HoCo Happenings: June 21 - July 5
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
CANOE AND PADDLING BASICS
Centennial Park: 10000 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21042
Friday June 21 | 6-8:30pm | $35 per person | ages 10 and up
Whether you're a brand-new paddler or are just looking to refine your skills, this paddling basics class gives you the confidence to hit the water on your own! Learn paddling techniques, self-rescue, safety and gear selection for both canoes and kayaks. Participants under 16 are placed in a canoe or tandem kayak with an accompanying registered adult. This is an American Canoe Association certified instructional program. Info: Matt Medicus, 410-313-1769.
HIKE: MD AT #3 WOLFSVILLE RD TO RTE 40
Long Gate Park and Ride
Saturday June 22 | 8am-4pm | $17 per person | 8 and up
The Appalachian Trail crossing Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania features historic Civil War sights and panoramic views of mountains and valleys; trip leaders will interpret points of interest. Hike leaders keep a moderate pace. Earn a certificate and patch by hiking each of the seven sections in the Maryland Appalachian Trail series at least once within a 3-year period. Earn a 100-mile certificate and patch by hiking additional miles on the Pennsylvania and Virginia sections of the Appalachian Trail. Under 16 must be accompanied by a participating parent or guardian. Participants should be in good shape, have good balance and depth perception to be able to hike two miles over rocky hills without a break and the ability to complete the distance indicated. Fee includes van or school bus transportation from the Park & Ride lot at the intersection of Rte. 100 and Long Gate Pkwy, Ellicott City. MD AT Section #3: Wolfsville Road to Rte 40: Have lunch at the site of the Black Rock Hotel, a 1900s hotel. Then hike to the panoramic view and fresh-water springs at Annapolis Rocks. Moderately difficult terrain: 9.5 miles
LIL’ STARS
Robinson Nature Center, 6692 Cedar Ln, Columbia, MD 21044
Saturday June 22 | 10-10:30AM | $3 per person | ages 3 and up
Let your little one discover outer space through views of the stars and planets, stories, crafts or song. Give your child a special nighttime experience during the day! Each month we focus on a different theme - from colors of stars, to the stories behind a constellation, to the seasonal changes in the sky. Pre-register to secure your seats. No late seating.
RAILS AND TALES
Baltimore & Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum, 3711 Maryland Ave, Ellicott City, 21043
Saturday June 22 | 10:30am-11am | $10 per person | at least 1.5 but less than 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.
LIL’ STARS
Robinson Nature Center, 6692 Cedar Ln, Columbia, MD 21044
Saturday June 22 | 11-11:30AM | $3 per person | ages 3 and up
Let your little one discover outer space through views of the stars and planets, stories, crafts or song. Give your child a special nighttime experience during the day! Each month we focus on a different theme - from colors of stars, to the stories behind a constellation, to the seasonal changes in the sky. Pre-register to secure your seats. No late seating.
RIVER ROMP
Robinson Nature Center, 6692 Cedar Ln, Columbia, MD 21044
Sunday, June 23 | 12:30-2:30 | $6 per person or $25 per family (up to 5 people) | all ages
Come celebrate summer by cooling off at the nature center with activities down at the Middle Patuxent River! By popular demand, we've added weekday sessions in addition to our weekend offerings. Bring your own non-perishable picnic, and join a Robinson Naturalist at the river for lunch and fun, family-friendly river games. Search the stream for big and small animals! Make boats and race them downstream! Come dressed to get wet. We wade in the river and recommend closed-toed water shoes. Participants must check-in for program at front desk. Participation is limited to 25 people per program. Online registration not available; please call 410-313-0400 to register.
RIVER ROMP
Robinson Nature Center, 6692 Cedar Ln, Columbia, MD 21044
Thursday, June 27 | 10:30-12:30 | $6 per person or $25 per family (up to 5 people) | all ages
Come celebrate summer by cooling off at the nature center with activities down at the Middle Patuxent River! By popular demand, we've added weekday sessions in addition to our weekend offerings. Bring your own non-perishable picnic, and join a Robinson Naturalist at the river for lunch and fun, family-friendly river games. Search the stream for big and small animals! Make boats and race them downstream! Come dressed to get wet. We wade in the river and recommend closed-toed water shoes. Participants must check-in for program at front desk. Participation is limited to 25 people per program. Online registration not available; please call 410-313-0400 to register.
