not sure how to get started? Wondering which bait and rod to use? Join Rec & Parks staff and learn to fish during Nite Bite Fishing events. Fee includes entry to Nite Bite Fishing (not the Tournament Series). First hour is instruction and instructor will remain on site for assistance until 11pm. All fishing equipment and bait provided for use during the clinic; bring your own flashlight or lantern. Advance registration encouraged but on site registration is available. Meet Nite Bite Fishing staff at the Centennial Park Boat Ramp the day of the event. Information: Dawn Thomas, 410-313-1754 or dthomas@howardcountymd.gov
ADULTS ONLY
MARYLAND BREWERY TOURS
Columbia Sheraton: 10207 Wincopin Cir, Columbia, 21044
Saturday April 13 | 11:45-5:00pm | $75/person | ages 21 and over
Check out Maryland's finest breweries without the hassle of driving and with the added perks of behind the scenes tours, a fresh pint of your choice at each stop, swag, good times, and more! This tour takes place in Howard County and includes the following breweries:
- 11:45 am - Bus departs promptly
- 12-1pm - Manor Hill Brewing
- 1:20 - 2:20 pm - Ellicott Mills Brewing
- 2:40 - 3:40 pm - Hysteria Brewing
- 3:45 - 4:45 pm - Reckless Ale Works
- 5:00 pm - Drop off
Pick up and drop off will be at the Columbia Sheraton (10207 Wincopin Cir, Columbia, MD 21044), where there is free parking. The bus departs promptly at 11:45 am. Click here for discounted rates at the beautiful lakefront Sheraton.
COLUMBIA 1ST + 3RD THURSDAY PUB RUNS
Hosted by Charm City Run: 7090 Deepage Dr, Columbia 21045
Thursday, April 18 (Recurring 1st and 3rd Thursdays Monthly) | 6:30-8pm | free | ages 21 and over
Join us for a pub run every third Thursday of the month from the Columbia store! We'll start from the shop at 6:30pm and then head out for a guided 3 mile run. We'll finish back at the shop and then head to Pub Dog where your first drink is on the house. Please bring a valid ID if you wish to enjoy an alcoholic beverage or two after the run. All paces and levels are welcome for the fun run!
FOOD AND WINE PAIRING: EASTER EDITION
The Wine Bin: 8390 Main Street, Ellicott City 21043
Friday, April 19 | 7pm | $35 ($10 credit towards purchase) | ages 21 and over
Easter is an excellent holiday where we gather with friends and family to break out the good china and nice bottle of wine. With so many options from glazed ham to the flavorful lamb, the brunch dishes, and the ever-popular chocolate bunny, it’s no wonder people have a hard time selecting a wine to please all. In this class we will break down the traditional Easter meal course by course and taste wines with each food.
Robinson Nature Center, 6692 Cedar Ln, Columbia, MD 21044
Friday April 26 | 8pm | $29 per person | ages 21 and up
Back by popular demand, embark on a nighttime egg hunt using flashlights and your wits at the Robinson Nature Center. Hundreds of eggs full of raffle tickets lie hidden, awaiting your discovery!
Collect as many as you can for chances to win passes to the National Aquarium, gift cards to Wegmans, meal coupons to local restaurants, tastings at local wineries and breweries and other fantastic, nature-themed prizes. Rain date for April 26th hunt is May 10th. Register through the ticket link, or call 410-313-0400
