Family events in Baltimore, MD

Children who love to sing can spend a free three day weekend at a day camp for students entering grades 3 through 8. Offered by the Choir School of West Baltimore, the camp features professional voice training with no prior experience needed, plus activities that build leadership and social skills. Participants can enjoy food, games, and plenty of fun while making new friends. For more information, contact the Choir School of West Baltimore at 410-599-3143 or ted@stbs-md.org.

Explore the sobering history of submarine mishaps during a special 1-hour guided tour aboard USS Torsk. Part of the Fleet Focus program series, this experience is included with daily admission. A guide shares the stories of several significant submarine disasters and discusses theories about why they occurred. Walk through the boat’s spaces and view equipment to see examples of where things went wrong for these fateful vessels.

Make a day of splash-filled fun with waterslides for big and little kids, slip and slides and splash pads, and a bounce house. The excitement continues with outdoor games, fitness and activity stations, hands-on crafts, and unlimited rides on the train and carousel. Browse merchandise and food vendors throughout the celebration. The zoo’s animal residents get in on the action too. See an African elephant water cannon, grizzly bear pool enrichment, river otter ice treats, and more as different species cool off in their own ways. All activities are free with zoo admission or membership.

Fans will have a chance to meet Justin Nimmo, known as Zhane, the In Space Silver Ranger, at Ranger Boom. Tickets are available.

Explore three centuries of stories on a live narrated boat tour of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. The route begins near the Harborplace pavilions, heads out for views of Fort McHenry from the water, and returns to the Harborplace stop. Along the way, hear about the defeat of the British, Frederick Douglass’s escape, and current efforts in watershed restoration, showing how the waterfront links the past with the present and connects Baltimore to the wider world. The tour uses Baltimore Water Taxi vessels and starts and ends at the Baltimore Water Taxi stop at Harborplace next to the USS Constellation and the Harborplace pavilions. Tours run rain or shine, last 1.5 hours, and tickets are $27.50.

The Nature Education Center offers casual, nature-themed drop-in activities that invite hands-on discovery and informal learning. Participation is free, no registration is needed, and people of all ages are welcome.

The Hampden Bizaar takes place every other Saturday in front of Co-Balt/Hampden Yards. Those interested in vending can apply to participate.

Experience a free, open-air staging of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet in Patterson Park. Before the show, families can explore creative activities that include simple acting games, hands-on crafts, bubbles, and more. This interpretation sets the story on the cusp of the American Revolution to mark the nation’s 250th year, emphasizing principles such as freedom, equality, democracy, generosity, and the pursuit of happiness. The enduring tale of star-crossed lovers is presented as a reminder to look beyond political divides, with survivors emerging from tragedy committed to peace and core American values.

Billed as Maryland's biggest and best, this market takes place every other Sunday.

Browse the shelves and take part in a book giveaway, managed with timed entry to keep the line moving. About 110 patrons are admitted on the hour, and you are welcome to get back in line as often as you wish. The first entries typically draw the longest lines, while later in the day there is often little to no wait and the usual time limit may be relaxed. There will still be books available throughout the day. When you finish, please count the books you selected and sign out that number for tax reporting, even in wet weather. For families, one parent may bring up to three children, and all children must be with an adult and closely supervised because the kids section can be crowded. To help traffic flow, leave large boxes or wagons outside the exit and load them an armful at a time. Trained service animals are welcome, but pets are not. Book donations are accepted for part of the day only. The drop-off point is not in the browsing line. Drive past the entrance and mural to the west side garage door, where a volunteer can direct you, and there is no need to wait in the browsing line to donate. All genres are welcome, with special need for popular fiction, science fiction, fantasy, mystery, classics, non-diet cookbooks, science topics, English dictionaries, and Bibles. The limit is seven boxes per family, and each box should be small enough for one person to lift when full. Books previously adopted are gladly accepted. Popular and hobby magazines are welcome, but sets of academic, technical, or professional journals are not. Media items are not being accepted this month, and encyclopedia sets are not accepted. If you need a tax receipt, please request it when you arrive so your books can be counted separately. Pickup of donations is not available, but volunteers can unload them from your vehicle at the drop-off site. For very large donations or special situations like a library closing, use the contact form on the website. Plans may change due to weather, and any cancellations will be shared on the organization’s website and social media. Those interested in helping out can use the website’s contact form, with small-group trainings for new volunteers moving forward.

New to the BMA or looking for a brief art highlight before exploring on your own? A BMA Gallery Guide will lead a conversational, 30 minute mini tour featuring one or two artworks from across the Museum. The experience starts in the Clair Zamoiski Segal and Thomas H. Segal East Lobby. Open to all ages, and registration is not required.

Families with children ages 6 to 9 can drop in for hands-on art-making and nurture an artist's mindset. This weekly program takes place in the Joseph Education Center Studio, and registration is not required.

Celebrate Northwest Baltimore at a family friendly outdoor festival organized by the Northwest Baltimore Partnership. Expect live music, the YBI African Apparel Fashion Show, food trucks, craft vendors, children’s activities, and helpful community resources. The festivities take place at Reisterstown Road Plaza and will go on rain or shine, so pack lawn chairs and plan for time outside. Free parking is available on site, and the venue can be reached by subway and bus. Check in at the table by the main tent marked Registration. Guests may bring lawn chairs, blankets, bottled water, beach umbrellas, and sunscreen. Pop up tents, coolers, alcohol, outside food except baby food or formula, weapons, and illegal substances are not allowed. There is no ATM on site, though many vendors accept credit cards. Pets are not permitted. Stop by the event table to enter for a chance to win a gift card, with an option to enter in advance by registering.

Part of the Friends of Patterson Park Summer Concert Series, this special concert highlights the Haitian Caribbean Festival hosted by Komite Ayiti. Presented by PNC Bank with media partners WYPR and WTMD, the performance takes place outdoors at the Patterson Park Observatory. Expect food and craft vendors on site, along with a Friends of Patterson Park merchandise table.

Make Tuesday your movie day with $7 tickets at Warehouse Cinemas. Settle into luxury recliners and enjoy a memorable big-screen experience with fresh popcorn, handcrafted food, and ice-cold drinks. This weekly special happens every Tuesday, perfect for catching a new blockbuster, sharing laughs with friends, planning a family outing, or keeping a date night easy on the wallet. Great movies, great food, great price... every Tuesday.

Pop bubbles, dance, sing, laugh, and use your imagination at a high-energy show that also features dinosaur-themed fun. The program is designed to be inclusive for children of all abilities, including kids on the autism spectrum, and includes hands-on visual and sensory experiences paired with each song, plus time for parents and caregivers to enjoy together.

Crazy 8s turns Wednesdays into budget friendly movie nights with a simple summer offer. Any show is $8 all day, and select food and concession items are also $8, with concession combos and merchandise excluded. Running every Wednesday throughout the summer, this promotion keeps a trip to the movies enjoyable without stretching the budget.