what's up for the weekend... march 25-28

This week's picks looks a little bit like 'let's make a deal!' There are some great sale activities happening this weekend - - so you may want to consider booking a sitter and nabbing some great deals. Family time on your radar screen? There are some wonderful fun-for-the-whole gang events happening too! Here are this week's picks:

aMuse Toys Spring Sidewalk Sale: It's the annual Spring Sidewalk Sale at our favorite area toy store on Sunday from 9-2!. The deals are so good, they can't share any info in advance about which brands will be on sale. (Although they did mention that one of their favorite German Toy Makers' merchandise would be on sale... hmmmm....). We've got an interview with Claudia on the blog, where she shares tips for navigating the sale if you're a newbie.

JLBalt's Spring Boutique Warehouse Sale & Girls' Night Out: Huge savings on designer fashions, footwear & accessories from over 30 area boutiques! The sale is free and open to the public on Saturday from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM and all proceeds benefit The Junior League of Baltimore. Check out the Girls' Night Out Preview Party sponsored by Baltimore Style Magazine on Friday from 7:00 PM - 10:00 AM. Eat. Drink. Score some fabulous deals. Tickets are $20 in advance for the preview party.

4th Annual Maryland Day Celebration: "Maryland Day" is a collaborative event sponsored by Four Rivers: The Heritage Area of Annapolis, London Town & South County. Whether you like historic sites, cultural activities, natural resources and conservation, or all of the above, Four Rivers Heritage Area has it all. Not to mention world-class dining and shopping! There is something for every member of the family to enjoy during this annual celebration of all things “Maryland.” Events are taking place Friday, Saturday AND Sunday!

Tiny Tots Safari: A Bug's World: Little ones learn all about creepy crawlers on a bug hunt in Patterson Park. The hunt begins at 9:30 AM on Saturday at the Park's Audubon Center. (This event is especially for the little bitty ones!)

National Cherry Blossom Festival Family Day: Want a quick road trip? Head to the start of the National Cherry Blossom Festival this weekend! Celebrate the opening of Washington’s cherry blossom season with a family festival that explores Japanese arts and design at the National Building Museum. See a Japanese building made out completely out of cans. Fold your very own kirigami flower. Decorate a beautiful Japanese style kite and MUCH MUCH MORE! The family fun is planned for 10 AM-3:30 PM on Saturday.

Science Alive for Kids Under 5 - BOATS! FREE! What makes a boat float? Head over to Masonville Cove Environmental Education Cente to answer this and many other questions through games, activities, and projects. You'll even build our own boats! Snack & Take Home Craft Provided.

The Return of Gemini: On Sunday afternoon, March 27th, Magoobys presents another MONTHLY KIDS COMEDY SUNDAY. Bring your kids to Magooby's Joke House for a magically hilarious two hour show featuring legendary performer GEMINI. Gemini has been voted the #1 Family Entertainer in America THREE YEARS IN A ROW. The show combines magic, comedy, ventriloquism, live animals and lots of hilarious audience participation. Fun for ALL AGES. We promise you'll laugh as loud as your kids! A special kid-friendly menu will be served including hot dogs and ice cream. It's wholesome entertainment for the ENTIRE FAMILY. FREE FACE PAINTING FOR ALL THE KIDS!

Nature Preschool Open House: Discover our friends at Irvine Nature Center's unique approach to early childhood education! The Nature Place at Irvine uses a balanced curriculum that seeks to develop the ""whole child"" and prepares your youngster for kindergarten and beyond. Join our impassioned teachers in a casual, drop-in setting for some light refreshments, and discuss your toddler's educational future. Children are welcome to tag along so they can experience Irvine's learning environment, complete with imagination stations, for themselves.