what's up for the weekend: nov 11 - 13

Sunny and coolish. That's what the weatherman is promising this weekend. A great reason to get out there and let the kids run around. Well, that and the hope of a lengthy afternoon nap that will give you time to catch up with that book you've been trying to start reading.  

Oh, who am I kidding? If the Bug is napping on a weekend afternoon, you bet I'm gonna grab my NASA-endorsed 26 minute nap, too.

Here are our top 5 picks for family fun this weekend. As always, a more complete list of weekend events can be found on our calendar.

Neighborhood Toy Store Day at aMuse Toys: Saturday from 10 AM - 7:00 PM is your chance to get a jumpstart on your holiday shopping AND give back! "At aMuse we are all about shopping locally as much as possible. Neighborhood Toy Store Day is a great event that highlights independent toy stores in cities and towns across the country," said Tom Towles, who owns aMuse Toys with his wife Claudia. "Not only does this help raise awareness of the economic importance of buying locally, in our case it also means we can raise money for a worthwhile Baltimore organization." 

Family Lantern Making Workshop: Can't wait for the November 19th Holiday Lantern Parade? Get a jumpstart on the merriment by creating lanterns at one of several area family lantern making workshops this weekend. Either hit up the Maryland Science Center on Saturday from 11AM - 1 PM or Patterson Park Charter School on Sunday from 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM. FREE.

Docs in the Park: Explore Herring Run Park with some of Baltimore's best medical professionals. There will be sports demonstrations, live cooking, organized activities, free play, guided hikes and nature exploration. All activities that are part of a doctor's prescription for children and parents to get healthy together! Saturday from 11 AM - 2 PM. FREE. 

Nature Preschool Open House: Discover Irvine Nature Center's unique approach to early childhood education! The Nature Preschool at Irvine uses a balanced curriculum that seeks to develop the “whole child” and prepares your youngster for kindergarten and beyond. Parents can join their 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 for themselves. Sunday from 2 PM - 4 PM. Come early for their Tree of Thanks fun! From 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM, children will learn how early Americans and Native Americans lived off the land and gave thanks for what the planet provides. They read The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein and make a “Tree of Thanks” to take home.

Maryland Irish Festival: With a little bit 'o luck, you and your family can get a dose of Irish culture at the Timonium Fairgrounds this weekend. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, The Maryland Irish Festival takes over the Maryland Fairgrounds. It's an annual celebration of Irish culture featuring local, regional and international Irish music and dance, traditional cuisine, cultural exhibits and workshops, and a wide variety of quality vendors of Irish goods.

What are you up to this weekend?