what's up for the weekend... august 5-7

Not headed down the shore, hon? There are LOTS of fun activities happening to keep your family rockin all weekend long. Check out our calendar for a more complete listing... and here are our top picks!

The National Aquarium 30th Birthday Celebration: The National Aquarium is turning 30! Join them out on the pier for a free festival highlighting our mission and giving back to our communities. This family-friendly celebration will feature entertainment for everyone: music, dancing, and more! Also enjoy a kids' activity tent, an Ocean Art Project, character appearances, and many fun surprises! Fun runs Friday morning through Sunday afternoon.

Peach Party Weekend: Lots of old-fashioned "down on the farm" family fun on Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 - 3 PM at Milburn Orchards. Hand-cranking peach ice cream making (you can help and sample!), pie eating contest 12:30 each day, face painting, Bale Trail, Corn Maze, BarnYard Buddies & FarmYard Playground, Sack Races, Corn Hole Toss, Peach & Peach pie sampling!

Walking for Fitness: WALKING FOR FITNESS is a FREE program for the whole family! Join them Saturday mornings 9a Jul 9-Aug 13 at the Druid Hill Park Reservoir for fitness demonstrations, wellness check & healthy snacks. For more info or to register your family call 410.396.7900.

Baltimore International Festival: The International Festival, scheduled for August 6 & 7, 2011, promotes opportunities for people of all ethnicities and backgrounds living in the Baltimore region to come together, build relationships, and embrace unity. Festival-goers can savor delicious cuisines, experience cultural performances, and connect with valuable services and resources. An exciting festival of colors, expression, ideas, and sound - the International Festival is an educational experience which has an enduring impact. For those who participate, children and adults alike, global perspective becomes larger, cultural awareness more enhanced, and the significance of unity more real.

Go Fly A Kite: Ever wanted to fly? Join a naturalist at Oregon Ridge Park to make your own kite to take home out of natural and recycled materials and glide away on a gentle breeze. Appropriate for ages 5yr+. $4 ($3 Members) per participant. Design kites from 2 PM - 4 PM on Saturday and Sunday.

Water Wonders: The Patapsco River is a very important watershed to the Chesapeake Bay. Learn what a watershed is, and then let's explore at Patapsco State Park on Saturday from 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM! Participants will do some water testing and see what critters they can find living in the river, and see just how important the Patapsco River is. Be prepared to get wet. Bring a water bottle and wear boots or close-toed shoes that can get wet. Meet in the parking lot in the Avalon area. For ages 5yrs and up. Please call 410-461-5005 to sign up or for more information.

Train Ride to Mount Clare Museum House at B&O: With paid admission to the B&O Railroad Museum, you may purchase a train ride ticket to visit Mount Clare Museum House on Saturdays and Sundays. Learn the story that connects these two great sites. Tickets for this trip are $5 for B&O adult & senior members, $4 for B&O children, $8 for adults & seniors, and $7 for children (2-12). Please note the Museum reserves the right to cancel or change train rides in the event of inclement weather, equipment malfunction, or special event days

Lightning Bug Lanterns: Join expert lantern makers from Nana Projects to create a glowing luminary inspired by twinkling fireflies and the soft glow of the moon. Let your light shine afterwards during a night walk, Irvine Nature Center, 11201 Garrison Forest Road, Owings Mills, 6- 8 p.m. on Sunday. Ages: 4- up w/adult, Reserv Reqd.

Drop In Art Activities at the Walters: Join The Walters for a moveable feast as they explore various cuisines in our collection. This August, they will cook up some fun food-inspired art. Just add a dash of sculpture, a pinch of painting and then stir in some creativity and viola! Bon Appétit! This weekend's activities are related to creating a Family Recipe Book. Drop by 10:30 AM - 3:00 PM on Saturday or Sunday.

PS: Have a sitter and need a great date night idea? Baltimore Restaurant Week kicks off this week! Get a taste of Baltimore with three-course dinners for just $35.11* and three-course lunches for just $20.11.