HoCo Happenings: June 7 - 21
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
Robinson Nature Center, 6692 Cedar Ln, Columbia, MD 21044
Friday June 7 | 6:30-7:30pm | $6 per person | ages 7 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. This month’s film: Astronauts
LIL’ STARS
Robinson Nature Center, 6692 Cedar Ln, Columbia, MD 21044
Saturday June 8 | 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 8 | 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 8 | 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 9 | 12:30-2:30pm | $6 per person or $25 per family (up to 5 people) | ages 7 and up
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.
PUBLIC STAR PARTY
Alpha Ridge Park, 11685 Old Frederick Rd, Marriottsville, MD 21104
Saturday June 15 | 7:15-8:45pm | free | all ages
Come enjoy the night sky through telescopes set up by The Howard Astronomical League (HAL). At this relaxed, casual, family event, view live images on a big screen as seen through the Illig Telescope in HAL's observatory. Info/weather updates: www.howardastro.org . Info: Danielle Bassett, 410-313-4634 or dbassett@howardcountymd.gov.
REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS
Warfield Pond Park, 14523 Macclintock Dr, Glenwood, MD 21738
Saturday June 15 | 2-3pm | free | all ages
Does your favorite animal hop on land, yet love to swim? Does it have a large shell but floats in water? Come learn more about these amazing animals as we explore the wonderful world of reptiles and amphibians. Wear comfortable footwear, bring sunblock or bug spray as needed, and we?ll see you at the park! Info: dkjohnson@howardcountymd.gov
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
ADULTS ONLY
BRING YOUR OWN MUG NIGHT
Black Flag Brewing Company: 9315 Snowden River Pkwy, Columbia, MD 21046
Wednesday, June 5 | 4-10pm | ages 21 and over
This is a B.Y.O.M that recurs every Wednesday. Bring your favorite mug or any other drinking vessel. Sized within reason (additional charges apply for mugs over 20oz). Play board games, hang out with good company, and have fun. That’s it.
COLUMBIA 1ST + 3RD THURSDAY PUB RUNS
Hosted by Charm City Run: 7090 Deepage Dr, Columbia 21045
Thursday, June 6 (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.
YAPPY HOUR
The Wine Bin: 8390 Main Street, Ellicott City, 21043
Friday, June 7 (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.
LAKEFEST WEEKEND
Downtown Columbia Lakefront: 10275 Wincopin Circle, Columbia, Maryland 21044
Friday June 14 - Sunday June 16 | 6:30-8pm | free | all ages
The FREE LakeFest Weekend includes three days of live music, an invitational arts and crafts show, strolling performers, a Clyde’s of Columbia Beer Garden and an array of activities and entertainment for all ages. The Festival boasts a wide variety of festival fare and local food truck favorites the whole family can enjoy! Check back soon for highlights from their menus and start daydreaming of the treats you’ll eat while listening to live music and shopping through the Invitational Fine Arts & Crafts Show.