BABES IN BACKPACKS
Robinson Nature Center, 6692 Cedar Ln, Columbia, MD 21044
Saturday June 29 | 11am-noon | $8 per person | ages 1 month to 1 year
This program provides our tiniest visitors the chance to become familiar with the sights, sounds, smells and textures of the great outdoors. Infants are exposed to new experiences that will build their comfort level when encountering unfamiliar objects and when spending time outside. Families learn how to help their children develop a familiarity with nature and encourage their child’s sensory exploration from a young age. Enjoy a short walk on unpaved trails (requires infants to be in a baby backpack or carrier - trails are not stroller accessible). No online registration, call 410-313-0400.
NITE BITE FISHING
Centennial Park, 10000 Clarksville Pike (Main/South), Ellicott City, Maryland 21042
Friday June 29 | 6-11pm | $5 per person | all ages
Have you 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. Bring your own fishing pole, bait, tackle, bug repellant, flashlight or lantern, chair, or boat. Advanced registration is encouraged but on-site registration is available. Under 16 years must be accompanied by an adult. Complete information at www.howardcountymd.gov/nightfishing. Anglers 14 yrs & up can register for the Nite Bite Fishing Tournament Series ($100 fee, see website for details). Info: Dawn Thomas, 410-313-1754.
FAMILY FRIDAYS UNDER THE DOME
Robinson Nature Center, 6692 Cedar Ln, Columbia, MD 21044
Friday July 5 | 6:30-7:30pm | $6 per person | ages 3 and up
Treat your family to unique shows at Robinson Nature Center's NatureSphere planetarium. Each program features a full-dome movie preceded by a family-friendly planetarium presentation. Price is per ticket. No Late seating. To ensure the best experience for your family and other patrons, please be in your seats at show time. We recommend you arrive 15 minutes early to pick up your tickets and get seated. Due to dark conditions, we cannot seat patrons while the show is in progress.
ADULTS
YAPPY HOUR
The Wine Bin: 8390 Main Street, Ellicott City, 21043
Friday, June 21 (recurring 1st and 3rd Fridays) | 6pm | free | family friendly
The Bin hosts Yappy hour in the parking lot adjacent to our building. Bring your well-behaved leashed dog or come without a dog and enjoy everyone else’s dog. Donations and a portion of our sales benefit dog charities. Live Music, Popcorn and a Free Beer and Wine tasting. Your dog is welcome inside The Bin as well. This is a free family friendly event. Check the Wine Bin's Facebook page for an update if the weather is questionable.
HOWARD COUNTY PRIDE PARADE
Centennial Park: 10000 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City, 21042
Saturday, June 29 | 11am-5pm | free | family friendly
Come experience the HoCo Pride in 2019 as the first ever celebration of sexual and gender minorities in Howard County! This family friendly event will feature food, music, games, entertainment of all kinds, community resources, allies, friends, and fun! You can even bring your furry family members! Co-Hosted by PFLAG Columbia-Howard County and County Executive Calvin Ball, the energy is limitless. Our volunteers have put in over two years of hard work and planning to make this event a success. It's time for us all to unite around the things that make us different and truly embrace the beautiful spectrum of diversity that Howard County has to offer.
COLUMBIA 1ST + 3RD THURSDAY PUB RUNS
Hosted by Charm City Run: 7090 Deepage Dr, Columbia 21045
Thursday, July 4 (Recurring 1st and 3rd Thursdays Monthly) | 6:30-8pm | free | ages 21 and over
Join us for a pub run every first and 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 local pub where you'll enjoy food/drink discounts. Please bring a valid ID if you wish to enjoy an alcoholic beverage after the run.All paces and levels are welcome for the fun run! First Thursday - alternate between Hysteria Brewing Company & CRAVIN'. Third Thursday - Pub Dog.
HOWARD COUNTY’S JULY 4TH FIREWORKS
Columbia Lakefront: 10275 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Columbia, MD 21044
Thursday, July 4 | 5-10pm | free | all ages
Join us for our annual 4th of July fireworks celebration. The event features live entertainment. Bring a picnic or purchase food from on-site vendors. Parking is free. Visit www.howardcountymd.gov/rap after June 1 for activities schedule.
