what's up for the weekend... june 10-12

A break in 100 degree temps! Foot's Forecast says highs in the mid 80s this weekend, so get ready for some fun outside family action. There are lots of things happening, but here are our top picks. For a full list, check out our calendar.

Family Fun Night at West Shore Park: Music, food hot off the grill, beverages (we hear there will be beer), and a whole lotta activities Friday night from 4 PM - 7 PM. This FREE event is brought to you by the Baltimore Waterfront Partnership. In addition to Mambo Combo serving up the Latin tunes, our friends from aMuse Toys will be bringing on the fun. There may {and this is not confirmed} even be a bunch of pint size bikes to try out. Be sure to pack a picnic blanket, towels and extra clothes for the wee ones. We bet you won't be able to keep them out of the Sondheim Fountain!

Tinkertoy Exhibit Opens at Port Discovery: Stretch your imagination, create your own inventions, and celebrate a classic toy beloved by generations at TINKERTOY®: Build Your Imagination™, a new hands-on exhibit! Giant replicas of the classic wooden construction set form a colorful backdrop for nine unique activity stations that explore contemporary topics like renewable energy and clean water technology. There’s even a walk-in size replica of a TINKERTOY canister! Catch the exhibit Saturday, June 11th through September 25th!

National Get Outdoors Day: This Saturday! National Get Outdoors Day is a new annual event to encourage healthy, active outdoor fun. Participating partners will offer opportunities for American families to experience traditional and non-traditional types of outdoor activities. Prime goals of the day are reaching first-time visitors to public lands and reconnecting our youth to the great outdoors. OFFICIAL MARYLAND SITES: Hazel Outdoor Discovery Center and Antietam National Battlefield.

9th Annual Tour Dem Parks, Hon! The 9th annual bike ride to benefit city parks. The ride begins and ends in Carroll Park in southwest Baltimore. Choose from 12, 25, 36 or 64 mile rides. Routes wind through Baltimore’s parks and neighborhoods. A barbecue and live jazz follows the ride. Registration is $35 for adults; $15 ages 15 and under before June 1st. After June 1st adults are $40; $20 ages 15 and under.

ArtKids Preschool Program The Curious Garden: Explore nature in art in The Curious Garden by Peter Brown at The Walters Art Museum!. You and your child will use all your senses during this 90-minute, hands-on experience that combines a story chosen for its theme, a short tour, and an art activity. Get your art on this Saturday at 10:30 AM. Reservations required.

Nature Pals: Colors of the Rainbow: Head to Ladew Topiary Gardens for a colorful morning on Saturday! Activities include outdoor exploration, games, story, craft and snack. For ages 3 - 5 w/adult. 10:30 am – 12 noon. Members: $5 per child/parent pair; Non-members: $15 per child/parent pair; each additional registered sibling is $5. Reservations required, call (410) 557-9570.

Carnival Science at The Maryland Science Center: Circus Science rules the day with lots of hands-on exploration of what it takes to control the chaos of a three-ring extravaganza. Carnival games, live entertainment, and circus workshops round out the day. If you’ve ever dreamed of running away to the circus here’s your chance—and you’ll still be home in time for dinner. All activities are free with paid admission. Saturday and Sunday from 11 AM -4 PM.

Miniature Trains in Leakin Park: They're back! Miniature trains operated by the Chesapeake and Allegheny Steam Preservation Society will provide free rides for children, parents, and grandparents. Tables for picnics and birthday parties are available nearby. Other family-friendly activities available in the park on that day too. Sunday from 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM EDT. (Trains are operated the second Sunday of every month in the summer, weather permitting).

Nature Storytime at Irvine: An afternoon of nature stories awaits! Bring a blanket and join the fab folks at Irvine Nature Center at the stage in the new Outdoor Classroom for interactive storytelling and puppets. In case of rain, nature storytime will be indoors. All ages.

Farmer's Market Egg-stravaganza: Fresh produce season as begun in Maryland! Check out our list of area farmer's market for one near you and visit this weekend.