what's up for the weekend... july 8-10

Love, love, LOVE that there is so much happening in the summer that is KID friendly! Here are our picks for the weekend. For a more complete listing and more ideas, check out our calendar.

Kung Fu Panda 2 at Benjies Drive In: Pack up the kids in their jammies and see the newest Kung Fu Panda movie like it's 1950. Note that Benjies requires an outside food and beverage permit if you're bringing your own snacks... or you can nab fresh popcorn there (popped in zero trans fat coconut oil - YUM!)! Catch the flick Friday and Saturday night at 8:35 PM. Gates open at 7:15 PM for parking. They suggest you get there earrrrllllyyyy....

Walking for Fitness: Baltimore Rec 'n Parks has a great new Saturday morning walking program at Druid Hill Park that's perfect for families! Fitness demonstrations, wellness check & healthy snacks. This Saturday through August 13th at 9:00 AM.

Feet on the Street Festival in Towson: Every Friday through September 30th, Towson Chamber of Commerce, Lite 101.9 and Towson Times sponsor a Block Party on Allegheny Avenue, between Washington Avenue and York Road. There will be live music; wonderful summertime food provided by local restaurants, ice cream, snow cones, beer, wine and some special activities for children’s entertainment. Bring your family, friends and your lounge chairs, but please leave your pets at home. Inexpensive and convenient parking will be available.

You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown: Have a Snoopy lover in your house? Take them to see the Broadway Musical Comedy You're a Good Man Charlie Brown at Friends School this weekend! The show starts at 7:30 PM on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. You can purchase tickets at the door. Presented by Summer Stock at Friends.

Civil War Encampment and Family Day at Carroll Park: Mount Clare Museum House located in historic Carroll Park in west Baltimore was once situated on Civil War camp grounds known as Camp Carroll. Join the historical celebration this Saturday! Enjoy a full day of demonstrations of camp life cica 1861 with demos of Military drill and finally a Civil War family trunk show. Author Betty Carlson Kay will bring history to life with a presentation from her newest book, The Civil War from A to Z. Children and parents will enjoy the presentation of what life was like during the war with hands-on materials and costumes (10 AM, 12 PM, 2 PM). Flag making craft, too!

Baltimore American Indian Center Traditional Powwow: Head over to the Maryland State Fairgrounds this weekend for Native American food & craft vendors, dancing, drumming, Hoop Dancing and more. Opens Saturday and Sunday at 11:00 AM. Admission is $5/pp, but under 3 are FREE.

71st Annual Chesapeake Turtle Derby: Patterson Park hosts this annual event on Saturday at 11:00 AM! You'll find the er-- action -- near the Pulaski monument. Baltimore Guide notes: bring your box turtles, your tortoises or any other pet turtle you can find, and come on out. Registration begins 10 a.m., and all participants must be registered on or by 10:45 a.m. Participation is limited to two turtles per person. Turtles will race in various heats, with the finalists racing one another toward the end of the event. For additional information, call Turtle Central at 410-396-6136 or e-mail Robert.wall@baltimorecity.gov, or mark.burke@baltimorecity.gov.

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).

Kerplunk: Who doesn't love free art that you don't have to clean up off of your OWN walls? It’s cool inside Creative Alliance in so many ways. Drop in to The Patterson on Saturday between noon at 3:00 PM for family art making fun. Open to families and kids of all ages! Tour our galleries and design unique art projects linked to the exhibits. You’re welcome to go for a quick visit or stay for the entire afternoon exploring new materials to make a collage, drawing, or sculpture. Youth must be accompanied by an adult. No registration required! FREE!!

SSSSSnakes: So, I'm not a huge fan of the slithering creatures but I have a feeling the explorer in your house might be! Join The Irvine Nature Center to earn about sssome native sssnakes and then explore their habitats to ssspot a wild one! Sunday at 1:00 PM.

Groovin' in the Grass at Ladew Topiary Gardens: Concerts are held in the Great Bowl from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Tickets are available at the door and do not need to be purchased in advance. Picnics, blankets and chairs are welcome, but please, no pets, alcohol or athletic equipment. Food and refreshments are available for purchase. Admission includes the Gardens: Members $7, Adults $15, Seniors (62+) and Students $13, Children (ages 2 -12) $3.