HoCo Happenings: April 5-19
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
FAMILY FRIDAYS UNDER THE DOME: PASSPORT TO THE UNIVERSE
Robinson Nature Center, 6692 Cedar Ln, Columbia, MD 21044
Friday April 5 | 6:30pm – 7:30pm | $3 per person with annual pass or general admission | ages 7 and up
Treat your family to unique shows at the Robinson Nature Center’s NatureSphere planetarium. Each program features a full-dome movie preceded by a family-friendly planetarium presentation. The full-dome movie for April is Passport to the Universe. Please arrive 15 minutes early to be seated. Due to dark conditions in the planetarium, we cannot seat you once the show has begun
LIL’ ACORNS - WAKE UP NATURE (PARENT/CHILD)
Robinson Nature Center, 6692 Cedar Ln, Columbia, MD 21044
Saturday April 6 | 10:30am – 12:00pm | $18 for 1 child + 1 adult | ages 3-9, must be accompanied by a registered adult
Hold your lil’ acorn’s hand through an unforgettable morning. In the new Wake Up Nature! program, explore how plants bloom and animals come out of hibernation in the spring. This parent/child interactive programs include stories, tot-friendly investigations, a puppet show and a short walk through the woods.
Click here to purchase tickets online. Or, call 410-313-0400 to purchase tickets by phone. If still available, tickets will be sold at the front desk on the day of the program.
GHOSTLY GUIDES
Baltimore & Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum, 3711 Maryland Ave, Ellicott City, 21043
Saturday April 6 | 8pm-11pm | $25 | ages 16 and up
Gain exclusive after-hours access to the oldest railroad station in America and see what eerie adventures await you! Use ghost hunting equipment to ask unseen residents questions, take photos and observe changes in the electromagnetic field to help detect supernatural activity. The night begins with a historic tour of the Baltimore and Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum and after a brief orientation you will have the opportunity to wander the building with some of our professional ghost hunting gear. Bottled water and snacks are included. Info: Emily Mosher, 410-313-0419 or emosher@howardcountymd.gov.
NITE BITE FISHING
Centennial Lake, 6692 Cedar Ln, Columbia, MD 21044
Saturday April 6 | 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 6 | 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
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.
ADULTS ONLY
CHAREAU ALOE LIQUEUR
The Wine Bin: 8390 Main Street, Ellicott City, 21043
Saturday, April 6 | 12pm, 2pm | $30 ($10 credit towards purchase) | ages 21 and over
Craft distilled in small batches, and perfectly balanced with a refreshing blend of macerated vine fruits, eau de vie, and bright botanicals. Fresh Aloe Vera juice is then added as the final step in creating this wonderful expression of California agriculture in a bottle. There are two classes being featured, one at 12pm and one at 2pm.
Call the Bin with questions: 410-465-7802
ROSE ALL DAY
The Wine Bin: 8390 Main Street, Ellicott City, 21043
Saturday, April 6 | 7pm start | $25 ($10 credit towards purchase) | ages 21 and over
Let’s face it, the word Rosé was once synonymous with White Zinfandel and thought of as overly fruity and cloying. Fast forward to today, these often bone dry and mineral driven pink wines prove that Rosé can not only be serious but seriously delicious. In this class we will taste and discuss how Rosé is made, where it comes from, and how different the styles are.
Call the Bin with questions: 410-465-7802
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!
