summer storytime round-up

One of the best things about summertime are all of the unique storytime offerings out there! Of course, the public libraries each offer a series of storytimes, but here are a few you may not have known about:

Pirate Storytime on Fearless: Baltimore's own Urban Pirates offer a FREE storytime on Wednesdays and Fridays at 9:00 AM through September 5th. Songs, stories, games and more -- all aboard their pirate ship! Stay for the 9:30 AM family friendly sail and get 25% off your ticket price. The ship can only take 49 passengers on board when docked, so get there early to nab a spot. They dock in Fells Point.

Nature Storytime at Cylburn Mansion: Head over to one of our fav local Arboretums for nature story time every other Tuesday at 11 a.m. Nature Story Hour leader Ellen Perlman for an hour of stories and activities for preschool children and parents. Call 410-367-2217 to reserve a spot; reservations required. Cost: $1 per person or donations accepted.

I've Been Reading on the Railroad- Summer Reading at the B&O Railroad Museum: Not a story time per se, but young readers may sign up for the Museum’s summer reading program, “I’ve Been Readin’ on the Railroad”. Pick up a reading journal at the B&O in Baltimore or Ellicott City Station, read 10 railroad-related children’s books and return your journal to either museum location to earn a free book and a chance to win an engineer’s outfit! Enjoy Toddler Time every other Wednesday. Children listen to a classic railroad story, create a craft, enjoy playtime at Choo Choo Blue Kids Zone and take a kiddie train ride through the fictional town of ChooChoo Blueville – all included with paid admission.

Preschool Story Time at the Maryland Science Center: Cool off one hot Tuesday afternoon at the Science Center! Every Tuesday at 2:00 PM. Storytime includes stories, music, science activities, and lots of hands-on fun!

Tales and Trails at Irvine Nature Center: Join Irvine for a few animal stories followed by an animal interaction! This summer, we'll have this program every Friday. First up is Epossumondas Plays Possum and Possum and the Peeper with a close-up, hands on interaction .

Wee Workers at the Baltimore Museum of Industry: Join Miss Susan as she guides your preschooler in exploring history and technology through gallery tours, stories, songs and crafts related to a new topic every week. FREE for members. Cost for non-members: adults free, kids $5. Reservations recommended, contact Gena at gmorris@thebmi.org or 410.727.4808 x132

Half Pint Club at Whole Foods Mt. Washington: Join other toddlers and preschoolers every Friday at 10:30 AM Whole Foods Mt. Washington for the Half Pint club! Hear a story, make a craft, and get to visit different areas of the store for a snack.

Swim, Gym and Play at the JCC: Gather with friends for circle time with songs and puppets, make a fun summer craft and enjoy many other summer themed activities. When the indoor fun is over, enjoy pool time with a certified water safety instructor. Open to all JCC members and any family with a Parenting Center pass.

Lunch Time with Mother Goose at Clark's Ellioak Farm: Head out of the city on Tuesdays or Thursdays at 12:30 PM for story time at Clark's Ellioak Farm in Howard County. Stories and crafts with Ms. Trish! Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy it before or after story time -- and don't forget to tour the farm, too!

Have others to add?

Image from Washington Family